The spirit of adventure and innovation that has long defined American backcountry aviation reached new heights, literally, when a factory-stock CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL climbed to a verified altitude of 37,609 feet above sea level. The flight, conducted on October 28, 2025, shattered expectations and set an unofficial world altitude record for Cub-type aircraft, eclipsing a benchmark that had stood for nearly three-quarters of a century. Piloted by Jon Kotwicki of Fly8MA Fli

Garmin has introduced two new models to its esteemed lineup of pilot smartwatches: the D2 Air X15 and the D2 Mach 2. These watches are specifically crafted to cater to the diverse needs of aviators, from recreational pilots to professionals operating high-performance aircraft. Both models enhance Garmin’s tradition of merging aviation-ready technology with lifestyle features, effectively combining cockpit precision with everyday comfort. At first glance, the D2 Air X15 and D2

Back by popular demand, Diamond Aircraft has announced that the iconic DA20i Katana will once again be produced at its European facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The order books are now open. In response to increased demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private owners, Diamond Aircraft is restarting production of this two-seater, single-engine piston aircraft, renowned for its performance, reliability and value in training. The DA20i Katana, constructed in Europe

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 Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Magaliesburg foothills, between Olifantsnek Pass and Buffelspoort Dam, Airspan Airfield once again came alive for the Sun ’n Fun 2025 Fly-In. With its 900-meter tar runway, friendly atmosphere, excellent facilities and scenic surroundings, Airspan provided the perfect venue for a weekend celebrating the spirit of aviation. Many of the attendees were planning on making a weekend of it, camping under their wing, but

By Garth Calitz If you've been following South African general aviation, even just casually, the last few months might have felt like...

By Garth Calitz Arriving at Heidelberg on Saturday, the final Speed Rally of the 2025 season looked rather doubtful due to the nasty...

The Aero Club d’Italia hosted the 24th FAI World Rally Flying Championships in the town of Ferrara, 20nm northeast of Bologna. This was...

By Ian Beaton This was to be the first truly long cross-country in our fantastic machine. Theo and I spent a long time building our RV-10...

The Cessna Skylane, renowned for its exceptional performance and robust durability, is a favourite among pilots worldwide. With a perfect...