Just hearing the words “landing fee” makes some pilots angry. But that reveals a misunderstanding of financial operations at general aviation airports, according to one airport manager.
Van’s founder to visit student build project
When high school students in New Hampshire began building planes, they didn’t expect the aircraft’s designer to be available for questions. But that’s what will happen when Richard VanGrunsven, legendary founder of Van’s Aircraft Co., travels to the Granite State next month to visit student plane-building workshops in Manchester, Lebanon, and Farmington.
Grassroots safety program gains traction in TBM fleet
The initiative’s first-year report shows positive progress: More than 70,000 accident-free flight hours by its 50 members.
New aircraft mechanic program takes flight in Colorado
Classes begin in January 2026 at the new Aircraft Maintenance Training Center (AMTC) at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL) in Loveland.
Luscombe hits hangar after pilot’s feet get stuck in rudder pedals
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Picture of the Day: Twin Lakes
Chris Bena submitted this photo and note: “It was a smooth, CAVU day at 8,500 feet over the Alaska Range. Twin Lakes in the Lake Clark National Park was home to famed Dick Proeneke of ‘One Man’s Wilderness.’ Redoubt Volcano, an active volcano, can be seen lording over this part of the mountain range.”
Getting up to speed
I wouldn’t say we’ve got a well-oiled mill cranking out future aviation industry participants just yet. But it does feel like the apparatus is coming together.
AIR’s eVTOL prototype receives FAA airworthiness certificate
The certification is “a key step in the company’s mission to bring electric aviation to everyday life,” said company officials, who note the certification accelerates AIR’s flight testing at its facility near West Palm Beach, Florida.
Bizjet, piston airplanes sales up
According to the report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 5.1% to 810, turboprops decrease 4.3% to 268, and business jets increase 9.9% with 354.