The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new video examining an accident in Lake Placid, New York, on Oct. 1, 2023, that took the lives of former NFL player Russ Francis and AOPA’s own Richard McSpadden.
AOPA
Canada urged to accept BasicMed
More than 90,000 pilots have qualified to fly under BasicMed privileges since the program’s inception in 2017, according to AOPA officials.
Danger over the desert
In the latest video from AOPA’s Air Safety Institute, “Real Pilot Story: Danger over the Desert,” ferry pilot Kerry McCauley speaks about a mission he elected to abandon — the only time in his career he has chosen to do so — due to safety concerns with the aircraft.
Early Analysis on Baron crash released
“In Early Analysis: Baron B55 Crash in Monterey, CA, we appear to have a loss-of-control incident that could have happened because of spatial disorientation,” said AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter. “The weather was clearly IMC, with clouds below 1,000 feet.”
California pilot wins AOPA sweepstakes Cessna 182
Jennifer Hortman of Murrieta, California, the winner of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Cessna 182 Sweepstakes, was given the keys to her new ride in front of a crowd of attendees at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
Aviat Husky AOPA’s next sweepstakes aircraft
“The sweepstakes Husky reflects the best of general aviation — freedom, versatility, and the pure joy of flying,” said AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance.
Oklahoma once again tops list for aerospace education
For the 2025-2026 school year, 144 schools across Oklahoma will teach the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) “You Can Fly” curriculum, up from 117 schools the previous year. This expansion represents more than 20% of all Oklahoma school districts, according to ODAA officials.
AOPA president’s tour lands in Bozeman
AOPA’s new president is touring the country, speaking to pilots about everything from Air Traffic Control to the transition to unleaded avgas.
New agreement earns students college credit
Under the new agreement, students who complete the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum will earn up to 10 credits at Community College of Beaver County in Pennsylvania.