Key takeaways from the latest report from the Air Safety Institute show that in 2023 there were 1,097 general aviation accidents in the United States, including 186 that were fatal. The overall accident rate fell to 3.86 per 100,000 flight hours, down from 4.3 in 2022, and the fatal accident rate declined to 0.65 from 0.68 the year before.
Aircraft
Sheltair founder flies west
Jerry Holland, who grew Sheltair Aviation from a single FBO to a company spanning across four states, died Nov. 18, 2025, at the age of 90.
New Airplane Engine Operations course debuts
The new course, taught by Ryan Koch, features “proven techniques for getting the most out of your engine during every phase of flight — without risking damage,” PilotWorkshops officials add.
Piper hits deer while landing
Probable Cause: The collision with deer during the landing rollout.
Picture of the Day: Mullicoupe reflections
Sparky Barnes submitted this photo and note: “The western horizon, framed and reflected by Mullicoupe’s struts and wing.”
Food Truck Fly-In draws thousands
Marking its fifth year, California’s San Martin Airport (E16) Food Truck Fly-In had close to 6,000 folks come out to enjoy the warm weather, eat some good food, browse dozens of vendor booths, and see lots of airplanes.
Federal Amelia Earhart records released
Beginning Nov. 14, 2025, records related to Earhart and her disappearance will be released on a rolling basis at Archives.gov/AmeliaEarhart.
FlightSimExpo expands
For the first time, FlightSimExpo 2026 will feature a Friday exhibit hall. The event will also offer new single-day ticket options for flight simmers who can’t attend the full, three-day event.
McFarlane acquires P. Ponk Aviation STCs
McFarlane Aviation has acquired several Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) from P. Ponk Aviation, a developer of high-performance upgrades for legacy Cessna aircraft, including the Cessna 170, 180, 182, 185, and 206.