Flyer Magazine

Basingstoke and Deane District Council has decided that Popham Airfield isn’t a “significant” part of the UK’s general aviation network — a view that conveniently helps justify plans for up to 4,230 new houses. We speak to Brian Lloyd from Popham Airfield Matters to hear the latest and find out what pilots and supporters can do to help.

We also tiptoe through the LAA’s controversial AGM, where board candidate Colin Hales was expelled from the organisation (and the election) just days before the meeting. Both sides deny wrongdoing, and an appeal is no...

In this week’s Thursday aviation roundup, we bring you the latest news, SkyDemon tip, your weather update from Dr Simon Keeling, and an exclusive interview with Owain Johns, the new CEO of the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). We discuss key updates from the CAA on pilot licensing, a major aircraft order by Skyborne Airline Academy, and Canada’s plans for a new De Havilland airfield. We also take a closer look at the future of affordable aviation, from syndicate ownership and running costs to the rise of Rotax-powered microlights, SSDRs, and sub-70kg aircraft. Finally, we explore the...

In this week’s episode of The FLYER Show, we cover major developments in the aviation world, including the confirmed closure of Cambridge Airport by 2028 and the ambitious revival of the Thurston Seafire amphibious aircraft. 

We explore the CAA’s new General Aviation strategy, offer a practical SkyDemon cockpit tip, and provide a detailed weekend weather outlook for UK pilots. 

The team also dives into what makes a truly great pilot — from calm decision-making under pressure to confident aircraft handling. 

Other highlights include a look at the Piper PA-48 Enforcer, ferry pilot Guido Warnecke’...

This week on The Flyer Show, we bring you the latest in UK aviation news and insights for pilots and enthusiasts. We cover the Met Office’s new MAVIS platform, Cirrus’s launch of an instrument rating training programme, and job opportunities in light aircraft engineering via the BMAA. You’ll also get a top SkyDemon tip from Tim and Simon Keeling’s weekend flying weather forecast. We explore valuable next steps after gaining your PPL, such as tailwheel conversions and upset recovery training. Real-world flying lessons covering spin training, stall recovery, and staying safe in the circuit, before moving o...

This week’s Flyer Show podcast covers GA news, aircraft buying tips, and a spectacular P-51 and SR-71 photo shoot.
 • There's a new aviation minister, 27-year-old Keir Mather, hear why the Department for Transport seems to be drifting away from General Aviation, and we also at the call for GA Ambassadors and what that could mean.
 • A heads-up on upcoming PPL changes and news of Jason Ivey’s departure from Gloucester.
 • Our hard-earned tips for buying an aircraft — what to look for, and what to avoid.
 • The de Havilland Vampire turns 82.
 • Dave takes a wry look at Vertical...

From Bristell’s FAA certification success to the future of electric hybrids in Switzerland, we’ve got a packed episode of GA news, features and fun.

Here’s what’s inside:
 • ✅ Bristell B23 certified in the US — what it means for flight schools and UK microlight pilots
 • ✅ C42 microlight saved — spares and new production secured
 • ✅ H55 & Smartflyer partnership — pioneering electric-hybrid project explained
 • ✅ Roswell Air Races return — highlights and winners from the new home of the championships
 • ✅ Swansea Airport marchers forward — GA community power in action
 • ✅ Colin Chapman’s Cessna 414 — Formula One meets general aviation, plus a near-forgotten Lotus...

The team try to figure out if homebuilding still has a future using data on UK kit and plans-built projects. We cover Swift Fuels’ 100-octane unleaded avgas achieving an ASTM production spec, the Eurostar/EV-97 aileron rod-end issue, the UK aviation minister reshuffle, and the first customer delivery of the Jetson ONE eVTOL to Palmer Luckey under US Part 103. Plus: what’s changing at FLYER, classic aircraft restoration as a path for builders, Sir Francis Chichester’s Gipsy Moth feats, a look back at the Swearingen SX-300, and this month’s free landing fees, webinars and fly-ins.

If you e...

In this week's Flyer Show, we bring you the latest aviation news and insights from the UK and beyond. We discuss current developments at Gloucestershire Airport, celebrate 50 years of the Robinson R22 helicopter, and look at recent innovations in microlights and kitplanes after last week's LAA Rally. 

You'll also find practical advice on lower cost flying, a detailed weekend weather briefing and of course your weekly SkyDemon tip. 

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This week we ask whether flying is becoming less sociable and what truly makes an airfield a great pilot destination, we take a look at Mike Patey's dramatic engine failure, bring you news of another base for the amazing Aerobility and highlight some upcoming UK flying events

 Whether you're a pilot, engineer, student, or aviation enthusiast, this episode delivers flying news, expert insights, and helpful tips including a SkyDemon briefing trick and your weekend weather outlook. Subscribe for weekly aviation discussions, news, and training content.

If your're after some weird and wonderful, the team also d...

NOTAM Nonsense, Solar Farms & STOL Newcomers

This week from the FLYER studio: GA news from Plaistows’ solar farm to partial power failures in PPL training, the CAA’s muddled NOTAM advice, and Electra’s blown-lift L9. We cover Loganair’s pilot return scheme, the elegant Bird Symmetry, and Direct Fly’s new STOL Cruiser. Plus your weekend weather and a SkyDemon tip — your essential UK GA update.

In this packed episode of the Flyer Livestream—recorded using our brand-new studio setup—we bring you the latest general aviation news, flight planning tips, and essential updates for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. We break down how to safely fly into the popular LAA Rally with detailed arrival procedures and SkyDemon tips, plus we reveal the latest UK GA accident stats showing improved safety—but reduced flying hours. We also cover the controversial CAA Class 2 medical assessment changes that are forcing some pilots out of the cockpit, the big shake-up as the National Championship Air Races move from Reno t...