“Actual weather conditions at remote backcountry airstrips are often quite different from local airport weather reports, which might be many miles away,” noted Wendy Lessig, RAF’s Utah Liaison.
Aircraft
New book about a summer adventure in a Cub released
Octane Press has released “Landings in America — Two People, One Summer, and a Piper Cub” by Peter Egan.
Fuel exhaustion leads to crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Picture of the Day: Scary storm
Gary Lanthrum submitted this photo and note: “Flying home from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 back to the Seattle area I encountered lots of thunderstorms. Many required significant re-routing, but this one let me fly my intended track about 10 miles from the nasty bits. The storm had a well-defined edge that stayed to the north of me. I watched closely for any signs of expansion in my direction. It was my lucky day. I made it to Aberdeen, South Dakota, for the night without incident.”
VFR into IMC deadly for GA pilots in under three minutes
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.
The benefits of MOSAIC to homebuilt aircraft builders
A recent missive from Sebastien Heintz at Zenith Aircraft Company details how Zenith builders and owners can benefit from the new MOSAIC rule from the FAA.
Aspiring entrepreneurs explore aviation careers at Naples Airport
For three consecutive mornings, Oct. 20-22, 2025, 18 teens participating in the Southwest Florida CEO program arrived at Naples Airport before sunrise for a series of meetings, information sessions, and an airfield tour.
Sporty’s 2025 Christmas ornament features the Cessna 172
First flown in 1955, the Skyhawk has become the most-produced aircraft in history, with more than 45,000 delivered.
Picture of the Day: Next generation pilot
Rick Champagne submitted this photo and note: “Here’s a picture of my 6-year-old grandson looking out the window in wonder on his first flight in my C-170A. It was his first ride in a small plane. He absolutely loved it. My dad was a commercial pilot, my son (who was also on this flight) got his license a while back, and now we hope to pass our love of aviation on to the youngest. It was a nice late afternoon flight close to sundown, from a grass strip, low and slow over the area and then back. It was a huge moment for me, in many ways. Once we landed I couldn’t think of any better way to end the day.”