Page 35 - World Airnews Magazine December 2020

NEWS AIR CARGO

COMMERCIALISED
A RARE EXCHANGE
UNMANNED SYSTEM

By Heidi Gibson
A leading African aviation sales and acquisition company had
the rare experience of being part of the sale of the oldest Cessna
on the South African register. Nigel Forrester from Money t’s not every day you get involved in the
Aviation spoke to World Airnews about the transaction Isale of the oldest Cessna on the South
African register - let alone get the chance
to fly this iconic 1946 single engine classic outh Korea's Hyundai auto group

aircraft. Swill receive applicati ons from

But this is exactly what happened at domestic firms to commercialise an un-

Money Aviation to CEO Nigel Forrester. manned air cargo system in 2026. A vertical

“It’s certainly unique in my sales career take-off and landing method will be adopt-

and the aircraft has an interesting history. ed to carry medium-sized cargo to innovate

It was imported into SA on 16 Jan 2004 urban logistics services.
and was owned by a Durban enthusiast, An unmanned aerial system (UAS) can
Dave Pike, but , with a heavy heart he put deliver cargo more quickly and securely
it up for sale since it was not being used than ground transport. Hyundai will receive
that much. An engineer and friend of applications from domestic companies to

mine Hew Hodgson who lives in Margate, participate in the development of airframes

maintained the aircraft and made me and control and aviation electronics. A

aware that it was up for sale” said Nigel. technology concept would be unveiled
This classic1946 Cessna 140, bearing during the first half of 2021.

Oldest Cessna on SA register going to a new home the registration ZS PEJ, is a single-engine, Hyundai aims to pro-actively lead the Ur-

two-seater with conventional landing ban Air Mobility (UAM) market by accumu-
gear (tailwheel). It’s a light general lating know-how for an unmanned air cargo

aviation aircraft and was first produced system. UAM is an ecosystem covering
following the end of World War II . The personal air vehicles (PAVs) and infrastruc- step average speed for cars is predicted to in June to commercialize drone taxis in 2025.

production of this model ended in 1951. ture. PAVs or flying cars are emerging as a degrade further. Chairman Chung Eui-sun has called for a

Still with its original Continental C-85 en- future system of travel to avoid traffic jams Hyundai is a member of UAM Team Korea, drastic structural change to become a key

gine, and the paintwork in pretty good nick, on urban roads as the doorstep-to-door- a public-private consultative body launched player in the production of PAVs. Q

the aircraft made a pretty sight on display.
“It was ready for its MPI (major

periodic inspection). This was done and SAF

she passed with flying colours”, said Nigel

Negotiating the recent change of hands

from Dave Pike to the new buyers went AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY
seamlessly.
The new owners are Koos Liebenberg
and partner Michael Meiring and they IN AFRICA

will be relocating their new acquisition to
Robertson in the Cape. Koos is Instructor
rated and looks forward to passing on the By Wallace Mawire
The proud new owners tail wheel training to his students our part in ensuring that the fuelling bil Oil Nigeria plc) Air bp is providing fueling
of ZS PEJ Michael But before the official hand over took process is fast, efficient and safe. Misfu- services at both the main terminal and the

Meiring and Koos place Nigel and Warren Anderson had a elling is one of the biggest risks we face in general aviation terminal.

Liebenberg seen with chance to take her up. ir bp has rolled out its airfield our industry. Our global solution provides The company is also providing technical

Nigel Forrester (centre) Describing the experience, Warren said Aautomati on digital technology an engineering barrier to help prevent support and risk management expertise

it’s not like flying the modern Cessnas. “You to nine locations in Africa. Designed to misfuelling, which is good news for Africa to the airport and have supported 11PLC

are sitting shoulder to shoulder and using enhance safety, reliability and compliance and good news for our industry.” in the construction and commissioning

instrumentation of that era! The noise fac- in airport fuelling operations, it has been In November last year Air bp signed of a new 20-million litre aviation jet fuel

tor is not unbearable with headsets on but well received by operators in Africa who a technical services agreement with import tank including the laying of new

is a delight to fly! The take-off and landing have reported increased speed and effi- Sonangol, the state-owned oil company in jet fuel pipelines both of which were

were smooth despite a cross wind.” ciency in fuelling. Angola marking its entry into the country. completed in 2019.
“What most people don’t realise is that Airline customers in the southern “Air bp will support Sonangol in Currently Air bp supplies commercial,

this aircraft is very light - it only has a 1 African such as Airlink have reported im- assuring its operations to international general and military aviation customers

450 lb MTOW, and her total fuel capacity proved turnaround times and enhanced standards, providing advice on product at nine locations in Africa, five in South

is 25 US gallons. (94.6litres) In cruise it accuracy in fuelling. quality, operations and engineering,” the Africa, 10 in Egypt, seven in Tunisia, sev-

only uses 17 litres per hour!” Anthony Leon, Air bp general manager, statement said. en in Mozambique, two in Morocco, two
So for now this little beauty will make southern Africa said, “We are delighted to Air bp further extended its reach with its in Cape Verde and one each in Nigeria,

her way down to the small town in the receive such positive feedback from the first location in Nigeria at Murtala Moham- Mauritius and Ivory Coast.

Cape where she will spend her time in installation of airfield automation in Africa. med International Airport, Lagos. Working The company’s operations in Africa are

How the times have changed !!! Original the skies training other general aviation With this new technology, we are playing in collaboration with 11PLC (formerly Mo- supported by around 180 employees. Q

instrumentation of the 1946 era enthusiasts in the art of tail wheeling. Q

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