Newsletter of the Aeronautical Society of South Africa

Transcription

1 A Division of the Royal Aeronautical Society In This Issue Message from the President AeSSA Annual Conference 2018: updates RAeS Honorary Fellow: Maj Gen Des Barker Local media: Interview with Marié Botha & Danie Loots, Engineering News Outreach: WoA s visit to CSIR PBHS Aeronautics Club turns 25! Young Falcons & Aerotech cadets GFPA Foundation holds winter camp AeSSA 2018 Aerospace Challenge Upcoming AeSSA lectures Tribute: World Airnews s Tom Chalmers RAeS news: New CEO appointed AeSSA-branded jackets on sale! Newsletter of the Aeronautical Society of South Africa September 2018 Message from the President Dear AeSSA members Welcome to our newsletter for September 2018! It s all systems go for the three-day AeSSA Annual Conference at Hoogeind Manor, Somerset West. We focus on some of our international and local speakers who will be attending the event. As in the past, the Young Professionals Forum Networking event takes place on 23 October 2018; a new webpage has been set up for you to visit, if you ve been invited to this event. Although registration and submission of papers are still open, don t delay! Maj Gen Des Barker has been awarded the RAeS s prestigious Honorary Fellowship an honour that he richly deserves! Engineering News s Jessica Oosthuizen interviewed Vice President Danie Loots and me. The article appeared as the lead in the feature on Aerospace. We enjoyed the interview and hope you find it interesting. Wonders of Aviation, in partnership with the AeSSA, brought a group of really enthusiastic learners and educators to the CSIR; what a pleasure it was to interact with them. The Aeronautics Club of Pretoria Boys High School turned 25 this year. This is a great achievement and we congratulate John Illsley, Second Master, for his guidance and enthusiasm over many years. We are very proud of the work by the Cape Chapter in supporting the Young Falcons and Aerotech cadets. AeSSA is also delighted to read about the success of the GFPA Foundation, as featured on Please diarise the AeSSA 2018 Aerospace Challenge taking place on 21 October 2018; please watch and your for more information. As a community, the AeSSA was saddened to hear of the death of the Managing Editor of World Airnews, Tom Chalmers. We include a tribute written by Des Barker. We congratulate Sir Brian Burridge CBE FRAeS as the new Chief Executive for the RAeS. As always, we welcome your inputs and comments on the activities of the AeSSA; contact us at info@aessa.org.za Kind regards Marié Botha President: AeSSA 1

2 AeSSA Annual Conference 2018: all three days of it! RAeS The website of the Royal Aeronautical Society Contact Us Aeronautical Society of South Africa NPC Registration number 2000/026325/08 P.O. Box Die Hoewes (0) Welcome to our invited speakers The AeSSA is pleased to announce invited speakers at the event; the final line-up will be announced soon at Details of their slots on the three-day draft programme, which includes the conference tour, are at Keynote speaker Dr Ken Davidian Dr Ken Davidian, Director of Research, Senior Researcher, FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation, will deliver the keynote address on 24 October The title of his address is Aerospace for All... What does this actually mean? Dr Davidian has been invited to take a leading role in the conference, giving keynote addresses, leading workshops, moderating panels, and acting as Master of Ceremonies for the entire event. He is a University of Cape Town alumnus and is looking forward to participating in this event. 2 Dr Davidian has worked for the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) in Washington, DC since 2008 and is currently the AST Director of Research and Program Manager for the FAA Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation. He currently serves as a member of the Ohio State University Aerospace Engineering External Advisory Board, Associate Editor of the New Space Journal, Chair of the IAF Entrepreneurial & Investment Committee, and Vice Chair of the IAF Space Economy Committee.

