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.
NASA Nuclear Space Mission Launches 2028
Discover how NASA’s Space Reactor 1 will cut Mars travel time in half. Dr. Roger Myers reveals the future of nuclear electric propulsion in Seattle.
Garmin Pilot Enhances Oshkosh FISK Arrival Features
Garmin has released an update for the Garmin Pilot mobile app, introducing a redesigned Flights page to streamline mission planning, as well as enhancements to the FISK VFR Arrival procedure for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
First Flight After Annual Bends Piper
Probable Cause: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl following an annual inspection.
Picture of the Day: Buffalo River Airport
Teresa White submitted this photo and note: “Joe Wilson took this photo June 14, 2026, in Marshall, Arkansas, as I was departing. Best little airport in Arkansas. It has camping onsite, mountain bike trails, and bikes. It is close to several Buffalo River outfitters to canoe or kayak and is a very short hop to Richland Creek, a Recreational Aviation Foundation jewel.”