Final Burke Lakefront Hearing Sharpens Closure Debate
Cleveland City Council wrapped up hearings on Mayor Justin Bibb’s plan to shut down the 450‑acre Burke Lakefront Airport. Officials and the nonprofit North Coast Waterfront Development Corp. presented early‑stage concepts ranging from parks and trails to hotels, a marina, and limited commercial space. No vote was taken; any closure would still need federal clearance and further local action. Council members voiced skepticism about costs, timelines, and whether the city could replace the airport’s economic role.
Monday Accident Renews Pressure on Whiteman Airport
A Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP crashed shortly after departing Los Angeles County’s Whiteman Airport, overturning in a commercial parking lot and leaving the sole pilot in critical condition. The incident reignited local calls to shut down the airport, with Councilmember...
McFarlane Launches Alaska Brand for Bushwheel, Airframes Lines
McFarlane Aviation announced the launch of McFarlane Alaska, a unified brand that merges the Alaskan Bushwheels and Airframes Alaska product lines. The new operation, based in Palmer, Alaska, will manufacture and support parts ranging from wheels and brake kits to...
Ag Aircraft Drone Encounters Increased In 2025 Season
Unsafe interactions between drones and manned agricultural aircraft surged during the 2025 growing season, with 20% of aerial applicators reporting at least one incident—up from 16% in 2024 and 11% in 2023. The low‑altitude nature of crop‑dusting puts pilots within...
Smartflyer Receives Certifiable Battery Modules for SFX1
Smartflyer, the Swiss hybrid‑electric trainer aircraft developer, has taken delivery of its first certifiable Adagio battery modules from H55 for the SFX1 program. The certified batteries enable the project to shift from component validation to full system integration and testing....
Garmin Expands G3X Touch Flight Log Sharing
Garmin has rolled out automatic flight‑log sharing for aircraft equipped with its G3X Touch displays. The new feature uses Connext to wirelessly transmit flight and engine data to the Garmin Pilot app, which then uploads the logs to flyGarmin.com. Users...
FAA Accepts First Light-Sport Maintenance Course for Powered Parachutes
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a new light‑sport repairman course specifically for powered parachutes, developed by veteran instructor Roy Beisswenger and offered through Illinois‑based Easy Flight. Announced at SUN ’n FUN, it is the first powered‑parachute‑specific maintenance program accepted since...
AEA, Fastport Gain Federal Avionics Apprenticeship Sponsor Status
The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) and workforce‑development firm Fastport have been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor. The designation enables them to launch federally recognized apprenticeship programs that combine paid on‑the‑job training, technical instruction,...
Pilatus Breaks Ground on New Colorado Facility
Pilatus broke ground on a $50 million facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado. The new site will serve as a customer delivery center for PC‑12 and PC‑24 aircraft and expand engineering and passenger‑seat processing capabilities. It will create...
DigiFlight Introduces Phoenix Mixed-Reality Trainer For Apache Crews
DigiFlight Inc. unveiled the Phoenix Mixed‑Reality Flight Training Device for AH‑64 Apache crews at the Army Aviation Warfighting Summit in Nashville. The system combines a full‑scale cockpit replica, mixed‑reality visuals, and a high‑fidelity aerodynamic model to simulate pilot and gunner...
Pilot Challenges Palm Beach Airport Renaming In Florida Lawsuit
Florida pilot George W. Poncy Jr. filed a lawsuit to block the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to "Donald J. Trump International Airport," arguing the change could create safety‑critical confusion in charts, databases and dispatch systems. The suit targets...
Pilatus Secures Certification For PC-12 PRO Simulator
Pilatus announced that its new PC-12 PRO flight simulator has received certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The approval designates the device as an FAA Level 6 flight training device,...
ScaleWings Brings SW-51 Mustang Back to SUN ’N FUN
ScaleWings showcased its SW-51 Mustang at SUN ’n FUN 2026, highlighting progress since its 2022 debut. The German‑owned firm has sold 62 aircraft and delivered 40, including four in the first quarter of 2026, and aims to produce 16 units...
Sunset at SUN ‘N FUN
AVweb published a photo gallery on April 17, 2026 showcasing a vivid sunset over the SUN 'n FUN airshow in Central Florida. The images, captured by staff photographer Matt Ryan, highlight aircraft silhouettes against an orange‑yellow sky. The gallery is...
FAA Sees Early Surge In Air Traffic Controller Applications
The FAA announced it received 6,000 applications for air‑traffic‑controller positions within the first 12 hours of a new hiring window, part of a federal effort to rebuild a dwindling controller pipeline. The agency currently operates with roughly 11,000 certified controllers...
NATA, Embry-Riddle, Tuvoli Launch AI Symposium For Business Aviation
The National Air Transportation Association, Tuvoli, and Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University have announced the inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA), set for September 14‑16, 2026 at Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus. The three‑day event will convene aviation executives, operators, technology specialists,...
Picture of the Day: April 16, 2026
AVweb’s Picture of the Day features a restored Fokker F.VII Trimotor on display at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault‑Saint‑Marie. The iconic three‑engine aircraft, photographed by Mike Brown, exemplifies early commercial aviation design. The centre’s exhibit showcases the aircraft...
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...
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...