AOPA General Aviation News

SAFE executive director David St. George retires

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:06:22 -0400

David St. George has retired as executive director of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, effective April 1.

Sonex reports response to financial SOS

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:33:27 -0400

Days after announcing the abrupt closure of kitplane manufacturer Sonex LLC, owner Mark Schaible wrote in an email that the bankruptcy-bound company might have hope.

TFR violations continue

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:24:24 -0400

Pilots unaware of temporary flight restrictions—particularly in Florida and New Jersey—continue to draw negative public attention to general aviation, complicating efforts to mitigate the impact of TFRs created to protect the president and other VIPs.

Mayor excludes FAA from hearing on closing Burke Lakefront

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:16:04 -0400

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb excluded the FAA from a city council hearing focused on the process of closing an airport amid the mayor’s push to shutter Burke Lakefront Airport—prompting the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP) to express concern that residents are not getting the full story.

Washington repeals crippling aircraft luxury tax

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:03:21 -0400

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on March 31 signed a law which among other provisions repealed a devastating luxury tax on many aircraft.

Rep. Sam Graves to retire

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:59:30 -0400

Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced on March 27 that he will not seek reelection to the House of Representatives and will retire from Congress at the end of his term.

BasicMed guidance updated

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:15:34 -0400

AOPA has revamped its BasicMed resource page and our online course to make the details more accessible and user-friendly to those aviators who have decided to ditch the traditional FAA medical certificate for a simpler way to maintain their medical eligibility to fly.

Pilot's perspective on 'Love Story' JFK Jr crash

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:49:03 -0400

Love Story, an FX limited romance series, sparked renewed interest in the 1999 Martha’s Vineyard accident that killed John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, and his sister-in-law, and how the accident actually happened.

Training and Safety Tip: Know your Newton

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:01:00 -0400

Most pilots learn about Sir Isacc Newton and his laws of motion in elementary or high school. You might have wondered, "Why do I need to know this stuff?" Of course, you may have had no idea that you were going to become a pilot, for whom knowledge of Newton's fundamental physics becomes more relevant.

A wild ride

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:06:26 -0400

Mike Melvill, 85, the world’s first commercial astronaut and winner of the Ansari X Prize for pioneering flights in SpaceShipOne, died March 19 in California after a long illness.

CAU names second Reach Flight Center

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:50:00 -0400

As aviation continues to focus on strengthening the pilot pipeline, collaboration between flight schools and higher education institutions is playing an increasingly important role.

AOPA Statement on Retirement of House T&I Chairman Sam Graves

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:40:43 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) expressed appreciation for Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and his leadership as Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as he announced today that he will not seek reelection to the House of Representatives this fall after serving 13 terms in Congress.

Coalition promotes Burke Lakefront opportunities amid closure threat

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:43:23 -0400

AOPA, along with the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP), highlighted the importance of and vision for the future of Burke Lakefront Airport at a March 25 open house, amid Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s campaign to close it and new “hypothetical concepts” of how the site could be used.

House committee passes amended ALERT Act, includes PAPA

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:56:53 -0400

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed an amended version of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act to address safety issues resulting from the January 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C.

AOPA Commends House Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Advance Aviation Safety

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:43:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today praised the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) for unanimously passing, 62-0, the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act to address safety issues resulting from the mid-air collision last year between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Archer intercepted by US Navy Super Hornets near Iran

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:02:54 -0400

It was not Sam Rutherford's first time being intercepted by fighters while flying a general aviation aircraft, but it was not lost on him that, from the perspective of U.S. Navy warships that were actively striking targets in Iran on March 1, a Piper Archer DX approaching an aircraft carrier at 11,500 feet over the Arabian Sea could easily be mistaken for a drone laden with explosives.

See us at Sun 'n Fun

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:57:37 -0400

AOPA will once again offer an enticing array of educational seminars at this year's Sun 'Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 14 through 19.

Coalition Promotes Burke Lakefront Opportunities, Pushes Back Against Mayor’s ‘Hypothetical Concepts’ for Redevelopment

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:47:00 -0400

CLEVELAND—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), along with the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP), laid out their vision for the future of Burke Lakefront Airport during an open house with media, local officials, and other stakeholders, while pushing back against “hypothetical concepts” for possible redevelopment of the airport site released today by the mayor.

Training and Safety Tip: Maintain airspace awareness

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:47:00 -0400

Let’s talk about temporary flight restrictions, or TFRs. You know, those big blotches of red that pop up periodically on your iPad’s flight planning software.

