Tecnam Opens Early Delivery Slots For MOSAIC-Era Aircraft
Tecnam has launched a priority slot deposit program for two aircraft in its MOSAIK59 line – the Astore GT and the P2008 Next Generation – allowing customers to secure production slots ahead of the FAA’s upcoming MOSAIC certification changes. Deliveries for these models are projected to begin in 2027, aligning with the new rule’s 59‑knot stall‑speed threshold and performance‑based criteria. The initiative is aimed at flight schools and private owners who want early access to the expanded capabilities the MOSAIC framework will enable. Tecnam says the program will help lock in capacity as demand grows.
Upside Down in a Gamebird: Experiencing Thrust Flight’s Aerobatics
Thrust Flight in Addison, Texas, has launched an aerobatic training program integrated into its Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course. The curriculum covers spin recovery, unusual attitude handling, and basic to intermediate aerobatic maneuvers, all demonstrated in a GameBird GB1 aircraft....
Daher Debuts TBM 980 At Sun ’N Fun, Florida Expansion Grows
Daher unveiled its latest high‑performance single‑engine turboprop, the TBM 980, at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, marking the aircraft’s U.S. debut. The model upgrades to Garmin’s G3000 PRIME flight deck, delivering faster processing, refined ergonomics and a touchscreen‑centric cockpit....
Garmin Pilot Adds Airport, FBO Comment Feature
Garmin has added a user‑driven commenting system to its Garmin Pilot app, enabling pilots to post real‑time notes on airport facilities and FBO services. The feature lets users share details such as fuel availability, ramp conditions, and service quality, with...
FAA Clarifies Limits Of Sport Pilot Instructor Privileges
The FAA released new guidance (InFO 26006, April 10) clarifying that sport pilot instructors may only provide training and endorsements limited to sport‑pilot operations. Even when a private‑certificate pilot receives a flight review from a sport instructor, the pilot is restricted to...
Women in Aviation Conveys Inaugural Award Of Excellence
Women in Aviation International presented its inaugural Board Chair’s Award of Excellence to Marci Veronie, senior vice president at Avemco Insurance, during the 2026 conference in Dallas. The award honors her two‑decade commitment, leadership roles, and mentorship of women in...
Picture of the Day: April 15, 2026
AVweb’s "Picture of the Day" for April 15, 2026 features a Bonanza aircraft perched on the runway at Jasper Air Park in the Canadian Rockies. The photo, taken by aviation photographer Joe Emond, showcases the dramatic mountain backdrop that makes the remote...
Piper Adds AviatorPro As Exclusive Ground School Partner For Flight School Alliance
Piper Aircraft announced at Sun ’n Fun 2026 that AviatorPro will serve as the exclusive ground‑school provider for its Flight School Alliance. The partnership links AviatorPro’s digital platform with Piper’s training fleet, including the Archer TX and Seminole aircraft, and...
Senate Committee Advances Pilot Mental Health Bill
The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, directing the FAA to overhaul pilot medical certification and disclosure policies. The bill mandates voluntary mental‑health reporting, expands approved medications, and tackles backlogs in the special‑issuance process....
Dynon Announces SkyView HDX Updates
Dynon Group unveiled a suite of updates to its SkyView HDX platform at SUN ’n FUN, targeting experimental and light‑sport aircraft. A new stand‑alone engine‑monitoring configuration launches with pricing from $4,909 for Rotax iS and $5,771 for Lycoming/Continental engines, offering...
Crimson Edition King Air 360 Unveiled At SUN ’N FUN
Textron Aviation unveiled the Crimson Edition of its Beechcraft King Air 360 at the 2026 SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. The limited‑run model adds a custom interior of dark leather, Alcantara accents and crimson piping, plus a...
Diamond Launches Factory-Authorized Owner Training Program
Diamond Aircraft introduced Diamond Brilliance, a factory‑authorized training program for owners of its DA42, DA50 and DA62 models, unveiled at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo. Developed with Take Flight Aviation, the curriculum covers real‑world operations, safety procedures and ownership...
AOPA Pilot Mental Health Initiative
AOPA announced a month‑long mental‑health initiative for May, timed with Mental Health Awareness Month, to educate and support general‑aviation pilots and flight instructors. The program builds on FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee recommendations that highlight disclosure barriers for pilots. It will...
SUN ’N FUN 2026 Kicks Off Today
The 52nd annual SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo launched today in Lakeland, Florida, offering a full day of aviation activities from morning forums to an afternoon airshow and evening concerts. Highlights include a Super Guppy presentation, a master‑plan briefing by...
Piper Introduces 7-Blade Propeller Option for M700 FURY
Piper Aircraft announced that a composite 7‑blade MT‑Propeller has earned EASA Supplemental Type Certificate approval for the M700 FURY, with FAA certification expected soon. The new propeller is designed to shorten takeoff runs, improve climb performance, and lower cabin noise. Piper...
