There was no shortage of aviation news in 2025 from new aircraft to airfield closures and PPL changes. We take a deep dive into the highs and the lows
Ed Hicks
19 December 2025
There is no better place for this look back at the high & lows of 2025 to start than with the many and varied aircraft which enthused the FLYER team.
Among them was the simply gorgeous Spirit SE-1 single-seater which surprised everyone with its appearance at Oshkosh and the tailwheel microlight Groppo G70 Enduro which starred at AERO Friedrichshafen in April. But there’s more, much more to the year just ending.
Watch a video (or listen to the podcast) of this article: The Highs, the Lows and the Giggles.
For the past 10 years, a bunch of engineers and others have been secretly designing and producing a single-seat 1930s styled aircraft powered by their own engine – and result was on show for the first time at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
The aircraft is the SE-1 and it’s from Colorado company Spirit Engineering. What’s more, this isn’t some one-off prototype. No fewer than four completed SE-1 aircraft flew the 1,000 miles to Oshkosh from Grand Junction, Colorado and the company has shared photos of its impressive manufacturing base.
Spirit Engineering said, “During the mid-20th century, hopeful pilots were inspired by the gleaming, all-metal monoplanes that filled the skies. Aviation was affordable, and a new airplane could be purchased for little more than the price of a new car. Spirit Engineering recalls that era to bring back affordable aviation with the SE-1.”
The SE-1 is a ready-to-fly factory-built aircraft with a basic price of $69,500 (about £51,700). Deliveries have already started.
It’s powered by a 1288cc V-twin four-stroke air cooled engine of Spirit’s own design and manufacture. It is said to develop 42hp and burn two US gallons of mogas an hour – that’s 7.5 litres/hour.
We were knocked out by a new version of the Groppo G70 shown as AERO Friedrichshafen in April.
Italian company Groppo Aviazione revealed its two seat side-by-side bushplane, the Enduro, a tailwheel version of the existing tricycle G70, powered by a 100hp Rotax 912iS.
It helped that the Groppo G70 Enduro was finished in a stunning grey and orange paint scheme that emphasised the aircraft’s lines. And at AERO, the 600kg aircraft already had German ultralight approval.
The UK agent for Groppo is ISE Aviation Services who told us that they intend to bring the aircraft to the UK.
Umberto Izzo, said: ” We are in the process of getting the A8-1 approval and we estimate one year to complete. At the moment we are concentrating of getting the aircraft approved as a factory-built microlight 600kg.
“We can start selling kits straight away and the first customer will get the aircraft approved as it is going through the build. We offer a build support programme where the builder can use our workshop and our facility, and receive some guidance and training.”
British startup Skyfly Technologies had an eventful year starting with the first crewed flights of its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft called Axe, then made Europe’s first eVTOL airfield-to-airfield flight, before moving the aircraft to the US for further test flying led by legendary pilot Eliot Seguin.
The milestone airfield-to-airfield flight was performed by Skyfly’s Chief Technical Officer and test pilot, Dr William Brooks, who piloted the Axe prototype – classified as a ‘Vertically Capable Aircraft’ – from Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire to Bicester Airfield in Oxfordshire, and back again.
“The aircraft performed very well,” said Bill Brooks after the flight. “It has a gentle feel in turbulence, giving the impression of more span because of the motor masses at the tips. The comfort, outstanding view and lack of noise make for enjoyable flying.
“The outbound leg of 10nm took 12 minutes cruising at the lowest cruise power setting of around 57kw. The maximum speed was 71kt. The return trip took 8 minutes.”
The Axe features eight electric motors – two on each wingtip enclosed in a single nacelle – powered by high-capacity lithium batteries housed within the fuselage. These batteries are swappable and removable for convenient charging.
Diamond Aircraft is restarting production of the two-seat DA20i Katana in Europe, more than a decade after the last examples rolled out of the company’s Austrian factory. The trainer will be built at Diamond’s Wiener Neustadt facility.
The European-built DA20i Katana will be powered by the latest Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine, offering 100hp. A major upgrade is the addition of Garmin’s G500TXi glass cockpit, giving the Katana touchscreen avionics, synthetic vision and real-time traffic and terrain awareness.
Robinson Helicopter Company, manufacturer of a range of civil helicopters, had two highs to celebrate in 2025. First, the launch of the all-new R88, the biggest helicopter the Californian company has ever made, and the 50th anniversary of the first flight of its first aircraft, the two-seat R22 back in 1975.
