The Huey in Capetown (including Huey down)
Gatvol
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Carnivoruslegallus
Im trying to decipher that Latin Translation. Something to the effect that you "Eat Lawyers"??.
You certainly hit the nail on the head with SACAA. Just shows that enough money can buy anything in SA.
Anyway in your Anonymity dont forget that "Legal Teams" are only there as long as the pot has money in it....... I cannot forsee any "Pro Bono" in this matter. Lots of Sharks in the Cape waters, some of them are..................
Im trying to decipher that Latin Translation. Something to the effect that you "Eat Lawyers"??.
You certainly hit the nail on the head with SACAA. Just shows that enough money can buy anything in SA.
Anyway in your Anonymity dont forget that "Legal Teams" are only there as long as the pot has money in it....... I cannot forsee any "Pro Bono" in this matter. Lots of Sharks in the Cape waters, some of them are..................
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I find it really hard to fathom out the SACAA.
The National Newspapers reported yesterday that Gary van der Merwe ONCE AGAIN won a court case against the SACAA. This time concerning a matter of wrongfull arrest when some half wit CAA inspector filed a charge against Van der Merwe because Van der Merwe refused to see him or allow him access to his office.
The Court ruled that the arrest was unlawful, and threw the case out of court. Van der Merwe's lawyer indicated that they will now be sueing the SACAA for millions of rands in damages.
What next?
Previous postings on this thread explained in detail how useless the SACAA have become, but Minister Radebe have done absolutely nothing about it. A New Board of Directors were supposed to be appointed October last year. Nothing to date. A Commissioner and CEO were supposed to be appointed as well, but also no action there. The ones there are all still in acting positions. The result? No decisions, no management, no enforcement, just
around and wasting money. Flying around the country to do inspections and audits, which very seldom get done at all, or properly.
It also appears that some of the staff that had left the SACAA some time ago have been re-employed on a contract basis. The reason? Alledgedly because they know where the front of an airplane is and what fuel it's supposed to be using. (Remember, some inspectors DON'T know that some propellor driven aircraft does'nt have to use AVGAS.)
A couple of white faces are leaving shortly due to age and non renewable contracts. The politics, backstabbing and mismanagement have turned the SACAA into a true circus. What a bunch of idiots.
The Head of Helicopter Operations is a 250 hour R22 & R44 flyer, and only knows how to drink Tequila shots and talk big. What a joke. The SACAA is truly destroyed.
My prediction? 5th World +&%@* up organisation in less than 2 years. No plan, no qualified people. Just a bunch of faces pulling wages and doing what they're doing now. Sweet nuthin!
So Bert, what does your mates in the industry say? You know a coupla heavies don't you?
The National Newspapers reported yesterday that Gary van der Merwe ONCE AGAIN won a court case against the SACAA. This time concerning a matter of wrongfull arrest when some half wit CAA inspector filed a charge against Van der Merwe because Van der Merwe refused to see him or allow him access to his office.
The Court ruled that the arrest was unlawful, and threw the case out of court. Van der Merwe's lawyer indicated that they will now be sueing the SACAA for millions of rands in damages.
What next?
Previous postings on this thread explained in detail how useless the SACAA have become, but Minister Radebe have done absolutely nothing about it. A New Board of Directors were supposed to be appointed October last year. Nothing to date. A Commissioner and CEO were supposed to be appointed as well, but also no action there. The ones there are all still in acting positions. The result? No decisions, no management, no enforcement, just
around and wasting money. Flying around the country to do inspections and audits, which very seldom get done at all, or properly.It also appears that some of the staff that had left the SACAA some time ago have been re-employed on a contract basis. The reason? Alledgedly because they know where the front of an airplane is and what fuel it's supposed to be using. (Remember, some inspectors DON'T know that some propellor driven aircraft does'nt have to use AVGAS.)
A couple of white faces are leaving shortly due to age and non renewable contracts. The politics, backstabbing and mismanagement have turned the SACAA into a true circus. What a bunch of idiots.
The Head of Helicopter Operations is a 250 hour R22 & R44 flyer, and only knows how to drink Tequila shots and talk big. What a joke. The SACAA is truly destroyed.
My prediction? 5th World +&%@* up organisation in less than 2 years. No plan, no qualified people. Just a bunch of faces pulling wages and doing what they're doing now. Sweet nuthin!
So Bert, what does your mates in the industry say? You know a coupla heavies don't you?
Gatvol
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CV
Just a guess mind you but as I said before I think your spot on and can only assume that they may agree.
As to all the money its costing, the government is the taxpayer and the taxpayer is you. So the situation is not really funny its appalling.
Alll the reasons have been posted on this thread before...