3 Prior to FAA AST, he worked for the NASA Lewis Research Center, International Space University, Paragon Space Development Corporation, X PRIZE Foundation, and NASA Headquarters. Dr Davidian received his BS degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Ohio State University in 1983, and an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in He attended the International Space University Summer Session Program in He received his PhD in Business Administration from the University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, in His thesis focuses on understanding the processes of emerging and evolving markets. Lt Col (Ret) Musa Mbhokota Invited speaker Lt Col (Ret) Musa Midnite Mbhokota will deliver an address, titled, The dawn of the SAAF Gripen (from development to operations), at the Aeronautical Society of South Africa s 2018 Annual Conference. Lt Col Mbhokota has over total military flying hours, of which hrs have been on Gripen. He served as an Operational Test and Evaluation Leader, Pilot Attack Instructor, Operations Officer, Gripen Squadron Commander (for six years) and Chief Fixed Wing Experimental Test Pilot. Lt Col Mbhokota was based in Sweden at SAAB as a User Specialist Officer on the RSA Gripen for four years. He was the leader of the first Gripen Operational Deployment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in He is a graduate from the National Test Pilot School USA, a Qualified Aircraft Investigator (US Airforce), Qualified Flying Instructor (Swedish Airforce), and a Gripen solo-display pilot. Mr Trevor Ralston Mr Trevor Ralston has been involved in the development of military helicopters since attending the Empire Test Pilots School in Mr Ralston will deliver the Alan Nurick Rotorcraft Lecture; the title of his address is Rooivalk Tailfeathers. The Rooivalk Attack Helicopter holds treasured memories for him, having participated in the programme at Atlas Aviation (now Denel Aviation) from the concept stage, through first flight and development testing, to production testing and marketing. The development and testing of weapon systems on the Mi-24 Hind and the Mi-171 Sh have been challenging and satisfying programmes, much of the work having been done in foreign countries. 3

4 Officially retired, Mr Ralston is still active in the development of light armed helicopters at Paramount Advanced Technologies. Captain Martin Louw Comair s Captain Martin Louw will deliver an address titled Comair's Success Formula: How Comair Limited became southern Africa's leading airline through skill, culture and technology at the Aeronautical Society of South Africa s 2018 Annual conference. Captain Louw started his career with the SA Air Force in January 1973, as a pupil pilot. He spent 22 years in the SAAF as a fighter pilot, flight instructor, staff officer and project officer for airborne weapons systems, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1994 he resigned from the SAAF and joined Kentron as international marketer and later IST as project manager. He joined Comair as a first officer in 1996 and has since served as Chief Training Captain and Fleet Captain on B727, Chief Pilot, Executive Manager: Flight Operations and Director: Operations since Captain Louw still flies actively as a captain on the B737. Women in Aerospace Breakfast: guest speaker Lerato Dube Realising the vision of space Lerato Dube, Director: Earth Observation (EO) at the Department of Science and Technology, is a uniquely skilled woman with much more than a nodding acquaintance with space. Through her postgraduate study and subsequent professional career in government, she s learnt to appreciate what space and technology are doing for us in the world in which we live. Take space science benefits away, she says, and see how much you miss! A BSc graduate from University of the Free State s Qwa-Qwa campus with majors in physics and chemistry, Lerato went on to gain hands-on training and experience in space engineering and technology. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Science through Stellenbosch University, while based at the Institute for Satellite and Software Applications (ISSA), which was at Houwteq, near Grabouw in the Western Cape. This was my introduction to the 4

