KT Budde-Jones sent in this photo with a note: “Stallion 51’s T-6 Texan with our new Lotus Emira. We made sure the stripe was the same color yellow as our cowling.”
Aircraft
Albin Longren: The aviation pioneer you don’t know
Longren did not have any formal education as an aeronautical designer and engineer. He also lacked any flight training. Neither stopped him from achieving success with his original biplane, the Longren Topeka.
FAA orders California county to reverse 100LL ban
In its ruling on March 24, 2025, the director of the FAA Office of Airports Compliance and Management Analysis ordered the county take three corrective actions.
FAA hiring supercharge hits targets
FAA officials reported March 21, 2025, that the agency “has already qualified and referred more than 8,320 candidates to the aptitude exam, known as the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA). More than 190 candidates have already passed the ATSA and moved into the hiring process.”
Mechanic’s error brings down just-purchased Piper
Probable Cause: Maintenance personnel’s failure to secure the fuel strainer bowl with safety wire, which resulted in the fuel strainer bowl leaking and starving the engine of fuel. Also causal was the obstruction of two fuel injector nozzles.
Picture of the Day: Measuring the days with inches of ice
Rusty Eichorn submitted this photo and note: “Landed on the lake in front of my house to see how long it might be before I actually get to land in the water in front of my place near Grand Rapids, Minnesota.”
Blue skies for the Cactus Fly-In
The 2025 Cactus Fly-In, held March 8 at Casa Grande Municipal Airport (KCGZ) in Arizona, attracted more than 100 aircraft and a crowd that topped 1,000.
Clear Lake Flying Club introduces kids to aviation
The free three-part series provided an enthusiastic group of kids between the ages of 9 and 13 an introduction to aviation, including aircraft aerodynamics, controls, instruments, and powerplants through hands-on learning experiences, according to organizers.
Sling Pilot Academy expands to Long Beach
Founded in 2011, Sling Pilot Academy now has four flight training schools across Southern California, with facilities at Torrance Airport (KTOA), Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), Gillespie Field (KSEE) in San Diego, and Long Beach.