Bruce Perkins
RAND AIRPORT REVIEW
49 www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
RAND AIRPORT: REVIEW
Rand Airport's Art Deco terminal building.
Rand Airport is having a particularly tough time under the Covid-19 crisis.
T
recreational flyers as access to hangars
to buy their hangars and so these are owned
is considerably easier than at other large
by the Airport Holding company and are let
Gauteng airports. The predicament of the
to tenants, providing essential long term
airport does however remain critical with just
income for the management and upkeep of
limited training and post maintenance flights
the facilities.
being permitted, which has not significantly improved the airports income.
Fortunately this has enabled the airport to have a diversified income stream. General
HE Covid-19 pandemic has
Rand is usually a particularly busy
Manager Stuart Coetzee says that their
hit Rand Airport particularly
airport. It hosts air charter operators, flying
hangar rental income remained sound and
hard
the
schools and a number of aircraft maintenance
the construction work on the property for
lockdown during April and
organisations, as well as pilot shops, car
commercial development resumed once the
May, the airport is home to a
hire and other enterprises. It is owned by a
Stage 5 lockdown had been relaxed at the
number of essential service
public-private ownership consortium which
end of April. This has enabled the airport to
operators. This meant that the airport had to
has embarked on a revamp, which will
continue operations without having to lay-off
stay operational for The SA Police helicopter
include hotels, shops and an industrial park.
any staff.
service, the air ambulance services and car
The airport has proven to be a tremendous
trackers as well as the very few maintenance
investment
some
of highlights amongst what little aviation
flights
which
were
as,
despite
permitted
and
for
its
owners
with
There have however been a number
the
suggesting the initial R18 million purchase
activity there has been. Karan Beef has
specialist charter operations. As a result,
price might today have been transformed
taken delivery of their nearly new Cessna
the airport’s revenue from fuel sales and
into a value of well over R500 million. The
Sovereign +, which must be one of the larger
landing fees was almost zero, yet it had to
ownership structure of the airport is unique
business jets to be based at Rand. As soon
maintain its ATC and fire services at virtually
in that all the hangars are owned with full
as the Pilatus team can get to Switzerland
full strength.
freehold title. When the airport was sold in
they will collect the fourth PC-24 jet for the
2000 some of the hangar tenants elected not
region.
Rand has become the home of most
50 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
There has been much activity in the helicopter air rescue business with Henley Air having launched a new service called Rocket. We hope to bring you more information on this industry groundswell change in the next issue.
for the enjoyment of the many enthusiastic visitors who come from around the world. Hard decisions are having to be taken about the museum's aircraft: DC-4 ZS-AUB is being reduced to static display although
Another organisation feeling threatened is the South African
valiant attempts are being made to keep its sister DC-4, ZS-BMH,
Airways Museum. As the parent airline continues to wobble under
flying. Good news too is that former SAA historic flight champion Capt
the business rescue process the future of the invaluable museum
Flippie Vermeulen will be keeping ZS-BXF, the DC-4 ‘Klapperkop’
remains threatened. The museum was founded in 1986 with the aim
flying. During the past year a huge project was the transport and
of preserving the history of South African Airways as well as that of
reassembly of the Lockheed Constellation from OR Tambo.
general and civil aviation in South Africa.
Although the Covid pandemic is giving the airport its worst of
Unfortunately the museum has been greatly affected by the
times, in its eighty eight year history, the airport has seen great times.
ongoing pandemic. As a registered non-profit company, the museum
A highlight has always been the ‘Grand Rand Airshow’ – which last
relies heavily on ‘feet through the door’, to remain open and continue
attracted 28,000 people through the gates.
with its preservation efforts. Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, it has
Unfortunately, political infighting killed-off the show in 2019 and
been unable to generate any revenue and its cash reserves are no
it would appear at time of writing that the 2020 show will also be
longer sufficient to keep the establishment in an ‘alive’ condition. The
cancelled. Although being held in September it is the last air show
museum is therefore making an urgent appeal to the general public
of the season, it has been provisionally moved to October, but it
for any possible financial assistance, to maintain the museum and
would appear that this date will still not be possible due to the Covid
its infrastructure in good condition until it can open its gates again
lockdown.
j
Guy Leicth
Held on a Sunday, the Rand Airshow is a great outing for the whole family to enjoy flying.
