Sparky Barnes submitted this photo and note: “Just a few of nearly 30 beautiful Swifts during the 2026 Swift National Fly-In at Granbury, Texas. The Swift celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.”
Aviation News
The Difference Between Anvils and Life Jackets
Arrogant social media responses hinder flight student success. Learn why seasoned aviators must abandon gatekeeping and prioritize pilot mentorship.
Louisiana Governor Signs Bill Banning Use of ADS-B Data to Bill Pilots
HB 730, which goes into effect Aug. 1, 2026, prohibits the use of ADS-B data to charge fees to pilots flying aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds under Part 91 (non-commercial operations).
Air Race Classic Takes Off
More than 100 women pilots are taking to the skies for the 49th annual Air Race Classic. Tracing its roots back to 1929, this historic four day competition challenges aviators to navigate a route across eight states.
New Prop Approved for Pathfinder
MT-Propeller has received an FAA STC for the installation of its 3-blade propeller on the Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder powered by Lycoming O-540-B1B5 or Lycoming O-540-B4B5 engines.
Pilot and Passenger Fatally Injured in Crash Following In-Flight Engine Issues
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin at low altitude.
Picture of the Day: Sunrise at SUN ‘n FUN
David Poirier submitted this photo and note: “The B-25 Panchito frames the sunrise at the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.”
Triple Tail Aircraft: Why Classic Airliners Used Three Fins
During the late 1930s and early 1940s, several pioneering airliners like the Boeing Clipper and Lockheed Constellation embraced an unusual design feature: The triple tail. Of Wings & Things columnist Frederick A. Johnsen tells us about the fascinating engineering challenges, aerodynamic secrets, and hangar size limitations that inspired these iconic aviation masterpieces.
NTSB Releases Safety Alert on Hazards of Ballistic Parachute Recovery Systems
The NTSB recently issued a safety alert and video highlighting the hidden dangers of ballistic parachute recovery systems at an accident site.