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The storyteller’s hands fly about, energetically reenacting a disaster aloft. “Wind was whipping all around, and the visibility went to zero! Honest to goodness, I couldn’t see outside for a long moment—it felt like forever!” It’s a story I’ve heard told in any number of FBOs with minor variations, recollections of when a favor went […]

In the early 1960s, I was on the ramp at Rosecrans Memorial Airport (KSTJ) in St. Joseph, Missouri, when I observed a massive Boeing 707 in TWA colors swoop down onto Runway 36, emit blue smoke from the main gear tires, and roar away into the air instead of braking to a stop. Making a […]

I thought I was prepared for my first EAA AirVenture experience in Wisconsin. By mid-July, I had a dance card filled, with interviews and media events blocked for every one of the seven days I would be in attendance. I had read everything I could about what to pack and wear to stay comfortable walking […]

My conflicted relationship with Cape Cod dates to the 1970s when my family spent a series of summer vacations there. Mom and Dad would cram me, my two older sisters, the dog, and all manner of beach toys into the family car and drive for hours upon hours to the Cape in Massachusetts. And, yes, […]

While aviation history is filled with tales of legendary pilots who captured the world’s imagination, there are unsung heroes whose remarkable achievements have often been overshadowed. Join us as we shine a spotlight on seven overlooked aviators whose contributions to flight deserve recognition. 1. Eugene Bullard: World War I African American Fighter Pilot Long before […]

The radio chatter was all in Spanish except for our instructions, and as we rolled down the runway beneath a hazy Mexican sky, almost everything felt out of place. The captain and I were in street clothes. A mechanic was on the jumpseat, videoing the takeoff roll to capture instrument indications. In back, nine more […]

If you’re looking for some entertainment ideas some weekend, you might explore where the magic of Hollywood meets the thrill of aviation. From heartwarming reunions to high-stakes heists, airports have played pivotal roles in numerous movies. Here are five famous airports that have graced the silver screen, adding drama, romance, and excitement to the world […]

I don’t know about you, but I have been less than happy with the flashlights available to pilots. I really enjoy flying at night, but the selection for both preflight inspection and in-flight use leaves me wanting more. Top of the list is the GI-issue, 90-degree D-cell flashlight, complete with replaceable red and blue filters. […]

Garmin has published a service advisory stating that “display repairs for the WAAS and Non-WAAS GPS 400, GNC 420, and GNS 430 are no longer available and have been discontinued.” The GNS 430/530 was introduced in 1998 and produced until 2011. “Due to multiple component availability limitations, comprehensive repair service for Garmin’s GNS 430/530 series […]

Many of us started “pandemic projects” in the last few years, picking up a craft or hobby that helped keep us focused and sane during lockdowns. People raised chickens or learned new skills, and some started flight training. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., has also been working on a project […]