When the picture doesn’t match the call: Intersecting runways at non-controlled aerodromes
You've probably been there. Someone transmits base. You scan. Nothing. You reach late downwind, call base yourself, start your turn and then bam! They're right there, tighter than expected, closer than the call suggested.
‘Just stoked’: Hayden Saunders’ scholarship success fuels next career milestone
After 14 years in the aviation industry, Hayden Saunders is taking the next step towards becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME). His hard work has been recognised with one of CASA’s 2026 aviation maintenance engineer scholarships.
What you don’t see can put you at risk
Good situational awareness is essential for safe aviation operations. But there’s more to consider. The harder we focus on one task, the easier it becomes to miss something else that matters.
Straight from the right seat
Imagine having over 37 years of flying instructor experience. Every airspace change, every nervous student, every teaching moment in the sky – witnessed, absorbed,...
Seen by ATC: Preparing for transponder requirements in Sydney airspace
New Class D airspace in Sydney will bring many changes to pilots, one of them being the requirement to carry and use a transponder.
Cleared for take-off? Get ready for Sydney’s new airspace
If you fly in or around Bankstown or Camden, or transit the Sydney basin, your operation changes on 9 July 2026. We asked Airservices Australia what a pilot really needs to know to fly in this area.
Putting the pieces together: modular engineer licensing
A new approach to gaining engineering qualifications aims to boost supply in this important trade.
Imposter syndrome
One of the many affectionate jokes about the seemingly immortal Douglas DC-3 is how on many surviving examples the aircraft data plate is the...
The silence over Kingaroy
What you cannot hear can still hurt you, as this pilot was shocked to discover, despite due diligence. Only the mk1 eyeball saved the day.
Was I the villain?
A thorough self-debrief after an unsettling encounter leads a pilot to some sobering conclusions about procedure and visibility.
Mix-up in the salad bowl
Unchallenged assumptions about controlled airspace procedures put this pilot in a potentially very dangerous situation.
Perfectly gauged response
A newly minted pilot faces their first emergency, with the added complication of it happening in tightly controlled airspace. Spoiler: it ended well.
Believe it can happen
About 8 years ago on a perfect winter's morning, I was conducting a flight from a Class D aerodrome. It was an IFR flight...
Don’t stop now!
When nothing goes right, distraction and frustration open the door for error.
