Past is prologue

Around the holidays, I find myself taking stock of the past year and feeling incredibly thankful. I also ponder all the opportunities and challenges ahead—both for the AOPA Air Safety Institute and for the general aviation industry at large—and I see cause for optimism. Some people prefer a cynical interpretation of William Shakespeare’s famous line from The Tempest, “What’s past is prologue.” But call me an optimist, because I prefer a more positive interpretation—that our past prepares us for the future and helps us make better decisions going forward.

In 2025, we experienced another reduction in fatal GA accidents, which, combined with the expected increase in hours flown, will yield another record-setting low fatal accident rate. We at the AOPA Air Safety Institute do not claim credit for this improving trend in GA safety. Our impressive team of nine dedicated safety professionals instead attributes improvements in GA safety trends to the successful government-industry collaboration and improvements in maintenance, training, technology, and pilot awareness of safety resources. The ASI staff is funded by donations to the AOPA Foundation, which has generously invested in safety. Without that vital support, ASI could not do what it does. I am thankful for the ASI staff and for our generous donors.

On November 10, 2025, AOPA celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of what is now called the AOPA Air Safety Institute. In every decade since 1950, AOPA’s innovative safety initiatives included expanded training for pilots, funding for survivability and human factors research, and compelling safety videos that improve the way we fly. As I reviewed our 75-year history, it was clear to see the leadership role that AOPA’s Air Safety Institute played in shaping GA safety. I am thankful for our rich history.

Throughout 2025, I had the privilege of speaking to more than 30 large groups of pilots all over the country, including the American Bonanza Society, Idaho Aviation Safety Standdown, Montana Aviation Conference, Beech Bash in the Bluegrass, Mooney Summit, Florida Aero Club, and the Aero Club of New England. There exist a few common traits among all of these groups that make them truly special: They all provided outstanding social networking experiences to their attendees, and they all offered robust safety content. Having fun and improving your safety culture—sounds like a win-win to me—and I am thankful for that.

Looking ahead to 2026, we must deal with many challenges that continue to threaten the safety of GA.

As this issue goes to press, we are just coming out of the longest government shutdown in history. The aftereffects will be dealt with for many months, not the least of which is impact to ATC service and its effect on the capacity of our National Airspace System. Government and industry leaders will continue to monitor the safety of our airspace system, as we always have.

Another challenge is the use of the ADS-B system for purposes other than safety and efficiency—its sole intended purpose. When profit-seeking companies exploit the ADS-B system for the collection of airport fees, it erodes trust in the system and discourages broader adoption of ADS-B. A similar erosion of trust occurs when ADS-B is used for FAA enforcement action or by individuals for frivolous lawsuits. Thankfully, measures are currently being considered that will limit these perverse uses of ADS-B. ADS-B (Out and In) has significantly improved situational awareness in the cockpit. I envision a day when almost all aircraft are voluntarily equipped and affordable portable options will make this possible.

The transition to unleaded 100-octane fuel will continue to challenge industry leaders as we march toward 2030, and safety must never be in the “trade-space” as we learn more and demonstrate the various fuels.

If “past is prologue,” and if you agree with my optimistic interpretation of this timeless quote—that we are better prepared by our past and can make better decisions going forward—then the only question is: What are you going to do to improve your safety preparedness in 2026?

Not a member of a type club? Consider joining: read the magazine, scan the forums, and attend their big annual event. Haven’t completed your flight review lately? Consider an AOPA Focused Flight Review—and hire an instructor who will make you sweat. Do you think you nailed it on that last flight? Try out FlySto or CloudAhoy and see what the data actually says about your control of speed, altitude, centerline, and so on.

Try something new—you may be surprised! Stay focused and stay safe.

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