SAAF In Crisis

Talking to a couple of pilots from 35 squadron over Christmas lunch I learnt the following worrying news which might to of interest to your South Africans out there:-

1. With the recent crash of a Cheetah C and the death of its pilot the SAAF has been reduced to only six fast jet pilots, only one of which is instructor calibre. By the way, the pilot that was killed was a demonstration pilot killed after he suffered G lock from a sustained 5 to 7 G turn. With only one instructor, the chances of the SAAF being able to convert additional pilots to the Cheetah are almost nil. The thirty or so Cheetah airframes are being severly under utilised. One wonders who will fly the 29 Gripens when they enter service as there are likely to be even fewer pilots available by then. Apparently the Impala community is also short staffed with only two instructor pilots.

2. 35 squadron has about 24 pilots, however, they predict that in about a year it will be down to 4 pilots as so many are leaving the service. Most are off to Australia, Singapore and the US and wil be giving you your pre-flight talk on your Quantas, Singapore Airlines or Continetal flight.

3. The SAAF budget will be reduced by a further 7 per cent next year so flight hours which are current;y at the 100 hour per year mark will be further reduced. The pilots are worried about keeping currency, but the Cheetah pilots are not really effected as more hours are budgeted than they have pilots to fly.

4. One of pilots who flew the Cheetah simulator said that the Cheetah is a pig to fly, and especially to land. He crashed on landing. Look for more attrition as inexperienced pilots get put ion Cheetah cockpits.

5. Apparently only 3 of the SAAFs 10 C-130Bs and C-130Fs will be overhauled by Marshall and Cambridge. The two C-130Fs have definately been mothballed.

It seems that while the SAAF will be fully stocked with new helos and Gripens, it will have no-one to operate thgis equipment!