A new study suggests that many private pilots may be overestimating their proficiency, particularly in critical slow-flight maneuvers. Despite high confidence levels, data shows that infrequent flying and a lack of dedicated practice are quietly eroding essential safety skills.
Aviation News
Cold Courage: The Ups and Downs of Landing On an Ice Runway
Pilot Paul Russo will discuss his 100+ landings at the unique Alton Bay Ice Runway on Jan. 15, 2026. This Aviation Museum of N.H. presentation highlights the skill required for the Lower 48’s only FAA-approved ice strip.
Work begins on new university aerospace facility at KSYI
Middle Tennessee State University has begun construction on its new aerospace facility at Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI) in Tennessee.
Aviate Software launches GA Kneeboard
GA Kneeboard was designed to help pilots bridge the gap between digital efficiency and physical reliability. The tool creates custom, mission-specific reference sheets to reduce cognitive load during high-workload phases of flight.
Training flight ends in gear-up landing
Probable Cause: The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing. Also contributing was the flight instructor’s failure to monitor the airplane’s configuration while on approach to land.
Picture of the Day: Flying with a mate
Rick submitted this photo with a note: “Just a cruise along our beach in western Australia with a mate.”
Rare Nord Stampe restored
After a meticulous two-year restoration, a rare 1946 Nord Stampe SV4C biplane is once again flying over the Texas Hill Country from its base at Castroville Municipal Airport. Owner Tim Barrow and a team of volunteers brought this unique French aerobatic trainer back to life, making it one of only approximately 20 currently flying in the United States.
UL100E advances in race to unleaded avgas
The American Society for Testing and Materials has published its first specification for UL100E, an unleaded aviation fuel co-developed by LyondellBasell and VP Racing. This milestone brings the fuel one step closer to fleetwide authorization as it continues full-scale evaluation under the FAA’s Piston Aircraft Fuel Initiative (PAFI) program, with testing expected to conclude by late 2026.
First Step Taken To Replace FAA’s Radar System
The FAA and U.S. Department of Transportation have awarded contracts to RTX and Indra to replace 612 aging ground-based radar units across the country. This modernization project, scheduled to begin in early 2026, will consolidate technical configurations to improve reliability and streamline maintenance for the National Airspace System.