Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Post-Shipment End-Use Check

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

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