Just a guess mind you but as I said before I think your spot on and can only assume that they may agree.
As to all the money its costing, the government is the taxpayer and the taxpayer is you. So the situation is not really funny its appalling.
Alll the reasons have been posted on this thread before...
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More funnies
I heard that a "CAA Inspector" saw a trainer startup at a main airport with it's door open [ useful thing to do on a hot day ]
& ran out to the aircraft [ prop turning et al ] to stop this.
Seems that he insisted that the door must be closed.
What do you think ?
& ran out to the aircraft [ prop turning et al ] to stop this.
Seems that he insisted that the door must be closed.
What do you think ?
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huey
Just heard that the folks at Helibase had a good solo party last night for the first pure Huey student trained by the Big G. When he gets his Student Pliots check out from Frank to day we will then have a Commander of the Huey flying pax with a Student Pilots Licence. Lets hope he can maintain the excellent safety record. Go baby!
Say again, unreadable!!! A student pilot driving the Huey with paying pax - did I miss something? When I did my PPL I had to have the grubby licence in my hand before I could expose even my poor mum to my amazing piloting skills, let alone paying sheep.......
But before you all jump down my neck I've been watching this topic from the start so am full up to speed with the ups and downs of the Huey
But before you all jump down my neck I've been watching this topic from the start so am full up to speed with the ups and downs of the Huey
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Ja its true!
I used to hang out down there and flew on the Huey numerous times. Great ship, the Huey. Over the months though, things have happened down there at the Waterfront Helipad, and a lot of us Huey fans have watched it all from a distance, to scared to go close in case Gary or his security guys beat us up for saying anything about the Huey, good or bad.
In spite of all the problems with the Huey, all the Court cases and the bad publicity in the Newspapers, the Huey saga have continued uninterupted. This mainly due to the CAA not being able to touch the Gary. They have lost every single court case against him, and think there must have been about 6 of them.
At the end of the day we have all heard the stories, and the Cape Town Aviation fraternity have absorbed the latest gossip with awe!
Latest is that Gary is instructing on the Huey and have trained numerous pilots. That includes his right hand man and a very nice colored man who does have a PPL (H). (Part of his empowerment drive)
So it generally understood that in South Africa you can instruct with a PPL and no instructors rating, you can fly with no license, you can send students who don't have any student licenses solo, and for all of that, you will get a pat on the shoulder from the SACAA which will include a "well done".
People say Gary is controversial. Others fear him and his legal team, and that must include the SACAA, because the SACAA have allowed things to happen which makes a total mockery of the regulations in SA, and to date, NO ONE at the SACAA, which includes their lawyers, could say why they are allowing the Huey people to get away with what they get up to, and why they continue to allow it?
Some people say he's a modern day Jessie James, or a Walter Mittey character, but the bottom line is that the Huey and its people keep on going, and they keep on getting away with things that are way beyond what is prescribed in those 3 big blue books.
The SACAA is the regulatory authority, but in their books its OK for a non Huey rated DE, yes DE, to conduct type rating training to type. Yebo, no rating but he signed off a number of students and the SACAA condoned it. So its even possible these days to give a person a conversion even though you're not rated on the type. To qualify? Just prove to the SACAA that you can fly, have lots of experience and are a nice person.
In spite of all the gossip, rumours and story variants surrounding Gary and his Huey, the good old Huey keeps on chugging along thru the Cape Town skies with the foreign tourist on board. Whats really nice about it all is the fact that these poor tourists have'nt got the foggiest idea who the Commander is, whether he's qualified, whether he's rated, or whether he has a license. Bottom line is that the Huey is a major attraction and people love the beast. Viva the Huey!
Now why do we have a CAA in South Africa? To regulate and control what? Maybe some one can answer that one. Will be interesting to see!
I used to hang out down there and flew on the Huey numerous times. Great ship, the Huey. Over the months though, things have happened down there at the Waterfront Helipad, and a lot of us Huey fans have watched it all from a distance, to scared to go close in case Gary or his security guys beat us up for saying anything about the Huey, good or bad.
In spite of all the problems with the Huey, all the Court cases and the bad publicity in the Newspapers, the Huey saga have continued uninterupted. This mainly due to the CAA not being able to touch the Gary. They have lost every single court case against him, and think there must have been about 6 of them.
At the end of the day we have all heard the stories, and the Cape Town Aviation fraternity have absorbed the latest gossip with awe!
Latest is that Gary is instructing on the Huey and have trained numerous pilots. That includes his right hand man and a very nice colored man who does have a PPL (H). (Part of his empowerment drive)
So it generally understood that in South Africa you can instruct with a PPL and no instructors rating, you can fly with no license, you can send students who don't have any student licenses solo, and for all of that, you will get a pat on the shoulder from the SACAA which will include a "well done".
