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IN THIS ISSUE

First years success

The Bell 407 makeover

NAC covers the Cycle Challenge 20

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4Enjoy the Festive Season

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Need a lift? The Bell 407GXi helicopter, which was only first introduced to the world back in February at Heli Expo 2018, has been approved by the FAA following certification by Transport Canada (the Canuck equivalent of the FAA) early this year. Not only is this bird ready to fly, it’s already left the nest; the first example of the 407GXi has been delivered to Chile-based operator Eagle Copters, which already has a large fleet of Bell helicopters. The company plans to use the chopper for corporate transportation.

The 407GXi is the latest Bell helicopter built on the 407 platform, which made its debut in 1995. Since then, it has been upgraded multiple times, and the GXi version is the latest—featuring an upgraded engine, new avionics, and new VIP interior design options.

The new Rolls-Royce M250 C47E/4 turbine engine powers the copter and provides better performance in high heat and at high altitude as well as better fuel efficiency. Equipped with this new

Bell Teaches an Old Helicopter New TricksThe Bell 407GXi is based on a 23-year-old platform, but features a new engine and avionics system as well as upgraded interior options.

motor, the helicopter is able to cruise at 153 mph. It also helps the 407GXi carry a ton payload of up to 2,550 lbs. In the avionics department, the Garmin G1000H NXi Integrated Flight Deck uses higher-resolution displays than before, boots in less time, and renders maps more quickly on the fly (so to speak). However, one of the coolest features has to be its smart-device connectivity, which allows pilots to upload flight plans or databases wirelessly from their phones or tablets.

But don’t worry, the upgrades aren’t just limited to pilot pleasers. The corporate version of the six-passenger helicopter—five in the back and one up front—features interiors clad in leather that are available in gray, blue and gray, black, and two-tone tan. It also has extra soundproofing, wool carpets, and those most necessary of modern conveniences: cup holders.

Now we can all turn our attention to waiting for the first delivery of the Bell 525 Relentless.By John Lyon - 31 October 2018

BELL 407GXiTHE UPGRADE

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On 26 October 2018, Andre Robberts once again celebrated the certificate ceremony after completion of the first year Technical Training course with the successful group of students.

Congratulations to all of you! You make us proud!

FIRST YEAR APPRENTICE CERTIFICATE CEREMONY

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ZAMBIAN SOCCER TEAM

NAC’s Fixed Wing Charter division recently had the pleasure to fly two aircraft filled with the Zambian Soccer Team and fans to Guinea Bissau for the game between the two countries.

Zubar Khan from the Charter division accompanied the total of 225 passengers to ensure that, as with all NAC’s flights, everything went perfectly!

Unfortunately, he could not do anything to the result of the game as Zambia lost 2-1. At least, as far as their charter service provider is concerned the Zambian team won by a huge margin!

Well done to the Fixed Wing Charter team.

FIXED WING CHARTER FOR ZAMBIAN FOOTBALL

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On Friday 16 November the South African Civil Aviation Authority hosted a prestigious event to recognise the top achievers in the aviation industry.

We are very proud of the 43 Air School team as the school received two awards. The first was the award for company of the year in the General Aviation category. 43 Air School was also runner up in aviation safety award.

These accolades would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of every staff member. Thanks also goes to the CAA for hosting a superb evening and for taking the initiative to recognise the various role players in the aviation industry.

WINNING BIG!!

As part of 43 Air School’s involvement with local communities we were approached by a local old age home to assist with the transport of some of their residents to a venue where they were treated to a Christmas meal. The elderly have given so much to society and with this small gesture we were able to also show that we appreciate our senior citizens and have not forgotten about them!

GIVING BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY

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National Airways Corporation (NAC), which provides helicopter-based emergency medical support services to the Eastern Cape Department of Health, recently assisted in airlifting scores of accident victims safely to hospital after a horrific bus accident that claimed 13 lives near Ngcobo, in the Eastern Cape.

Earlier this year, NAC’s ZS-RJR air rescue helicopter had just returned to base after the completion of a multi-million rand Spectrum medical kit installation when its pilots were placed on call. The team was dispatched to Satansnek, where a bus carrying 60 passengers had overturned at a bridge situated on the mountain pass between Ngcobo and Elliot. The NAC air rescue unit was one of three helicopters ferrying survivors to a nearby local hospital and is credited for the survival of several critically injured persons.

