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

Cancelling a flight is one of the most difficult decisions in General Aviation. Often, anticipation, time pressure, important appointments or passenger expectations stand in the way of an objective safety assessment. Experienced pilots in particular know the inner conflict between the desire to fly and the responsibility to correctly assess risks. Accident analyses repeatedly show that it is not the cancellation of a flight, but sticking to an originally made plan that is often the decisive mistake.

Several times a year, desert dust from the Sahara reaches Europe over long distances and occasionally reaches the Alpine region. Such events are meteorologically interesting and also pose a challenge for weather forecasting. They can also be relevant for general aviation, as the fine dust affects visibility, cloud cover and atmospheric radiation. Although the effects on aircraft in Central Europe are usually minor, reduced visibility, altered lighting conditions and localised

Aerodromes are easily identifiable landmarks for visual flight pilots on the map and in the landscape. Nevertheless, caution is advised when using them as a navigation reference. The situation is particularly critical at aerodromes with glider operations and winch launches or with regular parachute operations. Here, aircraft can operate unexpectedly in close proximity to each other, while individual parties have only limited options for evasive action. Anyone flying over such aerodromes at low altitude or flying uncoordinated through the aerodrome circuit,

Airspace E is considered to be easy to use by visual pilots and is an integral part of everyday operations in general aviation. At the same time, it is used intensively by IFR traffic, particularly in the vicinity of commercial airports. It is precisely this mixed operation that harbours considerable risks, because although Airspace E is formally considered controlled airspace, there is no separation between IFR and VFR traffic. The responsibility for collision avoidance lies entirely with the crews. The following article highlights the structural peculiarities

Winter changes aviation in many ways. Visibility, aerodynamics, navigation, de-icing, engine operation and cockpit management present pilots with different challenges than in summer. At the same time, the cold season opens up impressive flying experiences: clear air, good climbing performance and fantastic landscapes. It is crucial to prepare for the specific winter conditions and to know the characteristics of snow, ice and cold. This article explains the most important aspects for safe GA flying in winter - from planning

VFR pilots who unintentionally find themselves in instrument weather conditions are among the most high-risk situations in general aviation. Between disorientation, loss of control and poor visibility, a situation arises that can overwhelm even experienced pilots. This article sheds light on the phenomenon of VFR-into-IMC, explains why it occurs time and again despite clear rules, and uses practical aspects to show which decisions can prevent or defuse the scenario before, during and after the flight.

When general aviation talks about weather-related restrictions, the focus is usually on thunderstorms, turbulence or icing. One phenomenon is often underestimated: inversions. Especially in the winter months, it combines several meteorological effects that can have a significant impact on both VFR and IFR flights. Inversions influence visibility, performance, turbulence behaviour and icing risks and are therefore one of the key aspects of careful flight planning in the cold season.

Winter flights present private pilots with special challenges. Icy conditions, short days, cold engines and slippery operating surfaces increase the demands on flight preparation, technical understanding and flying discipline. At the same time, winter rewards you with clear air, impressive landscapes and often exceptionally good performance values. This article summarises tried and tested practical tips for flying in the cold season, classifies meteorological and technical risks and shows how winter flights can be carried out safely and responsibly.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.