Australian Flying

Australian Flying is Australia's premier General Aviation magazine, dedicated to educating and entertaining those at the sharp end of aviation. Each issue of Australian Flying delivers hands on tips to better flying along with advice and reviews on the latest technologies, accessories and techniques on the market. Australian Flying also brings you the latest news and most current topical issues affecting the aviation industry. Australian Flying is staffed by an experienced and dedicated team of writers and pilots who share a common goal to inform and inspire better pilots.

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Chasing the joy

Australian Flying

Gold Coast to host Global Drone 2026

NZAero to re-start CT-4 production

Aero Club network formed after Ballarat summit

Pacific Airshow makes its comeback • The team at Code Four have shaken off the hit from Tropical Cyclone Alfred that cancelled their 2025 event, returning in style to the Gold Coast with Australia’s only airshow held at a beach. Grant McHerron was there.

Golly gosh, Oshkosh • The angels and their wings were upon all at Wittman regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA for the annual EAA Air Venture event. Phil Hosking reports back.

Simulation with precision • Royal Victorian Aero Club commissioned two new simulators in July, carefully tailored to the school’s training program. Steve Hitchen dropped by to find out how the club selected the CRX Max and what they got for their money.

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The long way home • When David Green’s new Carbon Cub UL, Dusty, was ready for collection, the factory was in Washington and home was Port Macquarie. Most owners would book a shipping container; Green filed a flight plan. Kreisha Ballantyne reports.

The best 100 hours • In less than two years, Max Scutchings went from his first solo cross-country flight to Junior World Gliding Champion. Kreisha Ballantyne finds out more.

Banned at the bar, cleared for flight • ‘Spy glasses’ have been in the news with venues across the world banning them. Michael Smith explores how they can be used safely and courteously.

Slingshot at the crown • Sling Aircraft’s high-wing Sling 4 kit has been aimed squarely at a GA icon, using the upcoming MOSAIC regulations as a launch platform. Steve Hitchen flew this very capable aeroplane and was given a glimpse of GA’s new future.

How old is too old? • Is a 20-year-old aeroplane really more dangerous than a 19-year-and-11-month-old one? On CASA’s rethink of ageing aircraft, Brian Bigg asks the harder question nobody wants to ask about ageing pilots.

The NXT big thing • Four decades after the Dornier 228 first flew, General Atomics AeroTec Systems has reimagined the German STOL stalwart as the Do228 NXT. Benn Marks examines what the new generation offers.

Christmas gift guide • Buying for a pilot is not like buying for anyone else. They already own more useful pockets, checklists and gadgets than most people acquire in a lifetime. The right one, though, earns its place in the flight bag for years.

Getting it right at night • This is the most controversial subject in the book, and the authorities seem to agree. Jim Davis explains why.

ROTORS • From heavy-lift workhorses to next-generation training and technology, Benn Marks rounds up the latest news from the rotary-wing world.

It looks so easy • CAA Accident Report Summary: This report is to advance safety, not to assign fault or liability.

A loss big as the sky • In his most personal column yet, Sidney Dekker writes about life altering loss, and how flight held him up when his own strength could not.

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE

Training red lights • Regional Aviation Association of Australia CEO Rob Walker says we need...