In this week’s episode of The Flying Show, Ed Hicks, Dave Calderwood and Annabel Cook bring you the latest aviation news, weather, and flying insights for pilots and enthusiasts. We cover the record-breaking CubCrafters Carbon Cub climb to 37,609ft, upcoming changes to halon fire extinguisher regulations, and the CAA’s review of Letters of Agreement affecting UK airfields. There’s also a SkyDemon top tip on creating in-app checklists and Simon Keeling’s weekend flying weather forecast. Later in the show, the team discuss affordable speed in general aviation – comparing fast yet cost-effective aircraft such as the Harmon Rocket II, Glasair II and Piper Comanche 250. We also highlight the latest Flyer Club news, including free landing offers, explore fascinating aviation topics from circular rainbows to bush flying in Alaska, and preview the upcoming Light Aircraft Design Conference at the Royal Aeronautical Society. Ideal for anyone passionate about flying, engineering, aviation safety and keeping up with the latest pilot news across the UK and beyond.

Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Rainbow Circle Skydiver footage - https://video.storyful.com/record/36514

Three major licensing changes from the CAA’s simplification project are set to make life easier for GA pilots — we’ll break down what they mean and why they matter.

There’s also news that Diamond is restarting production of the DA20i in Austria, an RAF pilot has claimed the British Air Racing Championship title, and GASCO has launched a new performance calculator.

Join us for all that, plus the latest general aviation news, chat and more in this week’s FLYER Show.

This week we ask whether flying is becoming less sociable and what truly makes an airfield a great pilot destination, we take a look at Mike Patey's dramatic engine failure, bring you news of another base for the amazing Aerobility and highlight some upcoming UK flying events

 Whether you're a pilot, engineer, student, or aviation enthusiast, this episode delivers flying news, expert insights, and helpful tips including a SkyDemon briefing trick and your weekend weather outlook. Subscribe for weekly aviation discussions, news, and training content.

If your're after some weird and wonderful, the team also discuss Anequim's speed records, an airworthy WWI bombers that's for sale (about £1,600,000 if you're wondering) and a twin canard pusher, designed by Al Mooney, that didn't quite make it.

To join the The (brilliant) Flyer Club go to flyer.co.uk/membership

NOTAM Nonsense, Solar Farms & STOL Newcomers

This week from the FLYER studio: GA news from Plaistows’ solar farm to partial power failures in PPL training, the CAA’s muddled NOTAM advice, and Electra’s blown-lift L9. We cover Loganair’s pilot return scheme, the elegant Bird Symmetry, and Direct Fly’s new STOL Cruiser. Plus your weekend weather and a SkyDemon tip — your essential UK GA update.

In this packed episode of the Flyer Livestream—recorded using our brand-new studio setup—we bring you the latest general aviation news, flight planning tips, and essential updates for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. We break down how to safely fly into the popular LAA Rally with detailed arrival procedures and SkyDemon tips, plus we reveal the latest UK GA accident stats showing improved safety—but reduced flying hours. We also cover the controversial CAA Class 2 medical assessment changes that are forcing some pilots out of the cockpit, the big shake-up as the National Championship Air Races move from Reno to Roswell, and the appointment of a new operator at Solent Airport. In international news, we discuss the arrest and release of a young pilot who landed in Antarctica without permission. Plus, explore rare Goodyear amphibious aircraft, WWII-era flying tank concepts, expert vertical planning advice using SkyDemon, and Simon Keeling’s aviation weather forecast. Whether you’re a private pilot, student pilot, LAA member, aviation engineer, or simply passionate about flying and aviation history, this episode is full of insights, stories, and key information—including a preview of this weekend’s aviation events and fly-ins. Don’t miss it!

You can see photos and video from this episode here https://flyer.co.uk/feature/flyer-podcast-ho…to-the-laa-rally/ 

Basingstoke and Deane District Council has decided that Popham Airfield isn’t a “significant” part of the UK’s general aviation network — a view that conveniently helps justify plans for up to 4,230 new houses. We speak to Brian Lloyd from Popham Airfield Matters to hear the latest and find out what pilots and supporters can do to help.

We also tiptoe through the LAA’s controversial AGM, where board candidate Colin Hales was expelled from the organisation (and the election) just days before the meeting. Both sides deny wrongdoing, and an appeal is now under way.

Plus: Garmin launches two new pilot watches, there’s a consultation on Scottish Airspace Modernisation, and Textron quietly folds its eAviation division into the rest of the business.

Join The Flyer Club here

More from PophamAirfieldMatters.org here 

In this week’s Thursday aviation roundup, we bring you the latest news, SkyDemon tip, your weather update from Dr Simon Keeling, and an exclusive interview with Owain Johns, the new CEO of the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). We discuss key updates from the CAA on pilot licensing, a major aircraft order by Skyborne Airline Academy, and Canada’s plans for a new De Havilland airfield. We also take a closer look at the future of affordable aviation, from syndicate ownership and running costs to the rise of Rotax-powered microlights, SSDRs, and sub-70kg aircraft. Finally, we explore the benefits of joining a flying group, the social aspects of aviation, and the latest innovations in electric flight, including the Pulitzer Trophy air race and a foldable VTOL aircraft (yes, really). Whether you're a current pilot, aspiring flyer, aviation engineer or simply passionate about the skies, this episode is packed with practical insights and news shaping the future of general aviation in the UK and beyond.

Join The Flyer Club 

In this week’s episode of The FLYER Show, we cover major developments in the aviation world, including the confirmed closure of Cambridge Airport by 2028 and the ambitious revival of the Thurston Seafire amphibious aircraft. 

