Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

ExecuJet MRO Services’ facility in Johannesburg is busy installing automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) equipment in business aircraft to meet a pending mandate issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The company said its avionics team is now conducting installations on various Bombardier, Learjet, Embraer, Hawker, and Beechcraft models.
Under the mandate, all aircraft operating in South African airspace have to be fitted with ADS-B/Mode S 1090-MHz extended squitter transponders. The <a href="https://caasanwebsitestorage.blob.core.windows.net/aeronautical-information-circular/010-2024.pdf">requirements</a> were issued by the regulator late last year and took effect in Class A airspace from June 12.
In addition to South Africa, 17 African states that are members of the ASECNA air traffic management agency have an ADS-B mandate that was introduced in June 2023. ASECNA includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
According to Vince Goncalves, ExecuJet MRO Services’ regional v-p for Africa, the South African regulator might consider issuing extensions of between three and six months to aircraft operators that have submitted a valid application and can show purchase orders for parts and a confirmed upgrade reservation. “It is, however, advisable that operators schedule their ADS-B upgrades well in advance to secure a maintenance slot, and to mitigate any lead times that might apply to the ADS-B equipment,” he told AIN. The team has been able to fulfill all recent orders with reasonable downtimes for aircraft,&nbsp;Goncalves noted.
Depending on the aircraft configuration, installations at its facility at Lanseria Airport (FALA) can involve installing or upgrading a DO-260B-compliant transponder and enhancing the aircraft’s GPS system for wide area augmentation capability. Depending on the aircraft make, model, and avionics configuration, the upgrade can cost between $150,000 and $370,000.
“Our team is very experienced doing such installations,” Goncalves said. “As an authorized dealer for major global avionic equipment manufacturers, we are capable of supporting business jet owners and operators with complex avionic upgrades that meet the latest international standards.”
ExecuJet MRO Services, which is wholly owned by Dassault Aviation, provides airframe, engine, and avionics maintenance. It is certified to work on a wide range of business aircraft, including those made by Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, and Gulfstream. ADS-B installations conducted so far have included a pair of Learjet 45s and a Hawker 800XP.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

ExecuJet MRO Services Installs ADS-B on South African Business Jets

Installations are to meet a mandate for all aircraft using South Africa’s Class A airspace

ExecuJet MRO Services’ facility in Johannesburg is installing ADS-B equipment in business aircraft operating in South African airspace.

ExecuJet MRO Services Fits ADS-B for South African Jets

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Agreement expands global support and service for aerospace test equipment

Bauer Signs Test Systems Partnership with Ascential Technologies

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Corporate aviation maintenance experts sound off on software issues

AINsight: Too Much AI Talk, but Maybe It Can Help MROs

Kerry Lynch

Completion is ahead of year-end deadline

Gulfstream Implements Voluntary SMS Programs for U.S. MROs

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

The Swiss-based MRO group’s customer base spans the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe

AMAC Invests in Self-sufficiency To Support the World’s VIP Jets

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Certification covers multiple Dassault, Gulfstream, and Embraer jets

Vietnam Approves ExecuJet Haite for Bizjet Maintenance

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Bauer Signs Test Systems Partnership with Ascential Technologies

Agreement expands global support and service for aerospace test equipment

AINsight: Too Much AI Talk, but Maybe It Can Help MROs

Corporate aviation maintenance experts sound off on software issues

Gulfstream Implements Voluntary SMS Programs for U.S. MROs

Completion is ahead of year-end deadline

AMAC Invests in Self-sufficiency To Support the World’s VIP Jets

The Swiss-based MRO group’s customer base spans the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe

Vietnam Approves ExecuJet Haite for Bizjet Maintenance

Certification covers multiple Dassault, Gulfstream, and Embraer jets

Jet Aviation Wins Pilatus PC-24 Contract for French Navy

MRO is purchasing, leasing, and providing ongoing support for three PC-24s

Duncan Aviation Grows Mobile NDT Inspection Services

Mobile teams offer nationwide onsite inspection services

ODAs Offer STC Help during Government Shutdown

Kilroy Aviation expertise can keep modification projects moving

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN