Does GA Have an Organised Crime Problem? - The FLYER Show - 24th September 2026

Does general aviation have an organised crime problem? A report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) looks at the use of general aviation for smuggling drugs, weapons and people, and makes recommendations for tackling it. We discuss the report, the problems it identifies, and what some of its proposals could mean for GA pilots — including mandatory electronic conspicuity.

Plus: News
Popham remains under threat of development, with another consultation on the new local plan
Coventry Airport: the airport has closed, but the proposed gigafactory has yet to materialise
GloucestershireAirport sale back on the cards after the first attempt collapsed
The WT-9 Dynamic with the Rotax 916iS is now approved in the UK
The Propeller Inn at Bembridge is closed until further notice
A reminder of the 1 October deadline for LAPL revalidation requirements
Aviators Ball returns to the Fairmont Windsor Park in November

FANTASY HANGAR
This week's challenge is all about trousers. We pick our favourite aircraft with trousered undercarriages — and there are some spectacular contenders.

Annabel goes for the Northrop Gamma 2G, with its streamlined looks and rather elegant trousers
Ian chooses the Supermarine Type 224, predecessor to the Spitfire, with cooling trousers
Ed picks the Miles Hawk Speed Six, which he reckons has the ultimate trousers

PLUS
SkyDemon Tip of the Week: Creating and completing an aircraft profile
Weekend Weather Forecast from Simon Keeling
Weekend flying events

LINKS
RUSI report on organised crime and general aviation - https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/research-papers/organised-crime-and-general-aviation-uk-and-benelux
SkyDemon - https://www.skydemon.aero/
Join the FLYER Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership/
FLYER - https://flyer.co.uk/
Aviators Ball - https://www.aerobility.com/aviators-ball-2026

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