AOPA General Aviation News

Maintain clear, comfortable vision with Claroxan Advanced

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:42:00 -0400

For pilots and aircraft owners, clear vision is essential to everyday flying. Whether you’re navigating busy airspace, monitoring instruments, or flying at dusk, visual comfort and clarity play an important role in confidence and safety.

GA icon 'Russ' Meyer Jr. mourned

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:15:04 -0400

A former fighter pilot who played a key role in saving the single-engine piston airplane from the scrap heap of history, Russ Meyer Jr. died March 4 in Wichita, Kansas.

Be counted

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:40:48 -0400

It's an invitation-only opportunity not to be missed: the annual survey of general aviation aircraft owners that the FAA conducts to calculate hours flown and allocate resources.

Starlink raises prices for GA pilots

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:07:48 -0400

Starlink sent an email to users of its Roam and Priority satellite internet plans detailing a new maximum supported in-motion speed of 100 mph (87 knots), effectively limiting a Starlink device’s use under those plans in the vast majority of general aviation aircraft.

Aircraft Maintenance: The dangers of expectation bias

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:20:00 -0400

Humans are naturally wired to recognize patterns, and to perceive patterns that fit our expectations. When flying or maintaining an aircraft, perceiving what we expect to see and missing what is right there in front of us can be costly—or even fatal.

Training and Safety Tip: Sweat the details

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:56:00 -0400

During preparation for a recent flight, a pilot colleague ahead of me experienced a minor crisis when his aircraft began to spew fuel on its departure run.

Reducing checkride delays

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:27:54 -0400

To ease growing checkride backlogs, ATP Flight School is using a new internal scheduling calendar that improves visibility into its own examiner availability.

Lessons before the accident

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:21:00 -0400

Ask a new pilot what scares them most and the majority will say the radio—they worry about saying the wrong thing, interrupting someone, or sounding like a beginner.

AOPA backs bill to equip all contract towers with ADS-B

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:01:19 -0400

A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, which would equip more than 90 air traffic control towers operating without radar or other surveillance technology with a cost-effective ADS-B-based solution.

AOPA Welcomes Bipartisan Bill to Equip Remaining Towers with Surveillance Technology

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:56:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) welcomes the introduction of the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, which would equip the remaining 90+ air traffic control towers without radar or other surveillance technology with a cost-effective tool that enhances safety for pilots and situational awareness for air traffic controllers.

Florida bill joins list of ADS-B fee bans nationwide

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:23:14 -0400

Florida lawmakers are considering legislation to limit the use of ADS-B for fee collection, joining a growing list of states prioritizing safety over airport revenue as AOPA pushes for a federal law to that effect.

AV-30-C gains ForeFlight integration, advanced autopilot

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:46:00 -0400

Certified aircraft equipped with the uAvionix AV-30-C can now wirelessly receive flight plans and enhance navigation capability.

AOPA Statement on House Vote on ROTOR Act

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:51:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon after the House of Representatives did not pass the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act:

Training and Safety Tip: 'Decisions and revisions'

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:03:00 -0400

There’s an old saying that takeoffs are optional, but landings…well…not so much. Within the constraints of remaining fuel, choosing the time and place of landing is entirely up to you as pilot in command.

ROTOR bill fails, House turns to ALERT

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:10:30 -0400

The House of Representatives rejected the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act on February 24, after the leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and Armed Services committees introduced another bill to address the same safety concerns.

Legends that lift

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:52:51 -0400

The logbook of Ricardo Astillero II holds the signature of Tuskegee-era instructor Roscoe Draper—and a letter of recommendation from another aviation giant, Les Morris.

AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Releases Early Analysis of Steamboat Springs, Colorado Crash

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:46:00 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new video providing an early look at last week’s crash that left four people dead south of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Landfill expansion threatens Utah airport

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:31:41 -0400

In a Utah town, garbage turned to gold years after the local public-use airport grew from a few hangars around a grass strip into a modern facility with a 5,200-foot runway, and the airport community is now feeling the pressure of a push to expand landfill capacity.

Finding a smooth ride

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:22:41 -0400

The FAA’s Aviation Weather Demonstration and Evaluation Services wants to know how you determine whether there’s turbulence along your route of flight and which features are most valuable to you when making that determination.

‘Incompatible’ land use continues in Colorado town

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:48:01 -0400

Ground was broken on a 200-apartment complex less than half a mile from the end of Runway 29 at Vance Brand Airport in Longmont, Colorado, despite the developer never filing appropriate paperwork with the FAA.

