Editorial

As I write this editorial, I am reminded that in a few weeks’ time our South African group should be departing for the United States to spend ten wonderful days at AirVenture, Oshkosh. However, as we all know by now, due to COVID-19, almost every aviation event in the world has been cancelled. Very sad, but completely understandable. However, looking on the bright side, AirVenture 2021, according to all projections, should be a ‘bumper’ event. As a reminder to all African Pilot’s readers of this incredible airshow, I have published Jim Koepnick’s superb picture of Boeing’s B-29 Superfortress ‘Fifi’ overhead AirVenture’s Wittman Airport, which he took whilst he was working as EAA’s chief photographer in 2011.

Within this edition, we have published Aviation Training 2020, which was well supported considering the fact that many flying schools only returned to reduced operations in the first week of June. Unfortunately, I did not receive any submissions from ATNS, SACAA or several other well-known aviation training institutions for this feature. However, may I thank all those training institutions which did participate.

One of my ‘pet hates’ in life is poor English, coupled with the unnecessary influence of Americanisms. However, when South Africa’s own regulator – the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) sends out a NOTAM (a notice to airmen) filled with grammatical errors, including spelling, punctuation and duplicated text set out in CAPITAL LETTERS, I have to ask myself: “Did the people who composed the NOTAM actually complete their schooling?” Come on the SACAA; your attention to detail is shocking and yet we hear all about your inspectorate causing problems for aviation professionals when a comma or a full stop is missing from a document.

Another issue that all pilots and operators have with the present lockdown rules, is that no private flying is allowed, unless permission is obtained from the regulator. However, we can drive our vehicles, whilst buses and taxis are operating. Where is the logic when such rules are promulgated? It appears that the usual government ‘big stick’ is trying to suppress General Aviation, probably because the law makers, including the regulator, do not have the slightest idea of what they are doing anyway.

However, as I listen to aircraft flying again, I am grateful that some parts of South African aviation are becoming active. The real problem is that when ridiculous laws are made, people will always bend them! After South Africa suffered at the hands of former President Zuma and his corrupt cronies over the past decade, did we really deserve yet another Zuma (his ex wife) to rule us with ridiculous laws under the guise of COVID-19 lockdown?

Once you may put air under your tyres again, please be extra careful. Prepare thoroughly as there is every possibility that after a three month lay-off every pilot will be ‘rusty.’ Tragically, there have been several fatal accidents this past few weeks, probably due to the long period of aviation inactivity.

Fly safely and remember ‘height is your friend!’ Regards,

Athol Franz