5 thrill of building a satellite. My studies focused on designing sensors for Earth observation and opened my eyes to the bigger world of satellites. Next up was a stint in Toulouse, France, when Lerato was selected as one of a small group of young South Africans to complete her Master s degree at the Groupement pour le Développement de la Télédection en Aerospatiale (GDTA), a group of French organisations involved in remote sensing. She explains, I wanted to see how I can use foreign technology to solve South African problems. Lerato returned to South Africa in 2004 to work with Mark Thompson at GTI (now GEOTERRAIMAGE). She welcomed her next opportunity, which was a move into government as a platform from which she was able to contribute, learn more and gain a better understanding of the potential of space: First at the Department of Communication s ISSA, specifically in the Remote Sensing unit, and later at the DST s Space Science Division. Space Science and Technology is of the three space areas (the other two are astronomy and aerospace) within the DST s portfolios. Lerato confirms, With a broad understanding of the space environment, it s been easy for me to merge these different aspects of space. Earth observation refers to both satellite-based remote sensing and other forms of observations of the Earth system, including in situ and airborne observations, for example. Projects incorporating aeronautics and Earth observation have included the use of aircraft as carriers of specialised Earth observation equipment and sensors. More recently the development and application of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones as part of efforts to identify and refine Earth observation imaging possibilities have come under the research and development spotlight. As the DST, we are pleased to partner with multi-disciplinary research entities such as the research centres, and universities, in such undertakings, Lerato explains. Lerato cites her work on the South African Group on Earth Observations (SA GEO) project for integrated use of Earth observations for societal benefit in South Africa as one of her career highlights. It has allowed me to re-engage with my passion for space and enable different disciplines within the science fraternity to work together. As a member, SA GEO participates in the global Group on Earth Observations; through the DST as co-chair of the African region. SA-GEO brings stakeholders from different sectors and backgrounds using Earth observations tools in different applications, explains Lerato. Commonalities simplify many operational aspects. As SA-GEO communities of practice engage, they avoid silos, thereby saving money and achieving mutual growth through joint projects and leveraging on existing EO products. Lerato strongly encourages anyone with an interest in space to pursue this interest. These days many disciplines incorporate EO as a tool. Agriculturists, town and city planners, meteorologists, geographers, epidemiologists and disaster management experts rely on Earth observation to make informed decisions and are being trained to use Earth observation data. We don t only see natural scientists gravitating towards EO, but we also have people from sales, communications and entertainment who join to assist us in telling the world about space benefits. 5

6 Another interesting career option is space law, which is evolving into a highly specialised legal sub-discipline of international law, as the frontiers of space are contested by nations. Lerato concludes, I believe that when we tap into ourselves, we discover our passion, that which we love to do. I have been very fortunate to have found my passion for space. I encourage others to do the same! Registration and submissions for the conference If you have not yet registered or submitted a paper, rest easy: both options are still open for a short while! Topics for submission include but are not limited to: Flight test and control Industry support Aerospace education Manufacturing Aircraft Propulsion Flow and structural analysis Space Manufacturing Technologies Space propulsion Supersonic flow Visit to register and submit your paper! See you there! For more information, contact info@aessa.org.za YP Forum information now available on the web The Young Professionals Forum Networking event is a pre-event ahead of the AeSSA Annual Conference. This year it takes place on 23 October If you've been invited to this event, make sure to visit for updates and info. For more information, contact info@aessa.org.za 6

7 Maj Gen Des Barker awarded Honorary Fellowship by RAeS Hats off to Des! The Royal Aeronautical Society has awarded Honorary Fellowship to Maj Gen Des Barker, whose long list of post-nominals now reads as follows: SM, MM, (SAAF, Rtd), MSETP, FRAeS (Hon). Maj Gen Barker says; "My association with the RAes goes back to 1974 when I joined RAES after completing the South African Air Forces Maintenance Test Pilots Course 1974., my relationship with RAeS goes back 44 years of uninterrupted association, the highlight of the association being the three years in London from 2000 to 2003 as the Air Advisor to the South African High Commissioner which enabled me to regularly attend the lecture series at 4 Hamilton Place." Speaking on behalf of the Aeronautical Society of South Africa (AeSSA), President Marié Botha said, We believe that this award is fitting acknowledgement of Des s unique and longstanding role in South African aviation and the value of his rich network with and contributions to similar Societies and communities throughout the world. Editor s note: Professors Japie van Wyk and Beric Skews are also both Honorable Fellows of the RAeS. Engineering News article: interview with AeSSA President Marié Botha & Vice President Danie Loots This interview by Jessica Oosthuizen of Engineering News was published under the title, Aeronautical Society to focus on inclusivity and collaboration, on 31 August It is the lead article in the Aerospace feature. Marié Botha says: We decided on the theme [Aerospace for All] because we want to highlight what aeronautics can bring to South Africa, as well as our reliance on aerospace on a daily basis without realising it. This is something that the AeSSA wishes to bring to light on behalf of its diverse and multidisciplinary membership base. 7 She notes that there is also a focus on changing the demographics of

