JOHANNESBURG — Airlink has withdrawn its application to conduct a flyover at this weekend’s Springboks vs All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium, citing unfavourable weather conditions, as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) continues reviewing last Saturday’s controversial formation flight over DHL Stadium.
The decision follows days of debate among aviation professionals and enthusiasts after two Airlink Embraer E190s performed a low-level flyover before the Cape Town Test. The operation prompted the SACAA to begin examining flight data and all information relating to the planning, preparation and execution of the display.
SACAA confirms review is underway
SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola said the review comes directly after the Airlink flyover at the international rugby fixture between the Springboks and All Blacks in Cape Town.
“The decision comes days after an Airlink aircraft performed a flyover ahead of the international rugby fixture between the Springboks and All Blacks at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August.”
Majola added that Airlink had submitted three applications for rugby-related flyovers, with the Cape Town operation being the second of the three.
Airlink: “Safety was the first consideration”
In a statement issued on 2 September, Airlink said it welcomed the SACAA’s review and had voluntarily handed over the aircrafts’ Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) recordings to assist investigators.
The airline also addressed the widespread public reaction to the flyover.
“We’re sorry to disappoint fans and supporters, but safety comes first.”
Airlink explained that the cancelled FNB Stadium flyover was not linked to the ongoing review, but rather to weather forecasts that indicated unsuitable conditions for a safe formation flight.
The airline reiterated that the Cape Town operation involved extensive planning, rehearsals and authorisation from both the SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), with each aircraft crewed by three senior captains holding Airline Transport Pilot Licences.
Flight data under examination
Airlink said the DFDR provides a far more accurate picture of the flight than public tracking applications, recording over a thousand aircraft parameters including altitude, speed, control inputs and acceleration measured in milliseconds.
The airline added that, because of the volume and complexity of the data, immediate findings from the SACAA should not be expected.
The SACAA has not indicated when its compliance review will be concluded.
Read the first story
For a detailed breakdown of the Cape Town flyover, including FlightRadar24 analysis and the aircraft’s height above the DHL Stadium roof, read Aviation24news’ first report on the incident here.
