By Garth Calitz The little taildragger that helped create an aviation dynasty and taught generations of pilots that landing isn't necessarily the end of the flight. There was a time when buying a four-seat aircraft didn't require selling a kidney, negotiating with three grumpy bank managers and explaining to your spouse why the family holiday had suddenly been postponed indefinitely. In 1948, Cessna introduced an aircraft that was relatively simple, practical, affordable and

By Garth Calitz South Africa's biggest domestic airline is getting new owners, and while the Competition Tribunal has given the deal its blessing, the arrangement has raised a few questions. Nothing particularly unusual, of course. Just an airline, an airport, an investment company, a pension fund and a handful of competitors who would quite like to know whether everybody will be playing by the same rules. South African aviation has another major corporate development to dige

By Garth Calitz There are aircraft that refuse to retire gracefully, and then there is the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. First flown in 1952, the venerable bomber has outlived generations of aircraft, witnessed the rise and fall of military technologies and continues to find new ways of making itself relevant. Now, it looks set to acquire another rather unpleasant party trick: launching missiles travelling at more than five times the speed of sound. Lockheed Martin has been awa

By Garth Calitz The Extended 2,600-hour TBO could bring welcome relief to aircraft owners, flying schools and operators, but South African regulatory red tape may yet have something to say about it. There are few phrases more likely to induce an involuntary financial twitch for aircraft owners than "engine overhaul due". It usually comes with a calculator, a rather uncomfortable conversation with the bank manager, and the sudden realisation that flying may not be such an inex

By Garth Calitz After more than half a century of service at Joint Base Andrews, the venerable UH-1N Huey is finally beginning to make way for the HH-60W Jolly Green II. But the arrival of its successor is as much a tribute to the Huey's extraordinary longevity as it is a celebration of modern helicopter technology. There are aircraft that become famous, aircraft that become legends, and then there is the Bell UH-1 Huey. Few helicopters have left such a lasting impression on

By Garth Calitz A welcome reduction in maintenance costs for Robinson operators, with the potential to keep more helicopters flying and fewer sitting in hangars waiting for expensive component replacements. One hopes the SACAA will follow the FAA's lead on this. Robinson Helicopter Company has secured an important regulatory approval that could make owning and operating its popular R44 helicopter considerably more affordable. The FAA has approved extended service lives for al

By Garth Calitz Uncrewed aircraft, cyber threats, satellite navigation, airport charges and data protection are suddenly demanding attention from international aviation regulators. At its 40th Legal Committee session, ICAO has identified a long list of challenges facing modern aviation. The question is whether another round of committees, recommendations and non-binding guidance will actually make a difference. There is something rather reassuring about the International Civi

By Garth Calitz Greece has ordered three aircraft, with options for another three, as the Brazilian manufacturer continues to make inroads into a market traditionally dominated by established military transport manufacturers. Embraer's KC-390 Millennium is continuing its impressive advance into the European military aviation market, with Greece becoming the latest NATO member to select the Brazilian-built military transport aircraft. The Hellenic Ministry of National Defence

By Garth Calitz The Spitfire captured the imagination, but the rugged Hawker Hurricane accounted for the largest share of RAF fighter victories during Britain's darkest hour. It is time the less glamorous workhorse received its due. Few aircraft have achieved the legendary status of the Supermarine Spitfire. Its elliptical wings, elegant lines and association with the RAF's defiance in 1940 have secured its place among the most recognisable aircraft in aviation history. Yet,

By Garth Calitz South Africa has officially entered a new era of aviation accident investigation. The Civil Aviation Amendment Act 22 of 2021 is now in force, the Aviation Safety Investigation Board (ASIB) has been established in law, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has helpfully clarified that aircraft accident investigations are no longer its problem to explain. There is just one small detail. Who, precisely, is investigating aviation accidents in Sou