With the ZS-RJR’s custom upgrade, which was specially imported from the USA, it now boasts the most modernised medical kit to be fitted in a Bell 407 in South Africa. This latest improvement to NAC’s already impressive fleet of helicopters guarantees that NAC will be able to provide fast, efficient and

effective emergency medical services to the Eastern Cape. And, with the addition of a winch, the 407 is one of very few helicopters in South Africa with ‘coast guard’ capabilities, allowing it to hoist people from the sea.

Commenting on the kit upgrade, Alister Brown, Division Head of NAC Helicopters, explained, “By combining the 407’s speed and versatility with the new Spectrum medical kit we will continue to offer the people of the Eastern Cape the highest levels of care when they need it most. At NAC we’re passionate about providing world-class service, which is why we’re committed to investing in world-class equipment.”

NAC’S MILLION RAND UPGRADE PAYS OFF FOR EASTERN CAPE

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NAC Helicopter Operations at Grand Central, Midrand, one of the region’s leading helicopter charter and tour operators, recently unveiled its newly revamped ZS-RUE Bell 407. The 6-seater ZS-RUE, which was on loan to NAC Helicopters Cape Town, had been carrying out multiple excursions each day of the Fairest Cape’s sightseeing highlights. The fully-booked schedule, however, had taken a toll on the craft’s paintwork and exterior.

With customer comfort and safety in mind, ZS-RUE made its way from Cape Town to Johannesburg to undergo refurbishment at NAC Maintenance, based at Rand Airport.

No expense was spared in getting her back into pristine condition. The paintwork in the cabin and exterior were redone, while the leather seats were also reupholstered and interior panels replaced. ZS-RUE’s vibrant new red and white colour scheme and luxurious cabin now look as impressive as the breathtaking sights she visits.

The revamp was not purely cosmetic,

BELL 407 MAKEOVER

NAC REVEALS THE

however. Under the expert hands of NAC Maintenance’s world-class mechanics, ZS-RUE’s engine was overhauled and fitted with a VIP enhancement kit, which has resulted in a massive improvement in power. Power checks, which show how much stronger a helicopter’s engine is above the standard factory spec, now show astonishing readings of +56. Other strong Bell 407s in NAC’s fleet deliver readings of around +30, offering some perspective on just how effective the overhaul has been.

If the cosmetic and performance enhancements were not impressive enough, this was only the first of two phases. Soon to be installed is a new avionic stack that features the top of the range touch screen Garmin 750 and includes an integrated new Garmin transponder and radios.

ZS-RUE has returned to service in and around Johannesburg and is more than prepared to give tourists and locals alike a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And with all the latest technology, the flight crew will enjoy flying her as much as the passengers.

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PINK DRIVE AND MBTM VISIT TO NAC

Thanks to Janine de Lange and her HR Team who arranged for the Pink Drive and MBTM (Prostate and Testicular Cancer Education and Awareness) mobile stations to visit NAC on 12 October 2018.

Both stations were kept very busy as everyone took part in this potential life-saving exercise.

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PTC Aviation is the market leading Boeing 737-800 & Airbus A320 flight training organisation focused on developing “Line Ready” airline pilots. Our Boeing 737 & Airbus A320 training courses ensure a seamless transition of newly qualified commercial pilots into the right-hand seat of a jet airliner. PTC specialises in Boeing & Airbus Airline Pilot Preparation to Type Rating Boeing 737 & Airbus A320, MCC (Multi Crew Cooperation) JOC Jet Orientation Course training. Additionally, the company delivers specialised Airline training programs such as Threat and Error Management, CRM, RVSM, GNSS, RNAV, ETOPS and many other Pilot Soft Skills and Recurrence training courses. PTC has a tradition of Airline Pilot and General Aviation training leadership through innovative product development and next generation aviation training delivery.

Why train with PTC Aviation? • Tailored and Industry recognised

Boeing & Airbus training• Airline Pilot Training best practices• Industry leading flight training solutions

& instruction methodologies• Initial Boeing 737-800 & Airbus A320

type rating training courses• Jet training courses designed to improve

your airline employment chances

WELCOME TO PTC AVIATION WE’LL GROW YOUR CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS

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This is Ryan’s story. Ryan Walker, farmer and ex-Sharks rugby player, recently celebrated his 40th birthday. You’re probably thinking, ‘no biggie’ right? But for Ryan, who suffers from Motor Neuron Disease (MND), turning 40 represented a major milestone. And for his family - wife, Paula and two girls Molly and Emmie - it was a reason to celebrate.