8 the aerospace industry by encouraging more women to join the industry. More women are entering the industry already but the AeSSA continues to focus on continually improving the science, technology, engineering and mathematics base specifically for women. To read the full article, go to To read the full Engineering News issue, go to Outreach It is a pleasure to report on a range of outreach activities, in which the AeSSA provides support and input. CSIR treats learners to wind tunnels visit as part of 67 minutes for Mandela As part of the 2018 Mandela Day centenary celebrations, AeSSA Council member Gift Kgadima of Wonders of Aviation, in partnership with the Aeronautical Society of South Africa (AeSSA), persuaded the CSIR to give a whole lot more than 67 minutes to secondary school learners visiting the CSIR s suite of wind tunnels and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) lab on 19 July Some 45 learners and their educators from Bophelong Community Independent School in Mamelodi and Rhodesfield High School (launched in August 2018 as the first engineering School of Specialisation with an aviation-focused curriculum) as well as from the Siyakha Youth Foundation, were welcomed by AeSSA President Marié Botha before the guided tour. Gift was joined by Wonders of Aviation volunteers, Orifha Mbedzi, Elijah Rakoma, Prudence Moloto and Frans Manaksi (all students from nearby universities). 8

9 The learners were eager to engage and peppered their young CSIR guides with a range of questions. They clearly enjoyed the visit, given the enthusiasm in the feedback: I m very thankful to the Society for giving me this opportunity to learn and experience what s happening in aviation. Now I know what my career path is! Thank you for having us and for the great opportunity. I learnt a lot here; if I were to mention everything, I d need an A4 paper. I would like to visit again. An experiment inside the seven-meter wind tunnel Thank you to the CSIR, the Aeronautical Society of South Africa and Wonders of Aviation for the pleasant and informative opportunity. I learnt really interesting facts about drones. PBHS Aeronautical Society celebrates 25 years By John Illsley This year sees a milestone in the history of the Aeronautical Society of Pretoria Boys High School as it celebrates a quarter of a century of this popular extramural activity. Having inspired many a young man to pursue a career in aviation, past members from across the world will be gathering for a celebratory dinner at the school in October Last year the Society became affiliated to the Royal Aeronautical Society via its South Africa branch, the Aeronautical Society of South Africa (AeSSA), which was a great honour. 9

10 Because of this anniversary year for the Society, all the stops have been pulled out to make it a special one in terms of activities. We have not hosted many guest speakers among a plethora of excursions; however, Maj Gen Des Barker, in a very interesting presentation, spoke to the Society about the hazards associated with increased automation in the cockpits of modern commercial aircraft. Among the first excursions of the year was a visit to the SAA technical area of OR Tambo (ORT) International airport. After some background on technical training and a quick look at some of SAA's heritage in the form of the preserved Junkers Ju52 as flown by the airline in the 1930s, we were then taken through the vast maintenance hangars to see a cross section of airliners undergoing maintenance checks. The Society was hosted by Loutzavia flying school at Wonderboom which included talks on the maintenance of light aircraft: the types of aircraft typically used in charter operations and career opportunities in flying. Many of the boys also made use of the opportunity to take an introductory flying lesson in one of the school's Cessna 172 aircraft. 10

11 Some months later we were back at Wonderboom to visit the Ahrlac factory facility. We had originally seen this South African design on a visit to Aerosud, but the project is now part of a separate company and has its own new production facility. After a talk on the design philosophy behind the aircraft and some indication of its versatility in both civilian and military operations, we were lucky enough to see one of the test aircraft return from a flight. A walk through the factory allowed us to see the largely self-jigged airframe construction and the array of CNC machinery used to mill out bulkheads and other key components. Apart from observing the array of career options in the engineering fields, the visit allowed a rare chance (within this country) to see complete aircraft under construction. It also made one proud that this was an entirely South African initiative. The other local airport which we visited was Lanseria where several key personnel provided talks on the running of a regional airport in terms of passenger services, security, emergency services and ATC. The new control tower was about to become operational so a visit there was not possible. We concluded the visit with a tour of the facility at Execujet, whose hangar full of corporate jets never fails to impress. One of the extraordinary opportunities afforded to the Society was the chance to spend an afternoon in the training centre of BA Comair in Kempton Park. This began with the cabin crew trainer, a complete Boeing 737 which has been relegated to ground duties. A simulated cabin fire and an escape down the chutes got the afternoon off to an exciting start! The visiting group was then split into three parties who each accompanied a training captain to a different simulator. Crowded into the confines of a simulator cockpit, each boy got to try his hand at an approach and landing, often with a few simulated emergencies thrown in for good measure. There is probably no better way of providing insights into the standards and professionalism required of airline pilots. For the past five years, members of the Society have been working on a Pietenpol Air Camper which was donated by the local EAA on condition that it was only rebuilt as a static exhibit. With some sponsorship from a parent, the correct materials were used to restore the airframe and to cover half of it, the other half being left open to show the internal structure. Because the project was supplied with large spoke wheels, typical of the first Air Campers 11

