Wonderboom Airport Aviation Companies Guide

WONDERBOOM AIRPORT – AVIATION

COMPANIES GUIDE

WONDERBOOM AIRPORT 2023

– A NATURAL AIR CONNECTIVITY HUB

Air connectivity is essential for a town, and indeed an entire country’s economic growth. There is strong evidence available from around the world that if a town is not served by an efficient and well-run air transportation system, it will slowly die as investments move elsewhere.

SOUTH AFRICA HAS EXCELLENT examples of how regional cities and towns have experienced an economic boom simply by making themselves an accessible destination for trade and tourism by air.

The fast growing regional centres of George and Hoedspruit are a case in point. Experience from ACSA with regional airports in Kimberly, George, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, and East London attest to the fact that these airports make a significant contribution to the South African economy in the form of job creation, local investment in infrastructure development, and tax revenue, all of which are pivotal to the growth of our gross domestic product (GDP).

Since local and foreign airlines have begun flying into secondary cities, investment and tourists are flowing in – and boom times have arrived – all thanks to the focused strategic air connectivity initiatives by the Dube Trade Port in Durban and Wesgro in Cape Town. Johannesburg is being increasingly by-passed as a key hub for South Africa as Cape Town and Durban are attracting direct long-haul flights.

Wonderboom National Airport is one such slumbering regional airport. It is the general aviation airport which, in terms of traffic movements, is the busiest in the country and perhaps in the rest of the African continent. ATNS recorded traffic movements reached a peak of 24,000. This record is unprecedented and surprisingly, was achieved against the backdrop of the downgrade of the airport’s license status and the COVID pandemic which ravaged the entire aviation industry, bringing many commercial airports around the world to a standstill.

It therefore does not warrant any expert reasoning to realise the strategic nature of Wonderboom National Airport to the economy of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Council. The reality however is that the full potential of Wonderboom Airport is not fully realised.

As the owner and operator of Wonderboom Airport, the Tshwane City Council claims it appreciates the strategic importance of the airport and is therefore now pulling out all the stops to restore and enhance Wonderboom National Airport to its rightful place as the key regional airport for the Capital City’s conurbation.

Wonderboom has had a number of attempts to offer scheduled services.

the busiest airport in the African continent

THE ACSA PARTNERSHIP

The airport is located close to a variety of resources and amenities: bulk freight and transport infrastructure is already in place, meaning that the region has high potential for business growth.

However, it has not been without its challenges. It was widely reported that poor management and the airports inability to appoint a manager were among factors that attributed to the airport’s non-compliance with regulations. The partnership with ACSA is slowly bearing fruit. In August 2023 Wonderboom Airport has once again been given the green light to handle scheduled commercial flights.

In March 2021 a partnership with ACSA was signed which has enabled ACSA to assist the City Council in its renewed effort to make Wonderboom National Airport compliant with

all the civil aviation standards applicable to a Category 7 SACAA licensed commercial airport. The vision is to upgrade the aeronautical infrastructure and turn the airport into one of the most reputable regional airports with aircraft maintenance activities, flight training, charter and scheduled flight services that connect to the other regional centres, both nationally, and within the SADC.

SCHEDULED FLIGHTS

Following a positive audit by the CAA in August 2023, Wonderboom Airport’s aerodrome license has been upgraded from Category 2 to Category 5. This means that the airport complies with safety standards for the handling of scheduled commercial flights.

Wonderboom was downgraded to Category 2 in October 2019 because of maintenance

An unusually empty Wonderboom Apron.

problems such as uncut grass obscuring signage, debris on runways, leaking water on taxiways and poor security.

With Category 5 status achieved, Tshwane City Council had been trying to interest airlines to restart scheduled flights into the Airport. Wonderboom previously tried to launch commercial scheduled flights to Cape Town using Airlink airline. However, these were cancelled in May 2018.

a 224% revenue loss during the 2020/21 financial year, partly due to financing the airport through Covid. Brink questioned whether the municipality should continue being the licence holder of the airport with the dire state of the city’s finances.