We explore the CAA’s new General Aviation strategy, offer a practical SkyDemon cockpit tip, and provide a detailed weekend weather outlook for UK pilots. 

The team also dives into what makes a truly great pilot — from calm decision-making under pressure to confident aircraft handling. 

Other highlights include a look at the Piper PA-48 Enforcer, ferry pilot Guido Warnecke’s King Air 360 transatlantic journey, and a tribute to legendary test pilot Fitz Fulton. 

Whether you're a student pilot, engineer, or simply passionate about general aviation, flying and aviation technology, this episode offers a comprehensive mix of aviation news, insights, and practical tips. Subscribe and consider joining the FLYER Club for exclusive content, webinars, and free landing vouchers.

Join the Flyer Club

Pilot Careers Live Dublin 

Guido Warnecke YouTube Channel 

This week on The Flyer Show, we bring you the latest in UK aviation news and insights for pilots and enthusiasts. We cover the Met Office’s new MAVIS platform, Cirrus’s launch of an instrument rating training programme, and job opportunities in light aircraft engineering via the BMAA. You’ll also get a top SkyDemon tip from Tim and Simon Keeling’s weekend flying weather forecast. We explore valuable next steps after gaining your PPL, such as tailwheel conversions and upset recovery training. Real-world flying lessons covering spin training, stall recovery, and staying safe in the circuit, before moving on to the challenge and discipline of formation flying. In what caught our eye this week we spotlight the Historic Army Aviation Flight at Middle Wallop, take a closer look at the simple but capable Top Rudder Ruckus bush plane, and revisit the record-setting 1946 Turtle endurance flight. It’s a must-watch for anyone passionate about staying informed, improving their flying, or exploring aviation’s past and future.

#aviationnews #pilots #aviationhistory #generalaviation #aircraft

This week’s Flyer Show podcast covers GA news, aircraft buying tips, and a spectacular P-51 and SR-71 photo shoot.
 • There's a new aviation minister, 27-year-old Keir Mather, hear why the Department for Transport seems to be drifting away from General Aviation, and we also at the call for GA Ambassadors and what that could mean.
 • A heads-up on upcoming PPL changes and news of Jason Ivey’s departure from Gloucester.
 • Our hard-earned tips for buying an aircraft — what to look for, and what to avoid.
 • The de Havilland Vampire turns 82.
 • Dave takes a wry look at Vertical Aerospace’s plans to build a factory at Kemble and produce 900 aircraft a year (yes, we’re sceptical).
 • Ed brings us the story of a spectacular photo shoot featuring a P-51 Mustang, alongside the world’s fastest jet, the SR-71 Blackbird.

Join us for news, insight, and hangar-chat humour.

Enjoying The Flyer Show? Join the FLYER Club for early access to Simon Keeling’s weather briefings, four free landings every month, full site access, webinars and the members-only Skivestream. Just £6/month or £62/year at flyer.co.uk/membership

Fancy that (volunteer) Aviation Ambassador job? https://shorturl.at/X7TYQ
Want to email us a video? editorial@seager.aero via (https://wetransfer.com/)

#FlyerShow #GeneralAviation #PilotLife #AviationNews #PPL #AircraftBuying #VampireJet #P51Mustang #SR71 #VerticalAerospace

From Bristell’s FAA certification success to the future of electric hybrids in Switzerland, we’ve got a packed episode of GA news, features and fun.

Here’s what’s inside:
 • ✅ Bristell B23 certified in the US — what it means for flight schools and UK microlight pilots
 • ✅ C42 microlight saved — spares and new production secured
 • ✅ H55 & Smartflyer partnership — pioneering electric-hybrid project explained
 • ✅ Roswell Air Races return — highlights and winners from the new home of the championships
 • ✅ Swansea Airport marchers forward — GA community power in action
 • ✅ Colin Chapman’s Cessna 414 — Formula One meets general aviation, plus a near-forgotten Lotus microlight project
 • ✅ Online Auction for the Rob Wildeboer Scholarship — including our plan to create the world’s most expensive kneeboard. Link in description
 • ✅ Our pick of three great value light aircraft
 • ✅ Plus: SkyDemon's top tip, Simon Keeling’s weekend weather forecast, and this week’s aviation events

📌 Links mentioned in the show:
 • Rob Wildeboer Scholarship Auction
• FLYER Forum discussion
• FLYER Club membership

🎥 Don’t miss a thing — whether you’re a GA pilot, student pilot, or just love aviation, The FLYER Show is your weekly fix.

👉 Subscribe for weekly aviation news, features and expert analysis
👉 Join the FLYER Club for free landing fees, webinars, discounts and more

The team try to figure out if homebuilding still has a future using data on UK kit and plans-built projects. We cover Swift Fuels’ 100-octane unleaded avgas achieving an ASTM production spec, the Eurostar/EV-97 aileron rod-end issue, the UK aviation minister reshuffle, and the first customer delivery of the Jetson ONE eVTOL to Palmer Luckey under US Part 103. Plus: what’s changing at FLYER, classic aircraft restoration as a path for builders, Sir Francis Chichester’s Gipsy Moth feats, a look back at the Swearingen SX-300, and this month’s free landing fees, webinars and fly-ins.

If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe and share. Join FLYER Club for full access, free landing fees every month, webinars and member events: to join, just go to flyer.co.uk/membership.

Questions? Drop them in the comments and we’ll reply.

