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Night flying in general aviation - fascination, responsibility and modern challenges

Night VFR is one of the most impressive, but at the same time most demanding disciplines in private aviation. Flying in the dark combines special atmospheric impressions with increased demands on perception, preparation and technology. While night VFR was previously only permitted in a few European countries, the authorisation is now becoming increasingly popular again - not least because modern cockpits, improved lighting systems and reliable navigation aids are making night flying more accessible. Nevertheless, flying in the dark remains an area in which
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16 November 2025

Visual and instrument flights in the TMZ Nordostschweiz - A comprehensive refresher for pilots

Since 2022, the Transponder Mandatory Zone North-East (TMZ NE) in eastern Switzerland has been a central component for the safe coordination of visual and instrument flight traffic in the vicinity of St. Gallen-Altenrhein and Friedrichshafen airports. Despite modern technology, the interaction between VFR and IFR traffic in Echo airspace remains challenging. In particular, the proximity of IFR approach routes to frequently flown VFR areas increases the importance of strong situational awareness on both sides of the cockpit. This article highlights the
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16 November 2025

The fog season starts again with autumn

When the days get shorter and moist air collects over the cooler ground, the most challenging time of year for pilots begins: the fog season. In autumn in particular, visibility is regularly impaired, which has a significant impact on air traffic. But not all fog is the same. Whether light meadow fog, high fog or dense radiation fog - the distinction is crucial for flight preparation, visual flight conditions and the interpretation of METAR and TAF reports. The following article explains the most important
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26 October 2025

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Everything you need to know about aircraft transponders

Today, transponders are part of the basic equipment of almost every motorised aircraft and make a decisive contribution to flight safety. They make aircraft visible to air traffic control, enable precise separation in airspace and form the basis of modern collision warning systems such as ADS-B. The following article explains in detail how they work, the legal regulations in Europe, the various transponder modes, typical squawk codes as well as current developments and purchase recommendations for general aviation pilots.
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26 October 2025

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High-altitude oxygen in general aviation - when it becomes mandatory and how to use it correctly

Flights at higher altitudes bring benefits in terms of range and performance, but expose pilots and passengers to decreasing oxygen availability. At certain altitudes, additional oxygen is not only useful, but mandatory. The article explains the physiological background, precisely summarises the European operating limits, describes typical hypoxia symptoms and the available equipment - from cannulas and on-demand systems to oxygen concentrators. It also contains practical checklists for pre-flight, operation, monitoring and refuelling.
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26 October 2025

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Support for Classic FLARM is coming to an end - what pilots need to know now

The Swiss company FLARM has announced that it will discontinue technical support for its „Classic“ series of collision warning devices at the end of September 2026. This marks the end of an era in general aviation that has made a significant contribution to increasing flight safety over two decades. The following article sheds light on the background to this decision, explains the technical and economic reasons and shows what pilots and clubs should now bear in mind.
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26 October 2025

Flying in the mountains: why the right frequency can save lives

There is often heavy traffic in alpine airspace: helicopters, motorised aircraft and gliders share the same limited space. Especially around well-known peaks such as the Matterhorn or the Eiger, dangerous situations can quickly arise if pilots are not communicating on the same frequency. The Swiss mountain frequency 130.355 MHz is a key instrument for greater safety. Nevertheless, many aeroplanes do not use it consistently. Experts and practitioners are calling for pilots to be better prepared
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4 October 2025

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Mastering crosswind landings: technique, training and tips for greater safety

Crosswind landings are among the most demanding manoeuvres in general aviation. They require a high degree of concentration, technique and experience. Mistakes in this phase of flight often lead to critical situations, which is why the correct procedure is crucial for pilots. Even strong crosswinds can be safely mastered with the interplay of lead angle and side glide, the appropriate use of the rudder and a conscious decision about personal limits. Modern aids such as simulators and training programmes
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3 October 2025

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Better training in general aviation: Why continuous training can save lives

Compared to commercial aviation, general aviation is confronted with a significantly higher accident rate. A recent Australian meta-study shows this: Over 90 per cent of fatal accidents involve light aircraft. Pilot error, inadequate training and a lack of situational awareness are considered to be the main causes. Experts are therefore calling for a fundamental reform of pilot training in general aviation, regular refresher training and the increased use of simulators and modern learning methods.
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3 October 2025

