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.
News
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.
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.
From Rock Tours to Rescue Missions
Tom Scholz, founder of the rock group Boston, has donated his 1980 Bonanza to Pilots To The Rescue.
Museum Partners With Local School District on High School Aviation Program
The Museum of Flight is partnering with the Peninsula School District to launch a new Aviation Academy. Replicating the successful Aeronautical Science Pathway, the program offers students hands-on training and up to 60 college credits at no cost to families.
Oklahoma High School Aviation Championship Launches
The championship, which was held Feb. 20-21, 2026, at the Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus, brought together 12 finalist teams from across the state. Students participated in flight simulation rounds, showcasing their technical skills and aviation knowledge during the competition.
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.
Alton Bay Ice Runway Has Record-Breaking Season
The ice runway, which opened for the season Jan. 31, recorded its 765th landing on Feb. 16.
GA Survey Launches
The FAA’s 48th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) has launched, with the agency asking general aviation aircraft owners to report on their operations during the calendar year 2025.