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20 Years of Sling Against the Goliaths
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
Garth Calitz
Dec 9, 20254 min read


Why South Africa Should Pay Attention to the U.S. MOSAIC Rules
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
Garth Calitz
Nov 25, 20253 min read


Pipistrel Velis Electro and Explorer Aircraft Achieve Type Certificate Validation in Canada
Pipistrel has reached a significant regulatory achievement as Transport Canada has officially validated the type certificates for three of its current aircraft models: the Pipistrel Explorer, Velis Club, and the fully electric Velis Electro. This approval represents an important advancement for Canadian operators, flight schools, and aviation innovators aiming to incorporate next-generation training aircraft into their fleets. With this validation, Canadian operators are now
Garth Calitz
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Teddfield Sling Boerie and Blosoms Camping Fly-In
By Garth Calitz We planned to head to Tedderfield on Friday afternoon, set up camp, and spend the day snapping photos of everyone arriving for the first camping fly-in at the famous Sling Aircraft homebase. Unfortunately, the weather had a different idea. Friday afternoon got hit with those classic highveld thunderstorms that went on all night, putting a damper on our camping plans. The updated itinerary had us heading to Tedderfield on Saturday morning, while closely monitor
Garth Calitz
Nov 11, 20253 min read


Diamond Aircraft Revives the Iconic DA20i Katana for European Market
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
Garth Calitz
Oct 28, 20252 min read


Sun ’n Fun 2025 – Revisiting Airspan Airfield
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
Garth Calitz
Oct 14, 20255 min read


Heidelberg Speed Rally – Season Finale
By Garth Calitz Arriving at Heidelberg on Saturday, the final Speed Rally of the 2025 season looked rather doubtful due to the nasty...
Garth Calitz
Oct 1, 20255 min read


South Africans Flying the Flag at World Rally Flying Championships
The Aero Club d’Italia hosted the 24th FAI World Rally Flying Championships in the town of Ferrara, 20nm northeast of Bologna. This was...
Garth Calitz
Oct 1, 20256 min read


Bristell B23 Achieves FAA Certification
BRM AERO, the manufacturer of Bristell Aircraft, announced that the two-seat Bristell B23 has obtained Type Certification from the...
Garth Calitz
Sep 17, 20252 min read


Kitty Hawk Cessna Fly-In: August 16
By Esias Rieckert Despite the possibility of rain on Saturday, the Kitty Hawk Aerodrome soon turned lively and bustling. The day started...
Garth Calitz
Aug 19, 20252 min read
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