Merlin successfully completed what is believed to be the first autonomous landing of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft in EAA AirVenture history. Watch a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan equipped with the AI-powered Merlin Pilot land safely at the world’s largest aviation gathering in Oshkosh.
Oklahoma Pilot Wins Young Eagles Leadership Award
Patrick Cohenour, an Oklahoma-based pilot with EAA Chapter 24, has been awarded the 2026 Phillips 66 Aviation EAA Young Eagles Leadership Award. Recognized at AirVenture, Cohenour was celebrated for his lifelong passion for flight and dedication to inspiring the next generation of aviators.
Kitfox Aircraft Unveils the Patriot Fox
Kitfox Aircraft has introduced the Patriot Fox, a special edition aircraft that honors America’s aviation heritage. Unveiled at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the aircraft builds upon the Kitfox Series 7 platform, offering STOL performance, backcountry capability, and builder customization.
Five DC-3 Aircraft Fly Missing Man Formation at Oshkosh
The DC-3 Society commemorated the iconic aircraft’s 90th anniversary with a five-ship Missing Man Formation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
New Non-Profit Designed to Help First Generation Pilots
Unveiled at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the newly launched First Generation Pilots (FGP) non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting aspiring aviators. Through scholarships, networking, and nationwide collegiate chapters, FGP provides guidance to students who are the first in their families to pursue aviation careers.
Adventure Pilot and MyFirePlane Introduce Smart Gear Alerts
Adventure Pilot and MyFirePlane have launched Smart Gear Alerts, a new safety system for iFly EFB users designed to prevent landing gear accidents by providing visual and audible warnings if an aircraft’s configuration doesn’t match the intended runway or water landing surface.
Continental Increases Warranty Coverage for Certified and Overhauled Engines
Continental Aerospace Technologies has extended the warranty coverage of certified avgas engines, as well as those overhauled by Continental Services.
Taxiing Mooney Sustains Double Wingtip Strike At Airport Crowded by Oshkosh Traffic
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate wingtip clearance while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the ambiguous nonstandard parking at the time of the incident.
Picture of the Day: Seen At Oshkosh
General Aviation News writer and photographer Frederick A. Johnsen sent in this photo from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 with a note: “The world of replica fighters keeps getting better, and more closely to scale, as this Scalewings SW-51 rendition of the P-51 Mustang shows. Rotax-powered and constructed of carbon-fiber, the SW-51 scales out to 72% of a full-size P-51.”