“If we fail to fix our streetlights, to make sure that public spaces are clean, to fix the potholes, to ensure a reliable supply of water and electricity, can we still afford to operate an airport at a loss?” Brink asked.

FINANCES

Despite the airport’s recent category improvement, the airport’s finances under the Tshwane City Council remain in crisis. Tshwane’s newly elected Democratic Alliance mayor, Councillor Cilliers Brink, questions the City’s ability to continue to own and run the airport.

It does not help that Tshwane has been embroiled in litigation with the private company appointed to manage the airport. Court documents have shown that the City suffered

The airport provides a dynamic environment for general aviation and in particular flight schools.

FAWB Layout.

WONDERBOOM’S 86-YEAR HISTORY

Wonderboom National Airport (WNA) has a rich history dating back to World War I, when the first small airstrip was established west of Silverton.

AFTER THE HUGE TECHNOLOGICAL advances in aviation from World War 1, civil aviation began to flourish and remote towns recognised the importance of having their own airfields. These would encourage investment and visitors to the towns.

Pretoria was not about to be left behind, and so Wonderboom Airport had its humble beginnings

on a farm known as Koedoespoort near Silverton. The new airfield became known as the Silverton or Koedoespoort aerodrome.

The airfield soon became famous after Pierre van Ryneveld and Quentin Brand made their first landing on South African soil when they touched down with their two-seater biplane, Voortrekker, en-route to Cape Town on their

An unusually empty Wonderboom Apron.

London to Cape Town flight. Today that landing spot is a heritage site.

In 1935 the first company to be established at the airport was Placo (Pretoria Light Aircraft Company) owned by Piet and Jan van der Woude. One year later the Pretoria Flying Club was founded.

As the then Pretoria City Council envisaged future expansion, it was decided to acquire 342 hectares of land on the farm, Wonderboom, north of the city.

Placo staff joined the air force, the vintage Bessoneau hangars were strengthened, and six new Bellman hangars, a control tower, water tower, fire station and other buildings were constructed.

first landing on South African soil

The new Wonderboom Airport opened in 1937 but did not attract much development for the first two years, other than Placo and the Pretoria Flying Club.

With the outbreak of World War II the airport became part of the military-industrial complex.

Trainee pilots and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force members were stationed at the airport and, as a result of the Joint Air Training Scheme between the SAAF and the British Air Mission, a number of other military services – such as navigation, gunnery and an air reconnaissance school – were established at the airfield. Wonderboom became the home of the No 3 Air School, flying Tiger Moth, Hornet Moth and other civilian aircraft types.

Although the air school was disbanded in September 1944, some of the original airport buildings and hangars remain to this day.

The first tower.

In 1948 control of the airfield was returned to the City Council and Placo and the PFC took over operations. A period of rapid post-war expansion began and, besides being used for air traffic, the airport became a facility for flight training, charter operations, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft and aircraft parts sales.

The grass runways and taxiways were tarred in 1960 and the airfield officially became an airport.

Between 1960 and 1961 a terminal building, new hangars, workshops, a new runway, tarmac lights and other facilities accompanied the newly tarred runway. The idea behind this was for the airport to serve as an Alternate airport capable of handling large aircraft in case the then Jan Smuts International Airport was closed because of weather. However, it was not until 1982 that the first Boeing 737 diverted to Wonderboom.

Upgrades to the Airport

Further upgrades came in 1992 and 1993 to increase the runway length to handle larger aircraft. After that a number of upgrades took place that ensured that the airport could compete with others. An application was made in 2012 to grant the airport international status but so far this has still not been forthcoming.

TODAY

Ownership of the airport has changed over the years, eventually ending up with the City of Tshwane, which is now the license holder.

