The BT-1 might have been an anecdotal footnote in aviation history, but the modified XBT-2 showed promise. Now part of the Douglas portfolio for the Navy, the XBT-2 was redesignated the Douglas SBD-1.
Aviation News
Sport Class won’t participate in 2025 Roswell races
The decision was reached following weeks of discussion between RARA and the Sport Class Air Racing Association to explore solutions to some logistical and operational concerns that arose during this year’s practice and evaluation sessions at the Pylon Racing Seminar in May.
Dallas flight school expands with mechanic, dispatcher courses
Flight training provider Thrust Flight is expanding in aviation education with the launch of a new Aircraft & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic School in Conroe, Texas, and a new FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher program at its North Texas campuses in Addison and Denison.
ASA and Sporty’s launch new CFI and ATP certification courses
ASA has partnered with Sporty’s on two new courses: The Flight Instructor Checkride and Test Prep Course and the ATP Knowledge Test and Checkride Prep Course.
Runway excursion bends Piper
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed on approach, which resulted in an extended touchdown, loss of control, and runway excursion.
Picture of the Day: Honoring a hero
General Aviation News columnist Frederick A. Johnsen sent in this photo from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, noting: “A crowd packed around 100-year-old USAAF P-51 pilot Lt Col. Joe Peterburs — and a replica Me-262 jet like he downed in 1945.”
The ugly truth
For all the affection we have for flight, for all the pride we feel for earning our mastery of the air, none of us is immune from the processes that will one day render us unable to fly safely. This ride will indeed end, for all of us. As sad as that may be, it is the truth of our situation.
Oshkosh 2025 breaks records
According to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association, attendance for the week-long show was approximately 704,000 — the highest total on record, exceeding 2024’s attendance of 686,000 people.
Using the power of the sun to fuel Young Eagles flights
Experimental Aviation Association Chapter 406 at Bremerton National Airport (KPWT), in Washington, rolled out its electric-powered Xenos motor-glider for public debut July 11, 2025.