South African Pilot Training Group Starlite Aviation Announces Relocation and Consolidation

Starlite Aviation Training Academy has made the strategic decision to relocate its Mossel Bay base and consolidate operations with the existing base located at Durban. This move comes as part of Starlite’s commitment to achieving optimal growth and streamlining its operations to better serve its clients. For more than two decades, Starlite has established itself as a prominent player in the aviation industry, operating hundreds of short and long-term bases across Africa. Mossel Bay, which has served as a training hub for the company since 2011, now requires relocation to align with Starlite’s evolving business objectives.

Starlite’s legacy base in Durban, founded at Virginia Airport, provides the advantageous position, ideal weather conditions, and robust infrastructure required for optimal flight training. The merging of these bases is a testament to Starlite’s forward-thinking approach and its dedication to expanding its capabilities. “The decision to consolidate our coastal bases will enhance our operational efficiency and allow us to continue to deliver superior aviation services to our clients,” said Klara Fouché, Director of Training.

The relocation process will involve the seamless transition of personnel, equipment, and resources from Mossel Bay to Durban and will be executed with meticulous planning to minimize any disruption to ongoing operations. As Starlite continues to evolve and adapt to the changing demands of the industry, we will continue to champion pilot talent, while simultaneously exploring opportunities for expansion on an international scale.

The Mossel Bay base has provided over a decade of fond memories, with hundreds of pilots licenced and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

About Starlite

Starlite is a leading aviation group, offering a wide range of rotor wing, fixed wing and drone services, including training, charter, operations, maintenance, aircraft sales and specialised aircraft support throughout Africa. With a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Starlite has established itself as a trusted partner for various industries, including oil and gas, mining, tourism, and humanitarian organisations.

Source: Starlite Press Release
Photo Credit: Starlite (shown as meta image)

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Earns Type Acceptance Certification for Electric Aircraft from African Regulator

Pipistrel has earned Type Acceptance certification from South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for the following products:

  • Pipistrel Explorer
  • Pipistrel Velis Electro
  • Pipistrel E-811 electric engine

This achievement sets a precedent for the validation of electric aircraft in the region, paving the way for future advancements and opportunities, opening up sustainable training opportunities in South Africa. Additionally, this achievement marks the first Velis Electro validation in the entire continent.

Source: Pipistrel Aircraft Announcement
Photo Credit: Pipistrel Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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South African Flight School Makes Statement Regarding US Government Action

Test Flying Academy South Africa notes that the United States Department of Commerce has added TFASA to a list of entities subject to export administration regulations. – 13 June 2023

As a South African company, registered with the South African National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), and not reliant on US exports, this change does not affect TFASA’s day to day operations.

Nevertheless, TFASA is disappointed that the United States Department of Commerce has taken this step without consultation.

TFASA has operated with the full knowledge of NATO defence and security agencies for over a decade. Recent communications between the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Air Force Office of Special Investigation and the Society of Experimental Test Pilots indicate that TFASA has broken no laws. In addition, following our UK lawyers correspondence with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) the MoD confirmed that ‘they do not believe that TFASA is engaged in activities which breach current UK law.’

TFASA will be contacting the United States Department of Commerce to clarify its position.

TFASA has strict protocols and a Code of Conduct in place that are designed to prevent any TFASA employee sharing any information or training that is, or might be considered to be, legally or operationally sensitive, or security classified.

All of TFASA’s training materials are either open source documents, or provided directly by TFASA’s clients.

TFASA is, and always has been, in full compliance with the laws of South Africa, and every other jurisdiction in which it operates.

TFASA highlights that the training it provides is also available from other civilian contractors including organisations based in the United States of America, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and European jurisdictions.

Source: TFASA

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