People say Gary is controversial. Others fear him and his legal team, and that must include the SACAA, because the SACAA have allowed things to happen which makes a total mockery of the regulations in SA, and to date, NO ONE at the SACAA, which includes their lawyers, could say why they are allowing the Huey people to get away with what they get up to, and why they continue to allow it?
Some people say he's a modern day Jessie James, or a Walter Mittey character, but the bottom line is that the Huey and its people keep on going, and they keep on getting away with things that are way beyond what is prescribed in those 3 big blue books.
The SACAA is the regulatory authority, but in their books its OK for a non Huey rated DE, yes DE, to conduct type rating training to type. Yebo, no rating but he signed off a number of students and the SACAA condoned it. So its even possible these days to give a person a conversion even though you're not rated on the type. To qualify? Just prove to the SACAA that you can fly, have lots of experience and are a nice person.
In spite of all the gossip, rumours and story variants surrounding Gary and his Huey, the good old Huey keeps on chugging along thru the Cape Town skies with the foreign tourist on board. Whats really nice about it all is the fact that these poor tourists have'nt got the foggiest idea who the Commander is, whether he's qualified, whether he's rated, or whether he has a license. Bottom line is that the Huey is a major attraction and people love the beast. Viva the Huey!
Now why do we have a CAA in South Africa? To regulate and control what? Maybe some one can answer that one. Will be interesting to see!
GunsssR4ever
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Bladestrap it is days like this that I am so glad I never had anything major to to do in the civillian side of flying in SA.
This is damn frightening what you are saying here and I have NO doubt you know what you are talking about.
I remeber Mrs vd Merwe signed my ppl in 1976. I also remember in the 60 hrs as a ppl pilot that I decided never ever again ... I stuck to it and have a nearly 30 year old (lapsed) ppl to show that. Thanks to the SAAF training and background you CAN say NO and YES and rules and regulations are there to be enforced (well not always)
but at least not as blatantly than what is going on here.
So people are scared of Gary ... thought so ..
It shows clearly now
This is damn frightening what you are saying here and I have NO doubt you know what you are talking about.
I remeber Mrs vd Merwe signed my ppl in 1976. I also remember in the 60 hrs as a ppl pilot that I decided never ever again ... I stuck to it and have a nearly 30 year old (lapsed) ppl to show that. Thanks to the SAAF training and background you CAN say NO and YES and rules and regulations are there to be enforced (well not always)
but at least not as blatantly than what is going on here.So people are scared of Gary ... thought so ..
It shows clearly now
Gatvol
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Can we consider the Huey story a good example of where SA is going? Fill in the blanks and take this particular story to the Banking Industry, Insurance, Construction, Medical. CEOs of Coprorations that fold, yet they walk away with Millions of Rand after walking out of courtrooms unscathed. Government funded Projects with no accountability, yet the taxpayer continues to pay into the black hole (no pun intended).
All similiar in some fashion. An operator who needs not operate by rules, but by court edict. As long as the legal team is in place and an incompetant Government agency is operating, this will continue. The tail will continue to wag the dog.
Beyond all of this, the world can now see what a tough Aircraft that was built in the U.S.of A
All similiar in some fashion. An operator who needs not operate by rules, but by court edict. As long as the legal team is in place and an incompetant Government agency is operating, this will continue. The tail will continue to wag the dog.
Beyond all of this, the world can now see what a tough Aircraft that was built in the U.S.of A
GunsssR4ever
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Bert I agree with some of your sentiments but I also think you are mixed up with the Michael Jackson court case
and this canbe generalised in America .. US of A .. UK ... even Japan (once world's richest man is going to sit as well) ...
PS : VIVaaaaaaaaaaaa the Huey (South Africa Rebuilt)
As long as the legal team is in place and an incompetant Government agency is operating, this will continue. The tail will continue to wag the dog.
take this particular story to the Banking Industry, Insurance, Construction, Medical. CEOs of Coprorations that fold, yet they walk away with Millions of Rand after walking out of courtrooms unscathed. Government funded Projects with no accountability, yet the taxpayer continues to pay
Gatvol
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Guns I always have prefaced things with "if its up we did it first." Michael is a great example( Just remember they are only picking on him because hes white)
Certainly the generalities apply to the U.S.. Its just sad to see a beautiful country such as SA following our poor example.
up we did it first." Michael is a great example( Just remember they are only picking on him because hes white)Certainly the generalities apply to the U.S.. Its just sad to see a beautiful country such as SA following our poor example.
GunsssR4ever
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Thought I would get you more wound up than this
Back to the Huey ... always been a big supporter (and admirer) of the machine but the way things are going it is close to being ridicioulous ... spell check ...
