In an interview with a local PBS station, Darrin Smedsmo said the tribe wants him to pay $7,250 to get his Stinson 108 back, which includes a $5,000 donation to the Red Lake Boys and Girls Club and $2,750 for the towing bill to haul the plane from the highway where it landed to a storage yard, where it has remained outside through the winter.
Laser Strikes on Aircraft Drop for Second Year In a Row
Pilots reported 10,994 laser strikes to the FAA in 2025 — a 14% decrease from the year before — but still too high, say agency officials.
Airglas Introduces Cargo Pod
The cargo pod has been STC’d for nearly all C172 and C175 models, according to officials with the Anchorage-based company.
Pilot Loses Control When Worn Aileron Cable Snaps During Landing
Probable Cause: Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect the worn aileron cable during the most recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and a subsequent loss of airplane control during landing.
Picture of the Day: Flying Home
Eric Meltzer submitted this photo and note: “My wife, Michelle shot this photo of our daughter, Erin, flying home from Bar Harbor, Maine, after maintenance. The Penobscot River and bridge is in the background.”
Court Hands Victory to Watsonville Pilots in Airport Land-Use Dispute
A Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge rules the city violated state law in approving a residential development near Watsonville Municipal Airport in California.
New Cable Allows Two Headsets to Share One Jack
Hobbs Flyer has introduced its 6-Pin LEMO Panel-Powered Splitter, allowing two aviation headsets to share a single panel mounted 6-pin LEMO jack with full microphone, stereo audio, and power support.
Crosswind Landing Bends Bellanca
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing with a crosswind.
Picture of the Day: Start ´Em Young They Say!
Steve Talbot submitted this photo and note: “A family selfie shot on Feb. 21, 2026, aboard C-172 C-GWDM while ‘trying’ to fly over the beautiful Quebec City region. It was five-year-old Miss Florence’s very first time sitting in the front with Daddy.”