The Robinson R22 became the cornerstone of helicopter flight training worldwide, with nearly 5,000 sold since 1973. Its simple mechanics are said to build and strengthen basic piloting skills.
“The R22 is so effective at training that it’s often said, ‘If you can fly an R22, you can fly anything,’” said Robinson.
Early flight of the R22. Photo: RHC
Founded in 1973 by former Cessna engineer Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter was born from a mission to design and build a safe, reliable, and affordable helicopter.
The R88 is aimed squarely at the market for single-engine utility helicopters such as aerial firefighting, air medical transport, utility work, passenger transport and more. It will be powered by a 1,000shp Safran Arriel turbine and will cost $3.3m.
In another massive surprise from this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event, Piper Aircraft announced the Florida manufacturer is to fit its Seminole light twin with a pair of 180hp DeltaHawk diesel engines.
The liquid-cooled, turbo-charged DeltaHawk engine is said to produce turbine performance at 40% better fuel efficiency versus reciprocating avgas engines, while also achieving a significant reduction in cost of ownership due to fewer moving parts.
The engine is approved for Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels, with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) approval pending.
Piper will use a Piper-owned STC to integrate DeltaHawk’s firewall-forward kits into the Seminole production line. The kit includes counter-rotating DeltaHawk engines and three-blade, full-feather propellers.
Additionally, the aircraft will have an advanced cabin temperature control system utilising the engines liquid cooling to ensure a comfortable flight experience in diverse conditions.
“The market has been heard, loud and clear, regarding the need for a reliable, cost-effective, heavy fuel, multi-engine training platform,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “The new Seminole DX fills that market void perfectly.”
Massive news on the first day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh! The first high-wing aircraft from Van’s, the RV-15, has entered into production – much earlier than expected.
Van’s says it has begun manufacturing wing kits, which will be shipping and in the hands of builders this year.
“The RV-15 is a game changer for the backcountry flying community and Van’s Aircraft,” said Mikael Via, Van’s Aircraft CEO.
“Our design engineers have worked tirelessly to create an airplane that takes Van’s idea of ‘Total Performance’ into the utility category.
“The RV-15 has the ideal mix of very low stall speeds and docile handling that backcountry pilots love with unexpectedly high cruise speeds. The RV-15 is capable of cruising at 140kt while also feeling comfortable on short, challenging remote airstrips.”
A Chinese company, Shang Gong Group, has bought the assets of German light aircraft manufacturer Flight Design – a year after it bought ICON Aircraft, which developed the A5 amphibious sport aircraft.
Flight Design went into insolvency administration in December 2024 and a court in Germany appointed an administrator to find an investor.
Shang Gong Group said it would provide Flight Design with working capital required for the further development of the company and in particular for aircraft production in the Czech Republic.
Yongwu Chen, Vice President of the group, who has lived in Germany for over 20 years, said, “We are pleased to take over all of Flight Design’s assets and are confident that Flight Design will soon regain its leading role in the development and construction of light aircraft worldwide.
“We will surprise our customers with a significantly increased production in the Czech Republic and a shortening of delivery times.”
Flight Design also said it would restart production of its popular CT series of microlights – and a new CTLSi was shown at the Blois ultralight show in France in September.
The 600kg microlight category has the potential to play a significant part in the future of UK General Aviation. Ian Seager jumps from his (relatively) heavy C182 into the Skyleader 400.
Eighty years of the Beechcraft Bonanza is coming to an end.
At the same time, Textron Aviation, which owns Beechcraft, will stop production of the Beechcraft Baron, the twin engine version of the Bonanza which first flew in 1960.
It’s the end of an era for Beechcraft as it will no longer manufacture piston engine aircraft. Instead, the company will concentrate on its turboprop models: the King Air range of twins and the soon to enter service Denali single-engine turboprop.
Beechcraft Bonanza
However, the company will continue to support existing piston aircraft with spares and service.
Textron Aviation told FLYER, “As part of Textron Aviation’s product investment plan, the company will end production of the Beechcraft Baron G58 and Beechcraft Bonanza G36 models once all current orders are fulfilled. More than 6,000 Baron and 18,000 Bonanza aircraft have been delivered worldwide.”
