Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: I purchased a 1971 PA-32 Cherokee 260 about 18 months ago. I did not do my due diligence in a pre-buy and did not consider the effects on an airplane engine with only 300 hours since rebuilt in 2012 that spent a lot of time in a hangar in New Jersey.
Aircraft
Volunteers begin rehabilitating California backcountry airstrip
A call for volunteers has been put out for upcoming work parties to get Walker Ridge Airstrip in prime condition for backcountry pilots.
Bizjet, piston sales up so far in 2025
While turboprop and helicopter sales dropped in 2025, the value of deliveries so far in the year is up by double digits.
Cirrus introduces trade-in program
The program is available for late model SR Series aircraft and all generations of Vision Jets.
Student and CFI seriously injured during touch-and-go landing
Probable Cause: An aerodynamic stall from which the pilots did not recover while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.
Picture of the Day: Flying to a feast
Jerry Strazz submitted this photo and note: “Glacial grows and grizzlies growl, but the Otter flew us to a salmon feast safely. A delicious dinner at Taku Lodge in Juneau, Alaska, made possible by an Otter floatplane.”
Papers please
Having our paperwork in order is important. Sadly, the vast majority of general aviation pilots have developed the unfortunate habit of ignoring that requirement.
DPE test rates jumped in 2025
Designated Pilot Examiners conducted more than 153,000 practical tests in fiscal year 2025, up significantly from just over 129,000 in 2024.
Flares shot to alert GA pilot to TFR violation
Since the January 2025 presidential inauguration, NORAD has responded to more than 40 TFRs violations by general aviation pilots in the West Palm Beach area.