The Derby is a one-day aviation event designed to challenge pilots on precision, planning, and navigation. The event offers pilots the opportunity to select their own route and flight day, providing flexibility to work around their schedules and weather conditions. Flights for this year’s Derby may take place from Oct. 1-14.
News
Airpark homeowners buy S36
After a decades-long effort, the Flying Acres Homeowners Association (FAHA) has purchased Norman Grier Field (S36), a privately owned public-use airport near Kent, Washington.
Applications open for 2026 Women in Aviation scholarships
The deadline to submit an application for more than $200,000 in aviation scholarships is Oct. 15, 2025.
Former GAN columnist bestows first scholarship
Thanks to sales of his book, “YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ‘Em,” former General Aviation News Human Factors columnist Jeffrey Madison recently gave out his first $5,000 flight training scholarship.
Refunds offered to air racing fans
The National Championship Air Races (NCAR), produced by the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), will offer race fans refunds in light of the recent withdrawal of the Unlimited and Sport race classes from the 2025 inaugural races in Roswell, New Mexico, slated for Sept. 10-14.
Pilot Minute: New tips to speed up medical certification
In a June 2025 video posted in the FAA’s “Pilot Minute” series, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup discusses new tips pilots can use to speed up the process of their medical certification.
EAA Halls of Fame Class of 2025 revealed
The five inductees represent a different area of aviation: Homebuilders, ultralights, the International Aerobatic Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, and EAA Warbirds of America.
Wildlife strikes up 14% in last year
The report, “Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990-2024” released in June 2025, notes that the 22,372 documented wildlife strikes in 2024 equated to roughly 61 wildlife strikes every day.
Competitor lineup for 2025 National Championship Air Races revealed
“Unveiling our race field is one of the most exciting moments leading up to race week,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, producers of the races, which debut in Roswell, New Mexico, this year.