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via AOPA

AOPA’s Ian Wilder recently highlighted iFlightPlanner for AOPA as a powerful member benefit, emphasizing how modern electronic flight bags have become a core part of flight training and everyday flying. From student pilots to experienced aircraft owners, the article underscores how iFlightPlanner delivers professional-grade planning tools without forcing members into higher-priced subscription tiers or unnecessary complexity.

"That’s where one of your membership perks, iFlightPlanner for AOPA, comes in. It offers a full-featured flight planning experience designed specifically for general aviation pilots, without hiding essential tools behind paywalls."

The article highlights iFlightPlanner’s ability to bring together routing, fuel pricing, airport information, weather, and aircraft performance planning into a single, streamlined workflow. For AOPA members, this means access to a capable and flexible planning platform that supports safer decision-making both on the ground and in the cockpit.

» Full Story: AOPA

iFlightPlanner Comment:

Beyond the web experience, AOPA members also gain access to the expanded capabilities of iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone unlocking advanced in-cockpit tools while saving 20% off regular pricing.

The integrated apps include georeferenced airport diagrams and instrument approach plates, runway extensions, ADS-B traffic and weather from more than 10 supported device manufacturers, automatic flight track recording, a pilot logbook with currency tracking, and more. Together, these tools create a seamless transition from preflight planning to in-flight awareness and postflight logging.

A full feature comparison is available at iflightplanner.com/aopa/versions.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day AIRAC cycle beginning December 25, 2025 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner or iFlightPlanner for AOPA from your desktop, laptop, or smartphone browser you can be confident you're seeing the most current and accurate data available.

To ensure iFlightPlanner is current on your iPhone or iPad, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  Each app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via AVweb

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee during a hearing titled “The State of American Aviation,” addressing the health of the National Airspace System and the agency’s near- and long-term priorities. Whitaker discussed ongoing challenges related to air traffic controller staffing, aging infrastructure, and the need for sustained funding to modernize facilities and technology. Lawmakers pressed the FAA on safety oversight, workforce retention, and the pace of air traffic control modernization, particularly as traffic levels continue to grow. Whitaker emphasized that improving safety, stabilizing staffing, and advancing modernization efforts remain central to the FAA’s mission, while noting that progress depends heavily on consistent congressional support and predictable funding.

» Full Story: AVweb

iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, georeferenced airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on December 25, 2025.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates."

Pilots using iFlightPlanner for AOPA or iFlightPlanner on their desktop, laptop, or mobile device will see iFlightPlanner automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on November 27.

via NBAA

NBAA welcomed passage by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086), legislation aimed at keeping the FAA’s air traffic system operating during any future federal government shutdown.

The bill, sponsored by committee leaders and approved with broad bipartisan support, would allow the FAA to use previously collected aviation user funds to pay air traffic controllers and sustain other critical functions if federal funding lapses. NBAA cited disruptions during the 43-day shutdown that ended last month, when controllers went unpaid and DOT scaled back operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports and prohibited general aviation operations at 12 airports.

» Full Story: NBAA

iFlightPlanner Comment:

Government shutdowns can ripple quickly into ATC staffing and flow restrictions. If any FAA operational impacts are issued, we’ll continue to surface the latest airport details and planning context in iFlightPlanner.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via AOPA

Uncommanded shutdowns involving Lycoming fuel-injected IO-360 engines when throttled back to idle have prompted the FAA to seek additional information from owners and operators.

An Airworthiness Concern Sheet issued December 16 asks for details about any shutdown events during ground or flight operations, including what actions were taken and the outcomes. The IO-360 is installed on several popular training aircraft, including recent Cessna 172S/172R models, Piper Archer III and Pilot 100i, and the Piper Seminole. The FAA is also asking operators and maintenance personnel to report similar events even if the aircraft does not use the AVStar vertical- or horizontal-mounted fuel servos noted in reports so far.

» Full Story: AOPA

iFlightPlanner Comment:

If you operate or maintain an IO-360-equipped aircraft, consider submitting any rollback details through the FAA’s airworthiness concern sheet process so the agency has better data to work from.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via NBAA

The FAA has announced significant updates to its medical certification policies for pilots using certain antidepressants and insulin, aiming to streamline the approval process while maintaining safety.

