

Garth Calitz
- May 26, 2020
- 9 min
“Hurricane Hunters” The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron
Aviators as a general rule are taught to avoid sever weather where at all possible, but in the US Air Force there are a small group of aviators that do the exact opposite and during hurricane season they intentionally fly directly into the eye of these monsters. This bunch of specialist are affectionately known as the “Hurricane Hunters” The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is a flying unit of the United States Air Force, and "the only Department of Defence organization s
1,936 views

Garth Calitz
- May 26, 2020
- 3 min
Returning Safely to the sky after the Pandemic
Pakistan International Airlines Flight PK8303 crashed during a “Go-around” after a, widely reported, “wheels up” on their first approach. The Airbus A320 slid on its nacelles at the airport in Karachi for more than three hundred meters before getting airborne again. Sometime during the go-around the engines quit and the aircraft crashed just short of the airport in a residential area talking 97 souls, four people on the ground were also treated for severe burns. The aircraft
1,779 views

Garth Calitz
- May 26, 2020
- 3 min
Van’s Approve IO-390A for use in RV-7 and RV-8
Since the introduction of the Lycoming IO-390A engine, RV fans have expressed their desire to install this engine on a RV-7/7A or RV-8/8A airframe. Van’s Aircraft has recently completed an in-depth review of horsepower limitations for the RV-7/7A and RV-8/8A and is now approving the use of Lycoming’s 210HP IO-390A (YIO-390-A3B6) engines on these models. Good news for the guys that feel the need for more power. IO-390 IO-360
1,704 views

Garth Calitz
- May 26, 2020
- 2 min
The ESA and Airbus join forces for the first moon visit in 50 years
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Airbus for the construction of the third European Service Module (ESM) for Orion, the American crewed spacecraft. The contract is worth around €250 million. By ordering this additional service module, ESA ensures the necessary continuity in NASA’s Artemis programme. The third European Service Module (Artemis III Mission) will be used to fly astronauts to Earth’s neighbour in space in 2024 – the first to land on the Mo
1,373 views

Garth Calitz
- May 19, 2020
- 2 min
Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop makes its long-awaited maiden flight
Textron Aviation finally announced the successful first flight of its new twin utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier. The milestone flight is a significant step toward entry into service for the clean-sheet aircraft, and it kicks off the important flight test program that validates the performance of the Cessna SkyCourier. “Today was an exciting day for our employees, our suppliers and our customers. The Cessna SkyCourier performed exactly as we expected, which is a testam
1,994 views

Garth Calitz
- May 19, 2020
- 1 min
Robinson takes the Bird Strike Risk to heart
Bird strikes have been an ongoing hazard since the beginning of aviation, all aviators have either experienced a near miss or an actual bird strike. The damage caused by bird strikes is immense and sadly they often result in the loss of life. Helicopters are by no means immune to bird strikes and many incidents have been recorded over the past few years some with catastrophic results. Robinson recently introduced optional impact-resistant windscreens for R22, R44, and R66 hel
1,559 views

Garth Calitz
- May 19, 2020
- 1 min
What are the benefits of Aviation CBT learning?
by Anthony Foxcroft CFI of Aviation Training, with 20 years’ experience as an airline pilot and instructor Each lesson is standardised and ensures compliance with the entire syllabus and can be presented at your own pace that allows the student to go back a step or repeat lessons as needed. The use of audio, visual and interactive elements ensures the lessons are engaging and memorable. Gamification can bring out your competitive streak and gives a sense of achievement as you
1,556 views

Garth Calitz
- May 19, 2020
- 2 min
BAE Systems to modify and install KC-130J electronic countermeasures
The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Enter Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Aircraft Prototyping Systems Division has awarded BAE Systems a prime position on a $26.7 million task order to install, integrate, and test the Department of the Navy (DoN) Large Aircraft Infra-red Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system on KC-130J aerial transport and refuelling aircraft. The DoN LAIRCM advanced missile warning system improves aircraft capability and survivability by countering advanced infra-red
1,236 views

Garth Calitz
- May 12, 2020
- 3 min
Leidos, Paramount USA, and Vertex Aerospace Bronco II Overwatch Prototype Program
RESTON, a science and technology leader, recently announced a teaming agreement with Paramount Group USA and Vertex Aerospace to pursue a new contract to deliver the Bronco II, a new purpose-built, multi-mission aircraft. The aircraft will support the U.S. Special Operations Command's Armed Overwatch program. One can be forgiven if the aircraft looks vividly familiar as the platform upon which the BRONCO II is based, is none other than the South African designed and built AHR
2,768 views
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