Like so many who ultimately succeed in obtaining a pilot certificate, I struggled for years with limited funds, unproductive flight lessons, less than helpful instructors, and flight schools that were happy to accept my payments while putting little effort into helping me achieve my stated goal. That story is all too common. Those of us who persevere, however, tend to learn a valuable lesson.
General Aviation
Pilot creates Nativity scene in skies above northern Ohio
According to FlightAware, the Piper Cherokee pilot took off from Wood County Airport in Bowling Green, Ohio, at 5:36 p.m. During the flight, which covered 500 miles and took five hours, the pilot sketched out Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in a manger.
17th annual Flight School conference ready for takeoff
Events include 19 education sessions, three general sessions, roundtable workshops, and a trade show with more than 60 exhibitors.
New flight training program in the works at KTXK
Texarkana College will launch a new flight training program at Texarkana Regional Airport (KTXK) in Arkansas in the spring of 2026.
Inflight collision with bird bends Cessna 172
Probable Cause: An inflight collision with a bird during initial climb.
Picture of the Day: Santa temporarily replaces his sleigh
Hayman Tam submitted this photo and note: “Santa arrives by helicopter at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California. This year the reindeer were replaced by an Enstrom 280C Shark.”
What’s The Difference Between Narrow Deck And Wide Deck Engines?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engine expert: In your recent column, “The fall-out from not doing due diligence,” you mentioned narrow deck and wide deck. My question: “Is a narrow deck an angle valve 540 and a wide deck a parallel valve 540? “
Just the facts
While the general aviation industry hailed the passage of the FAA’s final Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule in July 2025, many still remain confused about what it really means. To help increase understanding, the FAA recently released a MOSAIC Fact Sheet that breaks down the important dates, the changes, and what is coming later in 2026.
FAA investigating Lycoming IO-360 shutdowns
An airworthiness concern sheet was published after multiple reports were received indicating uncommanded engine shutdowns on aircraft with IO-360 engines using AVStar manufactured vertical and horizontal mounted fuel servos when the throttle was brought back toward idle.