Having always excelled on the sports field, Ryan spent most of his 20s playing rugby all over South Africa, at club and provincial level as well as a couple of stints abroad, in Ireland and the UK. But it was his heritage of farming that eventually drew him back to the family farm in Mooi River.

In April 2012, Ryan was working on the dairy farm when he became very ill. After three days, many blood tests and a lumbar puncture, he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and admitted

RYAN WALKER’S STORY

to hospital, where he remained in quarantine, for 10 days. Ryan continued to feel very weak after being discharged, and began to experience twitching in his arms, clumsiness, loss of balance and noticed a wasting and weakness in his right hand. As an active person and sportsman, this was extremely frustrating and worrying for Ryan.

It was only in July 2013, following extensive blood tests, nerve tests, MRI and more lumbar punctures, that Ryan was diagnosed with the terminal disease, MND, and given a prognosis of two to five years. That was six years ago. As of October 2018, Ryan is still able to talk, walk, drive a vehicle and get through most days as a healthy person, although his decline is progressively noticeable.

MND, also known as ALS, is a degenerative disease that affects the nerve cell that control the muscles. It is characterised by progressive degeneration of the motor nerve cells in

NAC’s Colin Fletcher was privileged to be able to support the Ryan Walker Foundation by flying Ryan, Paula and their two beautiful daughters to Vilankulos, Mozambique, on the 29th September and back on 9th October. This was all made possible through the kindness of Peter Johnson, whose Beechcraft Bonanza A36 was used and J P Coppez a long-time friend of Ryan and family. We wish Ryan all the best going forward.

the brain that allow us to move around, speak, breathe and swallow. With no nerves to activate them, these muscles gradually weaken and waste. There is no known cure for the disease but, globally, medical teams continue to research and

test treatments. Ryan has undergone most of the treatments, clinical and drug trials available.

The Ryan Walker Foundation was established to raise awareness about this devastating disease. Through the Foundation, Ryan hopes to share his experience of living with MND and, by undergoing experimental and alternative treatments, contribute to the MND/ALS community and help other sufferers as well as their families and friends, cope.

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NAC is recognized as one of the most professional and experienced aircraft sales organisations in the world.

We are authorised representatives and distributors for Piper Aircraft, Quest Kodiak, Daher and Eclipse Aerospace. Our relationship with Dassault allows us to sell its technologically superior Falcon jets to selected prospects across the African continent.

Our pre-owned aircraft sales business focuses on stocking and finding the best pre-owned aircraft to meet our clients precise and exacting needs. We have resale agreements with several sales

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I AIRCRAFTHow long have you been with NAC? - 12 years

(Director for 9 years)Flight Hours? - 2000 Hours

Favourite aircraft? - Hawker Hunter

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I HELICOPTERSHow long have you been with NAC? - 37 years

Flight Hours?3600 Combined fixed wing & rotorwing hours

Favourite aircraft? Fixed Wing: King Air 350 & Helicopter: Bell 407

CEOHow long have you been with NAC? - 17 years

Flight Hours? - 2000 HoursFavourite aircraft? - King Air 350

MARTIN BANNER

JP FOURIE GARY PHILLIPS

organisations around the world, giving us a continuous source of the finest aircraft available. NAC is the leading global specialist in Beech 1900 sales, having transacted on over 270 of these excep-tional aircraft.

Our highly competent aircraft sales team works with clients across the globe, offer-ing the best new and pre-owned products in the industry. This team has over 200 years of experience, bearing testimony to their commitment, passion and integrity.

