29-Jan-2015Source: Fireblade
South African-basedFireblade Aviation (Pty) which manages the only Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport(ORT) has selected FBO One, from Amsterdam Software, as its online management tool to run its FBO and fuel management activity. Fireblade Aviation FBO, which became operational on 1 September 2014, is aiming to fulfil a market demand... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
22-Dec-2014
Crashed onto highway after reported power failure, extensively damaged. Minor injuries to pilot R44 identification from comparison between this photo of ZS-RMH flying and the large titles on the side on this photo – it is feasible, although unlikely, that there is another R44 in the same colour scheme... Read more
9-Dec-2014Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
4-Dec-2014Source: Defence Web
It is rumoured that all flying activities of the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) fleet of Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) have ceased and, in effect, the fleet is subject to yet another grounding. See Full Story... Read more
6-Nov-2014Source: Defenceweb
The South African Air Force saw a significant increase in operational demands and external commitments in the last financial year, including its first fighter and helicopter operational deployments since democracy, but flew 5 000 fewer hours than the previous year, according to the Department of Defence. See Full Story... Read more
4-Nov-2014Source: Defence Web
Paramount Group’s Top Gun jet academy based at Polokwane will expand its pilot training services to include helicopter and transport aircraft, with helicopter training currently at the planning phase. See Full Storey... Read more
18-Oct-2014
2000 hr pilot Bernhard de Beer flying his own helicopter on a route he covers most days. Crashed fatally and completely burned out... Read more
30-Sep-2014Source: Defence Web
About R38 million of the massive R225 million made available for anti- and counter-poaching operations in South African national parks has gone to acquisition of a new Airbus helicopter. See full story... Read more
25-Sep-2014
Crashed in open field not far short of landing at Rand Airport. Both people on board killed – pilot named here as Blake Simpson. The helicopter caught fire after impact and was completely destroyed.... Read more
15-Sep-2014Source: DefenceWeb
Paramount Group has signed a joint venture agreement with Azerbaijan’s AirTechServices Corporation to form Paramount Aerospace Azerbaijan, which will offer manufacturing capabilities for the modernisation and enhancement of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. See full story... Read more
8-Sep-2014Source: KwaZulu-Natal Govt
You are cordially invited to the launch of the Aero-medical Night Vision Goggles (NVG) system, which will greatly enhance Emergency Services’ Ability to operate at night and to reach areas that are unreachable by road transport. The Department, in partnership with the Red Cross Air Mercy Services, launched the night–time aeromedical services at the Richard’s... Read more
18-Jul-2014Source: ExecuJet
ExecuJet Africa is expanding its helicopter charter fleet with the addition of a Bell 230 helicopter in partnership with Archer Aviation, leaders in off-shore helicopter operations. The Bell 230 helicopter is fully IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)-certified and is based at ExecuJet’s facility at Lanseria International Airport. ExecuJet Africa’s helicopter fleet also includes a Bell 407,... Read more
27-Jun-2014Source: LCI
Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation leasing arm of the Libra Group, has announced a new partnership with Indwe Aviation (Pty) in George, South Africa, through the long-term lease of an AW139 helicopter. The brand-new aircraft forms part of LCI’s multimillion dollar order from AgustaWestland first announced in 2012. The lease agreement marks the beginning... Read more
12-Jun-2014Source: Starlite
Starlite Aviation has been nominated for the prestigious award of “Aircraft Operator of the Year” for the 2014 Irish Aviation Industry Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in the Aviation Industry, and are sponsored by the Irish Aviation Authority. They aim to reward the most successful and innovative people, companies and projects in the industry. The... Read more
29-May-2014Source: Eye Witness News
A Zimbabwe court is due to hear a bail application today for two South African men arrested in Zimbabwe – See full story See also HeliHub.com accident report – 04-May-14 MD Helicopters MD500 West Nicholson, Zimbabwe... Read more
21-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Starlite Aviation have posted information on their Facebook page to confirm that the two Guimbal G2 Cabri helicopters on order have been accepted at the factory in France and are now in shipment to South Africa. They will be based at Mossel Bay, and expected on fleet in June. The pair are serials 1064 and... Read more
14-May-2014Source: Starlite
Starlite select the Guimbal Cabri G2 to upgrade its basic training helicopter fleet. Starlite’s International Aviation Training Academy based in Mossel Bay, South Africa, was one of the launch customers welcomed to the Guimbal family, having purchased two of their latest Cabri G2 helicopters, with another six on order. Starlite International Training Academy has 15... Read more
4-May-2014
