By Garth Calitz Photos by Trevor Cohen, Esias Riekert and Garth Calitz On 18 November 2025, the quiet skies over Krugersdorp’s Jack Taylor Airfield (FAKR) were filled with wings, cheers and smiles, as hundreds of senior citizens from across Gauteng were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample the joys of flight first-hand. The event was almost stopped in its tracks. Firstly, the date had to be hastily changed as the original date clashed with the G-20 summit that too

By Garth Calitz The long-anticipated MOSAIC regulation package from the FAA, which stands for Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification, represents the most substantial update to American light aviation regulations in 20 years. Supported by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), MOSAIC significantly broadens the capabilities of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), revises Sport Pilot privileges and establishes a contemporary, more adaptable certification framework for

By Rob Russell When it comes to ugly aircraft, the poor ATL-98 Carvair would definitely merit a place of honour. Built from a classic WW2 aircraft, namely the DC-4, this one just looks plain ugly, although the designers had good intentions. Its bulbous nose, seemingly out of proportion with the rest of its body, gives this now-defunct plane a chubby, unmistakable appearance. This odd-looking plane was designed to fulfil a very particular mission in the 1950s: flying both cars

By Garth Calitz Textron Aviation just announced that they're wrapping up production of two classic piston aircraft, the Beechcraft Baron G58 and Beechcraft Bonanza G36, in 2025. This marks the end of an incredible run that’s lasted almost 80 years and has made a huge impact on the light-aircraft scene for countless pilots, owners, and operators. For many in the aviation world, the Baron and Bonanza aren't just product lines; they're legends. Their unique mix of craftsmanship,

By Garth Calitz Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) are preparing to advance their collaboration by initiating a reciprocal codeshare agreement ahead of the busy holiday travel period. This development strengthens a partnership that has endured for nearly thirty years, enhancing travel connections for passengers throughout South Africa, the African continent, and globally. The enhanced codeshare agreement will enable Emirates passengers travelling to Johannesburg to effo

By Garth Calitz National Airways Corporation (NAC), a longstanding aviation institution in South Africa, celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025. This milestone underscores eight decades of innovation, service, and leadership in general aviation. From its modest post-war origins to its present status as a diversified aviation group with a continental presence, NAC's journey is deeply embedded in the history of South African aviation. Established in 1945, NAC came into existenc

Embraer has marked another important milestone in its extensive and impactful history in agricultural aviation by delivering the 1,700th Ipanema cropduster. This milestone aircraft, an EMB-203 variant, was produced at the company's Botucatu facility in São Paulo and is destined for its new owner in Imperatriz, Maranhão, where it will be utilised for various agricultural spraying tasks. For an aircraft that has become a well-known and reliable presence over Brazil's farmlands,

Lockheed Martin's renowned Skunk Works® division has once more advanced the limits of contemporary air combat by successfully showcasing the in-flight control of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) directly from the cockpit of a 5th-generation fighter. This groundbreaking flight, carried out at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, signifies a crucial development in the progression of human-machine collaboration, a capability that is swiftly transforming airpower strategies globally. Du

By Garth Calitz On 14 November 2025, the South African civil aviation community came together in Gauteng for the third instalment of the glittering Civil Aviation Industry Awards (CAIA), hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The event, now firmly established as the sector’s premier celebration, honoured both individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions across a range of categories from safety and security to innovation, transformat

By Garth Calitz The South African general aviation community convened at the scenic Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre to celebrate members who have shown exceptional performance over the past year. The location was perfect, with aircraft frequently flying overhead as they made their final approach to runway 03R at OR Tambo. This marked the second year the event was held at this venue. Once everyone was seated, the formal proceedings began with the skilled MC, David