The 2026 race will highlight the aviation heritage and communities of Illinois, launching from St Louis Regional Airport (KALN) in East Alton, continuing through eight stops, then concluding at Mount Vernon Airport (KMVN).
Pilots
TBO increase for Silent-7 propellers
“Due to these excellent inspection results, the engineering team at MT-Propeller was able to increase the TBO for the 7-bladed propellers — presently installed on the Pilatus PC-12 series, the King Air 350 series and the Short Skyvan — to 3,600 hours or six years, whichever comes first.”
Water in fuel brings down Piper
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination (water).
Picture of the Day: Southern Cross
Scott Piercy submitted this photo and note: “Commemorating D-Day 2025 at the Silent Wings Museum at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (KLBB) in Texas.”
So I was wrong about that
We know we’re imperfect. We know we’ve been exposed to reams of contradictory information over the course of our lives. We’re rock-solid positive the population around us is wrong on so many issues it’s virtually impossible to list them all. Yet, we’re equally sure we’re entirely correct regardless what the subject might be. That seems unlikely, don’t you think?
Garmin adds Oshkosh FISK arrival to navigation database
While the FISK arrival includes a few VFR waypoints that are in typical navigation databases, it has never been fully coded as part of an official navigation database with the full detailed route until now, Garmin officials noted.
Bryan Bedford confirmed as new FAA administrator
Bedford brings more than 35 years of aviation experience to the FAA, including 26 years as CEO of Republic Airways.
2026 Aviation Mechanic Test Guides now available
ASA Test Guides prepare applicants for the General, Airframe, and Powerplant FAA Knowledge Exams and align with the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1) and Part 147.
ATC helps avoid near miss
The other pilot was at 7,500 feet headed directly for us and I believe the extra 300 feet saved us from a mid-air collision.