Helicopter crashed and owner Frikkie Lutzkie arranged for wreckage to be buried. Certain aspects of press reports (including date) do not tie up – but read reports of this accident in conjunction with another incident from May 2012 relating to another helicopter and the same owner... Read more
17-Apr-2014Source: Entrol
Capital Air has purchased an entrol H01 FNPT II simulator, which is based on the Bell 206. This simulator will be installed in South Africa and will be used for the CPL/ATPL , IR courses, Safety & Emergency procedures training , NVG training and Bell 206 Cockpit Familiarization training. Capital Air is one of the... Read more
6-Apr-2014Source: TNPA
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is pleased to announce that its helicopter service will from April 1 be undertaken by Denel Aviation which was awarded the contract after a competitive tender process. Denel is South Africa’s global leader in the supply of strategic defence, aerospace and security products and services. Even though Denel is extending... Read more
1-Apr-2014Source: IOL
The South African Government will push state-owned arms manufacturers Denel to increase production of the Rooivalk attack helicopter. See full story... Read more
11-Mar-2014Source: News24
Just imagine – you have previously only used your R44 for game capture when a friend calls you about a group of people stranded mid-river after their game reserve safari vehicle gets washed away. Kudos to pilot Coena Smith for rescuing not one but eleven people. See full story and these photos... Read more
7-Jan-2014
This was a training flight and the crew was practising a simulated governor/FADEC failure when the helicopter landed hard short of the helipad, resulting in substantial damage to the skid gear, which broke off. The pilot flying closed the throttle at a height of 30 ft AGL, which resulted in a sudden decay in main... Read more
21-Dec-2013
Solo pilot seriously injured in crash close to Grand Central Airport. R22 ended up on its side with main blades bent but still attached... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
29-Nov-2013Source: DefenceWeb
The Paramount Group has donated a Gazelle helicopter to South African National Parks to fight rhino poachers in the Kruger national park, South Africa’s largest game reserve. See full story [File photo]... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: DefenceWeb
After five months of not flying, the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) fleet of Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) are back in the air again and converting new pilots. See full story... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: DefenceWeb
After three decades of development and a development cost in excess of R8 billion, the South African designed and built Rooivalk attack helicopter has finally deployed operationally, and also fired its weapons in anger. See full story... Read more
29-Oct-2013
Helicopter ended up on its port side, with tail boom in multiple pieces. Sole occupant pilot injured... Read more
28-Oct-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter International Services and Starlite Aviation Ireland celebrated on the Eurocopter booth Tuesday at the Helitech 2013 International Expo the renewal of a contract for Operational Quality Management Support (QMS) for Starlite’s growing helicopter fleet for another year. This extends an agreement signed in September 2012 for a complete support package provided to the Irish-based... Read more
5-Oct-2013
Grand Central Airport emergency services tweeted : “Precautionary landing (RCF) at Grand Central Airport. Dauphin AS365 Helicopter. Reg: FW-TAZ (French). All safe”. We’re not sure why the reg isn’t presented correctly as F-WTAZ, but there you go!... Read more
2-Oct-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the delivery of a second AW139 intermediate twin helicopter featuring a highly customized exterior painting scheme to a South African private customer. This aircraft is also the 600th AW139 delivered by AgustaWestland to the global market and it will be used to perform corporate and passenger transport... Read more
26-Sep-2013Source: Eurocopter
Operational Quality Management Support (QMS) for Starlite Aviation Ireland’s growing helicopter fleet will be provided for another year by Eurocopter International Services (EIS) under terms of a new contract announced today at the Helitech International exposition in London. This extends an agreement signed in September 2012 for a complete support package provided to the Irish-based... Read more
19-Sep-2013Source: Russian Helicopters
Head of Rostec Corporation International Economic Cooperation Department Sergey Goreslavsky communicated the plans to increase the capacity of Russian Helicopters center in South Africa. Earlier, during MAKS-2013 aviation salon, Rostec and Denel (South Africa) signed a memorandum of understanding, which implies that the center capacities should be increased. The first level capacities (maintenance) of the helicopter service... Read more
17-Sep-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Starlite Aviation – the Irish (or is it South African?) operator continues expanding. In the last fortnight they have taken delivery of two Eurocopter AS332L Super Pumas on lease from Vector Aerospace for operation in Afghanistan. The leased in Super Pumas have recently been refurbished and fitted with the latest generation of avionics equipment and... Read more
