The latest annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey shows a slight dip in the number of GA aircraft flying, but a jump in the number of hours flown.
FAA
FAA Cracks Down on Drones in 2025
The FAA levied fines ranging from $1,771 to $36,770, as well as suspended or revoke drone pilot certificates.
Mandatory Reporting: Fact vs. Fiction
Justin, a private pilot in Texas, writes: “There’s a lot of chatter online about Air Traffic Control Towers “having to” report any mechanical issue a pilot has to the FAA and pilots having to follow up on incidents with the FSDO. Is this new? Where does this come from? What rises to the level of being reported? And what should you do if the FAA calls or writes?”
FAA Seeks Public Input on Part 141 Modernization
Have ideas on how to improve pilot training? The FAA is hosting virtual meetings and accepting written comments through April 2026 to help modernize Part 141 regulations.
Make Your Voice Heard on The Transition to Unleaded Fuel
You have until March 13, 2026, to comment on the FAA’s draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.
Replace How Many Radars?
The new contract calls for replacing 612 radars by June 2028.
Be Smart When Flying With a Smartwatch
A video from the FAA’s Rotorcraft Collective delves into how a smartwatch can help you when you’re flying, from monitoring hypoxia symptoms to emergency navigation tools, helping you find the nearest airports, complete with maps, NEXRAD, current weather, and radio frequencies.
NTSB: Long-Standing Safety Gaps Led to Deadly Potomac Midair Collision
While not general aviation related, the accident revealed that air traffic control practices and failings resulted in the Jan. 29, 2025, accident that killed 67 people.
FAA Recommends Spatial Disorientation Training for All Pilots
A new Information for Operators (InFO) recommends theoretical and practical training in spatial disorientation, as well as gives several strategies for recovering from spatial disorientation.