NTSB chair voices support for PAPA

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:23:55 -0400

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy voiced support for the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) in an exchange with Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) during a February 12 Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the midair collision between a military helicopter and regional jet in January 2025 that killed 67 people.

Alaska weather charts upgraded

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:15:09 -0400

The National Weather Service’s Alaska Aviation Weather Unit is making some significant changes to its Surface and Significant Weather charts.

Ron Timmermans dies after catastrophic engine failure

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:22:43 -0400

Longtime aviation educator and safety advocate Ron Timmermans and his wife, Barbara, died on February 11 when their 1994 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Brownsboro, Texas.

Aircraft market steady in 2025

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:20:09 -0400

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association report on 2025 factory deliveries highlighted steady overall numbers , strong jet growth, and workforce needs.

Restored to perfection

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:54:29 -0400

It may not look like it, but the AOPA Sweepstakes Aviat Husky is nearly ready to fly again. And when it does, it will have been repaired with all new parts—your prize Husky will be in “as new” condition.

Training and Safety Tip: Snow room for error

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:40:00 -0400

The winter months pose a unique set of challenges for pilots flying in regions where snow and ice are common.

NTSB Chair Voices Support for PAPA

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:41:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) welcomed comments from NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy voicing support for the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) in an exchange with U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the midair collision between a military helicopter and regional jet that claimed 67 lives.

Added awareness where pilots need it most

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:44:51 -0400

Misjudging height above the surface is one of the most unforgiving errors in general aviation, and Garmin's GHA 15 height advisor brings certified radar-based height-above-ground awareness to a broad range of GA aircraft.

Arizona legislation would limit ADS-B misuse

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A bill authored by local pilot CJ deVries and introduced by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-District 4) would prohibit the state, its political subdivisions, or private entities from using information transmitted through an aircraft collision avoidance safety system known as ADS-B to collect airport fees from aircraft owners or operators.

Jessica Cox has a new mission

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:13:00 -0400

Jessica Cox is building the Impossible Airplane and designing a future for others. She's challenging an industry shaped by limits—and doing it all with her feet.

How debriefs build better pilots

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The engine shuts down, the postflight is done. The instructor and student walk back into the building to grab a coffee, talk briefly, and go on to the next flight or home. Or maybe, just chat on the walk back inside, and call it a day.

Training and Safety Tip: Fly in safe spaces

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:36:00 -0400

Following a defined visual or instrument approach to any airport creates a reasonable expectation you will remain clear of any obstructions. The FAA has established rules and regulations regarding airport environments, including established approaches—both instrument and visual—and airport design standards.

Buckeye is beckoning

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:49:25 -0400

It's a signal that spring is around the corner: The AOPA Fly-In at the Buckeye Air Fair in Arizona will return to the long-running event for the fourth time February 13 through 15.

Master weather hazards, forecasts

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:22:48 -0400

Presented by Sporty's and SiriusXM Aviation, the Weather Hazards and Forecasts Course for AOPA members turns complex weather concepts into practical tools for smarter preflight decisions.

From a flat tire to forever

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:08:57 -0400

On Kerry Friedman's twenty-third birthday, she arrived early for a sunrise lesson, only to find the airplane she had scheduled was grounded.

Super Bowl procedures in effect at many California airports

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:36:32 -0400

Flying general aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area through February 10, 2026? If your intended destination is on the FAA’s list of airports implementing Super Bowl procedures, you’re strongly encouraged to contact the airport or FBO to ensure space, confirm requirements, and learn about any special event fees you may incur.

Congress passes FAA funding bill

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:19:02 -0400

A new government funding bill signed into law on February 4 will deliver major investments in air traffic control modernization, controller staffing, and addressing medical certification delays—while also blocking any effort to privatize the ATC system.

Denver pilots shocked by hangar rate hike

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:47:52 -0400

Hangar tenants facing an 82-percent rent increase contacted AOPA for help, and when the Denver FBO failed to justify the new rate under the FAA "fair and reasonable" standard, the affected pilots proceeded to file an airport compliance complaint under FAR Part 13.

Alton Bay opens ice runway for the 2026 season

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:04:04 -0400

Aircraft began operating on the lower 48's only officially recognized ice runway at Alton Bay Seaplane Base following its late January opening.

AOPA CEO moves to advisory role

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:44:10 -0400

AOPA announced a leadership transition February 4, as President Darren Pleasance has stepped out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the board of trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader.

