By Garth Calitz International air travellers will soon face tighter restrictions on portable power banks after the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) approved new rules aimed at reducing the fire risks associated with lithium battery devices carried in aircraft cabins. Under the updated provisions, passengers will be limited to carrying no more than two power banks each and they will not be allowed to recharge those devices during a flight. The new standards cam

The upgrading of South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure is set to receive a significant boost following a new helicopter acquisition announced at the VAI Verticon 2026 in Atlanta. Bell Textron revealed that the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters to support critical utility operations across the country. The new aircraft will play a key role in the inspection, maintenance and e

Sikorsky is set to commence production of the newest iteration of its leading heavy helicopter, the S-92A+, signalling the next phase for one of the most extensively utilised large commercial rotorcraft globally. The aircraft will be manufactured and assembled at Sikorsky facilities in Stratford, Connecticut and Owego, New York, with the first production batch destined for a new head-of-state transport customer. The program also anticipates further orders from government and

By Garth Calitz When Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) authorised local manufacture of the Sling TSi light sport aircraft in early 2026, it was more than just another regulatory approval in a distant market. For South Africa’s aviation community, it marked another international milestone for one of the country’s most successful modern aerospace exports. From its roots in a Johannesburg hangar to production lines in the United States and now Brazil, Sling Aircraft

By Garth Calitz In the aviation world, landing gear might not win beauty contests, but it is absolutely crucial to the safe operation of any aircraft, as they all have to land at some point and return safely to the sky. With that in mind, Boeing has been placing a renewed emphasis on its Landing Gear Exchange (LGE) programme, helping airlines keep their fleets flying and maintenance headaches on the runway. Landing gear is “boring but essential,” which makes Boeing’s exchange

Bell Textron has unveiled TRU Simulation + Training’s Veris Virtual Reality (VR) Bell 505 Flight Simulator at the Singapore Airshow 2026, marking the system’s Asia-Pacific debut and underlining Bell’s growing emphasis on advanced training solutions to complement its light helicopter portfolio. Developed by TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Bell Textron Inc., the Veris VR simulator has been qualified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Level 7 Fl

By Garth Calitz The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to pursue the “decertification” of Bombardier aircraft in the United States has sent shockwaves through the global aerospace industry. While the proposal has yet to be fully implemented, the political signal alone has raised serious concerns among manufacturers, operators, regulators, and investors about the stability of international aviation certification frameworks. At the centre of the dispute is Bombard

By Garth Calitz Throughout the history of aviation, war has been one of the most powerful, even if uncomfortable, forces shaping the development of civilian aircraft. While conflict brings devastation and human suffering, it has repeatedly accelerated technological progress, industrial capability and operational expertise that later migrated into commercial aviation. From jet propulsion and advanced materials to navigation systems and global airline networks, the influence of

By Des Warden To my fellow aircraft owners, pilots and AMOs. The ongoing debate surrounding the so-called “12-year engine rule” did not arise suddenly, nor is it the result of a single regulatory decision. It is the outcome of more than two decades of incremental drift; a slow convergence of manufacturer guidance, regulatory interpretation, and, most critically, sustained inaction by General Aviation itself. The origin of the issue is well known. The engine manufacturers Lyc

By Garth Calitz Flying light aircraft in or near thunderstorms poses a considerable risk anywhere in the world, but this danger is especially pronounced in South Africa. The country's geography and climate are particularly favourable for severe convective weather, particularly in the summer. For general aviation pilots navigating around South Africa, especially the Highveld region, it is crucial to understand the distinctive features of South African thunderstorms for safe f