12 constructed as homebuilt projects in the 1930s, it was decided to complete it with the appearance of one of these. To this end a dummy Ford Model A engine was constructed from wood and aluminium, rather than using the modern car engine which formed part of the donation. Regular work sessions as part of the Society's weekly activities allowed for steady progress and by the middle of this year thought had to be given as to what would happen once the aircraft was complete. It was decided to offer it on an extended loan to the SAA Museum at Rand Airport. This was gladly accepted, and the suggestion was made that we display it during the Rand Air Show in August. We couldn t fully assemble the plane before the show started so the public were able to see boys in the Society doing this, which led to many positive and kind comments. At the end of the air show, accompanied by a fire truck, the Pietenpol was wheeled along the airport taxiways up to its new home. A certain amount of work is still required before painting the aircraft and it is hoped that this can be undertaken early next year. Naturally, members of this Society hope that it will allow them to take to the air. We have been very fortunate this year in being able to offer several opportunities and this has been thanks to the wonderful generosity of several clubs, companies and individuals. One of the established traditions of the Society has been to hold a gliding afternoon at Magalies Gliding Club based at Orient airfield and we were able to enjoy flights in both winch-launched Grob gliders and powered gliders. A flying afternoon at Petit airfield was made possible largely through the generosity of several Comair pilots who brought their RV aircraft and a Boeing Stearman across for an afternoon of memorable flights. These were supplemented by an Auster Mk 5, Dornier 27 and a Pietenpol whose owners also provided their aircraft for the occasion. Between taking a flight, the boys in the Society were given the chance to see large-scale radio-controlled aircraft being flown. Some of these rivalled the real full-scale aircraft being used for flips in their size! The normally sleepy airfield found itself with a range of flying activities that attracted much interest from tenants and those who had heard about the event via social media. Sponsorship from two past members of the Society who are now flying out of Hong Kong made feasible some other flying opportunities. It was decided to offer members a choice between a flight in a vintage De Havilland Dragon Rapide or a modern Kodiac. Based on preferences, boys were allocated to the flights from Rand Airport and Wonderboom respectively. Two flights in the Rapide were made available by the owner Mark Sahd and were flown by Captain Flippie Vermeulen. On a bitterly cold Saturday morning the Rapide passengers were literally given the red carpet treatment and a special poster celebrating the Society anniversary was also part of the event (see above). A rare privilege for those who chose to fly in this elegant biplane whose lineage extends back to the 1930s. 12

13 A week later another set of members were at Wonderboom and were hosted by AeSSA Council member David Toma (above, left), whose talents seem to be endless. After a quick look around the Flitecare hangar, a detailed talk was provided on the conversion of a Cessna 402 aircraft from a twin piston engine aircraft to a single turbine. Again, this South African initiative made one proud and the engineering background in the illustrated presentation was fascinating. All the boys were then taken for a flight in the Kodiak, a rare opportunity as this is one of the few operating locally. David was the pilot for these flights and undertook almost the entire visit single-handed. A visit to the Wonderboom control tower concluded a very full afternoon. Our sincere thanks to him for all his efforts and for sponsoring the visit in the interests of promoting among young people an awareness of the many facets of aviation. Flying opportunities were not, however, entirely over as a surprise lay in store for those members who volunteered to work at the Children's Flight charity event at Grand Central. Derek Hopkins who was piloting the DC3 Delaney arranged to take the boys (and several other volunteer workers) for a short local flight before the main purpose of the day (flying children from various homes for orphans and those with disabilities) got into full swing. An early morning flight in a Dak is a great way to start the day. After that the boys had to earn their bonus flight by working to assist with the loading and unloading of the almost 500 children and minders who were given flights on the day. I am pleased to say that they were wonderful ambassadors for the school and the Aeronautical Society. At the time of writing, the Society still has a few excursions lined up for the last school term, including one to the radar centre and tower at ORT International. The annual Aeroquiz competition and paper plane contest will also take place then. All in all, a memorable year celebrating 25 years of sowing the seeds of interest in the most awesome of all sciences, that of taking to the skies! Images supplied by John Illsley 13

