Too often we might be inclined to find the exact term that’s missing. Some of us might interpret that to mean there is no rule that requires us to do the smart thing, the logical thing, the thing any sentient being with the will to survive knows is necessary. But we found a loophole: We don’t have to because the rule doesn’t say so. This is what is known in scientific and technological circles as dumb.
FAA
Deep Pockets
A number of issues remain affecting general aviation’s transition to unleaded avgas. Perhaps the most important is the three companies working on the solution lack “deep pockets” in a very litigious society.
50 Hours or Three Years
Should aircraft inspections move to a “50 hours or three years” schedule? Explore the potential benefits, economic impacts, and FAA hurdles of this proposed maintenance shift.
Support Grows for Bills Banning ADS-B Misuse
Support is growing to prohibit the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to collect fees from pilots — in Congress, where the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) is gaining cosponsors, in state capitols across the country, and among top aviation safety officials.
After the Accident
A pilot who did everything right but was still in an accident shares the lessons he learned in its aftermath, from dealing with the NTSB, FAA, and insurance companies, to handling the Seven Stages of Grief.
Laser Strikes on Aircraft Drop for Second Year In a Row
Pilots reported 10,994 laser strikes to the FAA in 2025 — a 14% decrease from the year before — but still too high, say agency officials.
GA Survey Launches
The FAA’s 48th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) has launched, with the agency asking general aviation aircraft owners to report on their operations during the calendar year 2025.
The Sky is Getting Crowded — And It’s Only Going to Get Worse
The GAO warns the FAA must set clear milestones for drones to detect and avoid manned aircraft as the number of drones sharing the National Airspace System is expected to near 4 million by 2029.
New Weather Observation System Proves its Worth in Alaska
The Montis Weather Observation System (MWOS) debuted in 2024 and already is at 15 locations across Alaska, as well as several in the Lower 48, with plans to increase that to 100 by the end of 2026.