Highlights from the annual State of Flight Training Report show that flight schools are getting bigger, students are learning faster, but it’s costing them more.
News
Pull A Plane Features B-29 DOC
“The Pull a Plane event is a unique way for the community to come together to honor the legacy of those who served our nation and put Wichita on the map as the Air Capital of the World,” officials said, noting the event will raise funds to keep DOC flying for years to come, as well as for scholarships.
Federal Grant Will Boost Aviation Training at WMU
The money will be used to purchase tools such as simulation software, maintenance training simulators, and cockpit electronic trainers, among other technology. It will also pay for new equipment for the uncrewed aerial systems operations certificate program, which Western Michigan University is considering expanding into a Bachelor of Science program.
Dreams Come Full Circle in Augusta
My initial curiosity about aviation — even just wanting to fly a simulator — started while I was sitting in a classroom in Augusta, Georgia. So it felt fitting to launch AviationStart’s new initiative in one of the same classrooms that helped spark that curiosity in the first place.
A Turn And Burn Rescue Mission
A change in weather took a planned weekend flyaway to save more than 100 dogs into an eight-hour “turn and burn” rescue mission for 30 general aviation pilots.
Take A Trip Back In Time
The 2026 Antique Airplane Association/Air Power Museum invitational Homecoming Fly-In will honor A&P mechanics as part of Charles Taylor Days.
First Round of General Aviation Award Winners Revealed
“This year’s nominations far exceeded expectations, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication within our aviation and maintenance communities,” officials said. A record 72 nominations were received, a 26% increase over the previous year.
Minnesota Pilot Rejects First Offer to Get Stinson Back From Tribe
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.