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The Effect of the US Government Shutdown on Aviation
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
Garth Calitz
Nov 43 min read


Two U.S. Navy Aircraft Lost 30 Minutes Apart in the South China Sea
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
Garth Calitz
Oct 284 min read


Flying in Thunderstorms – Safety, Science and Sound Judgement
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
Garth Calitz
Oct 215 min read


Lawrence Sperry: The Maverick Who Gave Flight Its Balance
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
Garth Calitz
Oct 217 min read


Epic Aircraft Delivers 100th Certified Aircraft
By Garth Calitz When an aircraft manufacturer reaches a three-digit delivery milestone, it signifies the maturation of a product, production system, and owner community. For Epic Aircraft, delivering its 100th certified aircraft marks its evolution from a boutique builder to a sustained producer of high-performance turboprops. On September 19, 2025, Epic announced this milestone at its 11th Annual Odyssey Fly-In in Bend, Oregon, revealing that the 100th aircraft, an E1000 AX
Garth Calitz
Oct 144 min read


What is a Full Flight Simulator?
Have you ever contemplated how pilots are trained to handle a wide range of scenarios, from navigating challenging weather conditions...
Garth Calitz
Oct 13 min read


Dangers of Flying with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium batteries, found in devices ranging from smartphones to power banks, are ubiquitous. However, comprehending the regulations...
Garth Calitz
Sep 102 min read


New FAA Research Highlights Potential Risks of Drones to Commercial Aircraft Safety
By Garth Calitz Drones are everywhere today, from hobbyists capturing stunning aerial shots to use in crop spraying and deliveries of...
Garth Calitz
Aug 135 min read


Latest ICAO Aviation Safety Data Reveals Need for Renewed Focus
Although global aviation safety trends remain positive, the statistics released today by the International Civil Aviation Organisation...
Garth Calitz
Aug 132 min read


Global Summit in Durban to Accelerate Development of Aviation Workforce
To meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the aviation industry and to create opportunities for young talent around the world,...
Garth Calitz
Aug 53 min read
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