By Garth Calitz In a country where aviation often means gravel runways, high-density altitudes and long distances between fuel stops, aircraft need to be more than attractive machines; they need to be tough, simple and affordable. The Bat Hawk is exactly that. Over the years, this proudly South African light sport aircraft (LSA) has carved out a reputation as one of the most practical light aircraft operating on the continent. But the Bat Hawk’s story is about more than priva

There are few things in aviation as universally understood as the urge to share a great flying story. Whether it’s a sunrise departure from a quiet Highveld strip, a coastal hop with endless blue on the horizon or a triumphant first solo, pilots are natural storytellers. Now, Slingers around the world have an added incentive to post those moments. Sling Aircraft has officially kicked off the next round of its popular #TakingYouPlaces competition — and this time, the spotlight

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 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

Boeing has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the global aviation community by announcing the continuation of its Platinum Level sponsorship of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) flagship event, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The renewed agreement, announced on 5 January 2026, extends the partnership for a further three years and ensures Boeing’s continued prominent presence at what is widely regarded as the world’s greatest aviation gathering. Since formally begi

As we welcome a new year, all of us at Flightline Weekly would like to extend our best wishes to the aviation community, an industry defined by resilience, innovation and an unwavering passion for flight. A new year is always a time to look forward: new opportunities, new markets, new aircraft, new technologies and renewed momentum. For aviation-related businesses, it is also the ideal moment to ask an important question: Where will your brand be seen in the year ahead? Fligh

By Garth Calitz While much of the general aviation industry was winding down for the festive season, the atmosphere at Van’s Aircraft’s Aurora, Oregon headquarters remained electric. In a moment that will likely be recorded as a pivot point in the company’s storied history, the team marked two days before Christmas not with a holiday party, but with a milestone: the official commencement of customer deliveries for the highly anticipated RV-15. On the afternoon of 23 December,

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 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

By Garth Calitz The South African general aviation community convened at the scenic Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre to celebrate members who have shown exceptional performance over the past year. The location was perfect, with aircraft frequently flying overhead as they made their final approach to runway 03R at OR Tambo. This marked the second year the event was held at this venue. Once everyone was seated, the formal proceedings began with the skilled MC, David