#TheFLYERShow #GeneralAviation #HomebuiltAircraft #100UL #SwiftFuels #Eurostar #CAA #JetsonONE #PilotTraining #AviationNews #LAA #GipsyMoth #FrancisChichester #SX300

Useful links
Swift Fuels 100UL
Jetson ONE info
That CAA letter to the Prime Minister
Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook 
CAE report
FLYER membership info & what’s changing
SkyDemon 

In this week's Flyer Show, we bring you the latest aviation news and insights from the UK and beyond. We discuss current developments at Gloucestershire Airport, celebrate 50 years of the Robinson R22 helicopter, and look at recent innovations in microlights and kitplanes after last week's LAA Rally. 

You'll also find practical advice on lower cost flying, a detailed weekend weather briefing and of course your weekly SkyDemon tip. 

*********************
We need YOUR help!

We'd love to feature you at the start of the show. All you need to do is to record a (very) short clip saying "Welcome to The Flyer Show" - Just grab the footage on your mobile phone, ideally in 4K, but HD will be fine too. It has to be in Landscape though. Please send to editorial@seager.aero - we suggest uploading via wetransfer.com a free service. 
*********************

To join the brilliant Flyer Club flyer.co.uk/membership
Subsonex https://www.sonexaircraft.com/subsonex/
BBC story about Gloucester https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz71x91qw9no
Forum discussion on Gloucester https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=134303&view=unread#unready 
That group at Popham https://afors.com/aircraftView/62976/Share-in-a-3-aircraft-group
The Jodel D9 https://afors.com/aircraftView/50664/Jodel-D9-Bebe-For-Sale

#AviationNews #GeneralAviation #PilotLife #FlyingTips #SkyDemon #savingmoney  #airfield #lowcostflying

In this week’s Flyer Show the team brings you the latest in general aviation news, weather, and insights for pilots and enthusiasts across the UK. Tim from SkyDemon shares a practical pilot tip on airfield approach information, while Simon Keeling delivers a detailed weekend flying forecast. The discussion covers the latest CAA consultation, the closure of Coventry Airport, and job opportunities within the Flyer team. Later, former 747 pilot and author Scott Bateman talks about his new book Jumbo, exploring how the legendary “Queen of the Skies” changed aviation and the world! He reveals the 747’s remarkable engineering — from its triple-slotted flaps and powerful engines to its ability to handle short-field operations — and shares what it was like to fly on Air Force One. This episode also touches on AI spam in flying communities, the recent C-130 crash, while Ed goes back to 1990 with the Chichester Miles Leopard personal jet.

#boeing747 #aviation #airforceone #aviationnews #aviationhistory 

The links!
Join the Flyer Club
CAA Charges
Flyer/Pilot Careers Live roles
Jumbo, by Scott Bateman

In this episode of The Flyer Show, we take an in-depth look at the fantasy of flying from home, exploring houses across Europe that come with their own airstrip, from island hideaways and airstrip cottages to larger estates with runways and hangars, including Glenforsa on Mull and notable strips on the Isle of Wight and in the Cotswolds.

We discuss hangar-home concepts and talk about the latest aviation news with updates from Trig Avionics, Skyfly, and engineering insights such as turbine blade design.

The episode includes a SkyDemon top tip for safer flight planning and detailed VFR weather outlook for the weekend. 

We look at standout aircraft concepts from the Royal Aeronautical Society’s student competition, along with historic flying footage, club updates, free landing opportunities and upcoming events. 

Whether you’re a pilot, an engineer or simply someone interested in aviation, flying and general aviation news, this episode offers a clear and informative overview of what’s happening across the flying community.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying 

The links!
Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Aviators Ball Aerobility - https://www.aerobility.com/aviators-ball-2025
Ballooning video - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=552097948925121&rdid=2RIu5QkJPsUNpSZj

This week we have made The Flyer Show pretty much all about the Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron given Textron's decision to sunset these classic aeroplanes. There's still the normal news, weather and SkyDemon tip, plus we're bringing back Fantasy Hangar for a Bo & Baron special!

#aviationnews #aviationhistory #aviationstories #beachcraftbonanza #aviationenthusiast

Big thanks to Ryan at AirshowStuff.com for the Bonanza clip - check out their channel here

The links!
Join the Flyer Club
Pilot Careers Live

Join us for The FLYER Show and discover a way that you can afford to fly an aircraft that would otherwise be too much money!

Yes, we explore the world of Group Ownership of Aircraft where the unaffordable becomes possible. We look at the practical benefits and financial planning to maintenance responsibilities, booking systems and managing relationships within a flying group. Plus,  real-world examples of aircraft shares currently on the market. 

There's also the dreadful news that Popham Airfield is definitely in the local council's plan for housing - and what we can do about it. We've found another UK airfield up for sale, and there's news of a new event at Thruxton Aerodrome.

Fantasy Hangar returns and this week, of course, we go looking for shares in surprising aircraft.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying 

The links!
Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Popham Matters: https://www.pophamairfieldmatters.org/news
Airfield for sale https://flyer.co.uk/derbyshires-darley-moor-airfield-for-sale/
BMAA Group advice https://www.bmaa.org/files/Sharing_an_aircraft_-_a_BMAA_guide.pdf
FLYER's article about group ownership https://flyer.co.uk/feature/a-share-of-the-dream/

Join us on this week’s FLYER Show as we meet the current owner of the FLYER Europa, bring you the latest aviation news, and sit down with former RAF Vulcan pilot, airline captain and display pilot Bill Perrins for an in-depth discussion about flying and operating the famous v-bomber.

Bill shares his experiences from the Vulcan bomber, Tornado F3, Spitfires, Chipmunks and commercial jets. He takes up through the Vulcan's handling challenges, engineering limits, landing techniques, asymmetric training, stalling behaviour, airshow pressures, close-call incidents and the realities of managing a vintage jet. Plus, how to generate the famous Vulcan Howl!

