The development of manned drones - usually referred to as eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) - is progressing at a rapid pace worldwide. While the first commercial licences have already been granted in Asia, regulation in Europe and the USA is still in its infancy. This article examines the current state of the art, the opportunities and risks for general aviation and the plans for the new "U-Space" airspace, which will allow drones and conventional aircraft to fly in the future.

After a six-year break, one of the best-known general aviation industry events in the German-speaking world is returning: Air Expo Zell am See will take place on the weekend of 13-14 September 2025 at the Austrian airfield in Zell am See (LOWZ) - for the eleventh time. As with previous events, admission is free of charge, which should attract both trade visitors and aviation enthusiasts from all over Europe.

While most powered aircraft are traditionally operated with the more expensive Avgas 100LL, numerous modern or converted piston engines can also fly with commercially available premium petrol - known as MOGAS in aviation jargon. The updated overview of German aerodromes with a MOGAS supply is therefore published once a year and is eagerly awaited. The 2025 edition is now available online - a big thank you goes to René Mühlmeier, who compiled this extensive and extremely useful list for many pilots.

Offenbach, May 2025 - With the commissioning of the new ICON-D2 RUC (Rapid Update Cycle) weather forecast model, the German Weather Service (DWD) is marking a significant advance in short-term meteorological forecasting. The new model significantly improves the ability to respond to dynamic and dangerous weather situations, particularly for general aviation and safety-related services such as civil protection.

General aviation in Austria can report an important success: Salzburg Airport (ICAO: LOWS, IATA: SZG), long valued as an attractive destination for private pilots, has ended a controversial charging practice following massive pressure from AOPA Austria. This marks the end of a chapter that was associated with frustration and high costs for many pilots - and the beginning of a new one that gives hope for improved co-operation between airport operators and General Aviation (GA).

The US aviation group Boeing is fundamentally restructuring its digital portfolio and selling key software solutions to technology investor Thoma Bravo - a decision with far-reaching consequences for the future of digital aviation.

Despite intensive discussions about sustainability and alternative propulsion concepts, general aviation continued to record significant growth in 2024 - particularly in the piston engine aircraft segment. This robust, tried-and-tested aircraft class remains very popular with flying schools, private pilots, air sports clubs and operators of specialised aviation services. A look at the latest figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) confirms this: The trend continues to point upwards.

AERO Friedrichshafen, Europe's leading trade fair for general aviation, will once again open its doors from 9 to 12 April 2025 - and in its largest edition to date. With over 756 exhibitors from around 38 countries, more than 32,000 visitors and media interest from over 500 accredited journalists worldwide, AERO is not only a major industry gathering, but also an important indicator of innovations and trends in the civil aviation industry.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has released version 2.8 of its popular DWD flight weather app. The app, which is firmly established among pilots in Germany for flight preparation, has once again been expanded to include valuable functions that are primarily intended for practical use in the cockpit and for analysing the weather before a flight. Following the introduction of dynamic meteograms and cross sections in the previous year, which represented significant steps towards professional aviation weather visualisation, the new

General aviation in Germany was facing a potential additional financial burden: a planned amendment to the Air Traffic Control Officer Ordinance (FSBV) was to abolish the exemption from approach charges for small aircraft with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of less than 2,000 kg. The implementation of this measure would have led to additional costs for pilots and aircraft operators from 1 March 2025 - especially when approaching regional airports with control zones. Thanks to the swift and determined efforts of several aviation organisations, this change was

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH is organising a VFR Visitors' Day on 15 March 2025, which is aimed specifically at pilots who fly according to visual flight rules (VFR). This event will take place on the DFS campus in Langen, Hesse, and offers an exclusive opportunity to get to know the work of air traffic control at close quarters.

The fascination of water flying combines a passion for aviation with the freedom of open waters. Although this particular type of flying is widespread worldwide, enthusiasts in Germany face specific challenges and limited opportunities.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published its annual report for 2024 - with consistently positive news for general aviation. The global market for new fixed-wing aircraft has grown by 14.3 per cent compared to 2023. The business jet and piston engine aircraft sector is particularly strong, while turboprops are showing a slight decline.

In spring 2024, a new legal basis was created with NfL 2024-1-3106, which makes it possible to operate aerodromes in Germany without the presence of an air traffic controller. This marks a significant step towards a more flexible and practical regulation of general aviation. Nine months after this regulation came into force, it is time to take stock and assess the extent to which the original objectives of the reform have been achieved.

Friedrichshafen, a city with a rich aviation tradition, will once again become the centre of general aviation from 9 to 12 April 2025. AERO 2025 brings together a multifaceted mix of classic air sports equipment, innovative microlights, gliders and state-of-the-art business jets - a unique format that focuses on both tradition and pioneering technologies.