McFarlane Aviation has acquired Airglas, a manufacturer of backcountry aircraft equipment like fiberglass skis and cargo pods. Airglas will maintain its Anchorage operations while leveraging McFarlane’s global distribution network to reach more bush pilots and mechanics worldwide.
Sporty’s Introduces Compact Pilot Gel Seat Cushion
Sporty’s has introduced the new Compact Pilot Gel Seat Cushion, designed specifically for aviators. Featuring a foldable honeycomb gel matrix, the cushion fits into flight bags while providing comfort during long flights.
Fuel Starvation Ends Student’s Cross-Country in Tampa Bay
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power in flight due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate preflight fuel planning by the student pilot and flight instructor, and the improper inflight fuel management by the student pilot.
Picture of the Day: Enjoying The Afternoon
Ronald Donner submitted this photo and note: “The Southern Minnesota landscape on a late afternoon framed by the wings and wires of a Hatz CB-1 biplane.”
Full Circle: Young Eagles Pilot Flies Two Generations
Thirty-three years after a Young Eagles flight in a Piper Cub inspired him to become an airline captain, Robert Frank watched his daughter take her own first flight in the exact same airplane — with the very same volunteer pilot at the controls.
New App Lets Pilots Practice Instrument Scans Anywhere
Built by an instrument student grounded by booked airplanes and bad weather, ChairFly lets pilots sharpen their cross-check between flights
Airplane Strikes Pedestrian Walking Along Active Runway
Probable Cause: The pedestrian’s inadequate visual lookout while walking next to an active runway, which resulted in the airplane striking him during taxi.
Picture of the Day: Thunderbird Celebrates the Cessna 150
David Dickins submitted this photo and note: “Captured this outside our hangar while preflighting our 150. The Thunderbirds were practicing making noise prior to the 2026 California International Airshow in Salinas, California.”
Modern Skies Act Proposes $30 Billion More for ATC
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has introduced the Modern Skies Act, proposing a $30 billion investment to modernize the nation’s air traffic control and airport infrastructure. This would follow on the $12.5 billion Congress has already approved for the modernization efforts.