A lightweight bush aircraft is not necessarily the first machine that comes to mind when considering a transatlantic ferry flight. Yet that is precisely what a new Carbon Cub UL has accomplished, completing an extraordinary 6,900-nautical-mile journey from Lewiston, Idaho, to Poland and demonstrating just how far modern light aircraft technology has progressed. The flight, completed in July 2026, marks the first transatlantic crossing by a Carbon Cub UL and represents a signi

The first factory-produced aircraft delivered under the United States Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations signifies a major advancement for recreational aviation. The handover of a Van's Aircraft RV-12 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 illustrates the transition of this long-anticipated regulatory change from policy to practical implementation. The aircraft was officially delivered during EAA AirVe

Zenith Aircraft has unveiled its latest all-metal kit aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, introducing the CH 750 Super Cruzer, a versatile high-wing aircraft designed to bridge the gap between traditional STOL utility aircraft and comfortable cross-country cruisers. The new design takes advantage of the expanded opportunities created by the United States' Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations, offering recreational pilots an aircraft w

French aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft and turbine engine developer Turbotech have taken a significant step toward the future of general aviation training by launching the Elixir Turbine Industrial Program. The announcement, made at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, follows a successful year of flight testing and formalises the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will guide the aircraft toward certification and commercial service by 2030. The agreement ma

South Africa’s general aviation community is set to gain a significant new facility with the opening of Atlantic Aerodrome, a purpose-built aviation precinct located in the Swartland region, approximately 40 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre. The development is scheduled to open its first phase on 26 September 2026 and aims to provide a dedicated base for aircraft owners, flight schools, charter operators and aviation-related businesses seeking an alternative to the conges

By Garth Calitz The Industrial town of Secunda was the temporary home of the prestigious Presidents' Trophy Air Race for the 2026 edition. Secunda was built around the world's largest coal-to-liquids fuel facility operated by Sasol. This monster of industry is painfully visible from the airfield. Established in the 1970s to produce synthetic fuel and reduce the country's dependence on imported oil, the town has become a major economic hub in the area. Likewise, the Secunda F

By Garth Calitz After a long afternoon of waiting to find out who did what in this year's Presidents' Trophy Air Race, the Gala Dinner finally arrived. The formal function was held at the Boesies, which is located on the Lake Umuzi campus, which is a stone's throw from the Secunda Airfield. Tarry and Iaan Myburgh, the dynamic couple who were the driving force behind the 2026 PTAR, were forced out of their comfort zone completely when the regular MC, David le Roux, had to att

AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 once again confirmed why it is regarded as Europe’s leading event for the general aviation industry, bringing together aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, pilots, operators, training organisations and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Held from 22 to 25 April at Messe Friedrichshafen in southern Germany, the exhibition showcased the latest developments in private flying, business aviation, advanced air mobility and sustainable flight technol

By Garth Calitz The Taildraggers Fly-In, a favourite among aviators for the past 16 years, was on the verge of being removed from the aviation calendar. Richard Nicholson, who had been leading the event since its inception in 2009, decided to call it a day. Initially, Nylstroom was the event's home, hosting the first 10 gatherings. Unfortunately, the Nylstroom airfield was overtaken by an ever-expanding squatter camp, prompting the organisers to move the event to Warmbaths in

By Garth Calitz The experimental aviation sector has been dealt a notable setback following the sudden closure of Sonex Aircraft, a long-established producer of kit-built aircraft based in Oshkosh. The company confirmed on 27 March 2026 that it had ceased operations with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to more than two decades of activity in the homebuilt aviation market. Company owner Mark Schaible delivered the announcement via an official statement and video messa