The 13-minute documentary explores how general aviation connects people and communities, whether on rural farms where airplanes provide a lifeline or at Sling Aircraft in Johannesburg, which produces aircraft that are flown worldwide, according to AOPA officials.
Pilots
Pocket carbon monoxide detector for pilots introduced
Designed for aviation use, the CO-Pocket is a rechargeable carbon monoxide detector that fits in a pocket, hangs from a lanyard, or mounts on any surface in the cockpit, according to company officials.
Fuel exhaustion leads to forced landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and improper in-flight decision making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Picture of the Day: Autumn morning
Gerry Strazz submitted this photo and note: “On the Treasure Coast of Florida.”
We were here first
Instead of requiring drones to detect and avoid (DAA) any obstacle (like airplanes, helicopters, or cranes), this rule will put the onus on crewed aircraft.
Video: Not your regular air show
“If the snarl of two dozen roaring warbirds wasn’t enough in the skies over Santa Maria, California, on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at mid-day a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from nearby Vandenberg (Space Force Base) lit up the sky as air show visitors and participants watched in awe,” Fred said.
Restoration of backcountry airstrip in the works
The Recreational Aviation Foundation has received approval from the Bureau of Land Management’s Ukiah Field Office to restore the Walker Ridge Airstrip, located within the Snow Mountain National Monument in Northern California.
TBM, Kodiak service network expands
Joining the network are Silver Sky Aviation in Wasilla, Alaska, for the Kodiak and Victory Lane Aviation in North Carolina and Synergy Flight Center in Bloomington, Illinois, for the TBM.
Extreme turbulence bends Cessna 152
Probable Cause: The pilot’s encounter with severe turbulence at night which resulted in an extended downwind and collision with wires during the base turn.