Toy airplanes are often a child’s first introduction to aviation, but did you know that a toy helicopter is what inspired the Wright brothers?
Pilots
FAA Invests $16.5 Million to Boost Runway Safety with Vehicle Transponders
To bolster runway safety, the FAA is investing $16.5 million to equip 1,900 airport vehicles with transponders. This initiative, accelerated by a recent ground collision at LaGuardia, aims to give air traffic controllers full visibility of all airfield surface traffic.
New Tool Generates Aircraft Valuation Reports in 20 seconds
Autopilot accepts logbooks, maintenance records, PDFs, and photos. It returns a more than 20-page report including a Windsock valuation, logbook hotspots and risk signals, compression and engine history, propeller and structural events, airworthiness directive impact, and a market trend forecast.
Improper Fuel Selector Position Leads to Fuel Starvation
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s selection of an improper fuel tank selector position, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate oversight.
Picture of the Day: Chatoyant Morning Sky
Sparky Barnes submitted this photo and note: “The crescent moon shines high in the sky (right) as the sunrise creeps over the distant mountain ridges. T-hangar lights and the rotating beacon shine in the night’s remaining shadows at McMinn County Airport (KMMI) in east Tennessee.”
The Negotiation Game
Owning an airplane is a dream for many pilots, but the asking price is often just a suggestion. Through honest negotiation, buyers and sellers can find a mutual win-win, turning the aspiration of flight into an affordable reality.
FAA To Replace Towers Across The Country
The agency will replace eight towers and TRACONs, as well as invest more than $85 million to upgrade contract towers.
Red Arrows To Make Oshkosh Debut in 2026
The Red Arrows will perform as part of the afternoon air shows on July 24 through July 26. It is part of the team’s extended U.S. tour in 2026 to honor America’s 250th anniversary, according to EAA officials.
TruVideo Launches AI-Powered Video Diagnostic Tool for Aviation
TruVideo has expanded its AI-powered video intelligence engine into the aviation market. TruVideo AOG allows mechanics and pilots to submit videos for remote diagnosis, helping MROs reduce downtime, eliminate maintenance bottlenecks, and get aircraft back into the air faster.