14 Cape Chapter news Development regarding Aerotech cadets programme By Alan Nelson The AFB Ysterplaat Youth Development Programme is the development phase of the Siyandiza programme of aviation awareness. Learners must be in Grade 10 to commence with the development training. AFB Ysterplaat s Youth Development Programme consists of two parts, namely the Young Falcons, which concentrates on pilot, navigator and air traffic controller musterings, and the AeroTech cadets, which concentrates on engineering and technologist/technician vocations. Col. Alan Nelson of the AeSSA s Cape Chapter reports, The Aerotech cadets have been on September school exam preparation and will continue with the programme as from 03 October The AeroTech cadets are 90% completed with the AeroTech programme and just completed the job shadowing phase. They have also completed their technical module phase, notably aircraft mechanical and avionics. The next phase will be a visit to Cape Town International airport on 03 October They will start parade practice soon to prepare for their passing out wings parade on 03 November Exciting developments are underway for the Aerotech cadets programme. Col. Nelson explains, The AeroTech cadets programme is currently in review as we are changing it to a more modernised process. To achieve this goal, we are currently in the process of purchasing a projector and five desktop PCs. Once we get the equipment, we will load the new video modules and Technical aircraft building software (simple planes) on each desktop. This will act as the first building blocks of purchasing 10 more desktop PCs to achieve our goals and outcomes for Young Falcons: Advanced Students in the home stretch Col. Nelson had this to say about the Young Falcons: As the 2018 Young Falcons season draws to a close, it is heartening to see the Advanced Students pulling together as a team. This is the time on course where everything they have learnt over the past two years comes home to roost. As of earlier in September 2018, all students had passed their solo tests. 14

15 In the coming month they all need to pass the Virtual Private Pilots Licence and we are very busy with check-rides. Some eight students are already qualified, and they are not just standing around! They are in the thick of it, helping those on the course who are battling a bit. Who's the best paper plane maker? As an instructor it is very hard not to interfere and demonstrate what is required and we realise that. The students teach one another far better than we do at this stage and it is most encouraging to see it happen before our eyes. The AeSSA wishes all the Young Falcons a successful conclusion to their course. Joshua Perold (2105) (left) on his way to SAAF pilots' course Refilwe Ledwaba: The female pilot teaching African women to fly AeSSA Council member Refilwe Ledwaba is the founder of the Girl Fly Programme in Africa Foundation (GFPA), a non-profit organisation empowering young women to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The AeSSA supports the GFPA programme with signature pink paper planes which the girls launch at every event. An article about Refilwe appeared on BBC.com, 25 September It reads: Every year she organises a flying camp for girls where they learn about robotics, coding and aviation. And then each of them gets a free flying lesson at some point during the year. "I want the girls to be successful," she says, dressed in her pilot's uniform, watching the teenagers take it in turns to fly. "Not necessarily to choose to become pilots but to become confident young women who can contribute to society, our economy and give back to our communities." Her passion for flying is contagious, and it's that which is driving her to work on her dream of developing South Africa's next generation of female aviation experts and Africa's future leaders in science. Read more at 15