The City Council created a development plan that led to a substantial increase in aircraft movements. In October 2015 the then SA Airlink began a scheduled service between Wonderboom and Cape Town. This did not however prove successful due to the proximity of OR Tambo Airport to Pretoria’s eastern suburbs.

A Fokker F28 in 1975.

Despite logistical challenges in issues such as fuel supply and grass cutting, the airport has continued to flourish and has become a hub key for flight training, maintenance and charter, as well as a skydiving centre. It is well known for its excellent airshows, particularly under the leadership of Chris Briers, who founded Naturelink. Milestones of the airport

• Over the years the airport has acted as host for a number of unique events:

• The first transatlantic flight in a two-seater aircraft (1955) by two locals.

• First SA parachuting championships (1964).

• South Africa’s first black parachute jumper, Flocks Manceba (1974).

• Tandem parachuting with Miss World, Anneline Kriel (1986).

• First three-man star parachute jump (1968).

• First black South African pilot trained.

• First aircraft diverted from OR Tambo: a Boeing 707.

• First five-star parachute jump record (1970)

• The hosting of three successful AERO-SA Expos for general aviation. j

Already busy in 1975.

Loutzavia is a leading group in the aviation industry, dedicated to safety and specialising in various aspects of aviation Namely:

Loutzavia Flight Training

Aircraft Sales

Pilot Shop – Wonderboom Airport and Rand Airport

Aircraft Hangarage and Management

Our main area of focus is flight training which is headed by our very own in-house SACAA designated examiner (DFE1) and owner of the Loutzavia group. He has been in aviation and specialising in flight training for 31 Years.

We have one of the largest and diverse fleet of aircraft namely: Cessna 172, Cessna 177RG, Cessna Citation, Piper 160, Piper 161,Piper 181 and Tecnam P2006T We also operate a state of the art Frasca TRU-FLIGHT simulator.

As one of the larger flight schools in South Africa, we are one of the most trusted, respected and established aviation organizations in the country Loutzavia is determined to provide outstanding service to all clients and are dedicated to achieving service with distinction Our passion for flying ensures that the highest quality of attention to detail and safety standards prevail

It is our mission to give you the knowledge to get your wings!

Next OPEN DAY 21 October 2023

EAGLE AIR PILOT SHOP

At Eagle Air, we have always held a steadfast commitment to excellence in aviation training.

We are thrilled to extend that commitment beyond the cockpit with our Eagle Air Pilot Shop.

Step into a world where aviation enthusiasts and pilot students alike can find everything, they need to soar higher.

For aspiring pilots, we offer a carefully curated selection of essential gear.

But our shop isn't limited to the necessities of flight training.

Flight Fanatics will be delighted to explore our collection of aviationinspired jewellery and a wide range of accessories that pay homage to the world of aviation.

Whether you're searching for a meaningful gift or want to indulge your passion for flying, our shop has something special for you.

In addition, we are proud to also offer personalized sublimation printing services, allowing you to create customized aviation-themed items that are uniquely yours.

We are dedicated to upholding the same standard of excellence that defines our flight school

Come visit us and experience the thrill of aviation shopping like never before.

BLUE CHIP FLIGHT SCHOOL

BLUE CHIP FLIGHT SCHOOL provides flight training from the Private Pilot’s Licence through to Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence. The school has an accredited in-house examination centre, a superb fleet of aircraft that caters for all training needs. We boast with a state-of-theart simulator, designed and built to meet the SACAA FNPT II requirements, we also have a web based, paperless electronic booking, authorisation sheet and student filing system.

Why do we think Blue Chip Flight School is different from any other flying school?

Blue Chip Flight School has been around for 27 years awarding people wings and the freedom to forge exciting careers in aviation. We strive to recognise and nourish the passion within each student pilot and we consciously develop a disciplined, but harmonious relationship between instructor and student. We have dedicated ourselves in providing the best quality training,

never compromising on safety. We seek to optimise value through efficient operation and by instilling a culture of professionalism and on time performance throughout our organisation.

