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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
15-Jun-2012
The last of eleven upgraded Rooivalk attack helicopters will be delivered to the South African Air Force at the end of August (see full story)... Read more
8-Jun-2012Source: Engineering News
Denel Aerostructures has produced rotor blades and rotor heads for the AgustaWestland A109 and A119 helicopters and manufactures drop tanks for the Rooivalk attack helicopter. (see full story)... Read more
5-Jun-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-May-2012Source: Thales
Thales has been successfully selected by the South African Department of Defence, South African Air Force and ARMSCOR (Armaments Corporation of South Africa Ltd) for a five years Through Life Support [TLS] of all Thales avionics equipment on-board several fleets of aircrafts. Under the terms of the multi-year contract signed with Armscor, Thales will support... Read more
25-May-2012
An AW119 belonging to alleged underworld tycoon and businessman Frikkie Lutzkie mysteriously crashed near the border with Botswana. The crash is being investigated by the Northern Cape Organised Crime Unit (see full story and three photos). HeliHub.com editor note – a photo in happier times (taken December 2010) can be found here... Read more
22-Feb-2012Source: Unofficial SAAF Website
The SAAF Museum has acquired two new exhibits that symbolise the technological prowess of the South African aeronautical industry in the late twentieth century. First to arrive at the Museum at Zwartkop, Centurion, on Friday 11 February was an Aerospatiale SA-330L Puma (serial 190). The medium-transport Puma was a stalewart of the airforce from the... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: defenceWeb
The three A109 Light Utility Helicopter crashes were caused by mechanical failure and pilot error, but all technical problems have been resolved, the chief of the South African Air Force has said. (see full story)... Read more
19-Dec-2011
The shareholder and creditors of aerospace company Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE) are headed for court on a business rescue plan which would see Eurocopter take a 99.99% stake. The plan was adopted by 99.72% of creditors but crucially the shareholders voted against it. (see full story)... Read more
30-Nov-2011
Eurocopter Southern Africa has moved to a new and bigger base at Grand Central Airport, close to Johannesburg and Pretoria. The company’s previous base was spread across four buildings at Lanseria Airport, (see full story)... Read more
9-Nov-2011
Eurocopter has confirmed that it is willing to contribute to the attempt to save South African aerospace and defence company Advanced Technologies & Engineering (ATE), which is in serious financial difficulties. Eurocopter is a major creditor of ATE (Full story) Photo from Eurocopter brochure shows EC635 destined for Iraqi Air Force on test flight with... Read more
20-Sep-2011Source: 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
31-Aug-2011Source: South African Police Service
A helicopter pilot has appeared in the Pretoria magistrate court for flying and crashing a helicopter while his license was suspended. It is alleged that on the 2rd of December last year Rainier Prinsloo, whose license was suspended by the SA Civil Aviation Authority got involved in a helicopter crash at Baltimore in Limpopo. He,... Read more
3-Aug-2011Source: 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-Jul-2011Source: DeBeers
The idea, which ensures that South Africans in the remotest regions of the country will have access to an emergency helicopter service without equal, is the brainchild of Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers and an intrepid young doctor, Dr Anchen Laubscher, Medical Director of Netcare 911. Dr Laubscher, who was a flying doctor at the... Read more
13-May-2011Source: SAPS
Our fallen colleagues – “At the setting of the sun and in the morning, we will remember themâ€. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Bheki Cele, is greatly saddened to confirm the death of one of our respected and experienced pilots, Colonel Shabir Khan. Khan, together with a colleague from the... Read more
6-May-2011Source: 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
6-May-2011Source: 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
21-Apr-2011Source: DefenceWeb
Concerns locally in South Africa as support costs rise and rise.... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Denel
The upgraded Rooivalk combat support helicopter has been handed over to the South African Air Force for operational duties. The helicopter, designed and manufactured in South Africa, was received by the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano. The Chief Executive Officer of Denel, Talib Sadik, says the handover is the culmination... Read more
21-Mar-2011Source: 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
17-Mar-2011Source: 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
11-Feb-2011Source: DefenceWeb
The SAAF required the type to take pressure off its Denel Oryx medium utility fleet. The Air Force has long had the need for a platform more capable than the Alouette III but less expensive and more efficient than the Oryx for the bulk of taskings. The A109 was expected to fill that niche.... Read more
29-Jan-2011Source: ARMSCOR
Reference No:   ELGS/2010/28 Requirements:   On demand support for the SAAF Aircraft 109 light utility helicopter ARGOS-410 A4 observation system Awarded Date:   27 Jan 2011 Contract Value:   R3 000 000,00 Classification:   Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Carl Zeiss Optronics (Pty) Ltd   P O Box 8859 Centurion 0046... Read more
29-Jan-2011Source: IOL
Lt.Col Shabir Khan was discharged on Thursday but de Lt.Col Kosie de Villiers’s recovery is expected to take a little longer, though the enthusiastic pilot was in good spirits in the Unitas Hospital on Thursday. See accident page at 21-Jan-11 ZS-HWX MD Helicopters 369D Wonderboompoort, South Africa... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Times Live
