The FAA’s 47th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey has launched, with the agency asking aircraft owners to share the number of hours flown in 2024, as well as the ways people use general aviation aircraft.
Pilot loses sight of airplane in busy pattern
I’ve heard that combining straight in and pattern work at uncontrolled airports is dangerous, but now have first-hand experience to verify.
Picture of the Day: Honoring the WASP
Lindy Segall sent in this flyer, explaining: “A ceremony was held Feb. 17, 2025, to unveil an engraved plaque commemorating the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Created by the Zonta Club of Fredericksburg (ZCF) in Texas, the plaque will be placed in the Memorial Courtyard of the National Museum of the Pacific War.”
Researchers develop GA Crash Survival Predictor
A recent study analyzing 20 years of general aviation accidents has identified key factors that significantly impact survival rates, leading researchers to develop a GA Crash Survival Predictor.
Tuskegee Airmen Harry Stewart flies west
Harry Stewart Jr., one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen, died Feb. 2, 2025, at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He was 100.
Flightstar expands maintenance division
Flightstar Corporation, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul operation (MRO) based at University of Illinois/Willard Airport (KCMI) in Central Illinois, has expanded its maintenance operations with the completion of a new hangar.
Failure to remove angle of attack vane cover bends Cirrus
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection removal of the angle of attack vane cover.
Picture of the Day: Fly, Eagles, Fly
Kevin Laufer submitted this photo and note: “My 1977 Cessna 185 proudly parked at the North 40 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018, flying the Eagles banner in celebration of Philly’s first Super Bowl victory. Based in South Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, I am gearing up to once again display my Eagles pride at SUN ‘n FUN and Oshkosh 2025 — this time, with another Lombardi Trophy to celebrate!”
The Wizardry of Oz
A cooperative effort between private airstrip owners in Arkansas and the Recreational Aviation Foundation has created FLY OZ, designed to make backcountry recreational flying more accessible to pilots.