Innehållsförteckning för January-February 2026 från Australian Flying

Dynon-owned Trig Avionics has announced the release of the TT23, the latest in the Trig range of compact transponders. A fully-certified Class 1, Mode S transponder with ADS-B Out, suitable for both VFR and IFR flight, the TT23 is smaller and 15% lighter than its predecessors. “The new TT23 transponder takes our compact avionics product line up a notch”, said Andy Davis, CEO of Trig Avionics, “By including our compliant ADS-B position source in a package that is even smaller and lighter than the previous transponder, we have created a complete solution that is simple to install, and easy to use." The TT23 is being offered in two versions: the base model TT23, which requires a separate compatible GPS source for ADS-B out, and the TT23G, which has a built-in…

Shared passion is a force multiplier. When two people come together to exchange their dedication to a cause, the energy around the cause is more than doubled. If a third shares the passion, the energy is boosted again. And so it goes until the passion almost becomes self sustaining. This is the philosophy that continues to drive Australia’s array of aircraft type clubs–also called breed groups–that fly the flag for legacy types long since vanished from the showroom floors. They create and sustain energy in a model long after the manufacturer has deleted them from the range. Associated press Australia’s type clubs tend to style themselves not as clubs, but as associations or societies. You’ll find the Airtourer Association, Mooney Pilots Association, Australian Beechcraft Society, Piper Society and Cessna 182…

Airbus H160 Goes on Tour Airbus Helicopters recently conducted a month-long Airbus H160 demonstration tour across Australia. The next-generation helicopter visited key cities and coastal communities to showcase how it supports a wide range of missions, from saving lives to homeland security, natural disaster management and transporting offshore crew, while setting new standards in safety, performance and sustainability. “The H160 represents the future of flight, combining advanced technology, mission versatility and reduced environmental impact in one sleek platform,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President, Global Business, Airbus Helicopters. “The H160 is the most cost efficient in its class. We’re thrilled to bring the helicopter to Australia and demonstrate how it can elevate operations across this region.” The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built…

Sid learned to fly at age 14, became University Professor, then flew 737s for an airline. He’s back writing books now, with more taildragger time than jet hours. Adopting a studious poise, I mentally simulated some of the obvious answers. Learning when to flare? Flying a backcourse ILS? Managing a radial engine? Doing an NDB approach in the crud? Coordinating a turn? The answers all seemed so glib, so narrow, so emptily, coldly… technical. Technical skills can be taught. Well, for the most part, to most people. Even if they’re hard. So that’s not where I should be looking. Then inspiration struck. “The hardest part about flying,” I said, “is deciding not to do it.” My nephew went quiet. I’d like to believe because of my wisdom. Because wasn’t it…

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CASA looks to Phase in New LSA Rules CASA has said it is considering a phased introduction of the new MOSAIC LSA rules as it continues to work on on policy and regulation changes that will enable Australia to take advantage of new designs. MOSAIC updates the definition of light sport aircraft (LSA) and amends rules in the USA for Sport Pilot Licence holders, to be introduced as FAR Part 22. Among the many changes, FAR Part 22 aircraft will have no MTOW limit, stall speeds of up to 61 kt and new technology and systems not permitted under the previous LSA parameters. A CASA spokesperson told Australian Flying that the regulator viewed the new rules in a positive light. "We’ve been closely monitoring the rollout of MOSAIC in the…

Garmin International added two new smart watches to its aviator range with the introduction of the D2 Air X15 and the D2 Mach 2. Featuring AMOLED touchscreen displays and built-in speakers and microphones, the newest D2 smartwatches add avionics connectivity, aviationfocused morning reports and voice commands. The D2 Air X15 introduces new LED torch and synchronising compatibility, while the D2 Mach 2 matches the X15 and adds additional features such as advanced aviation maps, and alerts for weather conditions exceeding personal minima. “Loaded with incredible aviation, fitness and smartwatch features that pilots will love, the new D2 Air X15 and D2 Mach 2 redefine how aviators use their smartwatch," said Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs and Support. "Pilots can now use the voice command feature…

Jandakot-headquartered Corsaire Aviation is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of helicopter and fixed-wing services. Founded in 2015 by Luke Wyllie, the company is proudly West Australian owned and operated. Wyllie, a Perth local holding commercial licences for both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, set out to create tourism opportunities in the west while supporting the state’s vital resource sector with safe, reliable air services. Tourism foundations Corsaire began by offering scenic flights and day trips to destinations such as Rottnest Island and Margaret River. The reception area is adorned with photos of the world’s rich and famous who’ve flown with the company. Inside, passengers find a lounge to rival the best FBOs in the US, complete with plush sofas, refreshments, television and even CASA’s guide to being a safe helicopter passenger.…

The main keywords associated with the M700 are power, performance, safety, and legacy. All of these aspects can be found in this aircraft, and it’s an iteration in the right direction. A speed of over 300 kts, a range of more than 1,800 nm, and a climb rate exceeding 2,000 ft/min are no longer just casual figures; when combined with advanced systems, this aircraft is not only fast but also comfortable and safe. When I first saw the M700 Fury in photos and in person, my initial thought was that it was simply a more powerful variant of the M600. However, after taking a closer look at this machine, flying on board, and having a long and fascinating conversation with both the owner and the pilot, I know I was…