It’s not really a surprise. Sales of the Beechcraft piston aircraft have been low for some years. In 2024, just five of the Bonanza G36 aircraft were sold and two Baron twins, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
Ever wondered how the iconic Goodyear Blimp actually flies? Join Ed Hicks for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of aviation’s most unusual aircraft during its appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Discover what makes this semi-rigid airship tick—from its massive 246-foot helium envelope and fly-by-wire controls to its dedicated ground crew operations and 32-ton support truck.
You’ll learn how the Goodyear Blimp USA takes off, hovers, lands, and even handles long cross-country trips—all while doubling as a spectacular flying billboard.
The battle to save Popham Airfield has started with the local council confirming that it wants to build 4,250 houses – the new Popham Garden Village – and infrastructure on the green belt site.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council released its new Draft Local Plan in late November and launched an eight-week public consultation. It ends on 23 January 2026.
The campaign group, Popham Matters, which is fighting to protect the site as an active airfield, has produced a ‘quick and easy guide’ on how to make a submission to the consultation.
They emphasise that even if you responded to the previous 2024 consultation, it’s vital to do it again.
“Please do it again, as this is a new, separate, consultation, and the total number of objections carries weight,” said Brian Lloyd, spokesperson for Popham Matters.
Cambridge Airport is likely to close by 2028 at the latest, according to Marshalls of Cambridge Group which owns and operates the site.
The 430-acre airport site will become a housing estate known as Cambridge East.
Marshalls’ plan was originally to move its aviation engineering interests from Cambridge Airport to Cranfield Airport. However, Marshalls confirmed this week that it had cancelled the move to Cranfield, saying it was no longer financially viable. It’s not yet been announced where they will go, although there are numerous current and former military airfields close by.
Join us for an inside look at Sleapkosh 2025, held once again at Shropshire Aero Club, a highlight in the UK General Aviation calendar.
Last May, a huge blaze destroyed a large hangar at Bicester Heritage, the classic car centre at Bicester Airfield.
Fire crews were still at the site a day later with the fire still burning but under control.
Three people died in the incident. Two firefighters named as Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, and 57-year-old David Chester who worked at the site.
The saga of Old Sarum Airfield goes on and on, tormenting us with twists and turns worthy of a Shakespearean plot.
In April, the airfield management won its planning appeal and was granted planning permission for 315 houses and a new flying hub to be built on the 1917 airfield.
The permission hung on the dilapidated Grade 11-listed WWI Hangar 3 being restored.
A few days later, that very same hangar was engulfed in a huge fire. There was a huge outcry and the story was all over the mainstream press. Surely, there had to be a villain… but no, Wiltshire police ended its investigation on a whimper, not a bang.
At the time, some thought the fire had an upside. Military historian, Taff Gillingham, said, “Look at how the fire can help the planning condition restoration. The scrap wood has gone and the main structure is still there. After a tidy up, and a repair of the walls, it will be ripe for restoration.”
Nottingham City Airport – also known as Tollerton – closed at the end of June as property developers, Vistry Group, became fed up with constant protests about its plan to build houses on the former WWII airfield.
However, the protests have become noisier and wider in their scope, led by campaigner Sarah Deacon – and the site has yet to gain planning permission.
Evidence of toxic waste being left on the airfield after the end of WWII is just one of the current concerns.
A public consultation came and went in October. However, it appears that Rushcliffe Borough Council has already made up its mind and included the airfield as a location for 4,000 new houses, and associated infrastructure. We’re waiting…
Just this month we learned that Coventry Airport will close next June. The closure will allow the building of a new road through the site, said to be essential to the overall plan of constructing a battery gigafactory.
Businesses based at the airport – 90 years old in 2026 – have been given notice to leave by 9 May. However, some objectors say the gigafactory still has no investor and is thus unlikely to ever be built.
It’s a confused situation, and not a happy one, at Gloucestershire Airport at the moment.
At least the airport is staying open for GA flights, although there’s hardly a week goes by when another piece of airfield equipment is unavailable because of repairs needed.
However, the sale of the airport to Horizon Aero Group for £30m is far from certain now. The process of due diligence to approve the deal was supposed to come to an end on 28 November, here by mid-December, still no confirmation
The rumour is that the investor punting up the £30m has backed out.