51 www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
CONTACT MICHAEL KARAOLIS | MOBILE: 082 686 2374 | EMAIL: MICHAEL@FLYONICS.CO.ZA | WEBSITE: WWW.FLYONICS.CO.ZA | SACAA AMO 1421, HANGAR 30, RAND AIRPORT, VIKING WAY, GERMISTON
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52 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
Detailed Panel Refurbishments Exceptional Battery Shop
DART AERONAUTICAL Pieter Viljoen +27 83 652 4421 pieterviljoen@mweb.co.za Jaco Kelly +27 84 498 4916 jacokelly@mweb.co.za
GI 275
Attitude Indicator (AI/ADI) DART AERO
Pieter Viljoen +27 83 652 4421 Jaco Kelly +27 84 498 4916
GFC 600 GFC 600
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N G A O
ï‚® E NC A FIN IONS T E OP ABL E AIL AV QUIR EN W! O N
COMPANY PROFILES
AIRCRAFT GENERAL SPARES Eric Erasmus, the owner and founder of Aircraft General
AVIATION REBUILDERS Aviation Rebuilders is an SACAA approved category B and X5
Spares, gained his extensive experience in the industry as a parts
Aircraft Maintenance Organisation, number AMO 188, based in
store manager at PLACO.
the Showroom right that the entrance to Rand Airport, Germiston.
When the company closed in 2017 Eric bought the entire inventory and Aircraft General Spares (AGS) was born. AGS are conveniently situated at the main entrance to Rand
Established in 1997, Aviation Rebuilders is your competitive and reliable option when it comes to of all your sheet metal, welding and flight control cable assembly requirements. No repair is too big or
Airport. In addition to stocking a large variety of off the shelf
too small for our enthusiastic team who are always keen and up for
items, AGS also specialises in assisting clients with hard to find
a challenge. Our highly experienced technicians provide excellent
items which will be sourced and imported according to the client’s
quality and turn-around times for your maintenance requirements.
requirements. With their large variety of spares, AGS have a well-earned
Our flight control cable assembly facility offers all standard MIL-SPEC cable and end fittings, ranging from 1/16” to 3/16”,
reputation for being the one stop for anything needed in the light
with cables assembled per sample or specification. Our welding
aircraft industry. Their range of spares includes Alclad, tyres, tubes,
facility offers weld repairs using TIG methods to aluminium alloys,
hoses, 4130 tubing, rivets, O-rings, seals, engine parts, gaskets,
carbon steel and corrosion and heat resistant steels. The Aviation
bearings, glue, sealants, sick bags, funnels, ducting, air filters, oil
Rebuilders sheet metal facility boasts an extensive range of tooling
filters, spark plugs, aircraft logbooks and a vast range of fasteners.
and equipment which enables us to offer an excellent repair service
AGS are also an official distributor of the full range of Aeroshell oil
to keep your aircraft flying.
and grease products. AGS may be found at: Building B7: Rand Airport, Germiston.
Contact Aviation Rebuilders on: Tel: +27 (0)11 827-2491
Call Eric on Tel: 067 154 2147. Email: eric@acgs.co.za or visit:
Cell: +27 (0)82 872-4117
www.acgs.co.za
Email: lyn@aviationrebuilders.com
Building on the success of Dart Aeronautical and M&D Aircraft Electrical, Dart Aircraft Electrical opened its doors in January 2015.
Dart Aircraft Electrical (DAE) took over from M&D and has acquired all M&Ds test and bench equipment, thereby maintaining M&Ds capabilities. DAE has also retained the services of M&Ds Matthew Joubert, and is therefore well-equipped to cater to all aircraft electrical requirements. Matthew has over 17 years’ experience and brings a high degree of professionalism to the aircraft electrics trade. He specialises in fuel pumps, magnetos, alternators and starters.