The former RAAF submarine hunter and marine patrol Lockheed Orion is flying again with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) based at Shellharbour Airport south of Sydney. After a year of maintenance, including critical propellor work, the impressive four-engine former AP-3C patrol aircraft flew again in October. Logging over 16,400 hours of surveillance, the Orion was handed over to HARS in 2017—and now is the only Orion of its type flying in Australia and the only one flying with a museum anywhere in the world. The flying history included some 350 hours over the Indian Ocean searching for the missing MH370 airliner. “This is the only Orion of its type flying in Australia and the only one flying with a museum anywhere in the world.” HARS President and Chief Pilot…

Australia’s 48th federal parliament revived the Parliamentary Friends of Aviation group at a launch ceremony in Canberra. Parliamentary friends groups are bi-partisan bodies organised to provide forums for members and senators to interact with industry representatives and discuss issues outside chambers. Co-chaired by SA ALP Member for Sturt Clare Clutterham, who is a board member of the RFDS, and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, the Parliamentary Friends of Aviation was formally launched with a speech by Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King. “Aviation, perhaps more than any other sector, reminds us that Australia, and the Australian public, are best served when we work together. Across parties, across industry, and across regions,” King said. “Aviation is not just another industry, it is a national connector. It binds…

CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR) will not publicly reveal their new proposal for a VFR route into and out of Bankstown until next year. Little is currently known of the proposal, except that it is likely to be a one-way route rather than the two-way route proposed in mid 2024. OAR’s first proposal, the Bankstown Corridor was abandoned in February after industry feedback roundly slammed it as unsafe. An alternative was to be developed mid-2025, but a CASA spokesperson this week told Australian Flying that it would now be early 2026 before it was published. "We’re still working through some of the preliminary engagement directly with operators locally before we look at when we will formally consult with industry and the community," the spokesperson said. "We expect formal consultation may…

It’s large, bordered by a thick line and permanently red. It’s a well-known roadblock northeast of Melbourne, but that didn’t stop a pilot from blundering straight through the Puckapunyal restricted area. It drew a stern rebuke from Melbourne Centre, leaving the pilot trying to work out what went wrong. Was it poor navigation or ignorance? It certainly was a loss of situational awareness. Inadvertently penetrating active military airspace is rarely tolerated and will anger both civil and military ATC, for good reason. Although sometimes it’s about security, most often it’s because military flying ops or live ordnance make it dangerous for civil aircraft. That doesn’t have to happen if pilots prepare with diligence, understanding military airspace, how it works and what the correct procedures are. Type ratings Any discussion of…

Colour blindness, or colour vision deficiency (CVD), affects around 8% of men and less than 1% of women. In a 2020 briefing CASA stated, “Colour vision deficiency affects about 400 Australian pilots.” The main cause of CVD is genetic (linked to the X chromosome, of which men typically have one, so if it carries the gene, they will have the condition, whereas women have two, so they need to inherit the gene in both to be colour blind). Other causes can include medication, diabetes, and drug taking. There are many types of colour blindness, with the most common type called “red/green.” However problems can occur across the entire colour spectrum. Until recently, in Australia, and in most of the world, if pilots can’t pass the initial colour vision test, but…

AF: Do you think Airbus Helicopters’ new H160 would suit Australian operators in HEMS, SAR, and offshore roles? And could we also see the VIP ACH160 flying here soon? CV: The H160 is a fresh design built to do it all, not just one job. It’s versatile enough for HEMS, oil and gas, and all sorts of demanding missions. One of its biggest drawcards is the Helionix avionics suite, which cuts down the pilot’s workload and boosts situational awareness which is a real advantage in high-pressure flying like emergency or police work. The H160 packs 68 patented features and is impressively comfortable, with very low vibration and a cabin that’s noticeably quieter than most other helicopters in its class, around 50 decibels quieter by Airbus’s measure. It also flies with a…

It’s a statement of common sense, but we humans can demonstrate an unsettling propensity for ignoring the obvious due to what we now call human factors. A NASA presentation in 2013 suggested human factors were the primary cause of more than three quarters of fatal general aviation (GA) accidents. Nor is the problem unique to pilots: the US Federal Aviation Administration says about 80% of maintenance errors involve human factors such as fatigue, complacency and stress. We know people make honest mistakes and this is why we encourage everyone to report genuine errors without the fear of regulatory action. But even better is finding ways to avoid them in the first place. This was why I was particularly pleased to see the Bathurst Aero Club recently conduct, with CASA sponsorship,…

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…. well, ok, 1999. Let’s party like it’s…the Mars Climate Orbiter. But, Dr Ranty, that’s space stuff, what do we care? I mean, the shuttle was a fancy glider, but everything else lands like a Cirrus when there’s a 5 kt crosswind or your water bottle’s nearly empty. OMG CAPPSSS!!!!![1] What happened? Why did this USD328 million mission go wrong and destroy its probe[2]? What’s the manifold pressure in your aircraft with a CSU? What’s the reference height at your local aerodrome? What’s the temperature and pressure on a “standard day”? What’s the distance from your local aerodrome that defines “in the vicinity”? How far is that to the nearest useful landmark when you’re not allowed to use GNSS as primary…

Aviation is traditionally an early adopter of new technology. Excluding defence, aviation took advantage of the development of GNSS sooner than most industries, aviation entrepreneurs were among the first to see the potential of iPads and composite technologies were applied to aviation infrastructure almost as soon as it became a thing. But that’s because we want it. Adopting new technology seems to accompanied by angst and objection when it is mandated upon us. There are still those in the GA community that remember the outcry over compulsory transponders. And now, with the Department publishing a discussion paper last September on a mandate for ADS-B in VFR aircraft, it seems its happening all over again. Automated Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast was mandated for IFR aircraft in 2017, but fitting it to…