Howdy Goldfish Jack, heard today that for the Test Pilot Program, they are hiring in some helicopters. Apparently a Jetranger, a MBB 105, as well as an EC120. So you don't need to worry about the Fire Services going active.
What is also rumoured is that there will be some serious helicopter pilots arriving here from all over the world to participate in this program, and I hear that even some helicopter aerobatics are going to be demonstrated. I really want to be around when that happens
Apparently the Starlite Helicopter School is still to open early next month, and from what I've been told, its going to be quite busy.
Base4 helicopters is still anxiously awaiting news whether they will get the offshore contract in Gabon. Engineers are still running around, and it is a known fact that Base4's AMO was audited by the Gabonese CAA this past week. The boys, however, are numb on what the outcome was. Foreign CAA's normally conduct very stringent audits, and it will be interesting to establish how it all went. Base4 are very secretive about this whole deal, but the airport is abuzz with information about the deal that obviously comes from them. Everyone in the helicopter business in Cape Town seems to know whats going on.
Civair has moved hangar to the Waterfront where they will be setting up a temporary AMO in their Waterfront facilities, in spite of the Waterfront Company prohibiting maintenance at the Waterfront. Apparently a special dispensation has been given to Civair to operate an AMO, based upon CAA approval.