Sharing the premises with Dart Aeronautical, DAE is located on the ground floor of Aeronautical House at Rand Airport.
DAE is able to sell, overhaul, service and repair the following: •
Starters
•
Alternators
•
Fuel Pumps
•
Magnetos
•
Strobe Boxes
•
Aircraft electrical wiring installation and repairs
•
Electronic components
54 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
SA Flyer 2019|07 SA
FAX
55 www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
COMPANY PROFILES
CENTRAL FLYING ACADEMY “Where your Dreams take Flight” Central Flying Academy has been training future young pilots for the past 16 years and was responsible for the ab initio training for the South African Air Force for three years, so they are extremely well equipped and experienced in fixed-wing training. Training is available seven days a week, starting with Private Pilot Licence (PPL) through to Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATP). CFA has developed its own commercial pilot training notes that have an excellent reputation in the aviation industry. An SACAA approved Flight Training Simulator (FNPT II) is available for initial and recurrent instrument training and instructor an SACAA approved online exam test centre. CFA has a fleet of nine training aircraft which include seven Cessna 172s, one Cessna 172 RG and a Piper Twin Comanche. This ensures excellent availability and backup at all times. Accommodation is available at our own residence, a short walk from Rand Airport. CFA is committed to offering you a professional, personal and rewarding experience. Safety and airmanship are the corner stones on which CFA bases its culture and ethos. Contact CFA on: Tel: 011 824 4421 Email: info@cfasa.co.za website: www.cfasa.co.za
RAND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT! We are excited to announce that Rand’s Airport expansion has commenced with the launch of Phase One of the development to be known as ‘Airport Park Extension 7’. Contact To find out more - Stuart, manager@randairport.co.za or Richard, richard@curriegroup.co.za
Pieter Viljoen +27 83 652 4421 pieterviljoen@mweb.co.za Jaco Kelly +27 84 498 4916 jacokelly@mweb.co.za
56 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
SA FLYER 2020|02
renewals. CFA also has state of the art ground school facilities and
Capital Air provides a quick and professional completion of maintenance services, every time! Capital Air’s sophisticated maintenance and repair operations are approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is an authorised Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO No. 2). This in-house servicing capability includes: •
Rolls Royce model 250 workshop
•
Bell helicopters 206, 407 and 222-230 series
•
Component overhauls – 206 and 407 series
•
Maintenance of R22/R44 Robinson helicopters
•
Bell factory-trained enigneers & Rolls Royce factory-trained enigneers Executive valet services for helicopters SA Flyer 2015|02
•
We specialize in MAIN ROTOR AND TAIL ROTOR TRACK AND BALANCING using “state of the art” tracking equipment (RAIDS). Did you know that CAPITAL AIR MAINTENANCE has the only SCHENCK ENGINE BALANCING MACHINE in the country! We are able to balance compressors, PT Rotors and GP Rotors (Rolls Royce 250 Series).
Telephone: +27 11 827 0335 Email: info@capitalairsa.com
SA Flyer 2019|05
Visit us to view our immaculate Engine, Tooling and Component Workshops
Physical Address: Hangar 3H, Rand Airport, Germiston 1401
57
Visit on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapitalAirSA
www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
MONTHLY HANGARAGE
SA Flyer 2018|11
INCLUDING CLEANING & FLIGHT LINE SERVICES
Hangar size 950 square metres (45m x 20.5m) Office space (20m x 5 m) available which can be divided to suit client requirements. 58
Hangar 56, 10 Viking Way, Rand Airport. Tel: 011 827 8632 | Fax: 086 503 1870 | Tino: 083 458 2172 Office: 083 446 0066 | Email: technical@heli-afrique.co.za and info@heli-afrique.co.za July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
SACAA/0105
W H Y C H O O S E C FA? SAFETY and GOOD AIRMANSHIP form the cornerstone on which CFA bases its culture and ethos. It is our goal, that every pilot who passes through CFA, will leave these principles, firmly embedded in their future aviation career.