14-Aug-2013Source: Starlite Aviation
The ‘Most Influential Women in Business and Government’ Awards took place at the Gallagher Estate Conference Centre in Johannesburg on the 31st of July, and Starlite Aviation is extremely proud to announce the achievements of our illustrious ladies. Kate Odendaal, Director of Training, won the prestigious General Services category, with Starlite’s Laura Ilunga also nabbing... Read more
1-Aug-2013Source: DefenceWeb
With the country’s military watchers united in their view the SA Air Force (SAAF) is fast approaching crisis point in terms of operational ability, the finger is – again – being pointed at underfunding. see full story... Read more
21-Jun-2013Source: Starlite Aviation
Starlite Aviation is delighted to announce two finalists in the prestigious “South Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government” Competition. Kate Odendaal, Managing Director and Chief Flying Instructor of Starlite Africa Training and Captain Laura Ilunga, Director of Operations & HR of SAWIA and Starlite contracting pilot, have both been selected as finalists. South... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: Russian Helicopters
Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec, and Denel Aviation today signed an agreement to increase the range of services offered by the centre opened in South Africa earlier this year to provide maintenance and upgrade of Mi-8/17 helicopters. The agreement was signed at the Paris Air Show – Le Bourget 2013. The parties have agreed... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Starlite
Starlite have announced that their application to operate non-scheduled charter and aerial work services in Tanzania was recently granted by the Board of Directors of the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Starlite was awarded the licence owing to their compliance with the rules and regulations, laid down by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Starlite offers expert... Read more
15-May-2013Source: IOL
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has given the green light for a R4-million sponsorship of two anti-rhino poaching helicopters as well as securing two fixed-wing aircraft to bolster the fight against the onslaught of rhino poaching in KZN. (See Full Story)... Read more
14-May-2013Source: UTair
[electronic translation] Airline UTair South Africa (South Africa), part of the air group, “UTair”, registered as an official supplier of aviation services to the United Nations. Registered preceded by the successful completion of the airline technical audit for compliance with ICAO aviation and UN standards. Since 2004, UTair South Africa performs a series of air services... Read more
23-Apr-2013
Helicopter departed Nelspruit, picked up passengers at Casterbridge and was en route to Grand Central, but crashed in an open field. Visibility is quoted in press reports as a possible factor. The victims were named as Nicholas More, Pierre de Villiers, Lance Cooper and Elmarie Martens.... Read more
16-Apr-2013
Helicopter crashed into water. only tail visible. Early reports only – one of which says it is a fixed-wing. Will update later... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: IOL NEWS
Argentine passenger in R44 accident sues the pilot – her boyfriend’s father (see full story).... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, and Denel Aviation of South Africa have opened a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in South Africa for Russian-built helicopters, strengthening Russian Helicopters’ position in the African market. The MRO centre was launched on 26 March 2013... Read more
3-Apr-2013
Unknown circumstances. Wreck found next morning after failing to arrive at intended destination... Read more
29-Mar-2013
Helicopter crashed during rhino poaching patrols. Al five POB killed – later named as Captain Jacobus Andries van Rensburg; Captain MP Chabalala; Sergeant Paulus Shongela Ndishishi; Sergeant GP Ruiters and Lance Corporal Bheki Petros Cele... Read more
23-Mar-2013
Helicopter substantially damaged in emergency landing on road. Bridegroom Rishi Ramdeo, his parents Vijay and Danmathie and best man Robert Soogram were injured after their helicopter crashed outside the wedding venue. The pilot and the groom were reported in a critical condition and the other occupants were treated for mild to serious injuries.... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
South African operator Starlite Aviation are leasing in two Bell 412s from Falcon Aviation Services in the UAE, with delivery expected imminently. The pair have been leased in for an initial twelve months to support an offshore oil exploration contract off the coast of Namibia, starting in March 2013. They will initially be based at... Read more
4-Feb-2013Source: ExecuJet Africa
ExecuJet Africa, the continent’s leading business aviation company, is once again exhibiting at the Mining Indaba 2013 event from 4-7 February in Cape Town. The company will be showcasing its full suite of business aviation services, including helicopter charter solutions. ExecuJet Africa will be at stand 1919 highlighting its services of helicopter management, rotary wing... Read more
29-Jan-2013Source: IOL
The SA National Defence Force has defended the disposal of military helicopter airframes and spares to Zimbabwe amid threats of legal action to stop the move. (see full story)... Read more
