The current issue of the popular EASA series "Sunny Swift" emphasises the important topic of electronic visibility in airspace. The motto is: "See and be seen" - or in German: "See and be seen". With new technologies such as ADS-L (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Light), the principle of "See and Avoid" is taken to a new level and general aviation pilots receive valuable digital support to increase safety.

Emergency landing exercises are a central component of pilot training. They prepare pilots to act prudently in an emergency and to land an aircraft safely. These exercises are not only technically demanding, but must also be carefully planned and carried out with regard to environmental protection and safety aspects.

Aborting take-off is one of the most critical decisions a pilot has to make during a flight. Within seconds, it is decided whether the flight can continue safely or whether it needs to be aborted. Good preparation, clear decision management and technical checks are crucial in order to minimise risks and act correctly in an emergency.

General aviation regularly faces technical and operational challenges, particularly in the area of engine safety. The focus here is on Rotax engines, which are used in a large number of light and microlight aircraft. In the first half of 2024, the BAT working group (BAT-AG) "Rotax" published numerous recommendations for the safe operation of these engines in order to minimise performance losses and operational problems. This was based on the Rotax Service Letter SL 912-016R2 and findings from reported cases.

Digital aids such as electronic flight planners and navigation programmes (electronic flight boards, or EFBs for short) have become firmly established in aviation. These devices enable pilots to efficiently manage complex tasks such as flight planning, weight and centre of gravity calculations, weather analyses and airspace observations. But as with any technology, there are downsides. An overview of the opportunities and risks.

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has the exclusive right to provide aviation weather forecasts for general aviation in Germany. From 1 December 2024, changes to the aeronautical weather advisory service by telephone will come into force, which will not only affect the cost structure, but also aim to modernise and standardise the service.

The flight performance of an aircraft depends to a large extent on the cleanliness of its wings. Even minor soiling from rain, frost or ice can impair the aerodynamics of the wings to such an extent that it can lead to dangerous situations. A recent STSB (Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board) accident report clearly shows how critical clean wings are for safe flight performance.

For many pilots, especially in Switzerland, it is common to climb to altitudes of 9,500 feet (approx. 2,900 metres) or higher when flying over the Alps in order to overcome the mountain ranges. But what many don't realise is that our bodies are often not prepared for these altitudes. Most of us live and work at altitudes that are only a few hundred metres above sea level. This means that

The "VFR Pilot Guide Switzerland" was presented at AERO 2024, the international exhibition for general aviation. This guide has been specially developed for domestic and foreign pilots navigating in complex Swiss airspace.

Around 1000 Diamond aircraft, equipped with the Austro-Engines E4 engine (AE300), need to be inspected as soon as possible due to a problem with internal bolts.

The I'MSAFE checklist is an important tool for pilots to assess their personal fitness to fly before each flight.

Carburettor icing is a serious issue and can pose a major hazard. The video explains the topic very clearly.

This article focuses on two key aspects of flight operations during the cold season: flight planning and the risk of icing during flight.

According to old aviation wisdom, mountains are "higher" in winter due to the denser cold air, which affects the pressure surfaces and thus the altitude measurement in the aircraft.