Under the revised policy, pilots who use a broader range of modern antidepressant medications may now be considered for medical certification through an expanded protocol that evaluates individual stability and treatment response. The FAA has also modernized its approach for insulin-treated diabetes, incorporating newer continuous monitoring technologies and risk-based assessment tools. These changes are intended to reduce delays, reflect current medical capabilities, and make certification more accessible for pilots managing well-controlled conditions under close supervision from aviation medical examiners.

» Full Story: NBAA

via General Aviation News

Cirrus Aircraft has launched a new trade-in program designed to make it easier for owners to upgrade into the next generation of Cirrus models.

According to the company, the program offers pilots a more streamlined path to transition from older SR-Series and Vision Jet aircraft into new deliveries, with Cirrus directly managing the valuation, trade-in, and transition process. Officials note that the initiative is aimed at reducing friction for customers who may otherwise face challenges selling their current aircraft on the open market. Cirrus says the program is available immediately, with dedicated support teams helping owners navigate pricing, timelines, and delivery coordination.

» Full Story: General Aviation News

via FAA

The FAA has published a new fact sheet outlining key milestones of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, which aims to expand the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for light-sport and recreational operations.

The rule is structured with two phases of implementation. Effective October 22, 2025, changes include updates to pilot training and certification requirements, revised repairman and maintenance privileges, tow-hitch installation standards, and adjustments to Class G airspace and right-of-way rules. Additional changes that remove the “light-sport aircraft” definition from 14 CFR § 1.1 and update related airworthiness and operational requirements will take effect July 24, 2026. The FAA says MOSAIC supports future growth and innovation while maintaining safety.

» Full Story: FAA

iFlightPlanner Comment:

We’ll incorporate MOSAIC-related updates as the effective dates approach, including changes to aircraft certification categories and pilot privileges, ensuring continuity in flight planning operations.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via AVweb

Members of Congress are renewing pressure on the FAA to implement stronger privacy protections for ADS-B data, arguing that the current system leaves aircraft owners vulnerable to unwanted tracking.

During a recent Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, lawmakers pressed the FAA on why its Privacy ICAO Address (PIA) program has seen limited adoption and continues to rely on a manual, paper-based process. FAA officials acknowledged that the program needs modernization but cited resource constraints and competing priorities. Legislators emphasized that protecting flight data is increasingly important as publicly accessible tracking tools expand. The hearing highlighted bipartisan interest in requiring the FAA to streamline the privacy process and improve support for general aviation operators.

Photo Credit: T&I Committee Republicans via YouTube

» Full Story: AVweb

iFlightPlanner Comment:

As the FAA evaluates improvements to the PIA system, we’ll follow any updates that could affect how aircraft privacy settings are displayed and managed within iFlightPlanner. We will implement changes as they become available.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via FAA

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA jointly announced the selection of Peraton as the prime integrator to help accelerate modernization of the National Airspace System. As the lead integrator, Peraton will coordinate systems engineering, software development, and infrastructure efforts across FAA modernization programs. Officials noted that this structure is intended to unify overlapping initiatives, reduce redundancy, and streamline deployment of new technologies that support controllers, airports, and flight operations. The FAA emphasized that Peraton’s role will be central to improving system reliability and long-term planning as air traffic demand continues to increase.

» Full Story: FAA

iFlightPlanner Comment:

As the FAA advances its systems-modernization strategy, we will monitor technical updates that may influence routing data, facility references, or automation workflows within iFlightPlanner.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via AOPA

Textron Aviation has paused all new production of the Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 as it evaluates the future of both piston aircraft lines. According to the company, the halt allows Textron to assess long-term demand, supply chain conditions, and anticipated modernization needs. No end-of-life declaration has been made, and Textron emphasized that it will continue supporting the existing fleet, including parts availability and engineering services. The pause applies only to new manufacturing, and previously delivered aircraft are unaffected. Textron has not given a timeline for when a decision about the long-term direction of the Bonanza and Baron programs will be announced.

» Full Story: AOPA