While it is a common assumption that non-towered airports are inherently less safe than those with a tower, a deep dive into a decade of NTSB collision data reveals what general aviation pilots have always known: When pilots communicate effectively and follow established procedures, non-towered airports continue to provide a remarkably safe environment for general aviation.
Opinion
How Aircraft Co-Ownership Makes Flying Affordable for Everyone
Aircraft co-ownership reduces your expenses while giving you the freedom of aircraft ownership. Discover how sharing costs for purchases, engine overhauls, or panel upgrades makes flying affordable, and learn why drafting a solid written agreement is essential for lasting success.
Human Factors: One Bad Decision After Another
An uncertificated pilot with no tailwheel or high-performance experience purchased a powerful Yakovlev Yak-55M and immediately crashed it following a string of poor decisions. What can we learn from this accident?
RAF Bags Another Airstrip
Fly to Southern California’s backcountry again. Discover how the Recreational Aviation Foundation successfully reopened scenic Monache Meadows airstrip.
The Curtiss Kingbird: A Forgotten Twin Engine Airliner
When aviation enthusiasts think of Curtiss aircraft, they rarely remember the Curtiss Kingbird.
A Practical Guide to Buying an Airplane Successfully
Think you can’t afford to buy an airplane? Think again. This practical guide breaks down the essential steps to successful aircraft ownership, from defining your true mission and setting a realistic budget to navigating insurance, pre-buy inspections, and securing local hangar space.
Human Factors: Deadbeats
When a seasoned Malibu pilot experienced a total engine failure, he executed a flawless off-airport landing. However, the real shock came during the ensuing NTSB investigation, when investigators discovered nearly two decades of brazen aviation maintenance fraud.
Airplane Ownership is Within Your Grasp
Tired of renting airplanes and facing strict daily minimums that restrict your long trips? Discover how creative airplane ownership options — including private ownership, co-ownership, and flying clubs— can reduce costs, increase your flying freedom, and make cross-country aviation truly affordable for almost any pilot’s budget.
Questions From The Cockpit: How Do Rotary Engines Work?
Amanda, a private pilot in Minnesota, writes: I was reading about the early aviation engines, and with the rotary engine, the entire engine spun. How on earth did that work with getting spark to the cylinders? Obviously cables were out…