The first ATO in South Africa to accept cryptocurrency in KBC, BTC and ETH
www.cfasa.co.za
Hire & Fly Flight Training PPL & CPL Ground School Alsim ALX FNPT II MCC Simulator SACAA Approved Online Exam Test Centre Fleet of well-maintained and reliable aircraft
t 011 824 4421 c 078 800 9929 e info@cfasa.co.za
Hangar 28, Hurricane Road Rand Airport
We are able to help customers with an array of “hard to find” items which we import according to their requirements.
www.acgs.co.za Contact Eric or Hayley - 084 587 6414 or 067 154 2147 eric@acgs.co.za - hayley@acgs.co.za Situated in Building B7, Rand Airport. Next to Aviation Rebuilders.
SA Flyer 2020|07/8
We are distributors of Aeroshell and stock a wide selection of oil and grease. We also carry alclad, tires, tubes, hose, 4130 tubing, aircraft sheet metal, bolts, nuts, rivets, air filters, oil filters, spark plugs, aircraft logbooks etc.
59 www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
COMPANY PROFILES
DART AERONAUTICAL Dart Aeronautical was established in 2006 and is situated at Rand Airport. We are committed to providing excellent service with the highest technical standard,
•
Fuel Pumps
as well as compliance with regulatory
•
Magnetos
requirements.
•
Strobe Boxes
•
Aircraft electrical wiring installation
and repairs Electronic components
Flyonics (Pty) Ltd was founded by Micahel Karaolis out of a need for professional experience in installations
not only locally, but to surrounding airfields
•
as well. This division is headed up by Jaco
Contact DAE on:
types of aircraft, complex in-the-field system
Kelly and Pieter Viljoen. The team of 15
Tel: +27 827 0371
troubleshooting and servicing, as well as
specialises in all aircraft types ranging from
Cell: +27 82 414 1641
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) design.
homebuilt to DC9 aircraft.
Email: dartaircraftelectrical@gmail.com
Manufacturers (OEMs), Design
and instrument panel refurbishments, which router cutting and laser engraving.
Flyonics (Pty) Ltd is fully capable of working with Original Equipment
We are market leaders in instrument include the use of aircraft approved paint,
and systems integration on many different
DYNAMIC PROPELLERS Dynamic Propellers, AMO No. 1150,
Organisations and customers throughout an entire installation process to ensure that the
specialises in the overhaul, repair and
job is done technically correct and satisfies
major equipment suppliers such as Garmin,
maintenance of propellers for commercial
the intent of the modification.
Mid Continent, Bendix-King, Sigma Tek, JP
and privately-owned aircraft. Dynamic
Hangar 14 Rand Airport
Instruments, Airtex, S-Tec etc. Our ability to
Propellers is an authorised service centre,
Germiston
purchase directly ensures our completeness
approved to overhaul and maintain all
E-Mail: michael@flyonics.co.za
and that our customers receive value for
Hartzell, McCauley, MT-propeller, Hoffmann,
money without any reduction in quality and
Dowty, Sensenich, Whirlwind and Hamilton
safety.
standard propellers, including metal and
Dart Aeronautical is an agent for all
We carry a wide variety of serviceable units in store that can be used as loaners
composite blades. Our aircraft propeller repair services
ELITE AVIATION ACADEMY Elite Aviation Academy is situated in the Main terminal building of Rand Airport.
while working on a customer’s unit or that
are all performed in-house in our state-
Building on its rich aviation history, Elite
can be purchased or exchanged.
of-the-art aviation engineering workshop,
Aviation Academy will also offer a series
Contact Pieter Viljoen on:
and include Non-Destructive Examination,
of foreign student exchange programmes.
