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Assembling flight training providers, industry members, and numerous federal agency representatives, the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) conducted the 15th annual Flight School Operators Conference in Las Vegas on February 21-22. More than 300 attendees shared best practices, resources, and heard briefings on topics related to providing effective, efficient, and safety-oriented flight training. […]

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 […]

Tecnam has marked a milestone with the delivery of the 400th Tecnam P2006T Twin to Bartolini Air, Poland’s top flight training organization. The exchange took place at the Pilot Expo in Berlin. Since its design in 2006, the P2006T has become a go-to choice for flight training worldwide, not just for big schools but also […]

Light sport aircraft (LSA) have been part of the aviation firmament for almost 20 years and over that time some models established themselves even as newcomers regularly arrived. The way the FAA accepts—not “certifies”–-these airplanes allows for rapid improvement, which has stimulated surprisingly fast progress. Here are three favorites—two tried and true, and one relatively […]

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 […]

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has unveiled the finalists for the 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy, showcasing a diverse array of aerospace innovations. The Collier Trophy, established in 1911, is awarded annually for exceptional achievements in aeronautics or astronautics. This year’s finalists represent general and business aviation, military aviation, aerospace, and sustainable propulsion. The four […]

“Rick,” I said, “you need to clean up this place!” The hangar floor was littered with blown-in grass clippings and dust bunnies, along with some well-soaked kitty litter accumulated under the airplane’s oily belly. “If you drop a screw, you’ll never find it until it’s embedded in a tire.”  “Yeah, [I] need to take a […]

For those with a keen eye for aviation history and a passion for classic designs, the 1952 Cessna 170B presents a golden opportunity. Priced at $85,000, this vintage gem is a testament to Cessna’s post-World War II ingenuity, featuring a timeless tailwheel design that served as the precursor to the renowned Cessna 172. With an […]

Garmin announced on February 13 that it had obtained FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 digital autopilot in Beechcraft A35 and B35 aircraft. This cutting-edge autopilot, designed for light piston aircraft, offers superior in-flight characteristics, self-monitoring capabilities, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to older-generation systems. The fully equipped GFC 500 autopilot offers a […]

Rotax Aircraft Engines has invited their worldwide flock to Wels, Austria, for some years. This charming town north of Salzburg is near the home of Rotax’s headquarters in Gunskirken. On three separate visits to Rotax, I was able to attend one of their Fly-in events, plus a special visit just for aviation journalists. Beautiful and […]