Drone flyer diary: Matt Stokes
Matt Stokes has spent nearly 10 years building his skills in uncrewed aviation. He began in the Australian Army and now supports drone operations as a senior base pilot for Toll Group.
Why predictable pilots make safer skies
I was a newly minted PPL and had meticulously planned my first trip: flying to Dubbo for a visit to the Western Plains Zoo – with my whole family on board, the responsibility felt enormous.
Cold comfort
In the early 1980s, Cessna embarked on a project to develop a more modern light aircraft capable of delivering the large payloads that traditionally...
At any time: AOD testing
Picture this: it’s your birthday and your friends take you out to celebrate. It’s meant to be a quiet night, just a few drinks...
Safety manager scholarship profile — Adela Benhammouche
MicroFlite safety manager Adela Benhammouche has been linked to flying from the day she was born
Detectors are only effective if they’re used properly
Winter is here again which makes now a great time to check that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly before heading out to fly this season
A tense examination
Calibration of the instruments used in aircraft overhaul and repair is a small but vital aspect of maintenance safety.
Ring of fire
A tiny, inexpensive part was ignored for decades until it failed, with dreadful consequences.
The fiery crash of a 44-year-old Mooney MJ201 in 2022 remains...
Almost a sticky ending
I was painfully aware that the prop could completely disintegrate at any moment
It could all have ended then
You never know when you’re going to run out of luck, do you? And on this day, now many years ago, I experienced a...
Why we make the call
Despite being born into an aviation family and being drilled from an early age in propeller awareness, I had the extremely sobering experience of...
Silent scream
Using your ears is a much less stressful way to maintain separation than relying on your eyes alone.
Twice befuddled
Dismay and disappointment over an initial mistake can predispose you to subsequent lapses.
Cascade of confusion
Lookout and situational awareness are as essential in controlled airspace as anywhere else.