27-Jan-2013Source: AfriForum
An urgent interim court order was awarded to AfriForum late this afternoon by the North Gauteng High Court to prevent delivery of Alouette III Air Force helicopters by the South African National Defence Force to the Zimbabwean army. The interim order shall stand pending the finalisation of the main application by 19 February 2013. AfriForum... Read more
25-Jan-2013
Helicopter came down after hitting powerlines. Pilot Francois Liebenberg and his two passengers were all taken to hospital with injuries. Close up video tour of wreckage here on YouTube... Read more
18-Jan-2013
Pilot heard a change in the engine pitch and managed an emergency landing before the helicopter burst into flames. Agricultural ops... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: ExecuJet Africa
ExecuJet Africa has teamed up with Acher Aviation, leaders in off-shore helicopter operations, to offer a range of services including helicopter management and charter, as well as specialised support to the oil, gas, mining and resource exploration sectors. ExecuJet’s fleet now includes three helicopters from Acher Aviation, including a Bell 407, an Agusta 109 Power... Read more
22-Nov-2012
Engine failure. Rolled over on landing... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter and Starlite Aviation Group have signed a contract for the acquisition of two AS332 C1e helicopters, the latest version of the popular Eurocopter Super Puma medium weight helicopter. The contract also includes an option for two additional aircraft. First deliveries will take place before the end of 2013, following EASA and FAA certification. The... Read more
2-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The South African Air Force has released its Annual Report for the year to 31 March 2012 as a 398 page PDF file. Under the analysis of helicopter capability, it notes that the target of 12,500 flying hours in the year was under-achieved, and only 10,333.26 hours were flown. The excuse given was “The low... Read more
23-Sep-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the signing of a comprehensive service support contract for the South African Air Force’s fleet of AW109LUH helicopters. The annual contract includes the provision for it to be extended for up to 5 years. Under the contract AgustaWestland will be responsible for the delivery and provision of... Read more
20-Sep-2012Source: Russian Helicopters
Denel Aviation, South Africa’s largest defence equipment manufacturer, and UIC Oboronprom, the parent company of Russian Helicopters, announce that they have signed a Teaming agreement to create a servicing hub for Russian-made military and commercial helicopters in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Teaming agreement was signed today at the 7th Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) at... Read more
19-Sep-2012Source: DefenceWeb
Representatives from law enforcement agencies and police forces from around the world gathered in Centurion, South Africa, on Monday for the 3rd biennial airborne law enforcement seminar being hosted by Eurocopter Southern Africa. (see full story)... Read more
19-Sep-2012
R44 extensively damaged and all three POB to hospital with injuries. Helicopter ended up on its port side (see photos)... Read more
19-Aug-2012
Loss of control landing in strong winds – main blades hit building... Read more
13-Aug-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that National Airways Corporation, a Bell Helicopter independent representative, delivered the first Bell 407GX to be operated in Africa. The 407GX will be operated by a private customer in a corporate capacity. “The technology found on the Bell 407GX is unique in the helicopter industry,â€... Read more
8-Aug-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
27-Jul-2012
Weather conditions were described as adverse with winds up to 80km/h. The helicopter was dousing veld fires in the mountains on behalf of the Department of Water Affairs... Read more
19-Jul-2012
Shortly after dropping two passengers, helicopter had problem on take-off and it crashed onto its starboard side. Pilot Christoffel Myburgh sustained head injuries... Read more
12-Jul-2012
Helicopter landed heavily and fell onto its side... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
30-Jun-2012
Emergency landing on farm, helicopter caught fire. Sole occupant, an instructor on a positioning flight, not seriously injured.... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Airwork
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: South African Air Force
C SANDF has pleasure in announcing the appointment of Major General Fabian Zimpande (ZAKES) Msimang as the new Chief of the South Africa Air Force with effect from 01 October 2012. Maj Gen Msimang intergrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 after the first democratic Elections as a qualified pilot on the... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter
Africa’s first full-motion helicopter flight simulator has been commissioned by Eurocopter in Kempton Park, the world’s leading manufacturer of civil and military rotorwing aircraft. The simulator, designed to train pilots and flight engineers operating Super Puma and similarly compatible helicopters including the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) Oryx , is located at the SimAero training... Read more