Since January 2023 in partnership with Stadio Higher Education and Henley Aeronautical Institute of Learning, you can now at Blue Chip Flight School simultaneously complete your flight training and an accredited tertiary qualification, if you have already obtained pilot licences, your flight qualifications can now count towards an academic qualification.

To receive more information about the Aviation Management Programmes, or our flight training visit our website or contact us.

Main Terminal Building, Wonderboom Airport

012 543 3050

marketing@bluechip-avia.co.za

www.bluechipflightschool.co.za

When the tanks unexpectly filled with air this Ural Airlines A320 was successfully landed in a field

An amazing formation of ww2 pistons and the Me262 jet.

Early Spitfire Mk1s had huge fixedpitch wooden propellers.

PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE AEROSPACE FOR SAFE AND UNITED WORLD

Through

Skyhorse Aviation grew out of NRG and is based at Wonderboom Airport.

SKYHORSE AVIATION

– A LESSON IN RISK MANAGEMENT

PRETORIA’S WONDERBOOM AIRPORT

is a centre for helicopter excellence and this is exemplified by Skyhorse Aviation. This is a business that provides world-class helicopter services in support of mining and industry across Africa and the Middle East.

SAFETY AND EXPERIENCE

Skyhorse’s dedicated and highly qualified team of helicopter professionals have flown over

35,000 hours with an excellent safety record. The company has over 40 years of collective experience, supplying aircraft to mining houses, drilling and construction projects, geophysical companies and agencies across more than 30 countries throughout Africa, Middle East and Australia.

The company specialises in providing aircraft support using pilots who are highly experienced in African conditions and field operations.

One of the quiet centres of competence in the aviation industry is Skyhorse Aviation based at Wonderboom Airport.

Text & Images: Grant Duncan Smith (Subiaco Photography)

The busy but immaculate Skyhorse hangar at Wonderboom.

Confirming this commitment to quality and safety, Skyhorse is a Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) registered aircraft operator. Fleet

The Skyhorse fleet currently consists of ten new generation AS350 (now H125) helicopters, plus two Pilatus PC-6 and one Cessna F406 twin turboprop fixed-wing aircraft. All the aircraft are either owned by Skyhorse or are on permanent lease.

Skyhorse is a customer centric privately owned company, and thus is prepared to adapt operations in a safe and efficient manner, to fulfil clients’ requirements. All aircraft are fitted with state-of-theart satellite tracking systems and Iridium telephones. Appropriate survival kits, emergency locator devices, and comprehensive first aid kits are standard for all operations.

Safety is seen as an integral part of the company’s ethos and thus Skyhorse Aviation adheres to a stringent set of safety standards aimed at reducing risk in all areas of operation.

Maintenance

Helicopter operations are by nature maintenance intensive. All Skyhorse maintenance is handled by New Resolution Geophysics (NRG), a South African maintenance organisation that solely maintains the Skyhorse Aviation fleet.

The Just Safety Culture

Skyhorse has adopted the industry standard ‘just safety culture’, where hazard and occurrence reporting is encouraged and documented to predict future trends. These trends and other factors are used for comprehensive research undertaken to generate risk assessments prior to any project commencement.

The Risk Assessment used is based upon the standard Helicopter Airborne Seismic Risk Assessment provided by the International Airborne Geophysics Association.

A Chat to the CEO

Grant Duncan Smith (GDS) chatted to Ryan Louw, the CEO and Chief Pilot at the base at Wonderboom Airport about their operations and a safety culture.

GDS: Tell us about how Skyhorse began operations.

Ryan Louw (RL): New Resolution Geophysics (NRG) was founded in 2005 specifically to provide high resolution magnetic radiometric gravity and electromagnetic geophysical surveys for the exploration, mining and petroleum industries, as well as regional mapping organisations.

Ryan Louw is the CEO of Skyhorse - and a very experienced helicopter pilot.