Let’s meet the Team!EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

How long have you been with NAC? - 13 yearsFavourite aircraft? - Falcon 900

ISABEL DU TOIT

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AIRCRAFT SALES PROFESSIONALHow long have you been with NAC? - 7 yearsFavourite aircraft? - Pilatus PC-12 & Bell 429

CHRIS JACOBS

DOMESTIC MARKETING DEVELOPMENT - SALESHow long have you been with NAC? - 29 years

Flight Hours? - 150 HoursFavourite aircraft? - KA350 / LJ45 / 1900D / ERJ145

AGNES PHILLIPS

AIRCRAFT SALES PROFESSIONALHow long have you been with NAC? - 7 months

Flight Hours? - 1100 HoursFavourite aircraft? - Kodiak 100 & Cirrus SR22T

DEON WENTZEL

AIRCRAFT SALES PROFESSIONALHow long have you been with NAC? - 22 years

Flight Hours? - 2200 HoursFavourite aircraft? - Piper Malibu Mirage

DENEYS POTGIETER

AIRCRAFT SALES PROFESSIONALHow long have you been with NAC? - 8 years

Favourite aircraft? - PAC 750

MARNA MARAIS

AIRCRAFT SALES PROFESSIONALHow long have you been with NAC? - 29 years

Flight Hours? - 3500 HoursFavourite aircraft? - King Air B200

COLIN FLETCHER

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NAC HELICOPTER OPERATIONS

We thought it would be great to share this compliment for our Helicopter Operations Team with you!

Dear Colleen, please excuse the lateness of this thank you note, but I only got back from South Africa yesterday and the communications were not great where we were in the Timbavati.

I wanted to thank you and your team for everything that they did to make our helicopter flight from Sun City to Blair Atholl and back as memorable as it was. Every member of the group has commented on the wonderful experience that they had. Personally, it was one of the highlights of my life.

Kobus and Ben were wonderful ‘hosts’, as well as pilots. As you can imagine, there was a fair bit of nervousness in the group as we waited for the helicopters, but this soon turned to absolute exhilaration as we took off.

Colleen, I don’t believe that you could have done any more for us than you did – you are a credit to NAC. Please also pass on my thanks to Goodman who did a great job for us in getting our clubs to and from Blair Atholl.

Thanks Colleen, Martin and Alister, I sang your praises wherever we went.

All the bestRay Dearlove

HELICOPTER OPERATIONS AND ANOTHER HAPPY CUSTOMER

NAC is delighted to announce the appointment of Jannie de Klerk to the board as Executive Director: Flight Operations, with immediate effect.

Jannie’s aviation career started in 1991 when he was appointed as Operations Manager for two companies, Avia Air Charter and Tropair Charter, based at Wonderboom Airport. Tropair Charter specialised in flying charters in Southern Africa for the tourist and corporate industries, while Avia Air Charter specialised in contract work, operating a large fleet of aircraft in Africa.

From this he moved on to Debonair Tours as Operations Manager, operating DC-3 aircraft for the tourist and corporate industry in Southern Africa, based out of Lanseria Airport. In 1997 he got involved in a new start-up charter business known as Naturelink

Aviation. In 2010, NAC acquired Naturelink Aviation and Jannie filled the position as General Manager, Flight Operations.

NAC’s CEO, Martin Banner said: “We are extremely pleased that Jannie has accepted the position as Executive Director: Flight Operations. Jannie will be responsible for our international operations, air ambulance and fixed wing charter businesses and we believe his exceptional experience will be of great benefit to us as we continue to grow. We wish Jannie the best of luck in his new position”.

Jannie de Klerk has been appointed as EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | FLIGHT OPERATIONS

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Nestled in Eastern Central African Republic (CAR) in a war-torn region plagued by instability and deadly ethnic violence, lies a wildlife refuge called Chinko. Despite decades of civil war, intense poaching, illegal grazing and heavily armed herdsmen, remnant populations of key wildlife species have persisted, and vast swaths of wooded savanna and rainforest have remained intact, making this one of the largest ecosystems with the greatest conservation potential in all of Central Africa. Over the last four years effective law enforcement has secured this 19,846 km2 landscape, keeping the main threats at bay, and a core zone of 10,500 km2 completely free of cattle. Prior to African Parks signing a 50-year mandate with the government in 2014, hundreds of thousands of cattle flooded the park. Today, they are only found on the boundary, and where cattle once grazed, herds of buffalo, hartebeest and hippos have taken their place.

• African Parks established Chinko’s first law enforcement unit, currently comprising of 58 rangers, who undergone specialised law enforcement training.

• A core protection zone of 10,500 km2 free of threats has been secured by the committed ranger team and wildlife are being seen more frequently.

