Drawing upon the latest scientific research, aviation safety studies, and accident findings, author Dale Wilson explores the nature of human limitations and how they affect flight.
Improper maintenance leads to collapse of landing gear
Probable Cause: The improper maintenance of the main landing gear, which resulted in a collapse and overstress failure of the left main landing gear during landing.
Picture of the Day: Poised for action
David Sandidge submitted this photo and note: “After dinner in San Diego, one lucky couple will be whisked off to Las Vegas for an all expenses paid weekend. The benefit ball helps thousands of underprivileged children in the region annually. My employer is one of the sponsors and donates the use of his Merlin III for the mission. These are some of my favorite flights. I took this photo while waiting for the winning couple to arrive at Signature Aviation at San Diego International Airport (KSAN).”
Why can’t aviation oil be like automotive oil?
Over the past 50 or so years, the one question that most people do not understand is “why do aviation piston engine oils provide such poor anti-rust and anti-wear protection compared to automotive and heavy-duty engine oils?” That’s usually followed by a second question: “Can they be improved and when?”
ADS-B privacy bill highlighted in Congressional hearing
“If ADS-B is being used by, I’ll say bad actors, to monetize airport landing fees, that’s going to discourage folks from employing ADS-B or adopting ADS-B in the first place or turning it off,” said Rep. Bob Onder, who has introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to collect airport fees.
Air Force museum debuts two new special exhibits
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has debuted a rare Soviet MiG-25 in its Cold War Gallery and will soon open a second special exhibit, Drawn to Combat: Bill Mauldin & The Art of War, arriving the week of Dec. 20, 2025.
uAvionix software upgrade includes integration with ForeFlight
The update allows pilots to plan a route in ForeFlight, push it directly to the AV-30, and have the autopilot follow the flight plan, uAvionix officials explain.
Cowling strikes windshield after separating in flight
Probable Cause: A failure of the engine cowling right side latch pin and fasteners, which resulted in the partial separation of the engine cowling during flight.
Picture of the Day: Lily and a Flying Knight
Dave Cohen submitted this picture with a note: “I love flying Young Eagles events in my 1967 Cessna 172H “Lily.” As the Dean of the Lynn University College of Aeronautics, I was able to join some of our instructors, who participated in a local Young Eagles event with one of our Lynn “Flying Knights” Skyhawks in Belle Glade, Florida.”