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via General Aviation News

The FAA is implementing reductions in air traffic services that include the suspension of certain VFR approach procedures at major airports across the country. These adjustments, driven by staffing limitations and efforts to streamline controller workload, primarily affect charted VFR approaches used for traffic sequencing and pattern management. While IFR procedures remain unchanged, pilots operating VFR may encounter modified entry instructions or increased vectoring as controllers adapt to the procedural gaps. According to the FAA, the cuts impact 40 airports, including several of the busiest facilities in the National Airspace System. The agency has not released a timeline for restoring the suspended procedures, and further operational updates are expected as implementation continues.

The full emergency order may be accessed HERE.

» Full Story: General Aviation News

iFlightPlanner Comment:

We’ll track these procedural suspensions as the FAA formalizes updates and adjust affected airport briefing pages as needed, including facilities like Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

The iFlightPlanner Crew
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via General Aviation News

The FAA has issued a series of NOTAMs barring most general aviation operations from the nation’s 12 busiest commercial airports, a move that has drawn strong concern from industry groups. The restrictions, which took effect Nov. 10, prohibit non-scheduled GA flights at major hubs including ATL, LAX, ORD, DFW, JFK, DEN, and others. Limited exceptions apply for aircraft based at those airports, emergency and medical operations, military flights, and missions otherwise approved by the FAA. The agency said the decision was tied to operational strain stemming from the ongoing government shutdown, which has affected staffing and traffic management at key facilities. AOPA and NBAA have urged the FAA to reconsider the broad scope of the ban.

The 12 restricted airports are:

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
• Denver (DEN)
• Boston Logan (BOS)
• Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• John F. Kennedy (JFK)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Newark (EWR)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Washington National (DCA)
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

» Full Story: General Aviation News

iFlightPlanner Comment:

We’ll continue monitoring the FAA’s NOTAM activity and update airport access details as restrictions evolve. Pilots can always verify procedures and alternatives directly through iFlightPlanner, including nearby options when planning flights to the restricted airports..

The iFlightPlanner Crew
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via General Aviation News

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has confirmed dates for its flagship aviation event, AirVenture Oshkosh, at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, through 2029. The future dates are:

• July 20–26, 2026
• July 26–August 1, 2027
• July 24–30, 2028
• July 23–29, 2029

“EAA AirVenture is one of the aviation community’s major highlights each year,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Announcing dates for the next several years helps enthusiasts plan their trips and allows other aviation and Wisconsin events to coordinate schedules in advance.”

» Full Story: General Aviation News

iFlightPlanner Comment:

These confirmed dates will be reflected in future NOTAM and event updates for pilots planning flights to Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) using iFlightPlanner.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via General Aviation News

Beacon Air Group has opened a new FBO at Yellowstone Regional Airport (KCOD) in Cody, Wyoming. The facility, which opened in the summer of 2025, operates out of a renovated 3,000-sq-ft building that was formerly used by a corporate flight department and an FBO. According to company officials, Beacon Air Group has long been involved at KCOD, having developed 14 hangars at the airport. Owner Joel Simmons said the new FBO builds on that legacy and supports the airport’s growth. The Cody location is the company’s second FBO, following its first in Billings, Montana, which opened in December 2023.

» Full Story: General Aviation News

iFlightPlanner Comment:

iFlightPlanner has added Beacon Air Group’s new FBO at Yellowstone Regional (KCOD) to its database, including contact information and available services. Members flying to Cody will now see this facility listed alongside existing options when planning flights.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

via General Aviation News

Aviation advocacy groups are praising the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for advancing bipartisan legislation to improve access to mental health care for aviators. The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to update regulations that remove barriers to treatment, funds nearly $40 million over three years for awareness and support programs, and requires implementation of recommendations from the FAA’s Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee. Both NBAA and AOPA emphasized that the bill strikes a balance between safety and encouraging pilots to seek help without fear of unnecessary punishment.

iFlightPlanner will continue monitoring developments around pilot mental health legislation and related FAA policies to help ensure pilots stay informed of regulatory changes impacting aviation safety and wellness.

» Full Story: General Aviation News

via General Aviation News

A new FBO, Mather Jet Center, has opened at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR) in California. Independently owned, it was formed by aviation veterans Victor Cushing, Matt Bosco, and Dan Kimmel, with support from Sacramento County to add an alternate fuel provider at KMHR. The facility, co-located with Mather Aviation, offers pilot and passenger lounges plus on-site rental cars, and Cushing also leads Mather Aviation. The new operation expands service options for the region’s aviators.

