Diana Layton submitted this photo and note: “The Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 takes to the skies above Grant County Airport (W99) in Petersburg, West Virginia. The pilot, Lt. Col. Shelton Davis, created a flight plan to the passenger’s workplace, East Hardy Elementary School. The passenger, Mr. Harclerode, takes advantage of his TOP (Teacher Orientation Program) flight after participating in Civil Air Patrol’s ACE (Aerospace Connection in Education) program. Mr. Harclerode got to fly over the school, waving to his students on the ground below.”
Oregon completes runway and electrical upgrades at S45
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has completed a runway and electrical rehabilitation project at Siletz Bay State Airport (S45) in Gleneden.
Hartzell Engine Tech receives FAA-PMA For PowerUp S-1200 Magnetos
Hartzell Engine Tech’s PowerUP S-1200 magneto is a direct replacement for general aviation aircraft. Designed for both 4- and 6-cylinder engines, they are available in impulse-coupled and “Shower of Sparks” configurations, according to company officials.
Piper bent during hard landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
Picture of the Day: Early morning departure
Ian Lellyett submitted this photo and note: “An early morning departure from Sau Pan Botswana.”
Women in Aviation reveal Class of 2026
The three women will be honored at the 37th annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Dallas, on March 20, 2026.
Garmin SmartCharts adds Graphical NOTAMs overlay to alert pilots of surface closures
The new Graphical NOTAMs overlay, when selected “On,” will depict active runway, taxiway, and ramp closures, as well as conditional closures. Additionally, current field condition (FICON) codes will appear on the runway label, allowing pilots to see the runway conditions while viewing the airport diagram.
Leaking fuel drain leads to fuel starvation and forced landing
Probable Cause: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation that was the result of a leaking fuel drain.
Picture of the Day: The Badlands
Jim Thomas submitted this photo and note: “After landing at Spearfish, South Dakota, for the Badlands Fly-In in September 2025, a thunderstorm moved across the grass airplane parking.”