Instead of requiring drones to detect and avoid (DAA) any obstacle (like airplanes, helicopters, or cranes), this rule will put the onus on crewed aircraft.
Aircraft
Video: Not your regular air show
“If the snarl of two dozen roaring warbirds wasn’t enough in the skies over Santa Maria, California, on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at mid-day a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from nearby Vandenberg (Space Force Base) lit up the sky as air show visitors and participants watched in awe,” Fred said.
Restoration of backcountry airstrip in the works
The Recreational Aviation Foundation has received approval from the Bureau of Land Management’s Ukiah Field Office to restore the Walker Ridge Airstrip, located within the Snow Mountain National Monument in Northern California.
TBM, Kodiak service network expands
Joining the network are Silver Sky Aviation in Wasilla, Alaska, for the Kodiak and Victory Lane Aviation in North Carolina and Synergy Flight Center in Bloomington, Illinois, for the TBM.
Extreme turbulence bends Cessna 152
Probable Cause: The pilot’s encounter with severe turbulence at night which resulted in an extended downwind and collision with wires during the base turn.
Picture of the Day: Grass field flying
Danny Smith submitted this photo and note: “A 1940 Piper J5A at Boonville Airport (26NC) in North Carolina. It’s a great day to do some grass field flying.”
Secondary matters
Knowing when to head for the pasture and when to continue the flight without a care in the world can make all the difference. There’s no need to tear up a perfectly good airplane in an emergency landing just because a light burned out, a secondary flight control failed, or the person beside you lets their breakfast loose in the cockpit.
Video: Planes of Fame air show highlights
Fred Johnsen, the force behind the Airailimages YouTube channel and General Aviation News Of Wings & Things columnist, recently posted a video to YouTube of some of the action at the 2025 Planes of Fame Santa Maria Central Coast Airfest.
Epic Flight Academy gets FAA nod to conduct check rides
“Epic can now set check ride dates and times internally, avoiding delays caused by limited Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) availability,” said Shane Williams, Director of Flight Operations.