FAA letter confirms Whiteman Airport obligated to remain

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

By Tara Finestone/Morse Creek Media

A newly surfaced letter from the FAA raises significant questions about whether Los Angeles County can legally close Whiteman Airport, even as the county moves forward with a $1.3 million study exploring the airport’s potential closure and redevelopment.

How one pilot lives the weather she forecasts

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:31:00 -0400

Jessica Burch, a U.S. Army captain, doesn't just predict the weather on San Francisco TV—she also experiences it when she's flying a Sikorsky UH–60 Black Hawk helicopter.

From passion to purpose

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:32:12 -0400

When Mia McKnight talks about how she found her path in aviation, she laughs—because she can't resist the pun. "My passion and love for aviation just took off," she said. But like most compelling flying stories, it didn't happen overnight.

Opportunity on every horizon

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:16:51 -0400

Sometimes a career change starts with a bold plan. Other times, it shifts with a single “yes.” For Emma Swift, that yes began with a discovery flight and propelled her through some intense training, airport work, and a chance connection that launched her career into professional aviation.

Airline pilot hiring expands in 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:34:00 -0400

After the post-pandemic hiring surge, the pace has settled back to more typical levels. What looked like a sharp drop was really a return to normal. By 2026, both the data and industry conversations pointed to steadier, more predictable hiring.

FAA expands Swift 100R unleaded approval

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:20:07 -0400

The FAA on March 11 updated the supplemental type certificate and approved model list for Swift Fuels 100R, enabling the unleaded formulation to be used in many piston general aviation engines, with ongoing efforts to clear the fuel for the most demanding high-compression models.

Situational awareness begins with clear vision

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:12:00 -0400

For aviation content creator Valerie Talbot, each flight begins long before the Baron’s engines start. Like most pilots, her routine includes fuel planning and weather strategy. After takeoff, one factor quietly influences every decision she makes: what she can see.

AOPA Board of Trustees Elects New Chairman, Previews Bylaw Changes

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:16:49 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced today that Luke Wippler has been elected as the new Chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees. Outgoing Chair Jim Hauslein made the announcement in an open letter to AOPA members.

AOPA chairman reports change of command

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

By James N. Hauslein, chairman, AOPA Board of Trustees

As we look forward to the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in April and our annual meeting in May, I want to share some updates regarding AOPA’s operations and Board of Trustees leadership. These updates reflect AOPA’s relentless commitment to advocating for general aviation and to evolving our leadership for the future. Your board’s principal motivation is positioning AOPA to represent our membership effectively and ensure that the organization thrives for the next 85 years.

Aviation Industry Expresses Concern About Proposed Burke Lakefront Closure

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:06:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) joined a number of other aviation industry organizations to express concern about Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposal to close Burke Lakefront Airport.

AOPA Honors Aviation’s Finest at 2026 Hoover Awards

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:01:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) honored six aviation leaders on March 17 at the annual Hoover Awards ceremony at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The awards, named for legendary aviator R.A. “Bob” Hoover, recognize individuals whose contributions to general aviation carry on Hoover’s legacy.

AOPA honors Southern Utah Aviation Association

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:59:14 -0400

AOPA recognized the Southern Utah Aviation Association (SUAA) with the 2026 AOPA Advocacy Partnership Award for the Northwest Mountain Region for its successful collaboration with airport leadership to improve policies affecting local pilots.

Sharing the Epic E1000

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:46:14 -0400

Aircraft ownership has long been seen as one of aviation’s ultimate privileges—complete control over schedule, destination, and access. But that freedom comes with tradeoffs, including maintenance oversight, insurance costs, downtime, and the financial demands of operating an aircraft.

AOPA warns Minnesota tribe's aircraft seizure risks safety

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:56:44 -0400

AOPA sent a second letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, urging them to step in after an AOPA member’s airplane was seized following an emergency landing on a state highway in the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota on October 15.

A mountain airport built on community

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:15:00 -0400

At Auburn Municipal Airport located in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of Sacramento, California, aviation has long been sustained not by airplanes and flight schools, but by mentors, volunteers, and pilots who believe in sharing what they know.

Training and Safety Tip: Be a team pilot

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Dazzling displays of teamwork need not be reserved for professional sports arenas or hospital operating rooms. Even the seemingly solitary solo pilot is part of a team.

AOPA Seeks Federal Intervention After Airplane Seized by Minnesota Tribe

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:07:51 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) sent a second letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, urging them to step in after an AOPA member’s airplane was seized following an emergency landing on a state highway in the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota last October.

