At 88 years old, South Carolina aviator Steve Hawley is still living his childhood dream. With over seven decades in the cockpit, he maintains, flies, and restores vintage airplanes. He’s now working on his 29th restoration.
Reno Jet Racer Donated to National Air and Space Museum
The renowned “American Spirit” Reno jet racer has officially joined the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum collection. After achieving decades of record-breaking success, this highly modified Aero L-39C Albatros will soon be on public display.
Former NTSB Chairman Selected For Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy
The National Aeronautic Association has selected former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt as the 2026 recipient of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for his more than four decades of service advancing aviation safety.
Sporty’s Introduces New Kneeboards
Sporty’s has launched a new line of Flight Gear kneeboards designed to keep pilots organized in the cockpit.
Bad Math Leads to Forced Landing On A Beach
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane’s fuel quantity, which resulted in total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Picture of the Day: Splash Down
Mike Kincaid submitted this photo and note: “A Helio Courier splashing down on the Coeur d’Alene River in North Idaho. It was converted to a PT-6 powerplant by Ken Meines of Cascade Aircraft Conversions.”
First Ditch: A Pleasing Plethora of Planes and People
A record-breaking number of airplanes flew in to Le Sueur Municipal Airport in Minnesota for Marginal Aviation’s 2026 First Ditch Fly-In.
Hope Remains For Tillamook Air Museum
In a June 19, 2026, social media post, museum officials noted that while the board voted not to commit additional Port funds toward the Hangar B repair project, “discussions with potential partners continues actively behind the scenes.”
New Hangars In The Works At KFDK
High Flying Hangars has broken ground on an 11.45-acre hangar development at Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK), marking the first new hangar construction at the Maryland airport in more than two decades.