Tel: +27 11-827-8204
Cadmium Plating, cold compression rolling,
Elite Aviation Academy currently operates
Cell: +27 83-652-4421
blade aerofoil and blade actuating pin shot
the following fleet of well-presented and
Email: pieterviljoen@mweb.co.za
peening on Hartzell propeller blades, as well
maintained aircraft:
Website: www.dartaero.co.za
as dynamic balancing of propellers in the
•
3 x PA28-181 Archer
field.
•
2 x PA28-161 Warrior
•
5 x Cessna 172
DART AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL
moving propellers, hubs, parts, de-icing
We carry a large stock holding of fast
•
1 x PA28-200R Arrow
Building on the success of Dart
parts, overhaul kits etc. in our inventory.
•
1 x BE 55 (285 hp) Barron
Aeronautical and M&D Aircraft Electrical,
This stockholding enables us to regularly
Elite Aviation Academy cater for the
Dart Aircraft Electrical has now established
realise very short turnaround times for our
itself as a leading aircraft electrical shop in
overhaul and repair services.
following scope of training: •
PPL overage training
Contact details:
•
Night flight rating
Pero Visser
•
Instrument rating
from M&D and has acquired all M&Ds test
Tel: +27 79 492 0592
•
Instructors rating
and bench equipment, thereby maintaining
Email: pero@dynamicpropeller.co.za
•
Multi-engine rating
M&Ds capabilities.
Andries Visser
•
ATPL preparation
Tel: +27 82 445 4496
•
Alternate instrument renewal
M&Ds Matthew Joubert, and is therefore
Email: andries@dynamicpropeller.co.za
•
Alternate ATPL Renewal
well equipped to cater to all aircraft electrical
The school is accredited to conduct the
the Gauteng Area situated at Rand Airport. Dart Aircraft Electrical (DAE) took over
DAE has also retained the services of
following training:
requirements. Matthew has over 17 years’ experience and brings a high degree of
FLYONICS (PTY) LTD
PPL
•
Night Rating
trade. He specialises in fuel pumps,
consulting, servicing, and installation
•
Instrument rating
magnetos, alternators and starters.
company capable of supporting a variety
•
Multi engine training
of aviation modification and certification
•
Airline transport pilot licence
Aeronautical, DAE is located on the ground
projects as well as repairs and maintenance
•
Instructors GR III, GR II and GR I
floor of Aeronautical House at Rand Airport.
of a wide range of general, regional and
•
Turbo prop and Jet conversions
business aviation aircraft.
Tel: (011) 824 3804
professionalism to the aircraft electrics
Sharing the premises with Dart
DAE will be able to sell, overhaul, service and repair the following:
Flyonics (Pty) Ltd is an avionics design,
•
The depth and range of its resources
•
Starters
enables them to provide optimal solutions
•
Alternators
for operators, installers and maintainers
60 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
Email: info@eliteaa.co.za Website: www.eliteaa.co.za
Heli-Afrique
Heli-Afrique specialises in general helicopter maintenance, upgrades, repairs, interior and exterior refurbishing and modiďŹ cations of helicopters, specialising in the Airbus Helicopter range SA 341 AS350/355 series, EC 120, 130, 135 series and BO 105 series helicopters. We maintain the McDonald Douglas series and Robinson R22 / R44 helicopters. Heli-Afrique also carries out ďŹ rst and second line maintenance of Turbomeca, Allison and Lycoming Engines, and holds a service centre for Robinson R22 & R44 helicopters.
Heli-Afrique holds the following CAA approvals: SACAA # 830, Republic of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Heli-Afrique is the alternate AMO to Airbus Helicopters and TURBOMECA in Southern Africa. Heli-Afrique is committed to customer care and support.
SA Flyer 2017|10
Heli-Afrique can facilitate the sale of used helicopters, carry out export / import, customs and shipping formalities. We hold a large spares inventory for the above helicopter and engines and can also supply spares, components and engine modules for helicopters and engines.
