In a welcome development for helicopter operators in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, a new “Ultimate Helistop’ has been opened. STEYN CITY IS AN UPMARKET residential and commercial estate north of Johannesburg. In keeping with its exclusive nature if has now opened a heliport to enable improved connectivity with theRead More →
I’m often asked whether our air-to-ground operations in the security industry make a real difference. Granted, the media seems to bombard us almost daily with accounts of another cash in transit vehicle bombed or courier van hijacked. BAD NEWS SELLS. But without good-news accounts, we may as well just hide-outRead More →
(FLIGHT TEST) – The Guimbal Cabri G2 has developed a large and loyal band of followers across Africa. Many of these were students who learned to fly this endearing and very competent helicopter with Starlite Flight Training in Mossel Bay. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT The French might make quirky cars, butRead More →
(George Tonkin) – Almost simultaneously, both Gareth Pahl (one of my regular crewmen) and I received the message notification on our phones while flying a routine VISPOL (Visual Policing) sortie somewhere over Pretoria East: “Armed robbery in progress. Wonderboom area.” LOOKING FROM THE OUTSIDE IN, being a helicopter pilot canRead More →
SOUTH AFRICAN ATE was the first company to modify the MIL helicopter HIND into a SUPER HIND with new gun, FLIR and other refinements . The first customer was the ALGERIAN Air Force who were very happy with the changes, and thus giving a new lease of life for manyRead More →
The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape have had their wings clipped, with no air support at all, as their helicopters are grounded, thus severely restricting their ability in fighting crime. Four helicopters were assigned to fighting crime and assisting the SAPS in the Eastern Cape. Criminals usedRead More →
It seems that the more I fly, the more I see how much I still need to learn (about flying). Learning takes on many forms in the cockpit and it always seems easier when you have a great teacher. Interestingly, and here comes a real bit of ancient wisdom, youRead More →
Despite enduring a world-changing pandemic in 2020 and facing an uncertain future, I suspect it’s nothing compared to living in a country at war. Which is what I found myself contemplating recently as I flew what is now a civilian version of a South African military stalwart, the Aérospatiale Alouette III. “My favourite helicopterRead More →