We include SkyDemon’s top airspace-avoidance tip, Simon’s weekend aviation weather briefing, updates from UK and Irish airfields, airspace modernisation around Edinburgh, and news from the British Women Pilots’ Association.

Ideal viewing for pilots, student pilots, engineers and anyone interested in aviation stories, flying skills, aircraft engineering and current GA developments.

#vulcan #aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying 

The links!
Join the FLYER Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Footage From: Planes TV - https://www.youtube.com/@UCt15-P7HWMVXImmysnse6HQ 

Join us for a comprehensive end-of-year aviation review as we look back at 25 of the best and worst stories from flying in 2025.

This episode covers major UK and international aviation news including PPL licensing changes, partial power loss training, moving maps, the Manchester Low Level Route update, Jeppesen and ForeFlight leaving Boeing, and landmark achievements such as CubCrafters reaching 37,609ft, Skyfly Axe’s first cross-country flight and 100 years of the Goodyear Blimp.

We discuss key aircraft developments including the RV-15 going on sale, Cirrus Autoland in piston singles, the Skyleader 400 finally gaining approval, the end of Bonanza and Baron production, and new designs from Robinson, Spirit and Groppo.

The show also examines pilot mental health following Xyla Foxlin’s case, changes within organisations such as the BMAA, and the sale of Flight Design and Icon.

Rounding out the episode is Best aircraft of the year, good news airfield and bad news airfield of the year, and Best events of the year, from Aero Friedrichshafen, Oshkosh and Sleapkosh, This is a great watch for anyone interested in aviation, flying and the future of general aviation.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying #aircraft 

The links!
Join the FLYER Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/

Links to Videos! 
The end of Bonanza & Barron - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4uf6ltBDM
Goodyear Blimp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci7xnzeRGFk
Owain Johns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJziJZkcCl4
Skyleader 400 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHIl-c87vYw
Cirrus Autoland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkYa1SO9XLA
Xyla Foxlin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxPfLQuNHM0
Popham 50th - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiZD3A48XzM
Brian Lloyd Popham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVsCi_uLjd0
Best of Aero 2025, Includes Groppo Enduro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm3JzMXCR2o
Best of Oshkosh 2025, Includes Spirit SE 1 & Vans RV - 15  
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M14OJwVNwH8
Sleapkosh 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gRScB-DcOQ

In this episode of the FLYER Show – the first of 2026! – we bring you the latest general aviation news and we look forward to general aviation flying in 2026, including launching our #FLY2026 challenge!

- SkyDemon top tip covering flight log analysis
- First real-world emergency landing using Garmin’s Autoland system
- Rotax 916-powered Bristell B23 gets EASA certified
- Cirrus Aircraft deliver their 11,000th SR aircraft and launch the G7+ model for 2026
- Plus time is getting critical to make your voice heard in the consultation threatening Popham Airfield.

Looking ahead to flying in 2026, learn about the winners of our #FLY2025 Challenge, and are you ready for #FLY2026 Challenge?

Plus there’s reflections on GA, microlighting and gliding activity, and previews of major aviation events such as AERO Friedrichshafen, the LAA Rally, Popham Microlight Trade Fair, Oshkosh and SleapKosh.

A comprehensive episode for anyone interested in aviation, flying, aircraft engineering, aviation news and staying active as a pilot in the UK.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying #aircraft 

The links!
Join the FLYER Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
#FLY2026 - forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024

This episode of The Flyer Show takes a look at the latest general aviation news, brings you your weekly SkyDemon tip, and of course your weekend weather outlook.

The team discusses the FAA decision that has grounded N-registered aircraft held in trust with Southern Aircraft Consultancy, and what the possible solutions might be. 

There's the latest in the Colin Hales/LAA story, the financial position of Lydd Airport, the proposed sale of Gloucestershire Airport and the consultation around Popham Airfield.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying 

The links!
Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Popham Consultation - https://www.pophamairfieldmatters.org/
That FAA grounding story - https://flyer.co.uk/n-registered-aircraft-held-in-trust-with-southern-aircraft-consultancy-grounded/
A&P investigates G100UL (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/@mluvara

We visit Compton Abbas Airfield to talk with new Accountable Manager Ben Perkins and Head of Aviation James Wolstenholme about some welcome changes coming up at one of the UK’s most picturesque airfields, set in the Dorset countryside.

Plus we run through this week’s top news stories including:
French Superstar: latest 2026 Daher TBM 980
Update on the grounded N-reg aircraft
Launch of Pooleys Dawn to Dusk Competition 2026
Update on the Colin Hales and LAA situation
Flying scholarships at Goodwood Flying School
Popham Airfield: 1 day left to act

This week we also have ‘What Caught My Eye’ with Dave in rapture over a US YouTuber strapped to the loading ramp of an RAF A400M flying the Mach Loop (yes, you read that right), Ian on the very public row between Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary and X’s Elon Musk, and Ed spots an ad for a very thirsty (and expensive) aircraft, a 1963 Howard 500.

Links:

Popham Airfield consultation: https://flyer.co.uk/feature/save-popham-airfield-now-is-the-time/

Pooleys Dawn to Dusk 2026:
https://flyer.co.uk/2026-international-dawn-to-dusk-competition-announced-by-pooleys/

Sam Eckholm A400M Mach Loop video: https://youtu.be/g60IkGJwkjU?si=uGi9FGHUhlJKZy3F
Howard 500 advertisement:
https://www.platinumfighters.com/inventory/1963-dee-howard-500/

Send us your “Welcome to The FLYER Show’ video:
Via WeTransfer to editorial@seager.aero

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

Will your revalidation refresher flight turn into a test?