Aircraft Maintenance: Cold weather operations

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:16:02 -0400

Winter can be a difficult time to stay active in general aviation flying. Some of the greatest challenges are protecting the aircraft from snow and ice accumulations, and safely preparing it for flight in extreme temperatures.

AOPA Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Moves to Advisory Role

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:26:28 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced a leadership transition as President and CEO Darren Pleasance steps out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the Board of Trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader.

Cirrus cofounder Dale Klapmeier joins AOPA board

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:19:36 -0400

Dale Klapmeier, who cofounded Cirrus Aircraft with his brother in 1984 and introduced airframe parachutes to production aircraft, has joined the AOPA board of trustees.

Utah airport reforms hangar lease policy

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:34:22 -0400

After nearly a year of public comment, meetings, and federal review, airport officials in southern Utah have adopted a revised hangar leasing policy (also known as Non-Commercial Hangar Leasing Policy) at St. George Regional Airport, following joint advocacy by AOPA and engagement by local pilots and tenants.

Missionary aviation groups offer youth summer camps

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Seventy years after pioneering missionary pilot Nate Saint and four fellow missionaries lost their lives following their calling, the organization Saint served is among a few groups offering summer camps to train and inspire a new generation of pilots to follow in Saint's footsteps.

Assessing weather conditions at rural airports

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

For many GA pilots, the first decision of the day happens long before the preflight inspection and the turning of the keys.

Training and Safety Tip: Check your boots

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:16:00 -0400

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it’s normal for tire pressure to decrease slightly because colder air is more dense than warmer air.

Power through learning plateaus

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:24:00 -0400

Learning plateaus are a normal part of flight training, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating or discouraging.

GA Visionary Dale Klapmeier Joins AOPA Board of Trustees

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:56:00 -0400

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced the appointment of aviation entrepreneur and industry pioneer Dale Klapmeier to its Board of Trustees.

AOPA Streamlines Aircraft Finance Process with Less Paperwork, Faster Approvals

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:55:39 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is simplifying the aircraft purchase process by streamlining the financing application for AOPA members. In its first year, the Low-Doc Program has reduced approval times by 50 percent for qualifying aircraft.

AOPA opposes ’unprecedented‘ airport nighttime restriction

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:16:16 -0400

A Montana county voted unanimously to pull the plug on the local airport beacon as part of an effort to impose a likely unprecedented operational restriction on an airport that for decades has been able to operate safely at night, prompting vigorous pushback from AOPA and the Montana Pilots Association (MPA).

Aviation groups continue to push back on Van Nuys landing fee

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:47:28 -0400

Despite a final plea from a coalition of national aviation associations to delay the vote, the Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) in Los Angeles unanimously voted to approve a new landing fee at Van Nuys Airport to be collected starting in March.

FAA to undergo largest reorganization in agency history

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:02:38 -0400

The FAA will undergo a comprehensive reorganization according to a plan announced on January 26 by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Climb launches adaptive flight training management tool

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:33:24 -0400

Flight training isn't linear—and pilots don't all learn the same way. Yet many schools still rely on static syllabi and scattered tracking systems. Climb LLC's Training Management System (TMS) aims to change that by adapting instruction to each student's performance.

Airline pilot hiring shows renewed momentum

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:32:56 -0400

As airlines prepare for mandatory retirements and long-term staffing needs, pilot hiring is expected to remain an operational focus through 2026.

Step by step: Expanding your personal minimums

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Once you earn your pilot certificate, you become responsible for judging the conditions in which you can and can’t fly safely based on your skill and experience level. Your flight instructor has been preparing you for this moment, establishing personal minimums for you for your first solo and possibly adjusting them as you tackle solo cross-country flights. But how do you safely expand or reduce your minimums over the course of your flying life?

Flight lessons inspire a new pilot tool

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A father and daughter turned flight lessons into the inspiration for a simple web-based safety app to avoid Brasher notifications.

Delay evidently exceeded anti-ice limit in Challenger crash

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:14:39 -0400

Intensifying snowfall, bitter cold, and an eight-minute interval between deicing and the start of the takeoff roll suggest icing was likely a factor in the crash of a Bombardier Challenger 650 jet bound for France that climbed less than 50 feet above the runway before hitting the ground in Bangor, Maine, on January 25.

Training and Safety Tip: Consider the conditions

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:07:00 -0400

You will likely do most or all of your flight training in one place, or at least in one region. You become familiar with the weather patterns, the terrain, the obstacles, the procedures, and the quirks that make that place special. Your cross-country flights will take you miles away from your home field, but usually within the same time zone, climate, or prevailing terrain.

