

Garth Calitz
- Jun 16, 2020
- 3 min
The Pipistrel Velis Electro Receives EASA Certification
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world’s first fully-electric aeroplane ever to receive type certification. The two-seater, intended primarily for pilot training, is a game-changing aircraft in terms of technological innovations and cost-efficiency. Its EASA certification paves the way for the future of environmentally sustainable, emission-free aviation. After years of intensive research and several successful award-winning electric aircraft models developed since 2007, Pi
3,112 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 16, 2020
- 5 min
Cessna 172 Skyhawk Celebrates its 65th Birthday
Many pilots worldwide remember the Cessna 172 Skyhawk with affection and respect as it is the aircraft responsible for their ab initio training. Aviators and enthusiasts around the world are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the first flight of the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took to the sky more than 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered to customers around the world, more than any other aircraft in the industry and solid
1,907 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 16, 2020
- 2 min
The Hidden Costs of Aviation Studies
Louise Hahn is the Head of Training at Aviation Training I often encounter the notion that the 18-month time frame in which you must complete your exams is the “recommended” time. It is actually a rather generous time and is the maximum allowed under the law, not a target. Whilst it is possible to download the syllabus and try and work out what you need to study, this is very time consuming and you will often find that without direction you will waste time studying the wrong
1,907 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 16, 2020
- 3 min
The Evolution of Winglets
Winglets have been understood since the beginnings of aviation. In fact an Englishman, Frederick W. Lanchester described them in 1897 before the Wright Brothers had even taken flight. Like many great pioneers of his time, Lanchester looked to birds for inspiration. He noted that soaring eagles had splayed upturned feathers at their wingtips and he incorporated this into his designs for model gliders. It was some time back in the early '80s when aircraft wings started to sprou
1,484 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 9, 2020
- 2 min
Blue Angels receive their first Super Hornet
The US. Navy’s Blue Angel flight demonstration squadron has taken delivery of their first Super Hornet test aircraft from Boeing cementing their 50-year partnership. The unpainted aircraft now enters the flight test and evaluation phase at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. A further 10 aircraft are expected to be delivered later this year. “The Super Hornet is an iconic representation of excellence in naval aviation,” said ret. Admiral Pat Walsh, vice president of
2,043 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 9, 2020
- 5 min
Why the CH-53K King Stallion is My Favourite to Fly
John Rucci, Test Pilot, Shares his View on Entering a New Age in Heavy Lift It is probably safe to say that Hollywood studios aren’t pinning their next blockbuster hopes on a film about a heavy-lift helicopter, but the role that these machines play in the modern battle-space cannot be overstated. The recent decades have shown a marked increase in the use of heavy-lift helicopters due to their range, payload, and performance. This increase in demand prompted the US. Marine Cor
1,896 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 9, 2020
- 7 min
“The Flying Coffins” Gliders of WWII
Modern gliders are very complex machines designed for recreational flying and competitions but not many are aware of the role played by gliders in the second world war. Gliders were used by both the German and Allied forces to deploy troops and equipment to the battlefield. It is largely accepted that the skill and courage of both the British and American glider pilots during the D-Day invasions were a major contributor to the invasions eventual success. It takes extreme brav
1,721 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 9, 2020
- 2 min
Tecnam releases the new P Twenty-Ten TDI
TECNAM has announced the introduction of a new player into the General Aviation arena with the Type Certificate expected by July, the P2010 TDI has been one of the most secret development programs ever! Burning just less than 20 litres per hour, with roomy, Italian-style shaped cabin interiors, and taking advantage of the high-wing configuration with 3 access doors plus another dedicated one for the baggage compartment, is no longer a dream. And it is no longer a dream to cov
1,528 views

Garth Calitz
- Jun 2, 2020
- 5 min
SpaceX launches two astronauts to orbit, igniting a new Era in Space-flight
SpaceX opened a new era of human space travel on Saturday when it became the first private company to launch astronauts into orbit, nearly a decade after the government retired the space shuttle program, and a South African was in the driving seat of this amazing feat. Two American astronauts lifted off at 9:22 pm local time from a familiar setting, the same Florida launchpad that once served Apollo missions and the space shuttles. But the rocket and capsule that lofted them
3,028 views
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