Garmin has introduced SmartCharts, an “aviation charting solution that will provide pilots with a simplified and intuitive experience by producing clear and relevant data to depict a chart tailored for their specific flight operation,” according to Garmin officials.
Corrosion in landing gear ends new Luscombe owner’s familiarization flights
Probable Cause: Failure of the right main landing gear due to prolonged corrosion of the landing gear tube, which weakened the gear.
Picture of the Day: Morning coffee flight
Rusty Eichorn submitted this photo and note: “I love to jump in my Super Cub on Aerocet floats and start my day out of the Northbound Seaplane Base (5MN6) in Minnesota with a banana and a cup of coffee and watch our town and lake residents start their day from the air. It’s fun to listen to air traffic around Northern Minnesota of those who are doing the same.”
Two Americans place in international aviation art contest
Lottie Schmutz of Wyoming took first place for ages 10-13 in the FAI International Young Artist Contest, while Lalitha Kuchipudi of Virginia took first place, ages 14-17.
Epic Flight Academy partners with Denver university
Epic Flight Academy and Metropolitan State University Denver have partnered, with Epic providing FAA Part 141 pilot training provider to MSU Denver students.
An Aviator’s Field Guide to the Seaplane Rating released
Bill Young’s new guide for aspiring seaplane pilots details what students need to know to earn their Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES) Rating.
Confused controller confuses pilot
I watched in horror as the airplane turned left base directly into my student and I at the exact same altitude.
Picture of the Day: Never gets old
Christian Sanchez submitted this photo and note: “Took my 1969 Cessna 150 up for a short evening flight — something I don’t get to enjoy nearly enough. Watching the sunset from 3,000 feet above Central Texas is nothing short of magic. It’s one of those simple rewards of flying that never gets old.”
GA airplane sales post double-digit increases
Airplane shipments through the first quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 19.3% with 353 deliveries, turboprops increase 23.1% with 133, and business jets increase 11% with 141.