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

The approval of the GCC Civil Aviation Authority (GCC-CAA) represents a significant milestone in the integration of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Endorsed at the 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain in early December 2025, this unified regulatory body is poised to revolutionise the aviation operations across the six member states. This decision underscores the GCC's dedication to strengthening its position as the world’s leading aviation hub. The establishment of the GCC-CAA is a

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

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 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

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

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

Have you ever contemplated how pilots are trained to handle a wide range of scenarios, from navigating challenging weather conditions...

Lithium batteries, found in devices ranging from smartphones to power banks, are ubiquitous. However, comprehending the regulations...