Clean wings - Why contamination jeopardises flight safety

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.

24 November 2024

Malfunctions in Rotax engines: Federal Aviation Office announces current status

The German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and national aviation authorities are recording a continuing increase in malfunctions in aircraft equipped with Rotax carburettor engines. These incidents, the causes of which have not yet been conclusively clarified, occur primarily in critical flight phases, especially shortly after take-off.

24 November 2024

Oxygen supply during alpine flights: An often underestimated risk?

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

8 October 2024

Safety instruction from TECNAM: Effects of ROTAX engines on the P2008 JC

Italian aircraft manufacturer TECNAM has recently issued an important Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the P2008 JC model in response to a potentially dangerous situation involving ROTAX engines. This directive follows reports of repeated performance problems that have occurred with this type of aircraft.

6 August 2024

VFR Pilot Guide Switzerland

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.

5 May 2024

Austro-Engine Diamond engines may need to be inspected.

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.

13 April 2024

Flying with a cold or under pressure? Not a good idea!

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

13 April 2024

Carburettor icing

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

13 April 2024

Flying in winter - an icy affair

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

13 April 2024

The mountains are higher in winter

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.

13 April 2024

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