Supporting visual health for the long haul

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:58:00 -0400

Small daily habits can play a role in supporting long-term eye health.

House passes bill that would block ATC privatization

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:24:47 -0400

The House of Representatives passed a spending bill on January 22 that would fund the Department of Transportation through September 30. The bill includes language that would block efforts to privatize the U.S. air traffic control system.

AOPA Launches Member Call to Action on ADS-B Misuse

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today launched a member call to action asking its 300,000 members to contact their senators and representatives in Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA), legislation that would address growing concerns over the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data, including its use by some airports to charge fees to pilots.

Aircraft loan interest rates decline

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:34:04 -0400

If you’re in the market for an aircraft, AOPA Finance has welcome news for you: Finance rates are dropping.

Speak up to stop ADS-B misuse

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:45:10 -0400

AOPA issued a call to action on January 22, asking its 300,000 members to contact their senators and representatives in Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA).

Wagstaff leads Sporty's new seaplane course

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:09:46 -0400

The new Sporty’s video training course on seaplane flying is a visual feast.

Tecnam woos private owners with P2006T NG

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Tecnam's next-generation twin is set to enter the U.S. market, expanding options for owner-operators considering a light twin.

Fan favorite

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:28:05 -0400

The world had shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic, and Bryan Alexander was bored. Stuck at home, the French engineer returned to a childhood pastime: Lego bricks.

AOPA celebrates standout instructors, schools by region

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:47:00 -0400

Students and pilots nationwide recognized the instructors who shaped their training, contributing thousands of reviews of individuals and flight schools for the 2026 AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards.

AOPA Foundation Announces Regional Winners of Top Flight School, Instructor Awards

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:06:00 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced the regional winners of its 2026 Flight Training Experience Awards, recognizing outstanding flight schools and flight instructors across the United States.

Airport supporters meet with Cleveland mayor’s office

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:09:20 -0400

The Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP) met with senior leaders from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s office on January 13 to discuss the future of Burke Lakefront Airport and encourage continued collaboration and investment. At the same time, LAPP representatives expressed support for a series of upcoming City Council hearings on the proposed closure of the airport.

Pilot charged with flying under influence following accident

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:10:20 -0400

An Idaho pilot pleaded not guilty January 14 to a state charge of operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs following a November 8 accident during an apparent landing attempt after sunset in the state capital.

TBM 980 revealed

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:16:08 -0400

On January 15, Daher unveiled the TBM 980, the latest addition to its TBM family and the sixth in the TBM 900 series since the acquisition of the product line by Daher in 2014.

Air Force seeks to dramatically expand Alaska MOAs

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:44:37 -0400

The U.S. Air Force has proposed major revisions to a set of military operations areas that cover much of Alaska, and the Gulf of Alaska.

FAA seeks feedback on unleaded fuel transition

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:43:18 -0400

The FAA is asking for feedback on its Draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline, which was released on January 12, outlining how aircraft owners and the aviation industry would move away from 100LL in the next several years.

AOPA Announces Exclusive Aircraft Valuation Benefit for Members

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:14:00 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced a new member benefit with exclusive access to Windsock, a new market-based, data-driven aircraft valuation tool that uses real-world market data to provide new insights into how much an aircraft is worth.

AOPA offers member-exclusive aircraft valuation

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

AOPA members now have access to Windsock, an aircraft valuation tool designed specifically for general aviation, at no cost as a new member benefit.

Training and Safety Tip: Age gracefully

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:53:00 -0400

Some people are fortunate enough to be able to learn to fly when they are young. Others must put off that dream until later in life. Either way, we hope to be flying for many years and ultimately become “older pilots.”

Keep flight training on track

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:02:37 -0400

Skyfarer Academy aims to connect student pilots with certificated flight instructors, helping preserve training progress even when lives, schedules, or goals change.

CAU grad found her dream career in corporate aviation

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:22:00 -0400

As students at California Aeronautical University (CAU) consider their career options, one graduate returned to campus to share her perspective on an aviation path pilots might overlook: corporate flying.

NTSB issues 'urgent' advice for Hawker jet stall tests

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:40:48 -0400

The NTSB issued a batch of urgent safety recommendations regarding the operation of Hawker jet variants following two fatal accidents during manufacturer-required stall test flights following maintenance in 2024 and 2025.