It isn’t helped by total silence from all concerned. Gloucester City Council (which needs the money urgently as it’s on the verge of going bankrupt) is stonewalling press enquiries. Cheltenham Borough Council, the other owner, follows Gloucester’s lead, and Horizon is keeping its head well down.
Worst case, the current situation drags on with no certainty or decision. Best case, another buyer with proven credentials as an airport operator emerges. Please, no property developers apply…
Good news: there are some important changes to simplify UK pilot licensing. More good news: the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has come up with a simple explanation of the key changes.
The fixed-wing PPL, NPPL, LAPL licence and the associated flying ratings are all affected. There are also changes for sailplanes and balloons.
Use of a moving map display is included in changes to PPL flight instruction. A moving map display, such as that provided by SkyDemon, is also an option when taking the PPL Skill Test including during the diversion exercise.
Traditional navigation still has its place though.
Guidance materials say: “The applicant should initially conduct the navigation exercises using a chart, manually complete the flight log and maintain the flight log during the exercises.
“Once the applicant has reached a sufficient level of competence determined by the FI, flight planning applications and moving map devices should be integrated into the navigation exercises and supervised solo cross-country flights.”
Halfway through 2025, there was a change at the top of the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). Owain Johns became the new chief executive.
Owain is a keen pilot of a P&M QuikR flexwing microlight and was the organiser of the World Microlight Championships when the event came to the UK in 2024.
He was chosen from ‘a tough field of 50 applicants for the job’, said the BMAA. Eight of those were shortlisted, five were interviewed, and the final choice came down to two very strong candidates.
BMAA Chairman, Tim Burrow, said, “The factor that propelled Owain ahead of his opponents was his passion, enthusiasm and vision for the BMAA.”
Owain said, “Being able to combine my professional experience with one of my passions is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.
“The BMAA has a great team, with real strength and depth, and I’m looking forward to working with them and learning from their extensive knowledge.”
In one of those aviation moments that makes you grin and mutter, “They did what?” … in October a factory-stock CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL clawed its way to 37,609ft over the California coast, setting a new record for Cub aircraft.
Yes, 37,609ft. That’s proper oxygen-mask, engine-beyond-its-comfort-zone, in a bush plane on tundra tyres.
The pilot responsible for this aviation triumph was Jon Kotwicki of Fly8MA (that’s him in the photo above). He launched from San Luis Obispo and spent just over an hour spiralling skyward. Outside air temperature up there? A crisp -51°F (-46°C).
“The Cub flew really easy,” Kotwicki said. “We were outside the normal realm of operating parameters, so we were proceeding with caution.
“It was pretty dang cool to be in a tube-and-fabric bush plane that high, and it was surreal hearing airline pilots over ATC wondering what a Cub was doing up there.”
A huge step forwards for 100-octane unleaded avgas was made in September when the American Society for Testing and Materials – better known as ASTM International – approved Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded avgas.
“This is the culmination of several years of dedicated research by the team from Swift Fuels working in collaboration with FAA and numerous OEMs from Lycoming, Continental Aerospace, Rotax, Textron Aviation, Piper, and others, plus testing laboratories and various aviation part suppliers,” said Swift Fuels.
The ASTM production specification approval is likely to speed up adoption of the 100R unleaded avgas across international markets and help Swift Fuels to scale up production and distribution of the fuel.
At the moment, distribution is limited to five flight schools in the US, and another five flight schools in the EU (Germany, Belgium, Austria and The Netherlands).
Aircraft manufacturer GippsAero is back in business, in Australia, making aircraft again. The first new airframe in five years began to be assembled in June.
“A milestone day yesterday for GippsAero and Australian aviation with the recommencement of complete new aircraft manufacture. The rivet was set into the keel of GA8 Airvan Serial number 263,” said the factory.
Production of the GA8 Airvan and its bigger sibling, the GA10, stopped in November 2020 when the then owner, Indian engineering giant Mahindra, scaled back to parts supply only.
One of the two founders of Gippsland Aeronautics (since abbreviated to GippsAero), George Morgan bought the company back in 2023 and has been working since to restart the factory at Latrobe Regional Airport, Gippsland, a region in south-east Australia.
Flying an electric aircraft across the USA has been done – by Solar Impulse in 2016 – but that was a one-off special prototype.
Now a production aircraft, the H55 electric powered Bristell B23 Energic, has completed a cross-country tour from Florida to California, then back north-east to New York.
