BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK

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