Sen. Tim Sheehy Makes Emergency Landing In Montana
Senator Tim Sheehy, a commercial pilot and founder of Bridger Aerospace, was forced to make an emergency landing in a private field near Ennis, Montana, after his aircraft suffered an engine failure during a routine flight‑training exercise. Both occupants exited...
Virginia Airport Rebrand Draws Local Opposition
Manassas Regional Airport is seeking to rebrand as Washington Manassas Airport as it prepares for commercial passenger service, part of a $125 million redevelopment slated for 2027. The name change, advocated by airport operator Avports to boost search‑engine visibility and airline...
Avionics, Ignition Upgrades for Cessna Piston Lineup
Textron Aviation announced that its Cessna piston family—including the Skyhawk, Skylane, Turbo Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD—will receive the Garmin G1000 NXi System Release 7 avionics suite and a new dual electronic ignition system (dual EIS). The upgrades, which become...
EAA Aviation Foundation Awards 127 Scholarships for 2025-26
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Foundation announced it has awarded 127 scholarships for the 2025‑26 cycle, providing more than $800,000 to students pursuing flight training and aviation‑related education. The awards are split between flight‑training and post‑secondary scholarships, and the...
House Set To Vote on ALERT Act Next Week
The U.S. House will vote next week on the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act (H.R.7613) under suspension of the rules, requiring a two‑thirds majority. The bill expands on the earlier ROTOR Act by directing the FAA to...
Florida Law Shifts Naples Airport Authority to Elected Board
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will replace the appointed Naples Airport Authority board with a countywide elected slate. All five seats will appear on the 2026 general election ballot, with three members required to live in Naples...
Picture of the Day: April 8, 2026
AVweb published a “Picture of the Day” featuring Air Force One, the VC‑25A aircraft with tail number 29000, on short final at Greensboro‑Salisbury Regional Airport (KGSO) runway 23L. The photograph was taken by aviation photographer Tom Glass on April 1, 2026. The image showcases...
Textron Aviation Names 2026 Top Hawk Recipients
Textron Aviation announced the five 2026 recipients of its Top Hawk training support program: Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University, Sterling Flight Training, and Victors Aviation. The initiative places brand‑new Cessna Skyhawk aircraft with flight...
FAA Weighs Ultralight Access Dispute At California Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing a complaint lodged by ultralight pilots who say Yuba County Airport in northern California has imposed fees, a key‑card entry system, and an insurance mandate that effectively bar them from the publicly funded field....
New Teterboro Lounge Built For Canine Passengers
Fly Alliance is launching the Jet Paw Lounge, a dedicated canine terminal at Teterboro Airport, slated to open in mid‑April. The lounge reconfigures the traditional FBO into a low‑stress environment with separate lounges and pet suites sorted by size and...
Learjet Overruns Runway at Teterboro
A Learjet 60 overran runway 24 at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport just before 6:30 p.m. on Monday, skidding off the runway and stopping in an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS). The Port Authority’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit responded, and no...
Picture of the Day: April 7, 2026
AVweb’s Picture of the Day for April 7, 2026 showcases a classic Piper J‑3 Cub piloted by Jim Potter soaring over California’s Anza‑Borrego Desert. The striking photograph, taken by veteran aviator Dave Leedom, highlights the timeless appeal of the lightweight, high‑wing aircraft in...
Charleston Airshow Moves Amid Ongoing Conflict
Joint Base Charleston announced that the 2026 Charleston Airshow will no longer be held on the base. Instead, it will become a one‑day, off‑base event on May 2 over Charleston Harbor, positioned between downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. The revised show...
Pilots’ Group Warns of Conflict-Zone Strain
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) warns that prolonged conflict‑zone flying should not become routine, highlighting persistent operational complexity and safety risks. European regulators echo concerns as narrowing Middle‑East corridors concentrate traffic, raising the likelihood of incidents....
Airport Operator Sued Over Alleged Unpaid Revenue
The city of Gastonia, North Carolina, has sued Academy of Aviation Gastonia, the fixed‑base operator of Gastonia Municipal Airport, alleging it failed to pay required fuel fees and a 3% share of flight‑school revenue, totaling over $25,000. The complaint says...
K-State Salina Launches High School Aviation Camp
Kansas State University’s Salina campus is relaunching its K‑State Aviation Academy, a week‑long summer camp for high‑school students aged 15‑17, scheduled for June 21‑27. The program blends classroom instruction, FRASCA flight simulators, hands‑on aircraft work, and up to three hours...
Hartzell Expands Top Prop Program
Hartzell Propeller has broadened its Top Prop conversion lineup, adding over 150 new aluminum and carbon‑fiber propeller models for general aviation aircraft. The update introduces enhanced search filters linked to FAA and EASA certifications, making it easier for owners to match...
Michael Graham Named NTSB Vice Chairman
President Donald Trump appointed Michael Graham as vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for a three‑year term. Graham, a former director of flight operations safety at Textron Aviation and a certified airline transport pilot with over 10,000 flight...
