A new review of research into general aviation accidents unearthed a startling statistic: Pilots without an instrument rating lose control of their aircraft within 178 seconds of entering IMC.
Wildlife strikes up 14% in last year
The report, “Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990-2024” released in June 2025, notes that the 22,372 documented wildlife strikes in 2024 equated to roughly 61 wildlife strikes every day.
An appetite for flying
When a pilot clicks on a restaurant in the app, they get a wealth of information, from addresses and phone numbers to hours of operation and descriptions of décor, ambience, and other amenities. The app also features links to restaurant websites and menus.
Long-awaited MOSAIC final rule released
“This is one of most significant rule packages for general aviation in the past 75 years,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “This creates what can be called Sport Pilot 2.0, as it builds on the safety and momentum established by that rule two decades ago and opens tremendous possibilities for current and future pilots, flight schools, manufacturers, and many others.”
Aviation advocates welcome approval of pilot mental wellness legislation
The bill directs the FAA to revise regulations for mental health disclosure and treatment, with the aim of removing barriers to mental wellness services and updating archaic policies surrounding mental health disclosures.
Fourth generation earns his wings
On April 28, 2025, Carl Reigle continued a proud family tradition, earning his private pilot certificate at Reigle Airport (58N) in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Carl’s great-grandfather, Charles “Chas” Reigle, founded Reigle Airport in 1942.
Spatial disorientation: GA’s deadliest threat
According to 2025 research from the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, general aviation accidents caused by spatial disorientation had a 94% fatality rate compared to the 19% fatality rate for all GA accidents.
Court claims GA still doesn’t have a commercially available unleaded avgas
Judge S. Raj Chatterjee noted in the May 30, 2025, ruling that since G100UL has not gone through the ASTM process for specification, it cannot be considered “commercially available.” But the folks behind the unleaded fuel have something to say about that.
Grassroots effort funds improvements at O61
With the help of the non-profit Cameron Park Airport Foundation, Cameron Park Airport in California has an upgraded AWOS system and real-time cameras to help increase safety.