Staying ahead of poachers is a vital part of effective law enforcement, and given the vast landscapes the teams at African Parks have to manage, helicopters and other types of aircraft serve as “eyes in the sky” providing the critical, real-time surveillance needed to protect the park adequately. The helicopter also deploy law enforcement teams, or even provide rescue operations in emergency situations, saving human lives.

NAC is a proud supplier of Bell Helicopters and crew to Chinko. The images supplied by the crew tells an amazing and exciting story of the work they do in the Park.

CHINKO CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

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43 Air School Port Alfred

Our Port Alfred campus is located in the Eastern Cape Coastal belt, known as the “Sunshine Coast”. The coastal climate presents a variety of weather conditions, exposing students to fair weather flying and the more challenging conditions associated with frontal systems. This allows training on basic and advanced levels without the need to travel to and from other areas.

• Our Equipment and facilities are geared to ensure seamless training.

• A fleet of over 70 fixed wing aircraft, comprising of Piper single and multi-piston engine aircraft through to single and multi-turbine engine aircraft.

• Numerous fixed base simulators from entry to advanced levels, including our new 737 - 800 NG and soon to arrive A320 Simulator

• Full residential facilities at the Port Alfred and Bhisho campuses.

• Comprehensive on-base amenities, including a fully equipped Pilot shop,

• Gym, Sports fields, games room and an on-base entertainment centre.

• 43 Jeppesen eLearning Platform for iPad

43 Advanced Lanseria

The Lanseria campus is a non-residential facility located near Johannesburg, specialising in advanced pilot training, ranging from turbine and jet ratings to mandatory pilot proficiency testing and a comprehensive portfolio of advanced theoretical courses. Our Lanseria facility is geared to provide a World Class training environment.

• Fully Air– Conditioned Lecture & Simulator Rooms

• Multiple Lecture Rooms enhanced with Multi Media Resources

• Computer Based training Centre with on-line resource library

• Pre & Post Flight briefing Rooms with Multi Media Resources & Cockpit reference guides

• Dedicated Cockpit Procedures training Room

• Type Specific fixed base & Full motion Simulators

• Coffee Bar• Accommodation packages• Airport Shuttle Service

Our philosophy is to give you a genuine operational capability, that is, to teach you to do the job you are licenced to do, and do it well. Whether a private or career pilot. Being able to do the job entails a lot more than controlling an aeroplane correctly and accurately. It includes effective and adaptable procedures, an applied operational knowledge and confident command skills. All these are taught and then practised through planned exposure to various conditions and situations.

Our success is the result of having a relevant and achievable philosophy, sophisticated training programmes to translate that philosophy into tangible results, and effective management systems to provide quality control. And, of course, the right people to do the job.

43 Air School has identified specific objectives for all these aspects and

designed step by step and logically structured programmes that achieve these. Theory and practical training are integrated throughout, and every dual and solo hour is used strategically for maximum productivity. There is no unstructured “hour building”.

Management programmes monitor not only your own but also our performance, identify problems, and ensure corrective action. In addition to the Chief Flight and Ground instructors, the School has four standards flight instructors whose sole purpose is to perform a continuous quality control function.

Staff are all full-time professionals, with extensive operational and instructional experience. The College Registrar liaises with and takes care of the interests of our students.

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RUGGED | RELIABLE | VERSATILE

• Increased Takeoff Weight • S-Tec 55x Autopilot added as standard • Synthetic Vision added as standard • Inflatable Door Seals added • Sound Proofing Improvements • Major Electrical Enhancements with a Stall Computer,

DIPS and Squat Switch added • Enhancements to cargo door • 5th step of corrosion prevention added • Improved Shimmy Damper & nose landing gear • IE Fuel Flow Transducer upgrade • Nose Strut & Drag Link refinement • Bleed Air & Cabin Improvements • Lower Pressure Fuel Switch upgraded

• Major Air Conditioning upgrades • New Style Reading and Map Light Switch • New Style Cargo Door Switches • Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)

Functionality increased • Placard & Safety Improvements • Increase in Payload by removing unnecessary weight • Major Environmental Control System overhaul and

update to full digital touch screen interface • Airframe engineering Improvements for added

strength and weight reduction • Entirely new Cabin Lighting System • Cockpit Ergonomics Layout Improvements • New Windshield Components & Refinements