Invisible danger: wake vortices during mixed operations at aerodromes

Wake vortices are one of the most underestimated dangers in aviation. Dangerous situations can arise, especially at aerodromes with mixed operations - i.e. where light aircraft, helicopters and larger aircraft such as the Antonov An-2 fly together. Two tragic incidents in Germany and Switzerland show how quickly harmless take-offs can lead to life-threatening emergencies due to the invisible air turbulence. This article sheds light on the physical background, documented accidents and
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14 September 2025

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General Aviation Safety 2025: What the new meta-analysis shows - and how we can effectively reduce accidents

A recent systematic analysis of 46 studies on accidents in general aviation (GA) reveals five key risk areas: human factors, training deficits, aircraft characteristics, pilot-related characteristics and the flight phase. Particularly critical are flights in low visibility (IMC/night) and at low altitude, where the margin for error is small and stall/spin incidents are often fatal. The findings are clear: recurrent training - targeted, practical and data-supported - reduces the risk. Effective levers are sufficient
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14 September 2025

Summer and Alpine flights: What pilots need to pay particular attention to

Flying in summer and in the mountains is one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most challenging experiences in general aviation. High temperatures, thinner air, narrow valleys and changeable wind systems can have a significant impact on flight safety. Accident reports repeatedly show that even experienced pilots underestimate the risks. If you want to navigate safely through hot days and alpine regions, you need to know the basics of physics, tactical rules and weather phenomena - and apply them in a disciplined manner.
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23 August 2025

Cloud flying in gliders: opportunities, risks and regulations

The so-called Cloud Flying Rating gives glider pilots the opportunity to fly into clouds under clearly defined conditions. What at first glance looks like a fascinating expansion of flying possibilities, in practice harbours considerable challenges for safety and interaction with IFR traffic. A current example from practice illustrates how important it is to consistently adhere to procedures and regulations.
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23 August 2025

Focus on Airspace E: DFS warns of increasing risks due to VFR/IFR mixed traffic

German Air Navigation Services (DFS) has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the German airspace structure on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV). Category E airspace, where visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) meet, is once again particularly critical. DFS emphasises that there has been a conspicuous increase in dangerous approaches over the past year. It is therefore urgently appealing to VFR pilots to pay attention and to take evasive action in
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23 August 2025

Summertime, thunderstorm time: what pilots need to know now

In the summer months, the probability of thunderstorms increases significantly - a weather situation that harbours considerable risks for aviation. From turbulence and hail to sudden wind shear and extreme precipitation: thunderstorm phenomena pose particular challenges for pilots. This article clearly explains how thunderstorms develop, where they occur most frequently in Switzerland and what precautions should be taken when flying.
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27 July 2025

New regulation from 2026: Halon fire extinguishers no longer permitted in the cockpit

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Commission have taken an important step towards environmental and climate protection: from 1 January 2026, halon-based hand-held fire extinguishers may no longer be used in any aircraft. This measure affects all civil aircraft in Europe - from microlight aircraft to business jets - and is part of a long-term strategy to phase out climate-damaging substances in safety-relevant systems.
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20 July 2025

Summertime is density-altitude time: What pilots need to know about performance, control and safety in hot weather

With the first hot days, the topic of "density altitude" is back in high season - a term that is taught in flight training but often underestimated in everyday life. Temperatures above 30 °C, as recently experienced in the Alps, lead to significant changes in performance that affect all phases of a flight: from take-off to climb to landing. The Swiss weather authority MeteoSwiss and several aviation information services are currently warning pilots to exercise particular caution.
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6 July 2025

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Is flying dangerous? How safe private aviation really is - and what pilots can learn from it

Flying is considered one of the most fascinating activities, but also one with inherent risks. In pilot circles, it is often said that "the most dangerous thing about flying is the journey to the aerodrome". But how reliable is this saying? US glider pilot Clemens S. Ceipek has systematically got to the bottom of this question in his blog www.chessintheair.com - with a well thought-out and comparable risk calculation.
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14 July 2025

Digital airspace for all: Switzerland is driving forward electronic visibility in general aviation

Switzerland is one of the leading countries when it comes to digitalisation and airspace safety. With the ambitious FASST-CH project, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is planning a fully digitally networked airspace by 2035. The aim is to make all aircraft movements - from commercial aircraft, helicopters and motorised aircraft to paragliders, parachutists and drones - electronically visible. The vision: a shared air situation picture in real time for everyone involved.
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6 July 2025

New name, new perspectives: Schönhagen airfield becomes Otto Lilienthal research airfield

