This week, a significant milestone in aviation history took place in California's skies as Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, collaborating with NASA, successfully conducted the inaugural flight of the X-59. This innovative supersonic research aircraft is engineered to travel faster than sound without the disruptive sonic boom that has historically restricted supersonic travel over land. The X-59, an elegant, needle-nosed experimental jet, departed from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in P

The spirit of adventure and innovation that has long defined American backcountry aviation reached new heights, literally, when a factory-stock CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL climbed to a verified altitude of 37,609 feet above sea level. The flight, conducted on October 28, 2025, shattered expectations and set an unofficial world altitude record for Cub-type aircraft, eclipsing a benchmark that had stood for nearly three-quarters of a century. Piloted by Jon Kotwicki of Fly8MA Fli

By Garth Calitz The North American X-15A-2 represents one of the most striking chapters in the history of hypersonic flight. It was a radical, purpose-designed modification of an already groundbreaking rocket plane, testing the limits of materials, aerodynamics and pilot endurance. Unlike a sleek airshow performer, the X-15A-2 functioned as a rugged flying laboratory. It was stripped down, elongated, and reinforced to address one primary question: how does a piloted vehicle p

For all the Chopper enthusiasts, Robinson Helicopter Company has released its highly anticipated book, Climb Higher: Worldwide Adventures with Robinson Helicopters . The publication marks a milestone moment for the iconic California-based manufacturer, chronicling nearly five decades of engineering excellence, industry disruption, and a steadfast commitment to making helicopter flight accessible to pilots around the world. "Climb Higher" tells the story of Frank D. Robinson,

By Garth Calitz The US government shutdown that kicked off at the beginning of October has turned the nation's aviation system into a comedy of errors, turning usual travel plans into an unexpected episode of “Survivor: Airport Edition.” While commercial flights are still taking off, the US skies are not exactly friendly. With more employees staying at home, processing is moving slower than a sloth on Sunday and staffing levels are making a skeleton crew look overstaffed. Del

By Garth Calitz Boeing has taken a major step in assisting in enhancing Australia’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities with the induction of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon into a comprehensive upgrade program. At the same time, the RAAF has welcomed its 13th Poseidon aircraft into service, further strengthening Australia’s fleet readiness and operational reach across its extensive maritime domain. This milestone signifies a new ph

As seen by Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth Currently deployed on Operation Highmast, the Royal Air Force (RAF) finds itself at a fascinating crossroads of heritage and innovation. During Exercise Falcon Strike, British pilots are flying alongside Italian allies in a mixed fleet environment that includes aircraft deeply familiar to generations of RAF aircrew, the Harrier and Tornado. Once the backbone of British air power, these legacy platforms now operate in synergy with fifth-

By Garth Calitz The Indonesian Air Force has received its first Airbus A400M Atlas, representing a major advancement in the country's ongoing efforts to modernise its airlift fleet and enhance its regional operational capabilities. Delivered by Airbus Defence and Space to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, this aircraft marks a significant milestone for both Indonesia and Airbus, as Indonesia becomes the tenth global operator of the A400M. The delivery ceremony took place at

Two US Navy aircraft from the USS Nimitz crashed in separate incidents within half an hour of each other over the South China Sea, prompting parallel investigations into one of the most unusual operational mishaps to strike a US carrier air wing in recent years. According to statements from the US Pacific Fleet, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet went down roughly 30 minutes apart during routine operations on Sunday afternoon. Both crashes o

By Rob Russell We have all seen, heard, read, and some of us have flown in aircraft with two decks. The most famous being the B747 – undeniably the Queen of the skies, followed by the Airbus A380, a majestic proper double-decker and then the mighty Lockheed Galaxy C5, a proper multi-purpose beast, if ever there was one. But how many of you have heard of the Breguet 763 “Deux-Ponts”? The first purpose-built two-deck aircraft to be certified for passenger transport, it was deve

By Garth Calitz After being dormant since the Concorde's retirement in 2003, commercial supersonic flight is making a comeback, not as a nostalgic revival but as a product redesigned with technological, economic and social advancements. This new era of high-speed travel is propelled by improvements in aerodynamics and materials, innovative engine and propulsion designs, a greater focus on sustainability, and extensive regulatory efforts to mitigate the sonic boom and communit

By Garth Calitz Prepare for the return of the Red Bull Flugtag in South Africa this November! This exciting event, centred around human-powered flight, will feature one of the nation's most renowned aviation personalities. Brian Emmenis, the founder of the famous Capital Sounds broadcasting company, is slated to be the official aviation host for the 2025 Red Bull Flugtag at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Emmenis, affectionately known as the "Voice of South African Airshows,