“Today the company operates ten Airbus H125’s from the earlier B models to the latest model B3e model. Historically we have focused on working in Africa, Middle East and Australia. Recently, we have been going back to Greenland on a regular basis for exploration activities. The locations we work in are by their nature are often remote and isolated. The type of helicopter utilised is essential, with helicopter performance, maintenance and reliability being critical for a successful mission and happy client.”

life limits on various components down to the earlier models. Thus for example, it is a big advantage when you replace a tail rotor at 3,500 hours instead of 2,500 hours. So one of the advantages of sticking with the H125, is that the continuous modernisation of the airframe is a big plus for us.

GDS: Why have you chosen the Airbus H125 Squirrel for your helicopter missions?

RL: Thete is a broad range of variants of the Squirrel. The B2 suits magnetic surveys perfectly as the endurance and relatively low fuel burn for that size platform, and reliability in the field makes it perfect for going into remote African flying magnetic survey or radiometric survey. The B3e, with its external load capability, is perfect for the external load work that we do, in particular the electromagnetic surveys that NRG is a world leader in.

Being able to lift 500 kilograms in a helicopter with full tanks and in a dusty environment, is what we rely on. With the B3, there’s not much I think that compares in terms of these capabilities in the hot and high environment.

In terms of reliability and maintaining the aircraft.

The Airbus H125 is extremely reliable and very easy to maintain in the field, which is a requirement for the projects we undertake.

The service life limit on parts is a big factor that allows us to operate as long as we do. The H125 series has been steadily modernised since the 1970s and this has created extended

GDS: Can you tell us about a typical mission where the Airbus H125 was critical for the mission’s success?

RL: The B3 is world renowned for its highaltitude capabilities. We would not have been able to carry out surveys if it were not for the B3 in mountainous projects where we have flown radiometric and magnetic surveys, up to 16,500ft with 400 kilograms of survey equipment attached to the helicopter. That wouldn’t be possible with any other comparable platform to fly out of ground effect, 80 metres above ground level over a mountain at that altitude.

One project that stands out for us is Eastern Greenland where we based our crew and an H125 configured for aerial geophysics on an exploration vessel. We flew about 200 hours of survey flights.

I must add that the Airbus H125 is ideal for what we do because of its reliability and with service scheduling at 150 hours between MPIs. This is perfect for the type of work we do.

When it comes to flying aerial geophysics, we think the Starflex rotor head system makes a big difference for us. Being able to fly as low as we need to and follow the terrain as accurately as we do, probably would not be possible with other types of rotor heads.

extremely reliable and very easy to maintain j

H2FLY FIRST PILOTED FLIGHT

THE H2FLY TEAM has completed four flights powered by liquid hydrogen as part of its flight test campaign, including one flight that lasted for over three hours.

The flights were completed with H2FLY’s piloted HY4 demonstrator aircraft, fitted with a hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system and cryogenically stored liquid hydrogen that powered the aircraft.

Results of the test flights indicate that using liquid hydrogen in place of gaseous hydrogen will double the maximum range of the HY4 aircraft from 750 km to 1,500 km, marking a critical step towards the delivery of emissionsfree, medium- and long-haul commercial flights.

The successful campaign marks a significant milestone for H2FLY, reflecting the extensive insights from the company’s research efforts. Compared with pressurized gaseous hydrogen storage (GH2), the use of liquified, cryogenic hydrogen (LH2) enables significantly lower tank weights and

volume, therefore leading to increased aircraft range and useful payload.

With the completion of the flight testing in project HEAVEN, H2FLY will focus on the path to commercialization. In June, H2FLY announced the development of its new H2F-175 fuel cell systems which will be capable of providing their full power range in flight altitudes of up to 27,000 ft, marking an important step on the path from lower altitude viability flight demonstrations to real-world commercial aircraft applications.

The Pipistrel H2Fly in flight.

H2FLY, the Stuttgart, Germany-based developer of hydrogen-electric powertrain systems for aircraft, has successfully completed the world’s first piloted flight of an electric aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen.