Flyer Magazine, October 2016 Issue

his month in FLYER, we find out what it's like to fly the world's largest operational seaplane, the Martin Mars.The 200ft wingspan, 10,000hp machine has served a long career as a firebomber, putting out forest fires by dropping 7,200 gallons of water at a time.Eyeing up the British market, we've also got a test of the BlackWing Ultra FG, a new two-seat side-by side design from Sweden that promises fast efficient cruising at microlight weights.Infringements can hit the headlines when a private pilot flies near the Red Arrows a€ but we seldom hear about 1,000 other potentially life-threatening airspace infringements every year in UK skies.Dave Calderwood investigates.Plus, we talk to Sporty's founder and pilot-store-legend Hal Shevers, in our First Solo feature.

In Accident Analysis, Joe Fournier reminds us that wake vortex risks come from aircraft of all sizes a€" and not just during take-off and landing, and offers some thoughts on keeping safe when operating around larger aircraft.Flying Adventure, takes you on a project to count elephants and ultimately tackle poaching using microlights in Tanzania, while in Top Gear we try out a new in-ear headset.With all this, plus the chance to save Ã