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We are constantly working to make the Pilot Hub even better!

Since our launch at the beginning of 2024, we have already revised the structure of our website several times. We are always trying to put together new features and information to keep you up to date and support you!

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Latest news at Pilot-Hub

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Operating your ADS-B transponder correctly: GND, ALT and IDENT explained clearly

The transponder is one of the most important, yet frequently underestimated, devices in the cockpit. It makes an aircraft visible to air traffic control and to many traffic collision avoidance systems. Modern Mode S transponders can also transmit ADS-B Out, thereby broadcasting the aircraft's position, altitude and identity. However, correct operation is crucial. In flight, the transponder should normally be set to the ALT mode, and on the ground – where applicable – to GND. The IDENT button is to be used exclusively upon instruction from air traffic control.
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6th September 2026

Avionik Straubing: Three long-serving employees take over the traditional company

A new era is beginning at Avionik Straubing. Martin Scheifl, Josef Breu and Stefan Schönsteiner have acquired the renowned avionics business from the previous owners, Iris and Gunter Hemmel. All three have been with the company for many years and together bring around 100 years of experience at Avionik Straubing. For customers, the management buyout is likely to mean continuity above all. At the same time, the new owners want to further develop the range of services and, in particular, integrate mechanical work more closely with
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6th September 2026

The death of airfields in Germany: When valuable infrastructure gives way to other uses

Germany's network of commercial and special landing grounds is coming under increasing economic and political pressure. Municipal owners are questioning deficits, while alternative uses such as photovoltaics, commercial areas or camper van sites often promise higher and more predictable revenues. Several former airfields have already been repurposed. At the same time, examples like Offenburg or currently Wyk auf Föhr show that this trend does not necessarily have to continue. For general aviation, this is about much more than individual runways: with every
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6th September 2026

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Water in the fuel: How an overlooked contamination led to the fatal accident

A fatal accident involving a Rockwell Commander 112 TCA in Scotland demonstrates just how dangerous water in the fuel system of a piston-engine aircraft can be. Shortly after takeoff, the engine apparently began to stutter, and a short time later the aircraft spun out of control. The UK AAIB found significant amounts of water in the fuel system and severely damaged seals on the fuel filler caps. The case highlights why fuel checks must be carried out thoroughly and critically – especially after long periods of inactivity
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16 August 2026

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No fixed deadline for TEL: Avgas 100LL likely to remain available for longer

For general aviation, the supply of Avgas 100LL is in the clear for the time being. Innospec, the world's last established manufacturer of tetraethyllead (TEL), has clarified that there is currently no fixed date for stopping the production of the lead additive. The company is thus qualifying earlier expectations that TEL production could end around 2030. This is of great significance for operators of high-performance piston-engined aircraft, as numerous engines still rely on high-octane
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15 August 2026

Setting the QNH correctly: Small deviation, big impact

Setting the altimeter is one of the fundamental tasks in the cockpit and is often carried out almost automatically in daily flight operations. Yet, therein lies a danger. An incorrectly set barometric pressure can cause the altitude actually flown to deviate significantly from the indicated altitude. Just a few hectopascals of difference can amount to several hundred feet and thereby reduce safety margins regarding terrain, obstacles, controlled airspace or other traffic. EASA has
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15 August 2026

NFL Ticker

NFL 2026-1-4039 – Reduced Runway Separation: New DFS Rules from October 2026

On 1 October 2026, DFS is updating the rules for reduced runway separation. The procedure allows air traffic controllers at selected German commercial airports to clear a following aircraft for landing or takeoff even though another aircraft is still on the same runway or has just vacated or flown over it. This requires clearly defined minimum distances as well as sufficiently good weather and runway conditions. Particularly for smaller propeller aircraft, this can result in shorter intervals and a smoother flow of traffic. However, the fundamental requirements regarding wake turbulence separation remain unchanged.

ADS-B/UAT in Austria: test facility in Bad Vöslau clears next hurdle

AOPA Austria is pushing ahead with the development of the first ADS-B/UAT test facility in Austria, with Bad Vöslau airfield designated as the location. The project is intended to demonstrate how traffic data, weather information, NOTAMs and temporary airspace restrictions could in future be transmitted cost-effectively directly into the cockpit. However, important regulatory questions still remain open. The focus is on potential interactions with the DME at Vienna Airport and the authorisation for the transmission of TIS-B traffic data. Technically, the project is based on the UAT system on 978 MHz, which is well established in the USA.

Fire brigade after emergency or forced landing: Who pays for the call-out?

An emergency landing, precautionary landing or landing away from an aerodrome can pass off without serious incident and still turn out to be expensive. If the fire brigade is called out as a precaution, the aircraft owner may incur substantial costs depending on the federal state, the operation and local bylaws. Demands amounting to several thousand expenses are possible. Whether aircraft owner's liability insurance covers such expenses cannot be answered globally. The specific policy conditions are decisive. Clubs and private owners should therefore clarify before an incident whether public-law costs incurred by municipal or airfield fire brigades are covered.

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Why the Pilot-Hub?

As part of our own pilot training, we have realised that it is often far too difficult to receive up-to-date, detailed and complete information. There are some really good websites, but even these often only contain partial information. Over time, we found ourselves with an ever-growing list of links and different information snippets. This idea evolved and the result is what you see now.

We are aware that we cannot guarantee absolute correctness and completeness everywhere. Likewise, not all content has been finalised, as we are devoting ourselves to this project in our spare time. We hope for your understanding and ask for your support!

We are constantly working to further improve our pilot hub and are therefore grateful for any feedback, suggestions or criticism. Feel free to use the contact options at the bottom of the page and we will get back to you as soon as possible 🙂

We hope to help you on your way to become a pilot or someone deeply interested in aviation and to accompany you throughout your aviation pathway at all times!

Who is behind it?

Jochen

I only started flying at the age of 40 - which was actually far too late!
After my LAPL training on the trusty Cessna 172, I completed my PPL, my instrument rating and finally my CPL almost seamlessly. Whether Mooney, Cessna or a TB20, flying has cast a spell over me! So much so that I recently became the proud co-owner of a Cessna P210, which also has room for my entire family, including my three children. Who knows, maybe my enthusiasm will rub off on them!

Tim

Originally dreaming of becoming a pilot, I ended up becoming an engineer.
Fortunately, I started my LAPL training at the end of my studies, which was immediately followed by my PPL including night flying.
Naturally, I am also interested in all aircraft technology and avionics and am delighted to be a member of Germany's oldest flying club - the Luftfahrtverein Essen e.V.!

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