Building an airplane teaches kids so much more than the names of airplane parts. They develop the ability to work as part of a cohesive team. Real world problem solving is a constant feature of the program. They even get to wrestle with financial considerations of damaged parts needing to be repaired or replaced. There will be damaged parts. Believe me.
Aircraft
Volunteers Begin Improvements to Flying M Ranch Airstrip
Officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation are working with officials with Nevada State Parks to get the famous airstrip reopened before the end of 2026.
New Hangars In The Works at KHEF
A multimillion dollar project will bring 35 hangars to Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia, where the wait list for hangars is over three years.
Deadline Looms for Cascade Warbirds Scholarships
Students must apply by March 1, 2026, for the scholarships, which cover private pilot ground school and two introductory flights.
Failure to Secure Oil Filler Cap Leads to Accident
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to secure the oil filler cap during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a precautionary landing on the soft surface and subsequent nose over.
Picture of the Day: Land, Water, Ice
Fred Bedard submitted this photo and note: “Took my ICON into Alton Bay, New Hampshire, the only FAA designated ice runway in the US. So I’ve landed on land, water, and ice.”
Moving Into the Future with 1930s Engine Technology
Are we stuck with ashless oils and poor performance forever in aviation piston engines or is there a way out?
Student Built Electric-Powered Xenos Makes First Flight
“We should be able to fly forever for free.”
KSBP FBO Goes Solar Powered
The solar panel system powers the ACI Jet’s FBO, FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance and repair station, and flight operations at San Luis Obispo County Airport (KSBP) in California.