Tom Martin submitted this photo and note: “Perfect summer days in the Pacific Northwest are best spent flying to small airfields in remote locations. On this day we flew “Ginger,” a 1973 Cessna Skyhawk 172M, to W10. Whiskey Ten, as it’s known to local pilots, is a tight strip nestled inside a forest on Whidbey Island near Langley, Washington. This aviation paradise is close to Seattle but feels like another world. There are bicycles available for rides into town, and a wonderful bakery coffee shop on the field for a quick bite before the next flight. Taking off from W10 is best done to the south and the trees make every departure exciting.”
Ask Paul: Why is my engine running rough?
The engine on our Piper PA-28-235 runs OK at 2,000 rpms but runs rough at 1,500 rpms. Any insight you can give us to the problem?
STEM Flights releases free aviation lesson plans for classrooms
The lesson plans, designed specifically for grades 6 through 12, are simple for teachers to use, even for those with no aviation background, and are designed to be flexible enough to fit into a single class period, after-school program, or as part of a broader STEM curriculum, according to STEM Flights officials.
Registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby opens Sept. 1
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.
ATP Knowledge Test and Checkride Prep Course released
Designed specifically for ATP multiengine applicants, the all-digital course was built in partnership with Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA). It incorporates ATP Prepware into Sporty’s learning system, including detailed explanations, categorized learning modules, unlimited practice tests, and performance tracking to help pilots focus their study efforts, according to Sporty’s officials.
Did you see that?
My student saw the plane. I never saw it. My student estimates the plane was roughly 50 feet from us. I don’t believe the other plane ever saw us.
Picture of the Day: Fresh out of annual
Matthew Keane submitted this photo and note: “A beautiful 1986 Bonanza, piloted by Matthew Keane, captured during sunset over Santa Cruz, California. Fresh out of annual and all cleaned up, an air-to-air photo shoot was in order. Photo by Marcus Davidson, with Ben Hoover piloting the chase plane.”
How are we doing?
Accidents are trending down this year (to-date) compare to 2024.
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.