By Garth Calitz Few modern aviation stories are as captivating or as uniquely South African as the tale of Sling Aircraft. Over the last two decades, this Johannesburg-based manufacturer has evolved from a modest startup into a highly esteemed name in the international light aircraft industry. Their journey is marked by bold flights, continuous innovation and a steadfast conviction that high-performance aircraft can be affordable, accessible and elegantly designed. The journe

By Garth Calitz Not many helicopters have made as big a mark on modern aviation as the Bell 206 JetRanger. With its sleek look, dependable performance and amazing versatility, it's been setting the standard in the light-utility helicopter world for over sixty years. Whether it's helping out news crews, keeping an eye on cities, flying VIPs, training pilots or even serving on military front lines, the JetRanger has become one of the most recognisable and trusted aircraft aroun

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has made significant progress in its revitalisation efforts by announcing that its 480B turbine-powered helicopter has achieved full certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its crash-resistant fuel system (CRFS). This approval represents a milestone for the Michigan-based company and advances rotorcraft safety, as Enstrom reenters the U.S. market with renewed energy and an improved product. The certification adheres to a

Only a few months after entering service, the newly certified, ultralong-range Gulfstream G800 has established itself as a top-tier speed machine, securing its eighth city-pair speed record en route to the Dubai Airshow 2025. This recent achievement highlights the aircraft's remarkable capabilities, efficiency, and range, reinforcing Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.'s leadership in the high-speed, long-distance business jet market. On November 17, 2025, the eighth record was achiev

By Garth Calitz Airbus' A320 series, a key player in short- to medium-haul flights globally, gained significant attention in late November when the manufacturer, along with international regulators, released an urgent Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandating a compulsory software update. This directive was prompted by an incident in which an A320 experienced an uncommanded altitude change due to a rare flight-control data corruption event. Although there were no injuries, a tho

Uganda Airlines has further enhanced continental connectivity by establishing a new interline agreement with Airlink, a top privately owned regional airline in Southern Africa. Announced on 24 November 2025, this partnership offers travellers throughout East and Southern Africa a more seamless and integrated travel experience by connecting Uganda Airlines’ hub in Entebbe with Airlink’s extensive network through Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). For both a

This week represented a significant milestone in the global commercial aviation industry as the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) made its inaugural appearance at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Starting on November 17th at Al Maktoum International Airport, the event marked the Middle Eastern debut of China's domestically developed narrow-body airliner, the C919, along with its regional jet variant, the C909 business jet. COMAC's participation in the renowned air

Daher has taken a significant step into the defence aerospace sector with the successful inaugural flight of its EyePulse Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone demonstration. Conducted at their Tarbes facility in southern France, this test flight marks a major achievement for Daher and underscores France's initiative to rapidly advance its drone capabilities. The flight was conducted under a call from the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armeme

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