Photo courtesy of General Aviation News.

iFlightPlanner will update its FBO and fuel data to reflect the change at KMHR, ensuring pilots using iFlightPlanner and iFlightPlanner for AOPA have the most accurate, current information for trip planning and fuel purchasing decisions.

» Full Story: General Aviation News

Signature Aviation has reopened its renovated FBO at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (PANC). The upgraded facility, located in the former Kulis Alaska Air National Guard facility, includes a 13,900-square-foot passenger terminal and a 90,000-square-foot ramp.

There is a dedicated area within the FBO specifically designed for international traffic where a U.S. Customs and Border Protection station will be operational within the FBO. This addition is expected to facilitate swift customs clearance for inbound traffic destined for any location within the United States.

Pilots can find further details at signatureaviation.com/locations/anc.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day AIRAC cycle beginning 5/20/2021 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.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day AIRAC cycle beginning 10/8/2020 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.

iFlightPlanner for iPad 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 January 2, 2020.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com on their desktop, laptop, or smartphone will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on January 2.

iFlightPlanner for iPad 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 5, 2019.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com on their desktop, laptop, or smartphone will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on December 5.

iFlightPlanner for iPad 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 November 7, 2019.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com on their desktop, laptop, or smartphone will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on November 7.

iFlightPlanner for iPad 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 October 10, 2019.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com on their desktop, laptop, or smartphone will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on October 10.

iFlightPlanner for iPad 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 November 8, 2018.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com on their desktop, laptop, or smartphone will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on November 8.

There is now more precise GPS coverage across the U.S., thanks to the recent deployment of the FAA’s Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting 5 Wide Area Augmentation System navigation payload, which was developed by Raytheon‘s Intelligence, Information and Services business.

The GEO 5 payload joins two others already on orbit in correcting GPS satellite signal ionospheric disturbances, timing issues, and minor orbit adjustments, giving increased coverage, improved accuracy, and better reliability, according to Raytheon officials.

“GPS alone can’t meet the FAA’s stringent requirements for accuracy, integrity and availability,” said Matt Gilligan, vice president of Raytheon’s Navigation, Weather and Services mission area. “The WAAS network corrects even the slightest errors, and that provides peace of mind when it comes to safety of flight.”

» Read more at General Aviation News

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 28-day AIRAC cycle beginning 4/26/2018 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferenced data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com from your desktop, laptop, or smartphone you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad 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 June 23, 2016.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on June 23.

The Texas Department of Transportation has named Terrell Municipal Airport (KTRL) “General Aviation Airport of the Year.”  The award reflects the airport’s importance to the air transportation system and the region it serves, according to airport officials. Selection criteria includes meeting the needs of its users in exemplary fashion and setting a standard of service that other airports might want to emulate.

In making the nomination to TXDOT, Terrell Mayor Hal Richards said, “The airport has a long and rich tradition in service to this community as well as to the world. The airport is a key cog in the economic engine that drives the city and county.”

» More on GA News

Attention Seaplane Pilots: The next two print issues of General Aviation News will focus on seaplanes and they would like to get some insider information from you!

• What are some of the best places to fly (and land) in your seaplane?
• What is it about seaplane flying that you like the best?
• What tips and advice can you give to fellow pilots who are considering a seaplane rating?

Head to GeneralAviationNews.com and share your insight, your recommendations might just find their way into the next issue!

» More on GA News

iFlightPlanner announced today the availability of the iFlightPlanner Widget on GeneralAviationNews.com.  Pilots and aviation enthusiasts who are signed in to their iFlightPlanner Free or Premium account gain 1-click access to a complete Airport/Facility Directory, Weather Center and seamless Aviation Charts through any website that hosts the iFlightPlanner Widget.

The iFlightPlanner Widget

•    Color-coded METARs
•    Airport/Facility Directory
•    Weather Center
•    Aviation Charts
•    Airport & Route lookup

If you are not yet an iFlightPlanner member head to https://www.iFlightPlanner.com/Join and create your Free or Premium account for access to the iFlightPlanner Widget, as well as our fully-integrated flight planning solution featuring iFlightPlanner for iPad presented by Sennheiser.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

By GA News Staff

IMC Club International has launched an IFR Airport Practical Tips Reference Base, a library of a “real life experiences” about arrival and departure to the nation’s busiest and most challenging airports like Boston Logan International, Los Angeles, or Teterboro, N.J., as well as rural airports.

All posts are based on actual experiences of the pilots. They will be checked, but not verified or endorsed by the IMC Club.

They will be placed in a searchable database. This practical resource will be available for use by IMC Club members and other non-profit charitable aviation organizations to help their volunteer pilots plan and execute their charitable flights.