Hangar 56, 10 Viking Way, Rand Airport Tel: 011 827 8632 n Tino: 083 458 2172 n Office: 083 446 0066 61 Email: technical@heli-afrique.co.za and info@heli-afrique.co.za www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
PROVEN COATING PROTECTION FOR THE AVIATION INDUSTRY The professional line of Ceramic Pro coatings is not only meant to protect cars, yachts, boats, and homes, it is also perfect for protection of airplanes and helicopters. The coatings will help to protect air vessels from corrosion, icing and help to save on maintenance costs. Ceramic Pro Coatings can be used on all types of air vessels. Both for exterior and interior protection. It will provide extra gloss and great looks, not to mention self-cleaning eect. Due to hydrophobic properties, Ceramic Pro will provide better visibility and additional safety to ights during rain or snow. INTERIOR PROTECTION Ceramic Pro range of products has specialized solutions for plastic, leather, textile and antibacterial coating based on titanium dioxide with ions of silver. These coatings can extend the lifespan of Civil Aviation vessels and improve safety for passengers. In addition, it can refresh the look of seats and plastic parts of the interior that have been in use for a long time.
info@eliteaa.co.za www.eliteaa.co.za (011) 824 3804 Rand Airport Main Teminal Building CAA0400
Elite Aviation Open Day will be announces on our facebook page
62 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
PPL CPL Night Rating Instrument Rating Instructor Rating
Turbo Prop/Jet Rating Type Rating Class Rating Radio Licence Exam Test Centre
SA Flyer 2019|07
At Dynamic Propellers cc we overhaul and maintain all Hartzell, McCauley, MT-Propeller, Hoffmann, Dowty, Sensenich, Whirl Wind and Hamilton standard propellers to include metal and composite blades. We do all maintenance procedures related to aircraft propeller overhauls as called for by the various propeller manufacturers including cadmium plating. Everything is performed in-house, including cold compression rolling on Hartzell propeller blades, as well as dynamic balancing of propellers in the field. Dynamic Propellers cc is an Authorised Service Centre for MT-Propeller and Whirl Wind. Dynamic Propellers cc is also appointed as the sole McCauley Authorised Service Centre for the African continent. We carry a large stock holding of fast moving propellers, hubs, parts, de-icing parts, overhaul kits etc. in our inventory to cater for Hartzell, McCauley, MT – Propeller, Hoffman, Dowty, Sensenich, Whirl Wind and Hamilton standard propellers. We do a huge amount of travelling to local, domestic and neighbouring countries as well as abroad to cater for customer’s propeller requirements. E-mail: andries@dynamicpropeller.co.za | pero@dynamicpropeller.co.za Tel: +27 11 824 5057 | Fax2mail: 086 548 2651 Pero: 079 492 0592 | Andries: 082 445 4496
www.dynamicpropellers.co.za
www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020
63
The five Daks flypast at Rand Airport. Image: Bruce Perkins.
64 July/August 2020 | www.saflyer.com
HENLEY AIR Henley Air is a family-owned company dedicated to helicopter charter and flight training excellence in the South African aviation industry. a dream has today grown
W
provides Air & Safety Office Management,
into a major operation at
AMO Safety Management Systems, Crew
Rand Airport, Johannesburg. They began
Resource Management, Dangerous Goods
you board your flight, the HENLEY AIR
operations with just one Bell JetRanger.
Management, Helicopter CRM & DGM
experience is unique and personal.
HAT started out in 1995 as
Henley Global Aviation Training –
Training, Recurrent Pilot Training and Safety Officer Recurrent Training. From the time you check in, to the time
Today they provide their clients with a variety of single and multi-engine aircraft to meet their diverse requirements. The Henley Air Business Profile is designed to offer clients and customers reliability of service from trained professionals in the aviation industry. The following companies provide specific services: HENLEY AIR Charter - provides the full range of helicopter charter using single and multi-engine equipment. HENLEY AIR Flight Training – provides Helicopter Ab-Initio Flight Training, Conversion-to-Type Training and Radio Telephony Training.
Henley's busy Rand Airport hangar.
65 www.saflyer.com | July/August 2020