That's one of the top three takeaways from this week's news of CAA licensing changes. Others include: Microlights are OK for Commercial Pilot Licence training and there are dark clouds ahead for instructors using a Pilot Medical Declaration. Plus: Return of the IMC Rating.
 
In the news we discuss:
·   Tayside Aviation faces dissolution leaving students out of pocket
·   Mooney Aircraft thrown a lifeline
·   Aerotech to close ahead of Coventry Airport's final day
·   Airfield Petition receives 10,000+ signatures
·   Microlight hero Malcolm McBride RIP
 
In What Caught My Eye, Dave fantasises over a final flight for Coventry's Nimrod,  Ian congratulations the pilot of NASA's Canberra after a belly landing, and Ed tinkers with Shuttleworth's de Havilland Comet (and sits in the pilot seat making noises).
 
Links:
#FLY2026: https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024
Airfield petition (ends 1 February!):  https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732869
CAA Wave 2 Comment Responses: https://www.caa.co.uk/data-and-publications/publications/documents/content/cap3212/
Nimrod final engine run: https://youtu.be/hLgdt0uOgZs?si=5Lh5eraMdEKpFdHo
Shuttleworth Collection: https://www.shuttleworth.org/

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

Simple but effective tips to improve your R/T! ATC expert Darren Lewington gives three straightforward ways to transform mumbling and stumbling radio calls into a thing of fluency. 

In the news we discuss:
Cirrus launches Generation 3 Vision Jet with six seats and more than 30 tweaks
N-reg drama over: FAA starts to reissue aircraft certificates
Volocopter buzzing: Back with two electric helicopters
Pilot caught short: the story behind our lead item

In What Caught My Eye: 
Dave spots the truly gorgeous Junkers A50 Heritage landing on ice
Annabel returns tongue Thai-d from flying in Thailand
Ed finds a dream floatplane business and house for sale

Links (to follow)
Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Thailand Flying Club - https://www.bfaflyingclub.com/
#FLY2026 - https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024
ATC Story Forum Link - https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139106
Float Plane Business for Sale - https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-2025443-FLOAT-PLANE-OPERATION.html
Gamston treasure hunt - https://flyer.co.uk/event/aerial-treasure-hunt-retford-gamston-airport/

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

Britain’s airfields and airports are under threat. Popham, Coventry, Tollerton, Gloucester and Old Sarum are just some facing an uncertain future. This week we bring an update - likely to be the first of many.

In the news, we discuss:
Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) - yet another CAA consultation
In the US, the powerful Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is in turmoil. Why?
AERO Friedrichshafen: fly in slots open and news of a FLYER Club special discount
Closet air racers: time to shine as Popham stages race school 
“30 feet… 10 feet… 5 feet… 15 feet… oops!” Garmin releases its Height Advisor (radar altimeter to you and me) for certified aircraft
Dawn to Dusk Challenge 2025 winners announced
PLUS Breaking News: new agent for Bristell certified aircraft in the UK

In What Caught My Eye this week:
Ian bursts with amazement at Monte Warne’s ‘Bubble Plane’
Dave salivates over this year’s Raduno in Italy
Ed whirls over a lightweight helicopter which flies on just 62hp

Links
CAA PMD Consultation https://consultations.caa.co.uk/ga/pilot-medical-declaration/
Register for Air Race School https://www.royalaeroclubrrra.co.uk/event-list
Pooleys 2026 Dawn to Dusk Challenge https://www.pooleys.com/dawn-to-dusk/
Tollerton Crowdfunder campaign https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-nottingham-airfield

We set a maximum budget of £50,000 and went looking in the classifieds (and elsewhere) for two choices:  Hot (aircraft we’d really like) and Not (aircraft we’d rather not). Ian falls for a beautifully made Chilton monoplane, even though it’s too small him to fly. Dave eyes a Luscombe (no surprise there) and Ed goes for a Yak 50 even though it’s life limited (the Yak, not Ed).

In the news:

• GASCo starts winding up after 60+ years promoting safety in aviation
• Red Bull’s Dario Costa lets the train take the strain (and his Edge 540 aircraft)
• Pilot Careers: Opportunities with Jet2, the new Oxford Airline Training and Leading Edge

In What Caught My Eye:

• Ian is surprised to find a Dyn Aero (now SE Aviation) MCR4S with no windscreen, hard points and a distinctly different purpose
• Dave sees Aerobility being given an all-electric Pipistrel two-seater to take disabled people flying
• Ed spies the lesser spotted Pasped Skylark… that’s Pasped as in Pas-Ped, not Passed as in Expired.
  
  Join Today www.flyer.co.uk/membership
  
  Thanks to AFORS www.afors.com
  & Plane Selling plane-selling.com
  & Rare Aircraft www.facebook.com/primoresto

Which is the best app for finding information about that airfield you’re thinking of flying to?

In the news:
What’s happening at Andrewsfield?
What’s K59? Tecnam revamps fleet to fit new US sport pilot rules
General Aviation did well in 2025 but which aircraft were the big winners?

FLYER Club News
Latest webinar on better radio use is live, plus four new free landing fees for March

In What Caught My Eye
Ian celebrates the Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) contest being staged this summer by the Real Aeroplane Club at Breighton (spoiler: it’s every bit a party as well as a STOL Fest)
Dave can’t wait to fly a Murphy Moose powered by a 550hp turboprop
Ed spots a bit of Piper history at the Vero Beach factory

Join the FLYER Club today https://flyer.co.uk/membership/

#aviationnews #generalaviation #airfield #pilots #weather

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has sent the strongest signal yet that ADS-B electronic conspicuity will become mandatory for most aircraft operating in UK lower airspace. Why? How? When? We don’t know all the answers yet but here’s what we do know.

