
African Pilot Magazine:
General Aviation & Lifestyle

Garmin SmartCharts Adds Graphical NOTAMs Overlay to Alert Pilots to Surface Closures
Garmin adds a colour-coded Graphical NOTAMs overlay and new Storm Tops weather tool to its SmartCharts and Garmin Pilot app, giving pilots clearer visibility of runway closures, conditions and weather intensity.

South Africa General Aviation: Industry Deliberating the Way Forward After Judgment on 12-Year Engine Rule
The AIC 18.19 Task Team met to assess the legal implications of the 12-year engine rule judgment and to define a phased strategy for the South African aviation industry.
South African Team Shines at 24th FAI World Rally Flying Championships
South Africa’s Tarryn and Iaan Myburgh shone at the 24th FAI World Rally Flying Championships in Ferrara, Italy, securing first place in the Landings Competition. Discover how the event unfolded and why this performance is a proud moment for South African aviation.

CAASA and AfBAA Reaffirm Partnership with Updated MoU at African Aviation Summit
CAASA and AfBAA reaffirm their partnership with a renewed MoU at the African Aviation Summit in Kigali, focusing on safety, advocacy and stronger regional engagement.

CubCrafters XCub and NXCub Aircraft Available in Amateur Kit Form
CubCrafters launches XCub and NXCub E-AB kits, giving builders industry-leading performance, rugged backcountry capability, and full builder support.

CAASA and AfBAA Reaffirm Partnership with Updated MoU at African Aviation Summit
CAASA and AfBAA reaffirm their partnership with a renewed MoU at the African Aviation Summit in Kigali, focusing on safety, advocacy and stronger regional engagement.

CubCrafters XCub and NXCub Aircraft Available in Amateur Kit Form
CubCrafters launches XCub and NXCub E-AB kits, giving builders industry-leading performance, rugged backcountry capability, and full builder support.

The Many Faces of Charter Aviation: Black Tie Events, Wild Animal Rescues and Sky-High Parties
Charter aviation goes beyond luxury: from black tie events and themed parties to wild animal rescues and unique missions in the sky.

Garmin Certifies the GFC 600 Digital Autopilot in Piper PA-31T Cheyenne and Cheyenne II Aircraft
Garmin secures FAA certification for the GFC 600 autopilot in Piper PA-31T Cheyenne aircraft, enhancing safety and performance in general aviation.

Air Charter Service Gives Half Year Sales Update
Air Charter Service reports 14% revenue growth in H1 2025, driven by private jets, cargo and group charter, with global expansion plans underway.

Avidyne Announces Certification of Vantage 12 for Cirrus
Avidyne secures FAA certification for its Vantage 12 Flight Display System, offering a cost-effective upgrade for more than 4,000 Cirrus SR20/22 aircraft.

Air Charter Service Gives Half Year Sales Update
Air Charter Service reports 14% revenue growth in H1 2025, driven by private jets, cargo and group charter, with global expansion plans underway.

Avidyne Announces Certification of Vantage 12 for Cirrus
Avidyne secures FAA certification for its Vantage 12 Flight Display System, offering a cost-effective upgrade for more than 4,000 Cirrus SR20/22 aircraft.

Injunction to Be Sought as 12-Year Aviation Engine Crisis Brings the Industry to a Halt
The AIC 18.19 Task Team, representing five major aviation bodies in South Africa, is pursuing urgent legal action against the 12-year engine overhaul ruling, which has grounded over 1,400 aircraft and threatens R2 billion in direct losses.
Balancing Regulation and Safety in Aviation
CAASA CEO Kevin Storie outlines a call for balanced, collaborative regulation in African aviation at the AFBAA Safety and Training Workshop during Aero SA.

Redefining Business Aviation in Africa: AfBAA’s Focus on Safety, Standards, and Inclusive Growth
AfBAA highlights inclusive growth, safety, and global standards at the AFBAA Safety & Training Workshop during Aero South Africa 2025.

ECT Aviation Launches Time-Critical Cargo Routes with the BN2T-4S Islander
ECT Aviation launches high-frequency cargo routes to North Africa using the BN2T-4S Islander, targeting underserved regions with STOL capabilities.

Pushback on ADS-B Data Misuse Raises Concerns
A U.S. bill limiting ADS-B data use is sparking global debate, with growing concerns in Africa over surveillance, privacy, and regulatory misuse in aviation.

Aero South Africa 2025 – What the GA Pilot Missed
Aero SA 2025 brought together GA pilots, students, and enthusiasts at Lanseria, showcasing everything from diesel Cessnas to electric aircraft and local innovations.

Egypt and France Strengthen Civil Aviation Cooperation Through New Technical Agreement
Egypt and France sign a civil aviation agreement to boost safety, sustainability and airport development, reinforcing Egypt’s African aviation hub ambitions.

Pretoria Airshow 2025: Airshow Adds “Gees” to the Fees
The Pretoria Fees is held annually over the Easter weekend at Legends Adventure Farm. This year, a touch of spirit and magic was added with the inclusion of a seriously well-planned and executed airshow. Saturday also featured the SAPFA Speed Rally, hosted by David le Roux from Pilot Insure. Overall, the show was a great…

Nigeria Unveils New Insurance Policy to Support Aviation Sector Growth
Nigeria introduces a new insurance policy for leased aircraft, enabling local operators to cede risk internationally and align with global standards. The reform aims to reduce costs, attract investment, and boost aviation sector growth.
AI Takes Flight: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Aviation in Africa
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the aviation industry—from smart airports and predictive maintenance to enhanced passenger experiences. Explore AI's growing role in Africa and what the future holds.

Supporting the Skies: The Critical Role of Pilot Assistance Programmes
Supporting pilot mental health is vital to aviation safety. Discover how global and African initiatives are shaping a safer sky through Pilot Assistance Programmes.

International Aircraft Dealers Association Reports Strong Q1 Sales Amid Growing Market Caution
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) reports a 24% year-on-year increase in aircraft sales for Q1 2025, with a cautious outlook due to economic uncertainty and tariff impacts. Explore key market insights, pricing trends, and dealer perspectives in the full IADA Market Report.

Ascend Airways Makes History With First Direct Flight Between UK and Sierra Leone in Over a Decade
Ascend Airways has operated the first direct flight between the UK and Sierra Leone in over a decade, restoring a vital air link with a new London Gatwick–Freetown route and supporting connectivity, tourism, and economic ties.

Aviation Major Driver of Economic Growth and Connectivity in Egypt
IATA’s latest study highlights aviation’s major contribution to Egypt’s economy, supporting 1.4 million jobs and 5.3% of GDP. Key priorities include cost-efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development.
Diamond Aircraft Teams Up with Austrian Research Institutes to Explore Hybrid Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Propulsion
Diamond Aircraft and leading Austrian research institutes are developing a hybrid hydrogen-electric testbed for General Aviation, advancing zero-emission propulsion, digital systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