• Brand new fully Composite Interior – major upgrade • Annealed Crew Door Windows • Improved Crew Door Steps • Airframe life extension • New Style Cabin Heater added • Exterior Lighting upgrade to LED/HID • 3” Speaker Installed in Cockpit • Changed Tundra Standard Interior / Includes 4

Passenger Seats as Standard Equipment • Increased Landing Weight to 7,255 (same as

T/O weight) • Upgraded Cargo Door • Advanced Kodiak Familiarization Course & full motion

simulator added

• WX Radar Harness Installed on all planes • Summit Executive Interior Added • Garmin Autopilot added as Standard Equipment • Cockpit/Cabin USB Ports added as standard • TKS Tank Available in Pod • Carbon Fiber Aerocet Floats Certified • Major Cabin Heating improvements & upgrades • Bleed Air & Cabin Noise reduced • Cockpit Voice and Data Recorders Available • Electric and Avionics Upgrades • Improved Oil Cooler • Firewall Blankets Added • Fatigue Life Doubled • Smoked Windshield UV Light Protection added • Tail Stand Improvements

QUEST KODIAK SERIES II

NAC is an authorised representative for the Kodiak in Southern Africa and we are delighted to share a Decade of Improvements with you on this spectacular aircraft.

The history of the Kodiak has been a story of continuous improvement and refinement. These are the technological improvements Quest has made to the Kodiak over the past decade.

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Arriving in Lavin in the early evening, the air was warm and the atmosphere electric for such a small village. Lukas promptly met me as I walked out of the train station, and escorted me to his workshop; little did I know what the following three weeks would entail! I had signed up to a unique experience to say the least; The Build it Yourself Experience, at Brunner Guitars, Lavin, Switzerland.

In this ‘course’ you have the opportunity to build your own guitar alongside a master Luthier (guitar builder), and what’s even better, the guitar is yours to keep at the end of the experience. Apart from certain small consumables, every single part of the guitar is cut, bent, shaped, glued, filed, sanded and produced by hand from extremely high quality wood sourced from around the world.

our very own GUITAR HERO

CHRISTOPHER JACOBS, AIRCRAFT SALES PROFESSIONAL, BUILDING MY OWN GUITAR

My guitar alone has wood from Switzerland, Honduras, Mexico, India and Hawaii, and with the three other attendees in the experience, we had even more woods sourced from around the world. The experience is spread across three weeks, and each participant is encouraged to do as much of the work as is possible, but, if one is unable or too scared, Lukas will step in and complete the task on their behalf, always ensuring that the end product is nothing less than typical Swiss perfection!

It is with greatest of pleasure that we can announce that Carel-Gert Jacobsz Fourie, intake 2016, NAC Heli maintenance, has successfully passed his Trade Test as Aircraft Mechanic.

MORE TRADE TEST

SUCCESS

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NAC’s Helicopter Division is just all over the show! We were, once again, the preferred helicopter supplier to the 94.7 Cycle Race held on 18 November 2018. In these images once can see the scale of the event as well as the Mayor, Mr Herman Mashaba showing a great interest in the helicopter with our pilot, Oggie Willats passionately showing off our equipment! Well done to all who participated in the event! NAC will be your ‘eye in the sky’ again next year!

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Omphile Mutloane Moments!Leader of the Silver Falcons

Have I practiced enough?Am I ready?Have I put in all the work required?Am I safe?Will it go according to plan?If it doesn’t go according to plan, what is the recovery?Have I covered the recovery plan?.......every single time.......moments before the show!