Another 100-octane unleaded fuel advances

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:23:17 -0400

A 100-octane unleaded avgas replacement developed by LyondellBasell and VP Racing—the only fuel currently participating in an FAA fleet approval process—advanced in November when ASTM International published a standard specification to be applied as the FAA completes testing and evaluation of this fuel, the companies announced January 5. Fleetwide FAA approval could follow later this year.

AOPA President’s Award honors FAA MOSAIC team

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:42:43 -0400

AOPA honored 38 FAA employees for their work on the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule during a ceremony at AOPA’s Washington, D.C., office on January 6. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford attended the event and accepted the AOPA President’s Award on behalf of the team.

AOPA Applauds ASTM Issuance of UL100E Test Specification

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:23:12 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) applauds VP Racing and LyondellBasell on the issuance of an ASTM International test specification for its UL100E unleaded aviation gasoline.

Empathy from those who have been there

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:54:26 -0400

After a nonfatal aviation accident, the hardest part often comes later. Survivor Gus Hawkins shares how pilots decide whether to fly again and why he founded Back to the Cockpit to help them navigate that choice.

AOPA Honors FAA MOSAIC Team with President’s Award

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:19:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) honored 38 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees for their work on the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, recognizing the team with the AOPA President’s Award during a ceremony at AOPA’s Washington office yesterday. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Aircraft Maintenance: How well do you know your airplane?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

When things go wrong while flying an airplane, your training takes over. An emergency is no time to get educated about your aircraft’s systems.

Data from fatal approach suggests spiral dive

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Preliminary findings reported by the NTSB, along with ADS-B data from the accident flight, show a flight instructor and a private pilot lost control of their Cessna 172N while attempting a night instrument approach to Lakefront Airport in New Orleans on November 24, impacting Lake Pontchartrain at high speed.

Training and Safety Tip: Think beyond rote

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:54:00 -0400

There are some things in aviation that you’ve just got to memorize. For example, the weather minimums for Class E airspace above 10,000 feet at night, or that student-stumper regulation that lists the required equipment in the airplane that has to be working correctly for VFR flight. But flying an airplane as the pilot in command requires a deeper cognitive approach, and rote memory isn’t up to the task.

Aircraft engines to power AI data centers

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Boom Supersonic is using jet engine technology to power artificial intelligence data centers create new ways to support the return of faster-than-sound flight.

Training and Safety Tip: Deice your engine

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:41:00 -0400

Most pilots rent aircraft during some or all of our flying life, and we renters need to learn the differences between various aircraft. Even two aircraft of the same make and model at a single flight school may have different panel layouts, engines, or other controls, and procedures vary based on these differences.

AOPA advocacy fights for GA in 2025, looks ahead to 2026

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:34:46 -0400

2025 has been a consequential year for general aviation, and AOPA’s government affairs team is helping shape its future. From revolutionizing the sport pilot certificate and aircraft certification to fighting the misuse of ADS-B and securing wins in states and cities across the country, AOPA’s advocacy efforts have become more important than ever.

Training and Safety Tip: Easy on the brakes

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:19:00 -0400

When you’re taxiing, there’s a lot to look out for: birds, other aircraft, service vehicles, foreign objects, signage, the windsock, the direction you’re traveling.

King Air autolands in Colorado

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:08:56 -0400

A Beechcraft King Air executed a safe landing in Denver under Garmin Autoland control on December 20, reported to be the first use of the system outside of testing and certification—though a charter operator later later told a television news station that the crew responded to a loss of cabin pressure by allowing the system to take over.

Defeat discouragement

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:22:00 -0400

When you hit a learning plateau, encounter a maneuver or event that scares you, or have a rash of flight lessons that leave you feeling deflated, discouragement can set in. You might question if you really can learn to fly. That’s when it’s time to step up your mental game with some positive self-talk.

AOPA meets with Senate offices to oppose Burke Lakefront closure

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:22:46 -0400

AOPA met with the offices of Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) on December 18 to express opposition to the proposed closure of Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland.

Take control of your aviation insurance costs

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:47:00 -0400

If you own an aircraft, you’ve probably felt the sting of rising insurance premiums. The good news? You have more control than you think. While market conditions and underwriter guidelines play a big role, there are steps you can take to influence your insurance options.

House committee approves bill to fund FAA, ATC during shutdowns

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:29:24 -0400

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R.6086), a bipartisan bill that would draw from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to keep the FAA operating during shutdowns, on December 18.

AOPA seeks federal help releasing airplane seized by Minnesota tribe

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:04:47 -0400

AOPA has asked the departments of Transportation and Interior to help a Minnesota pilot recover his airplane after it was seized by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in October.