FAA approves turbocharger clamp sought by thousands

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:29:00 -0400

Since the 1970s the connection between the turbocharger and the exhaust system has been problematic, causing a significant number of incidents and accidents when the junction failed, allowing red-hot exhaust gases into the cowling. The weak point in the system was a clamp known as a v-band coupling. Under the stress of heat and vibration, the clamp could warp or fail, especially at the spot welds or riveted points in the assembly.

Utah airport back in business

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:08:46 -0400

Airport advocates celebrated a March 5 ruling siding with the local airport's appeal of the town government's refusal to renew the airport business license.

Florida lawmakers back ban on ADS-B billing

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:30:14 -0400

Lawmakers in Florida are sending a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk that would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to charge fees to pilots.

Saying goodbye to a legendary airport

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:06:36 -0400

After years of debate, Greenland’s Narsarsuaq International Airport is set to close in April.

Centurion flew dangerously low in Chicago accident

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:46:11 -0400

A Cessna T210M Turbo Centurion struck a two-story townhome on March 4 more than 2 nautical miles from the runway while flying an erratic approach to a Chicago-area airport in near-minimums conditions.

Support Grows for Bills Banning ADS-B Misuse

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:12:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—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.

Training and Safety Tip: Silent yet safe

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:35:00 -0400

It may surprise you to learn that airplanes are not required to have two-way radios. That’s partly because the airplane predates the invention of radios portable enough to be aeronautically practical.

Open source ground school

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:29:00 -0400

Cutting the costs of flight training—but not the standards—Pilot Training System (PTS) is pushing open education principles into aviation.

Piper Aviation Museum to expand

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:22:51 -0400

The Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, announced that its board of directors had approved a 9,600-square-foot addition to the existing facility.

AOPA seeks reconsideration of Starlink price hikes

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:37:25 -0400

AOPA and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations—representing 400,000 pilots from more than 80 countries—sent a letter to SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk, expressing concern about Starlink’s recent price increase for general aviation pilots.

AOPA Expresses Concern About Starlink Price Hikes for GA Pilots

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:27:25 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)—representing 400,000 pilots from more than 80 countries—are expressing concern about Starlink’s recent price increase for general aviation pilots, which jumped from $50-$65 to $250-$1,000 per month.

AOPA Foundation Announces National Winners of Top Flight School, Instructor Awards

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:02:00 -0400

LAKELAND, Fla.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced the national winners of its 2026 Flight Training Experience Awards—recognizing the country’s top flight school and top flight instructor—during an award ceremony on March 4 at Redbird Migration, which was held at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida.

Maintain clear, comfortable vision with Claroxan Advanced

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:42:00 -0400

For pilots and aircraft owners, clear vision is essential to everyday flying. Whether you’re navigating busy airspace, monitoring instruments, or flying at dusk, visual comfort and clarity play an important role in confidence and safety.

GA icon 'Russ' Meyer Jr. mourned

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:15:04 -0400

A former fighter pilot who played a key role in saving the single-engine piston airplane from the scrap heap of history, Russ Meyer Jr. died March 4 in Wichita, Kansas.

AOPA Mourns the Passing of Russ Meyer

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:13:00 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) mourns the loss of Russell W. Meyer, Jr., one of the most consequential leaders in the history of general aviation and longtime Chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Be counted

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:40:48 -0400

It's an invitation-only opportunity not to be missed: the annual survey of general aviation aircraft owners that the FAA conducts to calculate hours flown and allocate resources.

Starlink raises prices for GA pilots

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:07:48 -0400

Starlink sent an email to users of its Roam and Priority satellite internet plans detailing a new maximum supported in-motion speed of 100 mph (87 knots), effectively limiting a Starlink device’s use under those plans in the vast majority of general aviation aircraft.

Aircraft Maintenance: The dangers of expectation bias

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:20:00 -0400

Humans are naturally wired to recognize patterns, and to perceive patterns that fit our expectations. When flying or maintaining an aircraft, perceiving what we expect to see and missing what is right there in front of us can be costly—or even fatal.

Training and Safety Tip: Sweat the details

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:56:00 -0400

During preparation for a recent flight, a pilot colleague ahead of me experienced a minor crisis when his aircraft began to spew fuel on its departure run.

Reducing checkride delays

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:27:54 -0400

To ease growing checkride backlogs, ATP Flight School is using a new internal scheduling calendar that improves visibility into its own examiner availability.

Lessons before the accident

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:21:00 -0400

Ask a new pilot what scares them most and the majority will say the radio—they worry about saying the wrong thing, interrupting someone, or sounding like a beginner.

AOPA backs bill to equip all contract towers with ADS-B

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:01:19 -0400

A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, which would equip more than 90 air traffic control towers operating without radar or other surveillance technology with a cost-effective ADS-B-based solution.

