General Aviation News Of Wings & Things columnist Fred Johnsen spent Memorial Day 2026 at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho, and captured this video.
Pilots
New Tower In the Works for KISM
The City of Kissimmee has secured a $10 million federal grant through the FAA Contract Tower Program to build a new air traffic control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM), replacing the airport’s aging facility built in 1997.
New E-METAR Tool Simplifies Pre-Flight Planning
Streamline pre-flight checks with E-METAR, a free tool layering runway data, active NOTAMs, and live traffic over raw aviation weather info.
Piper Ends Up in Watermelon Field After Pilot Changes Mind About Rejected Takeoff
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to re-attempt a takeoff with little runway remaining, after rejecting a takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun at a higher speed and collision with terrain.
Picture of the Day: Flying the Stearman
Scott Scheiurich submitted this photo and note: “Members of the Commemorative Air Force Indianapolis Wing recently traveled to Norwalk, Ohio, to give rides in our PT-17 Stearman.”
New Bill Proposes Ban on ADS-B Landing Fees in New York
New York lawmakers have introduced a Senate bill aimed at prohibiting the practice of charging ADS-B landing fees to general aviation aircraft.
Financial Costs Halt Repairs at Tillamook Air Museum
“For now, and into the immediate future, the Tillamook Air Museum will remain closed,” Port officials said when voting not to repair the storm-damaged hangar. “Any significant repairs (more than just the current safety issue) would take months or years to complete throughout the building.”
New Leaders Appointed at Air Care Alliance
The Air Care Alliance, a non-profit organization that represents a nationwide network of volunteer pilot groups, has named Barbara Sica as Executive Director and JJ Suarez as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Delayed Fuel Transfer Led to Vintage Jet Trainer Forced Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s delay in turning on the fuel tip tank transfer pumps after departure, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine, engine flameout, and a subsequent forced landing.