– James Ostinga, publisher of Australian Flying.
Steve Hitchen has announced he will be stepping down as editor of Australian Flying from 1 March 2024.
Hitchen, known widely in the industry as "Hitch", will continue his long association with Australian Flying as editor-at-large, which will see him continue to contribute regular articles both in print and online, including his popular weekly column The Last Minute Hitch.
Acting editor Kreisha Ballantyne, who has been filling in for Hitch since September, has been appointed editor of Australian Flying.
Hitch has been editor of Australian Flying for 12 years, one of the longest tenures in the 60-year history of the title. He is stepping down in order to spend less time at his desk and more time with family.
"I feel very lucky to have been editor of such an iconic title for so long," Hitch said. "During my time I oversaw production of the 50th anniversary issue, the 60th anniversary issue, and watched the magazine win a Southern Cross Award from the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame.
"I've made many rewarding contacts in the GA community over the 12 years and worked with some remarkable people. I look forward to continuing those connections in my new role as editor-at-large."
New editor Kreisha Ballantyne has been writing aviation articles for nearly 20 years and is a former editor of Australian Pilot and Airnews and deputy editor of Sport Pilot magazine. In recent years she has been a regular contributor to Australian Flying, including writing her iconic Kreisha of Habit column.
"I'm very excited to be in the editor's seat once more," said Ballantyne. "There are some big shoes to fill after Hitch's 12-year tenure, and I thank him for all the support he's given me as I transition to the role. I look forward to getting feedback from the GA community and Australian Flying readers."