AOPA Welcomes Bipartisan Bill to Equip Remaining Towers with Surveillance Technology

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:56:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) welcomes the introduction of the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, which would equip the remaining 90+ air traffic control towers without radar or other surveillance technology with a cost-effective tool that enhances safety for pilots and situational awareness for air traffic controllers.

Florida bill joins list of ADS-B fee bans nationwide

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:23:14 -0400

Florida lawmakers are considering legislation to limit the use of ADS-B for fee collection, joining a growing list of states prioritizing safety over airport revenue as AOPA pushes for a federal law to that effect.

AV-30-C gains ForeFlight integration, advanced autopilot

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:46:00 -0400

Certified aircraft equipped with the uAvionix AV-30-C can now wirelessly receive flight plans and enhance navigation capability.

AOPA Statement on House Vote on ROTOR Act

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:51:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon after the House of Representatives did not pass the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act:

Training and Safety Tip: 'Decisions and revisions'

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:03:00 -0400

There’s an old saying that takeoffs are optional, but landings…well…not so much. Within the constraints of remaining fuel, choosing the time and place of landing is entirely up to you as pilot in command.

ROTOR bill fails, House turns to ALERT

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:10:30 -0400

The House of Representatives rejected the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act on February 24, after the leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and Armed Services committees introduced another bill to address the same safety concerns.

Legends that lift

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:52:51 -0400

The logbook of Ricardo Astillero II holds the signature of Tuskegee-era instructor Roscoe Draper—and a letter of recommendation from another aviation giant, Les Morris.

AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Releases Early Analysis of Steamboat Springs, Colorado Crash

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:46:00 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new video providing an early look at last week’s crash that left four people dead south of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Landfill expansion threatens Utah airport

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:31:41 -0400

In a Utah town, garbage turned to gold years after the local public-use airport grew from a few hangars around a grass strip into a modern facility with a 5,200-foot runway, and the airport community is now feeling the pressure of a push to expand landfill capacity.

Finding a smooth ride

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:22:41 -0400

The FAA’s Aviation Weather Demonstration and Evaluation Services wants to know how you determine whether there’s turbulence along your route of flight and which features are most valuable to you when making that determination.

‘Incompatible’ land use continues in Colorado town

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:48:01 -0400

Ground was broken on a 200-apartment complex less than half a mile from the end of Runway 29 at Vance Brand Airport in Longmont, Colorado, despite the developer never filing appropriate paperwork with the FAA.

NTSB chair voices support for PAPA

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:23:55 -0400

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy voiced support for the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) in an exchange with Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) during a February 12 Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the midair collision between a military helicopter and regional jet in January 2025 that killed 67 people.

Alaska weather charts upgraded

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:15:09 -0400

The National Weather Service’s Alaska Aviation Weather Unit is making some significant changes to its Surface and Significant Weather charts.

Ron Timmermans dies after catastrophic engine failure

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:22:43 -0400

Longtime aviation educator and safety advocate Ron Timmermans and his wife, Barbara, died on February 11 when their 1994 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Brownsboro, Texas.

Aircraft market steady in 2025

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:20:09 -0400

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association report on 2025 factory deliveries highlighted steady overall numbers , strong jet growth, and workforce needs.

Restored to perfection

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:54:29 -0400

It may not look like it, but the AOPA Sweepstakes Aviat Husky is nearly ready to fly again. And when it does, it will have been repaired with all new parts—your prize Husky will be in “as new” condition.

Training and Safety Tip: Snow room for error

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:40:00 -0400

The winter months pose a unique set of challenges for pilots flying in regions where snow and ice are common.

NTSB Chair Voices Support for PAPA

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:41:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) welcomed comments from NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy voicing support for the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) in an exchange with U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the midair collision between a military helicopter and regional jet that claimed 67 lives.

Added awareness where pilots need it most

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:44:51 -0400

Misjudging height above the surface is one of the most unforgiving errors in general aviation, and Garmin's GHA 15 height advisor brings certified radar-based height-above-ground awareness to a broad range of GA aircraft.

Arizona legislation would limit ADS-B misuse

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A bill authored by local pilot CJ deVries and introduced by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-District 4) would prohibit the state, its political subdivisions, or private entities from using information transmitted through an aircraft collision avoidance safety system known as ADS-B to collect airport fees from aircraft owners or operators.

Jessica Cox has a new mission

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:13:00 -0400

Jessica Cox is building the Impossible Airplane and designing a future for others. She's challenging an industry shaped by limits—and doing it all with her feet.