Plus, in the News:
90th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first flight - and news of a very special Spitfire event at Shuttleworth
Italian manufacturer announces a new twin-engine aircraft, the Pioneer 800 Twin
Latest update on Van’s RV-15, one of the most eagerly awaited kitplanes ever
Popham: SkyDemon releases a heatmap showing GA flights into and out of the Hampshire airfield which puts paid to the argument “it’s not important”

FLYER Club news
Four free landing vouchers for March 2026 plus new webinars and club opportunities coming up

In What Caught My Eye this week:
Dave revels in the return of AFORS.com, the crazily designed but highly addictive website packed full of aircraft for sale

Ian discover the Bellanca Airbus (later renamed to Aircruiser), a sesquiplane. What’s that? Watch and find out!

Ed is reminded of the time a Russian Ilyushin IL-96 airliner made a short-field landing on grass… and survived

LINKS
FLYER’s #FLY2026 Challenge https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024

CAA Electronic Conspicuity report https://www.caa.co.uk/data-and-publications/publications/documents/content/cap3217/

AFORS https://afors.com

IL-62 strip landing https://youtu.be/wGzGR2KrwxU?si=7jrLtu8HD_GG634s

Shuttleworth Spitfire Summer Airshow https://www.shuttleworth.org/events/summer-air-show

#aviationnews #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots #aircraftlanding

What flying competitions can you take part in as a General Aviation pilot? There’s a surprising number of events and a wide range of sports, from air racing to short take-off and landing (STOL) competitions. For the tourers, there’s the Pooleys Dawn to Dusk Challenge, navigation exercises or precision/rally flying.

The SkyDemon tip is about integrated AIPs and airfield guides.

In the news we discuss:
Old Sarum Airfield wins planning appeal
Bicester Airfield hangar restored
New helicopters everywhere at the Verticon trade show
Fuel prices

In What Caught My Eye this week:
Annabel intercepts a video from Sam Rutherford
Dave spots a Spitfire
Ed finds a real-life fantasy hangar that’s straight out of a Bond movie

Links:
FLY2026 - https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024

Attend/Enter Real Stol event -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iYGU1REw62u-sArdKHEr3HDIyO-FWFARUD3v8vYDjtE/edith

Spitfires.com circumnavigation - https://www.spitfires.com/spitfire90

RRRA - https://www.royalaeroclubrrra.co.uk/

British Aerobatics - https://www.aerobatics.org.uk/

Top Nav - https://rin.org.uk/page/TopNav

Precision Flying World Championship 2026 - https://wpfc2026.pl/

British Precision Pilots Association -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1687052261663401

Welcome to the Flyer show videos send to - editorial@seager.aero - Via WeTransfer

#aviationnews #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots #airrace

The sale of the busiest General Aviation airport in the UK to Horizon Aero Group has collapsed. What do the two local councils which own the airport do now? We visit the airport - still functioning and busy - and look at what it could be.

In this week’s news:
Sale of Gloucestershire Airport collapses
Consultation over the airspace above Manston Airport in Kent when it reopens
Update on the new MD 564 ‘hotrod’ helicopter
Entries open for TopNav 2026, the navigation competition that takes place in May
Enthusiasts building a replica of a 1911 Helpman 1, an early aeroplane in the Netherlands

In What Caught My Eye this week
Ian chases a bigger Bird Dog (that’s a Cessna btw)
Dave marvels at two microlight pilots heading for Iceland
Ed is enthralled by the latest aeroplane from Lego, the legendary DC-3

Plus events, SkyDemon tip, the weekend’s weather forecast and FLYER Club news

Links 
FLY2026 - https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024
Top Nav - https://rin.org.uk/page/TopNav
Lego DC-3 https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/douglas-dc-3-pan-am-airliner-11378
Welcome to the Flyer show videos send to - editorial@seager.aero - Via WeTransfer

#aviationnews #gloucestershire #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots

Oil prices are rising quickly and the £3 litre of 100LL avgas is a definite possibility. In some parts of Europe, it’s already close. We take a look at current UK, Europe and USA prices, talk to the suppliers for their view and ask where’s it going?

Plus, in this week’s News
Swift Fuels 100R unleaded avgas is approved for hundreds more aircraft
We look back at the life of Mike Melvill, kitplane builder, test pilot and first civilian astronaut
Ultimate High is having a GA Safety Day at Goodwood
Loganair trials electric aircraft in the Highlands & Islands
Greenland’s legendary Narsarsuaq Airport us to close
£190k job at the CAA to sort out airspace mess

In What Caught Me Eye this week:
Dave finds a simulator of a Thruster microlight for those days when it’s too windy to fly the real thing.
Ian fancies a blend, a blended wing aircraft that is. Two are due to appear at April’s AERO Friedrichshafen show.
Ed finds a seven-tenths scale Junkers Ju-87 Stuka replica for sale. Will he ever stop making that Stuka dive bomber sound?

Links
Thruster simulator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqGnECqInpI
Stuka replica https://www.swarbirds.com/ju-87-stuka-replica
Send your “Welcome to The FLYER Show” videos to: editorial@seager.aero via https://wetransfer.com/

#aviationnews #fuelprices #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots

£10k? £15k? £20k? We run through some of the figures, some of the options and remember our first solo flights - which vary from a flex-wing microlight to a glider to a Piper Cub!