Video: Red Bull Wingsuiters Chase Northern Lights Over Alaska
Red Bull Air Force athletes Jeff Provenzano and John DeVore completed a meticulously planned night wingsuit jump beneath Alaska’s Northern Lights. The jump, years in the making, required remote coordination, specialized lighting, and precision landing in total darkness. It marks...
Avgas Prices Climbed in March
National avgas prices rose in March, with 100LL full-service averaging $6.80 per gallon, a 5.9% increase from February. Self‑service 100LL climbed to $5.69, up 4.7%, still offering roughly 16% savings where available. Jet A full-service prices jumped to $7.64, a...
FAA Releases Part 141 Modernization Proposal
The FAA released a proposal to overhaul Part 141 flight‑school regulations, moving oversight from local district offices to a centralized management office. The plan gives chief instructors greater authority to make routine changes and replaces periodic recertification with continuous performance...
Washington Repeals Aircraft Tax Before It Takes Effect
Washington state repealed a 10% luxury aircraft tax slated for April 1, 2026, replacing it with a 7‑cent‑per‑gallon increase in the aviation fuel tax and modest hikes in aircraft registration fees. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the replacement bill on March...
FAA Absent From Cleveland Burke Lakefront Closure Hearing
Cleveland officials outlined three routes to shut down Burke Lakefront Airport, including waiting for grant expirations, seeking FAA approval, or pursuing congressional legislation. The airport currently loses about $1.7 million a year and could require a $7 million grant repayment if closed...
Mesa Gateway Adds Light Aircraft Landing Fee
Mesa Gateway Airport Authority will start charging a $24.35 landing fee on itinerant aircraft under 12,500 lb at Phoenix‑Mesa Gateway Airport beginning May 1. The fee targets a roughly $2 million annual operating deficit in the Airfield Cost Center, which has been subsidized...
Cirrus Launches New Simulator Training Program For SR Series Owners
Cirrus Aircraft has introduced Mission Ready Simulator Sessions, a free, structured training program for SR20 and SR22 owners. The curriculum offers 24 scenario‑based missions released twice a month, allowing pilots to complete up to 12 simulator sessions annually. Developed by...
NetJets Expands Augusta Footprint As Masters Traffic Climbs
NetJets is constructing a dedicated private terminal at Augusta Regional Airport to accommodate the annual Masters Tournament surge. The project includes a 432,000‑square‑foot private ramp and a full‑service lounge, with construction slated to finish before the 2025 event. NetJets reported...
FAA Restricts SFO Landings
The FAA announced new landing restrictions at San Francisco International Airport, cutting the arrival rate from 54 to 36 flights per hour—a one‑third reduction. The policy permanently bans side‑by‑side simultaneous landings on the airport’s 750‑foot‑spaced parallel runways, requiring staggered approaches....
Hawaii Air Tour Operator Suspends Flights After Fatal Crash
Airborne Aviation, a Hawaii‑based helicopter tour operator, suspended all flights indefinitely after a Hughes MD‑500 crashed off Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast on March 26. The accident killed three passengers and injured two, including the pilot, during a sightseeing trip near Kalalau Beach....
Picture of the Day: March 31, 2026
On March 31, 2026, AVweb featured a photograph taken at Burlington International Airport (KBTV) showing a Cessna Skyhawk idling behind a formation of Vermont Air National Guard F‑16 Falcons. The image captures the juxtaposition of light general‑aviation traffic with high‑performance...
Pentagon Considers Anti-Drone Lasers in Washington
The Pentagon is evaluating a high‑energy counter‑drone laser system for deployment at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., where senior defense and state officials reside. Recent low‑altitude drone sightings near the post and the proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport...
EASA: Narrow Mideast Corridors Increase Operational Risk
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warns that conflict‑related airspace restrictions across the Middle East are compressing Europe‑Asia flight corridors, forcing traffic into a limited number of routes. The agency advises operators to avoid the airspace of nine countries,...
NOAA Introduces Updated Icing and Turbulence Forecast
NOAA has placed its new Domestic Aviation Forecast System (DAFS) into operational use, delivering hourly icing and turbulence forecasts on a high‑resolution 3‑kilometer grid. The system leverages the HRRR model and incorporates three‑dimensional radar data every 15 minutes, replacing older...
NORAD Escorts Aircraft After Palm Beach TFR Violation
On March 29, 2026, NORAD deployed F-16 fighters to intercept a general aviation aircraft that entered a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over Palm Beach, Florida, near President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The aircraft was safely escorted out after pilots received...
Traffic Resumes After Potomac TRACON Evacuation
The FAA lifted ground stops at Washington’s major airports after a strong odor forced the evacuation of the Potomac Consolidated TRACON in Warrenton, Virginia. The shutdown impacted Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington Dulles, Baltimore/Washington International, Charlottesville‑Albemarle and Richmond International, lasting...
Sonex Announces Immediate Closure
Sonex LLC, a kit‑aircraft manufacturer founded by John Monnett, announced an immediate shutdown after owner Mark Schaible cited a severe sales decline and a bank’s refusal to extend credit. The closure ends production of popular models such as the Sonex,...