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Viewing cable 10PRETORIA209, BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
10PRETORIA209 2010-02-01 14:19 2011-08-24 01:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Pretoria
VZCZCXYZ0021
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSA #0209 0321419
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 011419Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1060
INFO RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS PRETORIA 000209 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PM/DTCC FOR MEREDITH SUNDLOF 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ETTC KOMC SF
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3:  POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK 
ON LICENSE 050174483 
 
REF: A. STATE 128866 
     B. SUNDLOF-SEIDENSTRICKER E-MAIL 
 
1. Per reftel request, Pretoria conducted a post-shipment 
check on license 050174483 for the export of one 
International Traffic in Arms(ITAR)-controlled Bell UH-1H 
helicopter to South Africa.  Post confirms that the 
non-military end-user, Leading Edge Aviation, is in 
possession of the aircraft and that it is being used for the 
purpose stated on the license application.  Leading Edge 
Aviation has purchased ITAR-controlled helicopters for 
fire-fighting previously and presented scanned documentation 
indicating that the helicopter in question is not militarily 
configured (Ref B). 
 
2.  As indicated in scanned documentation submitted via 
e-mail to PM/DTCC, the South African Civil Aviation 
registered the helicopter and restricted its use in an 
air-worthiness certificate issued to Leading Edge Aviation. 
The documentation volunteered by Leading Edge mentions a 
lease to Bird Dog Aviation, yet Leading Edge owner Mark 
Jackson confirmed he is the pilot/engineer who operates and 
maintains the helicopter, which is being for used for 
fire-fighting and is currently operating from Donkerhook 
Farm, near Stellenbosch Western Cape.  As indicated ref B, we 
would appreciate guidance on follow-up questions regarding 
the lease issue.  Leading Edge has been very forthcoming and 
has invited the Embassy to inspect the aircraft at our 
convenience. 
GIPS