Plus, in the News:
Sonex Aircraft closes
Avid founder and designer, Dean Wildon, RIP
Microlight Awards + video chat with Owain Johns, CEO of the BMAA
The Reno, sorry Roswell Air Races are back and this time all the really fast guys will be there
Update on fuel prices

In What Caught My Eye:
Ian wonders about a spectacular forced landing in Oregon’s immense Snake River Canyon
Dave is excited about Pussy Galore’s Piper
Ed speculates on the future of a new light twin from Poland

Plus:
SkyDemon tip
Weekend weather forecast
Latest FLYER Club news including four new free landings for members
Weekend events

Links: 
Freedom Fox Adventures Hell's Canyon p1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPn1Vh-ebAs
Freedom Fox Adventures Hell's Canyon p2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrPiSsMzU_4
Sonex shutting down - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl9H0N_r8kE&t=3s

#aviationnews #learntofly #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots

NASA has created many experimental aircraft over the years and operated many others. In the week Artemis II flew to the Moon and around it for the first time in 53 years, we pick our favourites… and it’s an eclectic mix, we admit. Especially since one of us (DAVE!) mis-understood the brief. No matter, watch, listen and let us know your thoughts!

PLUS

In the News
Great Britain’s Vertical Aerospace has flown the all-important transition test flight, going from vertical take-off to wingborne flight - and raised shedloads of investment cash in the process
Poacher turned gamekeeper? AOPA is to deliver the CAA’s Airspace Infringement Courses in place of GASCo
Piper wing spars are back in the news. Could yours be affected?
Andrewsfield Airfield is back in operation. Hooray!
Sun n Fun starts in Florida next week. Yes, it’s both sunny and fun but also followed by AERO at Friedrichshafen on the banks of Lake Constance in Germany

What Caught My Eye
Ian rants (his second one) about AI slop in aviation 
Dave finds a brilliant, gorgeous Pitts Model 12 for sale
Ed is enlightened by a flight review of the Spirit SE-1 by an occasional FLYER contributor

Links: 
Euro GA link in description -
Spirit SE-1 Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTzwVQ6f1AA
Join the Flyer club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership/
Pilot Careers Live April 18th - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/heathrow-april-2026/

#aviationnews #nasa #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots

Yes, the FLYER team is off to Europe’s top General Aviation show staged at Friedrichshafen Messe which just happened to be adjacent to the local airport, on the shore of Lake Bodensee in southern Germany. Aircraft, avionics, engines, propellers and a zillion accessory and service providers from all over the world descend on what is a stunning location. This week on The FLYER Show we preview the show, looking at some of highlights we’ve already heard about.

In the News
British Airways opens its 2026 fully funded airline pilot training programme
Garmin launches a new pilot watch with InReach satellite comms and much more
MagniX proposes an electric power system for Vans RV-10 kitplane
The Alto NG 600kg microlight kicks off its UK type approval process 
New 7-blade prop for the Piper M700 Fury
French maker Aura Aero is awash with cash to build more of its two-seat aerobatic aircraft
Europe’s business aviation show, EBACE, cancels with just weeks to go

What Caught My Eye this week
Dave is getting wound up about the Chipmunk’s upcoming 80th anniversary
Ian ponders the little known Sreya Aviation Envoy which promised so much but delivered… well what?
Ed finds a bunch of aviation geeks building a 60% scale replica of a late 1950s V-bomber

Links
Video: Essential advice for BA’s 2026 pilot sponsorship course https://youtu.be/1oOYxjb3_YE?si=oVE7HDudJ8dss8kD
FLYER Club membership: https://flyer.co.uk/membership/
Pilot Careers Live April 18th - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/heathrow-april-2026/

#aviationnews #aero #generalaviation #aircraft #pilots

Ahead of the Popham Microlight Trade Fair we take a look at the UK’s booming 600kg Light Sport Microlight category: what aircraft are approved, what’s on the way and our Top 5.

In the News:
AERO 2026 was a huge success: Ed has the numbers
What’s new in radio chat: CAA updates CAP 413, the R/T manual
Blackbushe flight school aiming for record airfield landings
Popham Microlight Trade Faire this weekend

Club News:
Free landings for May: Causeway, Perth, Felthorpe and Jersey
Catch up on a brand new webinar about flying to and from the Channel Islands

In What Caught My Eye:
Ian spots a new easy to use Traffic Display
Dave marvels at a French two-seat jet, the Sipa S.200. Think mini Vampire
Ed is stunned by the very last Beech Staggerwing, a beautiful biplane once owned by Walter Beech himself… and it’s for sale

Links
Video Best of Aero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmJ5YP1-OUM
FLYER Club membership: https://flyer.co.uk/membership/
Donate to Airfirst’s “Beyond the Record” Challenge: https://www.gofundme.com/f/beyond-the-record-airfield-challenge

#aero2026 #aviationnews #popham #microlight #aviation

This week's show comes to you live - the team will be bringing you all of the hot news from AERO 2026!

“To make a small fortune in aviation, start with a large one!” It’s as hard as ever to stay in business in General Aviation (GA) with manufacturers struggling to make money or even break even. We take a look back at three of the big name brands that have faced tough times, run through some of the many casualties - and end with a couple of surprises.

In the News:
Popham Microlight Trade Fair was a huge success
Sonex Aircraft bounces back
Drones get loadsamoney Govt support - but at what cost to GA
DeltaHawk update: Jet A burning new engine is causing a stir

In What Caught My Eye:
Dave is shocked by Robinson Helicopter’s electric plans
Ian spots signs of a long gone and much missed airfield
Ed has a mad twin! Blimey, can we cope?

