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