Back to the Huey ... always been a big supporter (and admirer) of the machine but the way things are going it is close to being ridicioulous ... spell check ...
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Huey has another incident!
I hear from a reliable source that the said Huey had another incident yesterday sometime. Training? Anybody have any dope in this never ending saga?
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The spies at the Waterfront hinted that the Huey had a hard landing and that some damage was done to the tail area. Apparently they are either replacing the tail boom or strengthening it with stainless steel.
Since the Dave Mouton forced landing when the engine actually exploded and causing a total meltdown, the boys have fitted a Dash 11 engine. Some CT engineers believe that due to the fact that they dont have proper facilities or tools to correctly set up the FCU and engine, the engine is not functioning normally due to the fact that it often "backfires" and spews out a puff of smoke. The hard landing may well have been due to loss of power close to the ground. Anything is possible, especially when you don't have a qualified engineer performing the maintenance, and worse of all without the proper tools or equipment.
I fail to understand why the SACAA allows this machine to fly? Its only a matter of time now before its gonna kill someone!
Since the Dave Mouton forced landing when the engine actually exploded and causing a total meltdown, the boys have fitted a Dash 11 engine. Some CT engineers believe that due to the fact that they dont have proper facilities or tools to correctly set up the FCU and engine, the engine is not functioning normally due to the fact that it often "backfires" and spews out a puff of smoke. The hard landing may well have been due to loss of power close to the ground. Anything is possible, especially when you don't have a qualified engineer performing the maintenance, and worse of all without the proper tools or equipment.
I fail to understand why the SACAA allows this machine to fly? Its only a matter of time now before its gonna kill someone!
Gatvol
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Bladestrap
The FCU was a bone of contention over a year ago, its mentioned back a few pages in this never ending thread.
Its an item that was giving problems then. One of the reasons most starts went to Emergency Governor had to do with this item. We call that a big red X (grounding authority) Its also something that when repair is required it has to be sent back to an authorized repair station, mainly for the Calibration. Shade Tree Mechanics were only allowed to box it up to be shipped out....They know that in CT
Putting in a -11 engine means its the UH-1D category vs. -13 for the UH-1H. That requires a new Airworthiness Certificate (at Least under FAA rules), but since they dont have one anyway, who cares.
As to the tailboom, just remember there are only four bolts that hold that puppy on there. Part of the preflight requires a hands on check to see that there is no seperation between the body of the aircraft and the tailboom. If it hit as hard as you mentioned the tail stinger may be bent, if thats so the area where it attaches should have damage. We used to paint tail stingers and "he who comes home with paint missing (and it is acceptable) buys the beer." I know of one actual autorotation where the idiot rotated so far that he got the tail rotor instead of the stinger. That was just the beginning of his problems.
Also HUEYS DO NOT backfire. Thats usually something attributable to a failing engine.
Last but not least SACAA seems out of the picture after getting their ass whipped in the courts.
Again we see that that Huey is one aircraft thats hard to hurt......
The FCU was a bone of contention over a year ago, its mentioned back a few pages in this never ending thread.
Its an item that was giving problems then. One of the reasons most starts went to Emergency Governor had to do with this item. We call that a big red X (grounding authority) Its also something that when repair is required it has to be sent back to an authorized repair station, mainly for the Calibration. Shade Tree Mechanics were only allowed to box it up to be shipped out....They know that in CT
Putting in a -11 engine means its the UH-1D category vs. -13 for the UH-1H. That requires a new Airworthiness Certificate (at Least under FAA rules), but since they dont have one anyway, who cares.
As to the tailboom, just remember there are only four bolts that hold that puppy on there. Part of the preflight requires a hands on check to see that there is no seperation between the body of the aircraft and the tailboom. If it hit as hard as you mentioned the tail stinger may be bent, if thats so the area where it attaches should have damage. We used to paint tail stingers and "he who comes home with paint missing (and it is acceptable) buys the beer." I know of one actual autorotation where the idiot rotated so far that he got the tail rotor instead of the stinger. That was just the beginning of his problems.
Also HUEYS DO NOT backfire. Thats usually something attributable to a failing engine.
Last but not least SACAA seems out of the picture after getting their ass whipped in the courts.
Again we see that that Huey is one aircraft thats hard to hurt......
..this is getting seriously embarresing ... 
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Huey
It would appear that the newly trained student lost it in the hover, panicked and shut the throttle . The skids are a bit modified and the tail boom has got a boundry layer control modification but in the greater scheme of things not really something to panic about. Darn, there goes the safety record so well built up over the years. Also, the blades got a bit of a fright but nothing that the maintenance man is not used to. Go Huey