How debriefs build better pilots

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The engine shuts down, the postflight is done. The instructor and student walk back into the building to grab a coffee, talk briefly, and go on to the next flight or home. Or maybe, just chat on the walk back inside, and call it a day.

Training and Safety Tip: Fly in safe spaces

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:36:00 -0400

Following a defined visual or instrument approach to any airport creates a reasonable expectation you will remain clear of any obstructions. The FAA has established rules and regulations regarding airport environments, including established approaches—both instrument and visual—and airport design standards.

Buckeye is beckoning

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:49:25 -0400

It's a signal that spring is around the corner: The AOPA Fly-In at the Buckeye Air Fair in Arizona will return to the long-running event for the fourth time February 13 through 15.

Master weather hazards, forecasts

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:22:48 -0400

Presented by Sporty's and SiriusXM Aviation, the Weather Hazards and Forecasts Course for AOPA members turns complex weather concepts into practical tools for smarter preflight decisions.

From a flat tire to forever

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:08:57 -0400

On Kerry Friedman's twenty-third birthday, she arrived early for a sunrise lesson, only to find the airplane she had scheduled was grounded.

Super Bowl procedures in effect at many California airports

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:36:32 -0400

Flying general aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area through February 10, 2026? If your intended destination is on the FAA’s list of airports implementing Super Bowl procedures, you’re strongly encouraged to contact the airport or FBO to ensure space, confirm requirements, and learn about any special event fees you may incur.

Congress passes FAA funding bill

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:19:02 -0400

A new government funding bill signed into law on February 4 will deliver major investments in air traffic control modernization, controller staffing, and addressing medical certification delays—while also blocking any effort to privatize the ATC system.

Denver pilots shocked by hangar rate hike

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:47:52 -0400

Hangar tenants facing an 82-percent rent increase contacted AOPA for help, and when the Denver FBO failed to justify the new rate under the FAA "fair and reasonable" standard, the affected pilots proceeded to file an airport compliance complaint under FAR Part 13.

Alton Bay opens ice runway for the 2026 season

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:04:04 -0400

Aircraft began operating on the lower 48's only officially recognized ice runway at Alton Bay Seaplane Base following its late January opening.

AOPA CEO moves to advisory role

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:44:10 -0400

AOPA announced a leadership transition February 4, as President Darren Pleasance has stepped out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the board of trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader.

Aircraft Maintenance: Cold weather operations

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:16:02 -0400

Winter can be a difficult time to stay active in general aviation flying. Some of the greatest challenges are protecting the aircraft from snow and ice accumulations, and safely preparing it for flight in extreme temperatures.

AOPA Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Moves to Advisory Role

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:26:28 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced a leadership transition as President and CEO Darren Pleasance steps out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the Board of Trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader.

Cirrus cofounder Dale Klapmeier joins AOPA board

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:19:36 -0400

Dale Klapmeier, who cofounded Cirrus Aircraft with his brother in 1984 and introduced airframe parachutes to production aircraft, has joined the AOPA board of trustees.

Utah airport reforms hangar lease policy

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:34:22 -0400

After nearly a year of public comment, meetings, and federal review, airport officials in southern Utah have adopted a revised hangar leasing policy (also known as Non-Commercial Hangar Leasing Policy) at St. George Regional Airport, following joint advocacy by AOPA and engagement by local pilots and tenants.

Missionary aviation groups offer youth summer camps

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Seventy years after pioneering missionary pilot Nate Saint and four fellow missionaries lost their lives following their calling, the organization Saint served is among a few groups offering summer camps to train and inspire a new generation of pilots to follow in Saint's footsteps.

Assessing weather conditions at rural airports

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

For many GA pilots, the first decision of the day happens long before the preflight inspection and the turning of the keys.

Training and Safety Tip: Check your boots

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:16:00 -0400

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it’s normal for tire pressure to decrease slightly because colder air is more dense than warmer air.

Power through learning plateaus

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:24:00 -0400

Learning plateaus are a normal part of flight training, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating or discouraging.

GA Visionary Dale Klapmeier Joins AOPA Board of Trustees

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:56:00 -0400

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced the appointment of aviation entrepreneur and industry pioneer Dale Klapmeier to its Board of Trustees.

AOPA Streamlines Aircraft Finance Process with Less Paperwork, Faster Approvals

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:55:39 -0400

FREDERICK, Md.—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is simplifying the aircraft purchase process by streamlining the financing application for AOPA members. In its first year, the Low-Doc Program has reduced approval times by 50 percent for qualifying aircraft.