The National Aeronca Association, dedicated to supporting and preserving the history of Aeronca aircraft, was founded by Jim Thompson in the 1990s and holds its convention biennially in Middletown, the location of the Aeronautical Corporation of America, which manufactured Aeronca airplanes from 1928 to 1951.
Pilots
New manager appointed at KMDH
Alyssa Connell takes over the helm at Southern Illinois Airport, replacing Gary Shafer, who retired after 46 years with the airport.
Wrong fuel during test flight fatal for pilot
Probable Cause: The airplane owner/builder’s inappropriate use of a lower grade fuel than that required by the airplane and engine operations manual, which resulted in engine detonation and the degradation and eventual obliteration of the Nos. 1 and 2 cylinder spark plug electrode tips.
Picture of the Day: The quiet before the crowds
Ron Cox submitted this photo and note: “Two days before the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo takes off, all is quiet as we watch the sunset by our Cessna 182N.”
Questions from the Cockpit: Got you covered — maybe
James, a private pilot and airplane owner in South Carolina, writes: What happens if someone wrecks your plane while they are considering buying it?
ALOFT Academy launches to train mechanics
Students will join ALOFT as full-time employees from the first day of class, and graduate six months later as full-time mechanics.
Partnership launches to train air traffic controllers
Serco Inc., which operates 28 air traffic control towers in the United States, has partnered with Middle Georgia State University to offer training to future air traffic controllers.
Failure to engage turbocharger fatal
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to engage the turbocharger for takeoff and his improper decision to continue the takeoff with partial power, rather than reject the takeoff.
Picture of the Day: Fuel stop
Sebastien Heintz submitted this photo and note: “Roger Dubbert, demo pilot for Zenith Aircraft Company, maker of the backcountry STOL CH 750 Super Duty sport utility kit airplane, fuels up the Zenith STOL during one of several stops on his way home from the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, to Mexico, Missouri, home of Zenith Aircraft Company. You can watch the hour-long video of the 12-hour flight home on YouTube.”