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 the final leg of Provenzano’s personal quest to skydive in all 50 U.S. states. The visually striking feat was captured on video and shared across Red Bull’s media channels.
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Washington state repealed a 10% luxury aircraft tax slated for April 1, 2026, replacing it with a 7‑cent‑per‑gallon increase in the aviation fuel tax and modest hikes in aircraft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,...
NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on Hudson River Ditching
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report on the March 2 ditching of a Cessna 172N in the Hudson River near Newburgh, New York. The aircraft suffered a sudden loss of oil pressure and engine power shortly after a touch‑and‑go...
Tennessee Airport Boards Face Possible State Takeover
Tennessee lawmakers advanced an amended Senate Bill 2473 that would dissolve existing regional and metropolitan airport authority boards and replace them with new panels appointed primarily by state officials. The proposal creates nine‑member boards for metropolitan airports, with appointments split...
Flight School Closure Leaves Students Seeking Refunds
Missouri-based Piston Aviation abruptly shut its three locations, leaving dozens of students who prepaid up to $90,000 for flight training in limbo. The school’s refund policy promises reimbursements within 180 days, but many, like Drake Polacek and Chris Harness, report...
Video: F-18 Intercept Near Iran & Atlantic Engine Trouble with Sam Rutherford
Sam Rutherford, a veteran single‑engine ferry pilot, shared vivid stories from his global aircraft delivery career, including a surprise wedding invitation in Sudan, an engine failure over the Atlantic, and an F‑18 intercept near Iran. The interview highlights the unpredictable...
House Committee Advances ALERT Act
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously advanced the ALERT Act, directing the FAA to set a Dec. 31, 2031 deadline for aircraft to carry collision‑mitigation technology and permitting portable ADS‑B In devices as an alternative compliance method. The bill also requires a...
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Metro Airport Launches Unleaded Avgas
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) has begun dispensing Swift Fuels UL94, an unleaded avgas, alongside traditional 100LL leaded fuel. A state‑backed subsidy ensures the unleaded option is priced the same as leaded fuel, and the airport will reimburse up...
FAA Presses California for Records in Airport-Funding Dispute
The Federal Aviation Administration has stepped up its review of California’s management of jet‑fuel tax revenue, ordering the state Department of Finance to supply detailed records of collection, transfer, and expenditure. California currently deposits the tax into its General Fund...
Textron Aviation To Showcase Full Range Of Aircraft At Sun ’N Fun
Textron Aviation will present its full Cessna, Beechcraft, and newly acquired Pipistrel lineups together for the first time at Sun ’n Fun 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. The static exhibit will span piston trainers, turboprop workhorses and light‑sport aircraft, highlighting the...
Study Unveils Redevelopment Concepts For Burke Lakefront Airport
A new economic impact study outlines two mixed‑use redevelopment concepts for Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport, aligning with Mayor Justin Bibb’s plan to close the city‑run facility. The proposals estimate a $600‑$700 million investment and forecast roughly $2.6‑$2.7 million in annual city tax...
Digital Airman Certificate Bill Clears U.S. House
The U.S. House passed H.R. 2247, the Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act, allowing pilots to present FAA‑issued airman and medical certificates digitally or on paper during inspections. The legislation mandates the FAA to develop authentication methods and issue a final rule...
House Moves to Bring Back Civil Overland Supersonic Flight
The U.S. House approved H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, mandating the FAA to draft new rules within a year that would permit civil aircraft to exceed Mach 1 over U.S. airspace without generating ground‑level sonic booms. The legislation also...
FAA Letter Says Whiteman Airport Obligated to Stay Open
The FAA sent a Jan. 21 letter confirming that land acquired with Airport Improvement Program funds at Whiteman Airport remains obligated for airport use for its useful life unless the agency releases it. Los Angeles County is moving forward with...
FAA Expands Swift 100R Engine STC
The FAA has amended Swift Fuels' Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its 100R unleaded avgas, expanding the list of approved engines to include a broad mix of Continental, Lycoming, Franklin and other models. The amendment references updated fuel specifications dated...
FAA Updates GNSS Interference Guide Months After First Release
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued Version 1.1 of its GPS/GNSS Interference Resource Guide, just three months after the initial release. The update adds detailed cockpit instructions for spotting interference, such as time shifts, map anomalies, and false terrain alerts. It...
Mesa Approves Falcon Field Landing Fees
Mesa City Council unanimously approved a new landing‑fee structure for Falcon Field Airport, effective May 1. The fees are designed to close a projected $2.0 million budget shortfall and are expected to generate about $2.9 million annually. Based aircraft receive the first ten...
Picture of the Day: March 23, 2026
AVweb’s Picture of the Day for March 23, 2026 features a Waco RNF soaring over El Capitan Reservoir in San Diego County, with the image credited to photographer Dave Leedom. The post highlights the enduring appeal of vintage aircraft among recreational pilots. It also notes...