16 You can also watch the video about Refilwe and GFPA s work, We're giving these girls hopes and aspirations' - BBC News at The AeSSA is proud to be associated with this wonderful outreach initiative. Upcoming event to diarise The AeSSA Aerospace Challenge will take place on 21 October More information on the venue and the rules to follow from the organisers. AeSSA lectures A great lecture at Paramount is being planned for October 2018! Please watch your and Diarise the lectures listed below, which will be confirmed by and on 17 November 2018 Professional Aviation Enthusiasts, SAAF Museum, AFB Swartkop Kevin Jamison & Robert Cathro 22 November 2018 AGM; Airport Development Plans - more airports, larger economic growth Justeyn van Zyl Tribute to Tom Chalmers The AeSSA was saddened by the news of the death of Managing Editor Tom Chalmers of World Airnews, an AeSSA Corporate Partner. The following tribute was written by Des Barker: Tom and I have had a mutual respect for each other going back to the early 1990s when I was the Chief Test Pilot at the Air Force s Test Flight and Development Centre and then later as the Officer Commanding the Flight Test Centre, our relationship was strengthened by his interest in flight testing he was inquisitive and questioning about aircraft handling qualities, stability and control and aircraft performance. This of course opened up another avenue of cooperation over the next 25 years, he invited me to do what we call flight test previews on new aircraft arriving in South Africa in turn it helped to keep me up to date with some of the technologies not available in the SAAF. I remember Tom phoning me down at TFDC we didn t have mobile phones then asking me to write something or other flight test topic I replied that although as a Test Pilot half my life revolved around writing 16

17 flight test reports, I didn t believe that my technical writing style would appeal to Airnews s aviation public his words to me were not to worry write for a Standard 4 level of understanding, keep it concise because Airnews was more of a newspaper rather than a magazine and he would panel beat the article into submission. Although we did not have much one on one times together, he would visit me at the South African High Commission in London over the period 2000 to 2003 on his visits to family and business in the UK and then of course, a fixed date would be the AADs where we would get a chance to swop war stories ; otherwise we communicated extensively by . Tom s added value to the South African aviation journalistic family was his piloting experience as a commercial airline ATPL that combined with his journalistic background provided a very good balance in dealing with the emotional and political aviation issues his experience in both fields commanded respect from pilots and the public at large. Tom s departure will leave a knowledge gap in the South African aviation community; there are very few people still around that have the corporate memory of South African Aviation, which Tom had. I am glad that we eventually got the article written in the September 2018 World Airnews issue to commemorate the Battle of Britain we had both been threatening to commemorate the courage of the Battle of Britain pilots by addressing the age-old argument: Which of the Spitfire or the Hurricane had played the most significant role during the dark days of the Battle? I will always remember Tom for his passion for aviation, his frustration at bureaucratic lethargy, and his courage to call it like he saw it. Tom did not suffer fools gladly nor did he ever get involved in aviation s petty politics he was straight talking and could get lekker hardegat, if need be. He always had the courage of his convictions. WE WILL REMEMBER HIM. RAeS news Royal Aeronautical Society announces new Chief Executive, Sir Brian Burridge The Board of Trustees of the Royal Aeronautical Society is pleased to confirm that it has selected Sir Brian Burridge CBE FRAeS to be the new Chief Executive for the organisation. leaves the role after nine years. Sir Brian will start with the Royal Aeronautical Society on 1 October 2018 and will replace Simon Luxmoore FRAeS, who For more information, read the press release at 17

18 AeSSA-branded jackets on sale We take pleasure in offering you an Aeronautical Society of South Africa-branded Hi-Tec jacket for sale. All members can buy one jacket at a 50% discounted price. Should you wish to purchase additional jackets at the full price, please send an to info@aessa.org.za to request the price list. Purchasing of jackets for non-members can be arranged, following the successful application to the Aeronautical Society of South Africa. Membership forms are available at All jackets feature the logos of both the Royal Aeronautical Society as well as the Aeronautical Society of South Africa, as displayed on the Lady Neri insulated vest (left). As the AeSSA has secured a limited number of these items, you are encouraged to forward details below (1&2) to info@aessa.org.za with the following information: 1. Jacket style e.g. ORION 3 in 1 Jacket. 2. Size (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL) NB: No items can be exchanged after delivery. Your jacket can be collected from Liza Barnard, Building 12, CSIR, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria. Postage can be arranged at a minimum cost of R100 per item; please supply the address of your closest Postnet office. 18