The Schönhagen airfield in Brandenburg is writing a new chapter in its history: with the official addition of the name "Otto Lilienthal Research Airfield", the airfield is not only receiving a symbolic upgrade, but also new impetus for research, innovation and economic development in the field of general aviation.
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27 June 2025

Safety-related incidents in general aviation: Why incident reports are so important

Safety is the top priority in general aviation (GA). Despite the high level of professionalism of those involved and the regular maintenance of aircraft, incidents can never be completely avoided. In such cases, so-called incident reports play a central role. This article explains what exactly needs to be reported, who is obliged to report and why a practised safety culture forms the basis for a better level of safety.
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27 June 2025

Flying with hay fever: what pilots should definitely bear in mind

Spring not only marks the start of the flying season, but also the season of pollen - and thus the time of suffering for many allergy sufferers. Hay fever is more than just an annoying side effect: for pilots, it can pose a serious risk to their fitness to fly. Sneezing attacks, watery eyes and fatigue not only jeopardise concentration but, in the worst case, also safety in the cockpit.
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14 June 2025

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A solo flight with a serious outcome: What the accident in Oerlinghausen teaches us about flight training and mental resilience

A first solo flight is a significant step for every student pilot - a moment that requires self-confidence and flying maturity. But what happens when technical errors, mental exhaustion and incomplete decision-making skills come together? The serious accident involving a student pilot at the Oerlinghausen special landing site (EDLO) in October 2023 provides tragic illustrative material - and important insights for training in general aviation.
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14 June 2025

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Security situation in Swiss civil aviation in 2024: more incidents, new challenges - and targeted prevention

The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has published a comprehensive analysis of the safety situation in Swiss civil aviation in its Annual Safety Report 2024. The figures show a significant increase in reported safety-related incidents - to 12,751 reports, which corresponds to an increase of around 20 % compared to the previous year. The increases in GPS malfunctions, incidents involving conspicuous passengers and near-collisions are particularly striking. The report shows: Air traffic is becoming more complex - and the FOCA
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13 June 2025

Bird strikes in recreational aviation: an invisible danger with serious consequences

With the start of the breeding and rearing season, the risk of bird strikes increases in Central Europe - an underestimated but safety-relevant issue that affects not only commercial aviation, but also general aviation in particular. Recreational pilots need to be particularly vigilant.
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23 May 2025

Intersection take-off: efficient take-off - but with caution

In general aviation, take-off from a runway intersection - known as an intersection take-off - is being used more and more frequently. What initially sounds like a time saving is actually a complex interplay of efficiency, safety, communication and flight operations. Pilots should weigh up the benefits and risks carefully before foregoing runway length.
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23 May 2025

Start the season safely: Why assembly errors in gliding can be life-threatening

At the start of every new flying season, glider pilots are full of anticipation: finally back in the air! But before the glider can take off, there is an often underestimated task - assembling the aircraft after the winter break. The first commissioning in spring in particular harbours risks, as the processes are not quite as well-rehearsed after the long break as they were in autumn. Even a small mistake can have dramatic consequences. Annually
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10 May 2025

Cirrus integrates "Safe Return" emergency landing system in piston aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft has taken another significant step towards safety and technological innovation. With the introduction of the automatic emergency landing system Safe Return Emergency Autoland in the new generation (G7+) of its piston engine aircraft - SR20, SR22 and SR22T - the US manufacturer is setting a new safety standard in general aviation. What was previously only available in selected turboprops and the Cirrus Vision Jet is now also available to pilots and passengers of smaller piston aircraft.
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10 May 2025

Flying with passengers: Why a good safety briefing is essential

A sightseeing flight with passengers is often a highlight for everyone involved: the view, the feeling of flying and the special atmosphere make the flight unforgettable for many. However, what is a special experience for passengers is a great responsibility for the pilot - not only legally, but also in human terms. Anyone who takes guests on board takes on the task of guiding them safely and prepared through a situation,
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3 May 2025

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Airspace violations: When carelessness becomes expensive - legal consequences, prevention and practical examples

In civil aviation, compliance with the airspace structure is a fundamental prerequisite for the safety of all parties involved. However, airspace violations occur time and again, particularly in general aviation - often not intentionally, but due to carelessness, a lack of planning or technical overload. Many pilots underestimate this: Even small mistakes can have serious legal and financial consequences. The consequences range from severe fines
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3 May 2025

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