Sparky Barnes submitted this photo and note: “Now that’s a patriotic paint scheme! Seen at Ingersoll Airport (KCTK) in Canton, Illinois.”
Velocity Squared: Engineering the Future of Flight Training
Air Force veteran and systems engineer Chris Shaw has launched Velocity Squared Aviation Academy in Hondo, Texas. This new professional flight training school bridges the gap between unstructured local schools and expensive pilot mills, offering rigorous, airline-style training under a cost-effective Part 61 model.
Wright Brothers Sites in Dayton Named To Irreplaceable America List
The World Monuments Fund has named the historic Wright Brothers sites in Dayton, Ohio, to its “Irreplaceable America” list. This new initiative highlights 10 at-risk U.S. heritage locations during the nation’s 250th anniversary, bringing attention to preserving early aviation history.
Avflight Expands FBO Operations Into Northern Michigan
According to company officials, the new 6,000-square-foot facility is built with exposed wood beams, warm natural finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The space also includes a large gas fireplace and an enclosed outdoor patio designed to accommodate travelers throughout the entire year.
New PreFlight Guard Kit Ensures Remove Before Flight is Complete
Every general aviation pilot fears the moment they realize a cover was left on after takeoff. Smart Jet Aviation has introduced the PreFlight Guard, a sensor-equipped kit designed to ensure every “Remove Before Flight” item is safely stowed, providing pilots with peace of mind before every flight.
Pilot Crashes Into Lake After Failed Go-Around
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with water. Contributing to the accident were crosswind gusts.
Picture of the Day: Cubbing for Clifford
Megan Vande Voort submitted this photo with a note: “Sullivan Vande Voort, 17, and his brother, Meyer Vande Voort, 12, took the Piper Cub around the patch in honor of their fly-in friend, Clifford Hatz. Clifford, the son of the late John Hatz, passed away unexpectedly June 27, 2026. He was widely known throughout the antique aviation community for his exceptional craftsmanship restoring fabric-covered airplanes. More than that, he was a fixture at fly-ins, a generous friend, and someone genuinely loved by all who knew him.”
It’s In The (Flight) Bag
When the Wright brothers first flew, they needed no bag. Pilots weren’t really a thing yet. There were no tools to carry. No mandatory logs to be kept. The only thing a pilot of the day might need to be successful was a functional airplane, a hat and, perhaps, a pair of goggles. Honestly, the hat was optional.
AOPA Adds Maintenance To High School Aviation Curriculum
To help address the ongoing aviation mechanic shortage, the AOPA Foundation is expanding its free High School Aviation STEM Curriculum to include maintenance and manufacturing.