The Fire Boss is aviation’s ultimate hybrid: An Air Tractor AT-802 turned elite firefighter. Discover the high-stakes world of water scooping, the veteran pilots behind the stick, and how this niche fleet dominates global wildfires.
New Aircraft Tax Nearing Repeal in Washington State
The tax is scheduled to takeoff April 1, 2026, but State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), who originally sponsored the tax, is trying to repeal it after “vigorous opposition” to the new tax.
You Never Know
At 85, non-pilot Larry Cole has a vintage hangar he’s sees becoming a one-of-a-kind Airbnb destination at some airport.
Replace How Many Radars?
The new contract calls for replacing 612 radars by June 2028.
A Comanche Returns Home
About 43 years after his great-grandfather sold his 1966 Piper Comanche 260B, Brenden Rowland was able to return it to the family.
Free hangar, one catch
Ryan Luetzow wants to give away his 100-foot by 120-foot hangar at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (KMKE) in Wisconsin. But there’s a catch: Whoever accepts the offer has to take over his lease, which tops $3,000 a month.
Ranger Airfield under new ownership
Ranger Antique Airfield (F23), which dates back to 1911, is now owned by the Ranger Airfield Foundation (RAF). The transfer of ownership from the city of Ranger to the RAF took place in early December 2025.
It was an honor
14W popped into my head when I heard Textron Aviation, today’s owner of the venerable Beechcraft line, announced it will end production for both the Bonanza and Baron lines once current orders are fulfilled.
Blake Scholl has ideas
“You should put the terminals underground. Airside is above ground. Terminals are below ground,” says Blake Scholl. “Imagine a design with two runways. There’s an arrival runway, departure runway. Traffic flows from arrival runway to departure runway. You don’t need tugs. You can delete a whole bunch of airport infrastructure.”