SILVER FALCONSTEAM 82

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NKULULEKO BASELA

In the last edition of Hangar Talk XPress we reported on Nkululeku Basela (Freedom) and his ambition to fly. Since we last reported Freedom has made a lot of progress and completed two more PPL subjects advancing well past the schedule that was originally set for him. Finally, the big day of his first flight arrived and it is best if Freedom conveys the experience in his own words. FIRST FLIGHT… Captain. In the making “Friedrich Oblessor once said that, “the fascination of flight can’t be expressed with words, but it really lies beyond the capabilities of human endeavour. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never be able to forget it”.My journey to my first flight was not an easy one, it was filled with a lot of triumphs and a lot of failures, but I knew from the first place that this journey that I am about to embark on was not going to be an easy one and with all the good strong support systems that I have both at home and work, I very much understood that it was my responsibility and mine alone to make it all possible.When I was given the challenge to pass my first three subject exams in order for my flight training to commence I knew and understood that for me to win the public victory, I first needed to win the private victory. That is to believe that I will do it, and see it in myself before anyone else can see it in me.It was on the 25th of the September 2018 when it happened, my first flight, in a stunning Cessna 152 with the registration ZS – KSL. I remember the morning of that day like it was yesterday, I woke up with a smile on my face. The thought of having my first flight and being behind the controls filled my heart with so much joy, I just couldn’t believe that this day had finally come.Not only was I excited about the flying, but the fear of doing something completely new, also kicked in. Nevertheless, I didn’t let it get the better of me, I made it a point that I was in charge of my feelings at all times and it was so. The support I got from my colleagues was incredible, Mr Stefan, Anne, Amanda, Thato, Yolandie and Lizzy, I really do appreciate them.

I felt so privileged when I found out that my instructor would be the one and only Captain Shane Cade, one of the best and most respected pilots in Southern Africa. He made my first flight one to remember for ages and for that I will forever be grateful. Cruising at 5500 feet in the Magalies general flying area in the Cessna 152 felt so good, I can’t compare that feeling to anything else in the world, it felt so blissful. My most prized possession is the day my dream came true and my vision became reality, the view from the cockpit of a Cessna 152 forever imprinted in my heart and memory.I really thank everyone who is involved in my training, it makes such a huge difference to have people that believe in my vision and dream. It’s not every day that one finds people that supports and believes in his/her dreams and that to me is not only a privilege but a blessing. I thank you all.

Captain in the making, signing out.” Freedom is working towards going solo before Christmas and we are looking forward in sharing that achievement. What a way to end the year!

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ASHLEY SPOLANDER

NOV I DECUMVUZO AWARDS NovemberDecember

1. How long have you worked at NAC? 20/11/2005 was when I started so 13 years.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job? The challenges associated with keeping clients and staff satisfied.

3. What do you dislike the most? - Unhappy clients.

4. Hobbies? - Running, cycling and keeping fit.

5. Favourite sport? Rugby.

6. What has been the biggest challenge in your life? Trying to juggle a busy full day’s work and then going home to study for

my commercial helicopter license. 7. Biggest opportunity? Flying a Bell 430 from Blackpool, England to Johannesburg.

8. Where will you never go, even if they paid you? I would honestly go anywhere even if I wasn’t paid, I enjoy travelling.

9. What makes you happy? Spending quality time with my daughter.

10. What are your best qualities? I handle busy/stressful situations quite well I would say.

11. Favourite movie of all time? - Black Hawk Down.

12. Favourite city? - Cape Town or Barcelona.

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5 BA D PA S T P R E D I C T I O N S A B O U T

AVIATION 4W I L D R E C E N T P R E D I C T I O N S A B O U T

AVIATION“Most of what people consider to be long-distance trips [such as New

York to London] could be completed in less than half-an-hour.”

Elon Musk

“In 25 years, zero-carbon travel may be a reality.”

David Barger, CEO, JetBlue Airways

“I have no doubt that during my lifetime we will be able to fly from London to Sydney in under two hours, with minimal

environmental impact.”

Sir Richard Branson

“I bet that in 10 years, commercial short-haul flights will transport 50 passengers at a time in fully electric carriers.”

Bertrand Piccard, chairman, @solarimpulse Foundation

1. “Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.” Lord Kelvin, mathematician and physicist, 1895

2. “The flying machine which will really fly might be evolved by the combined and continuous efforts of mathematicians and mechanicians in from one million to 10 million years.” New York Times editorial, 1903

3. “I confess that in 1901, I said to my brother Orville that man would not fly for 50 years.”

Wilbur Wright, 1908

4. “Even if a [flying] machine could get across [the Atlantic] with one or two passengers, the expense would be prohibitive to any but the capitalist who could own his own yacht.” William H. Pickering, astronomer, 1910

5. “In 50 years, vertical takeoff and landing will have become a standard operating system, passenger flight at Mach 4 will be routine, and interplanetary travel will be established.”

A.D. Baxter, Royal Aeronautical Society president, 1966 With thanks to BJT Online

HANGARTALK EXPRESS

november / december

23

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