Private Pilot Blog
Explore real flying stories, pilot training tips, and aviation insights. This private pilot blog is your go-to source for learning to fly, staying updated, and getting inspired—whether you're a student pilot or already licensed.
SkyDemon vs ForeFlight in small aircraft
SkyDemon and ForeFlight are both excellent tools, but they’re optimised for different flying realities. In this article I explain why, for small-aircraft flying in Europe, SkyDemon remains my primary app: faster, clearer VFR planning, a calm cockpit presentation, and a practical workflow that lets me plan in SkyDemon, pass the route to Garmin Pilot, and transfer it via Bluetooth to my Garmin G3X. I also share why recent reports of layoffs at ForeFlight make long-term continuity worth watching.
High-End ULMs: Regulation Must Catch Up With Reality
Europe’s high-end ULM segment (Blackwing, Shark, VL3, Risen, Bristel, Ellipse,…) is a mature European industry and regulation must catch up with reality. The 600 kg MTOW boundary is outdated; these aircraft deliver major safety (parachute, short-field margins), capability, and dramatic fuel-cost advantages—e.g. at 100 hours/year: ~€2,400 Mogas vs €10,000–€11,250 Avgas in typical certified touring aircraft. Europe should stop trying to regulate everything and focus on simple, proportionate rules and smoother cross-border flying.
A Winter Expedition to Utscheid: Sunshine, Coffee, and Temperature Inversions
A winter flight from Arlon (EBAR) to the German Eifel turned into a meteorological mystery. While the ground was freezing, our instruments showed a balmy 14°C at 3,500 feet. Read about our mini-expedition to Utscheid, meeting the locals, and experiencing a massive temperature inversion over Luxembourg in the speedy Blackwing.
When Automation Takes the Controls: A Glimpse into the Future of Flight
The first real-world autonomous emergency landing is no longer science fiction. From a Blackwing cockpit, this is what automation already means today — and where it is heading.
A Call to All Pilots and Aircraft Owners
Flying is a freedom that does not defend itself. After years of commitment to AOPA Luxembourg, a chapter comes to a close — and a new one begins. As we bid farewell to the outgoing board, AOPA is calling on pilots and aircraft owners to step forward and help protect the future of general aviation in Luxembourg.
Stepping down as President of AOPA Luxembourg — and proud of what we delivered for members
After eight years as President, I’m not running again. Ahead of the General Assembly on 17 January 2026, I look back at what AOPA Luxembourg delivered for members—and why a strong, engaged community still matters.
Soaring village – a new pilots’ base at the Riviera
A new airfield development on the Riviera: 16 apartments with hangar space underneath at Fayence–Tourrettes. High-end ULM finally gets a home base near Cannes. Delivery autumn 2026.
From Provence Back to Luxembourg – End of the Summer Season
After a month tied down in Fayence, I finally flew my Blackwing back to Luxembourg. Strong mistral winds, low clouds near Lyon and a detour via the Rhône valley turned the flight into a demanding but rewarding end to the summer season.
Fayence – Ibiza, 26 September 2025: a flight that (for now) was not to be
Planned flight from Fayence to Ibiza for Dirk’s 60th birthday. Spanish regulations kept the Blackwing on the ground – but I still made it in time for the 80’s party, complete with live tributes to Pet Shop Boys and Tina Turner.
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