Garmin has introduced two new models to its esteemed lineup of pilot smartwatches: the D2 Air X15 and the D2 Mach 2. These watches are specifically crafted to cater to the diverse needs of aviators, from recreational pilots to professionals operating high-performance aircraft. Both models enhance Garmin’s tradition of merging aviation-ready technology with lifestyle features, effectively combining cockpit precision with everyday comfort. At first glance, the D2 Air X15 and D2

Back by popular demand, Diamond Aircraft has announced that the iconic DA20i Katana will once again be produced at its European facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The order books are now open. In response to increased demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private owners, Diamond Aircraft is restarting production of this two-seater, single-engine piston aircraft, renowned for its performance, reliability and value in training. The DA20i Katana, constructed in Europe

The Republic of Korea Air Force has contracted L3Harris Technologies to supply modified Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C). L3Harris is collaborating with Bombardier, ELTA Systems from Israel Aerospace Industries, and Korean Air to deliver this advanced capability. The program is valued at over $2.26 billion. These aircraft are designed to fly at higher speeds and for extended durations to enhance the nation's mission readiness. The

Airbus Helicopters is advancing the limits of contemporary aviation with a bold vision: facilitating seamless collaboration between helicopters and drones. This concept, referred to as crewed–uncrewed teaming, has the potential to revolutionise mission execution in areas such as military operations, disaster response and environmental monitoring. Victor Gerin-Roze, Head of UAS Business at Airbus Helicopters, explains that the strategy focuses on enhancing the efficiency of cr

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is celebrating a significant milestone in its modern training era, as its fleet of Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft surpasses 40,000 flying hours, equivalent to flying continuously for four and a half years. Since their induction into the fleet in 2015, the Texans have become integral to New Zealand's military pilot training, operated by No. 14 Squadron at RNZAF Base Ohakea. These aircraft serve as the primary training platform for asp

By Garth Calitz Flying light aircraft offers an incredible sense of freedom and mastery over the skies. Yet, that same sky can turn from tranquil to terrifying when thunderstorms appear, which is very common in the inland provinces of South Africa. For pilots of smaller aircraft, few weather phenomena are more dangerous, or less forgiving, than a mature cumulonimbus cloud. Avoidance, preparation, and sound judgment are the keys to survival. Understanding how thunderstorms for

Germany has reiterated its dedication to European defence and air dominance by placing an order for 20 advanced Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. This contract, granted to Airbus Defence and Space, involves the production of these multi-role combat jets at the company's final assembly facility in Manching, near Munich. Deliveries are set to commence in 2031, with the last aircraft anticipated to enter service by 2034. The order represents a pivotal milestone in the continued deve

By Garth Calitz When the First World War came to an end, the world’s gaze shifted from the devastation of the battlefield to the limitless promise of the skies. Aviation, born barely a decade earlier, had proven itself in war, but now it was time for flight to serve humanity in peace. Among the pioneering minds shaping that future was a young American inventor whose restless genius and fearless experimentation would forever change the way aircraft were flown. His name was Law

Airlink and Air Austral have made a significant move to enhance air connectivity throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean by entering into a bilateral Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), now in effect. This collaboration provides passengers of both airlines access to a wide range of new destinations, ensuring increased flexibility, convenience, and smooth travel choices. With this new arrangement, Air Austral passengers traveling from Réunion Island can now access Airlink’s extens

EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM), has broadened its product offerings with the official launch of the VT35, a next-generation long-range pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Building upon the earlier VT30 prototype, the VT35 features substantial enhancements in aerodynamics, structure, and systems, designed to extend autonomous aerial operations beyond urban areas to regional and intercity routes. The aircraf

Growthpoint Properties, the largest listed real estate group in South Africa, has initiated a significant partnership with Cape Winelands Airport, poised to transform the aviation, logistics, and tourism sectors in the Western Cape. This agreement marks Growthpoint's inaugural venture into the aviation infrastructure sector, positioning it as a key player in the development and management of what is anticipated to be South Africa's next-generation airport precinct. This priva

The Cirrus Vision Jet, recognised as the world’s first single-engine personal jet, consistently establishes new standards in personal and business aviation. Since its introduction to the market, the Vision Jet has dominated its segment, maintaining its position as the best-selling model for seven consecutive years. As it approaches its 10th anniversary, Cirrus has delivered 700 aircraft and expanded its ownership support infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency for bu