Plus:
SkyDemon tip of the week
Simon Keeling’s Weekend Weather forecast
FLYER Club news
Flying events coming up

Links
FLYER #FLY2026 Challenge: https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024
FLYER Club membership: https://flyer.co.uk/membership/

#generalaviation #aviationnews #popham #waco  #aviation

The world’s greatest ever movie, Top Gun, was first shown in May 1986 so it’s now 40 years old and still as appealing as ever! We celebrate the date with our favourite scenes and lines, plus reveal some of the back stories which are just as bad-ass. 

In The News
Doncaster Sheffield Airport inches closer to re-opening
4Air’s electric aircraft gift to Aerobility
Royal Aero Club annual awards
Popham’s neighbours need our help
CAA wants our feedback on Manchester’s North West Transit Corridor
PPL Skill Test standards document updated
Special offer from Hangar Homes

Plus SkyDemon Tip of the Week, Weekend Weather Forecast, Club News and Events

In What Caught My Eye
Dave finds a classic tailwheel aircraft for just £3,500
Annabel makes a splash in Scotland with a Seaplane Rating
Ed spots one of FLYER’s best ever flight test aircraft is up for sale 

Links
Popham’s neighbours need our help: https://flyer.co.uk/pophams-neighbours-need-help-to-defeat-hgv-nightmare/

North West Transit Corridor feedback: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/safety-and-airspace-regulation-group/nwtc-pir/

PPL Skill Test Standards Document 19A: https://www.caa.co.uk/data-and-publications/publications/documents/content/standards-document-19-a/

Special offer on hangar home at Enniskillen Aeropark: https://flyer.co.uk/special-offer-on-a-hangar-home-at-enniskillen-aeropark/

Lockheed12A Electra Junior Flight Test: https://flyer.co.uk/feature/lockheed-12a-electra-junior/

Behind the Scenes with Top Gun: Maverick Aerial Team / Cinejet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQUGwYHhCKw

#topgun #topgunmaverick #aviation #aviationnews #pilots #movies

So what’s a warbird? Any aircraft with a military purpose at some point in its life, is what we’ve gone for. But not the £MultiMillion exotica like Spitfires and Hurricanes, but something an ordinary pilot could own outright or have a share. 
So what have we chosen?
Ian has plumped for the Chipmunk, of course, because the subject is inspired by this week’s International Gathering of Chipminks at Halfpenny Green (Wolverhampton) which will celebrate the aircraft’s first flight 80 years ago.
Take one Piper Cub J34, paint it drab green rather than bright yellow and you have the L4, an aerial reconnaissance aircraft used across the European theatre during WW11. Ed loves a Cub, so that’s his choice.
Dave found an absolutely gorgeous Boeing Stearman PT-17 dating from 1941. The big biplane was a primary trainer and almost all US pilots and 10,000 British pilots learnt the basics. It’s big, brash and very, very tough.

In this week’s News:
British company announces a composite kitplane Spitfire
World Airsports Day has been decreed: it’s 14 October
Flown west: aviation writer Rod Simpson and Sportys founder Hal Shrevers
Pilot Careers Live North gets a new venue after outgrowing the old one. Tickets are available now for the event on 11 July

FLYER Club News
Next webinar: Gliding activity in shared skies with Pete Stratten of the Britosh Gliding Association. It’s at 7pm, Wednesday 27 May  and open to all. Find it here, on FLYER’s YouTube channel

In What Caught My Eye:
Floatplane flying in the Italian lakes: Dave splashes down at Aero Club Como where it’s possible to not only complete a Seaplane Rating but also train for a complete PPL(A)
Ian gets fired up about a strange press release from a drone company fitting machine guns (yes, really)
Ed remembers Sheila Scott, who became the first British pilot to fly solo around the world in 1966

Links:
Historic & Classic (Stearman and L4) https://historicandclassicaircraftsales.com/
Pilot Careers Live North https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/uk-manchester-11-july-2026/

#warbirds #aviationnews #aviation #pilots #ww2history #historicalaircraft

For some, including Ian, it’s a bucket list item. For others, ferry pilots, it’s a job. Whatever, it’s not a flight to be taken lightly because of weather, distance, weather, over water, weather, over ice, weather, fuel availability, weather… and did we mention, weather?

We examine the difficulties and how they can be tackled or at least minimised. What aircraft to choose? Potential mods. Intelligent safety aids to carry. What’s the paperwork required? What’s the best routing, both VFR and IFR.

In the News
Why is squawking a monitoring code a good idea around Oxford Airport? 
The Flying Reporter’s transatlantic adventure takes off… with an emergency
RIAT cancelled
Paraglider’s Great Escape after mid-air collision
Glenforsa stages its 54th Annual Mull Fly-in

FLYER Club news
June free landing: Easter, Kingsmuir, Eshott and Yatesbury
New safety webinar: Gliding and Shared Airspace
Send your flying photos and videos to us!

In What Caught My Eye
Dave marvels at the action at Wolverhampton Halfpeny Green Airport over last weekend: Chippies galore plus a totally gorgeous and rare Douglas C41A makes the airport its new base
Ian falls in love again for a French beauty: this time it’s the Renault-Caudron C.460 replica which made an appearance at La Ferte-Alais air show at the weekend
Ed heads straight for the burgers at the first Popham BBQ of the summer season and has nothing but praise for the chefs, the marshals, airfield managers and all the other pilots who also flew in. Flying at its best!

Links
FAA North Atlantic Flight Planning document: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/NAT%20IGA%202004.pdf

Flying Reporter: https://www.flyingreporter.co.uk/

Gliding and Shared Airspace webinar: https://youtube.com/live/Xtnc_TVrrFg

#aviationnews #atlanticcrossing #aviationadventures #pilots #aviationcrash