Eric Meltzer submitted this photo and note: “My daughter, Erin, caught this image of my wife, Michelle, and me as we were flying over Mid Coast Maine in our Cessna 172M Super Hawk.”
The Engine Detective
After 36 years on the job at Continental, Phillip Grice’s day-to-day role involves a lot of technical sleuthing. He is often tasked with finding out what happened to an engine that led to an accident.
From Classroom to Cockpit: High School Students to Build Sling 2 Kit Aircraft
Tango Flight has entered into a new partnership with Sling Aircraft North America to provide Sling 2 kit aircraft to high schools across the United States, expanding hands-on aviation education opportunities for students.
New Flight Planning Platform Seeks Beta Testers
Xega, a new flight planning platform that includes a maintenance tracking and aeromedical component, has opened its Founders Beta testing, which it is limiting to 100 pilots. Active beta testers who use the platform and contribute feedback earn free lifetime access when Xega launches publicly.
New Line of Sodium-Ion Aircraft Batteries Introduced
The AeroSodium batteries are primarily intended for use in experimental aircraft. While not currently standard for certified aircraft, installation may be possible via a 337 field approval process, company officials noted.
Zip Tie Fix Fails to Prevent Inflight Engine Fire
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate inspection of the airplane following an inflight smoke event, which resulted in separation of the exhaust pipe and hot exhaust igniting the engine cowling, and a subsequent loss of engine power.
Picture of the Day: World War I replica aircraft attract fans
Gord McNulty submitted this photo and note: “The replica World War I aircraft of Canada’s Great War Flying Museum impressed aviation fans in 2025 at Brampton-Caledon Airport, just northwest of Toronto. In the foreground of this photo from Airport Day in September is the museum’s Nieuport 28 replica, painted in the colors of the American Air Service 94th Aero Squadron with the “hat in the ring” scheme representing serial 6159 as flown by Eddie Rickenbacker. The museum, established in 1970 to honor World War I aviators, has six aircraft in its fleet, with another one under construction.”
After the Accident
A pilot who did everything right but was still in an accident shares the lessons he learned in its aftermath, from dealing with the NTSB, FAA, and insurance companies, to handling the Seven Stages of Grief.
Another Set Of Eyes
You likely have a regular mechanic. Do you ever let another perform your annual inspection?