FAA Wants Feedback on UAS Airport and Droneport Integration
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened a public comment period, ending April 22, to gather input on how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) should be incorporated into existing airports and emerging droneports. The request targets airports, operators, and other stakeholders to...
De Havilland Canada Delivers 1,000th Twin Otter
De Havilland Canada has delivered its 1,000th DHC‑6 Twin Otter, handing the aircraft to Colombian regional carrier SATENA. The milestone underscores a production run that began in 1965 and highlights the model’s enduring appeal in remote‑operating markets. SATENA now operates...
NBAA Study Examines Aviation Workforce Gaps, Safety Impact
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Safety Committee released a study examining how workforce shortages affect business aviation safety. Fifty‑three percent of respondents identified pilot shortages as the most acute issue, with maintenance and safety management also impacted. While 62%...
Army Receives First Optionally Piloted Black Hawk
The U.S. Army has taken delivery of its first H‑60 Black Hawk equipped with the DARPA‑funded ALIAS optionally piloted system. The retrofit kit adds fly‑by‑wire controls and an autonomy suite that can manage takeoff, flight and landing, while still allowing...
Picture of the Day: March 20, 2026
AVweb’s Picture of the Day for March 20, 2026 features a striking silhouette of a National Park Service helicopter and its crew watching over Mesa Verde National Park at sunset. The photo underscores the routine presence of park aviation for tasks such as...
Video: 40 Years of the Piper Aviation Museum
The Piper Aviation Museum marked its 40th anniversary, highlighting four decades of preserving Piper Aircraft and general aviation history. President Ron Dremel recounted the museum’s evolution from a traveling exhibit to its permanent home in Lock Haven, the birthplace of...
GAA Names 2026 National Honorees
The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board, in partnership with the FAA, announced its 2026 national honorees, recognizing excellence in flight instruction, maintenance, and safety. Mike Kloch of Bend, Oregon was named Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year, Roger Whittier of...
AOPA Board Elects New Chairman
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) board of trustees elected Luke Wippler as its next chairman, succeeding James N. Hauslein, who is stepping down. Wippler brings nearly 25 years of executive experience in financial services and a long history...
DPE Class Action Targets FAA Termination Policies
Two former Designated Pilot Examiners have filed a class‑action lawsuit in federal court in Florida against the Federal Aviation Administration, alleging that recent policy changes eliminated the appeal process for examiner terminations. The complaint claims the FAA’s new enforcement procedures...
Cornyn Bill Targets TSA Perks for Congress
Sen. John Cornyn introduced the “End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act,” which would require members of Congress to undergo the same TSA screening as the general public and ban federal funds for expedited airport access. Lawmakers could still...
SUN ’N FUN 2026 Airshow Schedule, NOTAM Released
The SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo released its 2026 airshow schedule and the FAA’s accompanying NOTAM. The event runs April 14‑19 at Lakeland Linder International Airport, showcasing military demonstration teams such as the Thunderbirds, an F‑22 Raptor demo, and the Navy’s...
Five-Year RAF Deal Extends Backcountry Airstrip Collaboration
The Recreational Aviation Foundation and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management have signed a renewed five‑year memorandum of understanding to coordinate aviation activities on BLM‑managed lands. The MOU emphasizes preservation, maintenance and improvement of existing backcountry airstrips and ensures RAF...
Video: Red Bull Pilot Dario Costa on Train Landing
Red Bull pilot Dario Costa successfully landed and took off from a moving train in Turkey, showcasing the brand’s commitment to extreme aerial stunts. The maneuver involved touching down on a locomotive traveling at roughly 30 km/h, merging high‑speed motorsport imagery with...
NASA Prepares X-59 for Second Flight
NASA is gearing up for the X‑59 quiet‑supersonic research aircraft's second flight, slated for this week from the Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, California. The one‑hour mission will cruise at roughly 230 mph at 12,000 ft before climbing to 20,000 ft and...
Beyond Aero Concludes Hydrogen Aircraft Design Review
Beyond Aero announced the completion of the Preliminary Design Review for its hydrogen‑electric business jet, moving the program into detailed engineering and validation planning. The review confirmed successful integration of gaseous hydrogen storage, fuel‑cell electric propulsion, and thermal‑management systems within...
Florida Lawmakers Target ADS-B Use For Landing Fees
Florida lawmakers approved CS/CS/SB 422, prohibiting airports from using ADS‑B surveillance data to calculate landing fees or related charges for Part 91 aircraft weighing 12,499 pounds or less. The bill, cleared by both chambers, heads to Governor Ron DeSantis and would...
$2.2M Taxiway Project Starts At Florida’s Sebring Regional
The Sebring Airport Authority has broken ground on Taxiway Delta, a new 1,800‑foot partial parallel taxiway at Sebring Regional Airport. The $2.25 million project, 95% funded by the FAA and 5% by the Florida Department of Transportation, aims to streamline aircraft...