Denel Dynamics says the Mokopa is a precision-strike, multi-purpose 10 km plus surface-target missile, that can be fired from the ground, helicopter and fighter jet.... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Eyewitness News
The Pretoria News has reported that CCTV footage and Global Positioning System (GPS) data has been sent overseas for forensic analysis. See HeliHub.com accident page at 23-Jul-10 ZS-HMY Eurocopter BK117 Witbank, South Africa (7F) [File photo]... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: The New Age
More than R180m is being spent on upgrading the Rooivalk helicopter to make it “a modern, sophisticated combat support helicopter ready for use by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in any of its deploymentsâ€... Read more
10-Jan-2011Source: 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
7-Jan-2011Source: 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
15-Dec-2010Source: Armscor
South African military procurement organisation Armscor has recently announced the following contract placement Reference No:   EHEL/2010/297 Requirements:   Operational product supply support for 11 Rooivalk aircraft Awarded Date:   10 Dec 2010 Contract Value:   R86 312 502,00 Classification:   Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Denel (Pty) Ltd t/a Denel Aviation   P O Box 7246 Bonaero Park 1622 HeliHub.com editor... Read more
15-Dec-2010Source: Armscor
South African military procurement organisation Armscor has recently announced the following contract placement Reference No:   EVLI/2010/97 Requirements:   Oryx life extension: Upgrade and overhaul of Makila 1A1 engines Awarded Date:   9 Dec 2010 Contract Value:   R66 140 000,00 Classification:   Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Turbomeca Africa (Pty) Ltd   P O Box 7005 Bonaero Park 1622 HeliHub.com editor... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: Armscor
CONTRACT DETAIL FOR ACQUISITION/LOGISTICS (LGS) – ELGS/2010/336 Reference No: ELGS/2010/336 Requirements: Procurement of two Arrius 2K2 engines for the SAAF A109 light utility helicopter, inclusive of electronic engine control unit subsystem and long term storage container Awarded Date: 25 Nov 2010 Contract Value: R8 206 191,68 Classification: Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Agusta Westland Via del... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: Armscor
CONTRACT DETAIL FOR ACQUISITION/LOGISTICS (LGS) – LGS/2010/4511 Reference No: LGS/2010/4511 Requirements: Product support for the Oryx helicopter fleet – extension of ELGS/2002/594 Awarded Date: 25 Nov 2010 Contract Value: R390 682 957,61 Classification: Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Denel (Pty) Ltd t/a Denel Aviation P O Box 11 KEMPTON PARK 1620 HeliHub.com editor note – 390,682,957.61... Read more
9-Nov-2010Source: Vector Aerospace
Summerside, PE, Canada – Vector Aerospace Corporation (Vector), one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services is pleased to announce the grand opening of Vector Aerospace Engine Services-Atlantic’s newest engine repair, overhaul and test facility, located in Lanseria, South Africa. “Vector’s expansion into the South African marketplace has... Read more
2-Nov-2010Source: 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
2-Nov-2010Source: Vector Aerospace
Summerside, PE, Canada – Members of the media are invited to attend the Grand Opening of Vector Aerospace Corporation’s (Vector) newest Overhaul facility; Vector Aerospace – Africa (Pty) Ltd. This latest addition to Vector’s fixed and rotary-wing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organization offers a variety of specialized services for the Pratt & Whitney Canada... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Through 2010, HeliHub.com has become known for its range of official register updates, where we list new helicopter registrations, cancellations, changes of owner etc for a range of countries – Australia, Austria, Ireland, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland and UK. We are now very pleased to report that, in association with AMCAR, we... Read more
21-Oct-2010Source: defenceWeb
The South African Air Force is building up its spares inventory for the AgustaWestland SuperLynx Mk64 maritime helicopters... Read more
17-Oct-2010Source: Engineering News
I’m not happy with the likely budgeting for flying hours for the next financial year,†affirms Lt-Gen Carlo Gagiano. “To operate all the systems in the SAAF optimally, I need a bigger budget. But we must never stop exploring ways of doing things better and cheaper.â€... Read more
17-Oct-2010Source: JNC Helicopters
Durban-Based JNC helicopter had two very good reasons to celebrate recently when it held a gala dinner at its Virginia Airport headquarters for about a hundred specially-invited guests to mark the tenth anniversary of its formation and the delivery of the first Enstrom F28C-2 in its fleet. The helicopter is also the first of its... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: Business Day
State-owned arms manufacturer Denel has completed the requirements for the certification of the Rooivalk attack helicopter but would require a further cash injection by the Department of Defence to make it fully operational, CEO Talib Sadiq said yesterday.... Read more
4-Oct-2010Source: defenceWeb
It takes 130 modifications on the Denel AH2A Rooivalk to turn the current fleet of 11 rotorcraft into a “Block 1F†standard aircraft and a further nine modifications to the aircraft’s ground support equipment... Read more
4-Oct-2010Source: 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
1-Oct-2010Source: defenseWeb
Support and other post-acquisition capital costs for the South African Air Force’s 29 AgustaWestland A109M light utility helicopters acquired for R2.451 billion as part of the 1999 strategic defence package has topped R120.5 million since December 2006... Read more