» More on GA News

By Charles Spence, GA News

Five general aviation safety alerts were issued by the National Transportation Board the week before Christmas, citing the government agency’s focus on reducing GA accidents.

“Knowing these accidents, which sometimes include entire families, can be prevented is why ‘general aviation safety’ is on our most wanted list of transportation safety improvements,” NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said.

These five alerts for general aviation are in addition to 25 others issued since 2004.  The five safety alerts are:

1. Check your restraints
2. Engine power loss due to carburetor icing
3. “Armed” for safety: Emergency Locator Transmitters
4. All secure, All clear (securing items in the aircraft cabin)
5. Proper use of fiber or nylon self-locking nuts

» More on GA News

Shortly before leaving for winter recess, congressional leaders reached a budget agreement that could be good news for the FAA and other federal agencies. But many steps remain before funding for aviation programs is in the clear.

The budget deal, reached between Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), has sparked some confusion in the aviation world because it increases fees on air travel. The increase comes in the so-called 9-11 fee, essentially a per-ticket tax on commercial air travel that helps fund the Transportation Security Administration. The deal does not contain any user fees for general aviation. And while the president’s budget proposal is likely to once again recommend a $100-per-flight user fee for general aviation, opposition to the idea remains strong in Congress.

» More via AOPA.org

For General Aviation News' last print issue of the year, they're focusing on the next generation of GA’s leaders, from CFIs to flight planning entrepreneurs to those who are sharing their passion for aviation in any number of ways.

Do you know someone who fits this description?

Help GA News locate these up-and-coming instructors, manufacturers, marketers, pilots, etc. so they can turn the spotlight on the Next Generation in the December 20 issue of General Aviation News!

» More on GA News

By Ben Visser, GA News

Every fall I help local farmers haul grain to the elevator. This year we had a very good harvest and the lines at the elevator were long. To pass the time, I brought along magazines from this summer to read and reread. I noted that every magazine had at least one article about the future of aviation gasoline. Since my byline in General Aviation News says I am an aviation fuels expert, I thought maybe I should address the subject and shed some light on it.

Now that harvest is over, I have also cruised the Internet and found a lot more “information” about the subject. So what has changed since my last column on this subject over a year ago?

» More on GA News

A team of Mayo Clinic researchers have found that hypoxia can be detected before incapacitating physical symptoms, which can be a safety threat at high altitudes.

“This study opens the door for objective assessments of hypoxia and additional safeguards for…pilots and others working in high altitudes,” says Jan Stepanek, M.D., the Aerospace Medicine Program Director and Co-Director of the Aerospace Medicine & Vestibular Research Laboratory.

Hypoxia is a lower than normal level of oxygen in your blood. To function properly, your body needs a certain level of oxygen circulating in the blood to cells and tissues. When this level of oxygen falls below a certain amount, hypoxia can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, impaired speech, slowed reaction time and passing out.

» More on GA News

PilotWorkshops.com has announced the release of its new IFR scenario-based training app for the iPad. Called “IFR Mastery,” the free app provides two IFR scenarios based on PilotWorkshops’ IFR Mastery online training.

» iTunes App Store: IFR Mastery

Within the app, pilots watch a video that sets the stage by putting them in a real, challenging IFR flight situation. After watching the video, pilots are presented with multiple options and relevant resources to help them decide which course of action to take.  The pilot commits to their decision via a poll and immediately sees how their decision compares with thousands of other pilots.

» More on GA News

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s year-old Eagle Flights program, which provides one-on-one flight experiences for adults interested in becoming a pilot, marked its 1,000th flight on Aug. 10 in Hickory, North Carolina.  Bradley Bormuth of Hickory’s EAA Chapter 731, took Joshua Austin for a flight in a Cessna 172.

Eagle Flights, launched at AirVenture in July 2012, is based on the successful Young Eagles program, which has flown more than 1.7 million kids between the ages of 8 and 17 since 1992.  Through Eagle Flights, EAA hopes to expand the pilot population.

» More on GA News

The proposed airworthiness directive (AD) to limit the allowable time-in-service on cylinders produced by Engine Components International (ECi) that are in more than 6,000 Continental engines could cost GA upwards of $82.6 million.

And on what is the proposed regulation based?  Alleged problems in 30 instances out of more than 30,000 cylinders installed.  This comes out to 1/100th of 1%.  Add to this the lack of evidence that shows even one accident attributed to the alleged problem.

Not only would enactment of the proposed rule have a devastating effect on owners of today’s aircraft, it could have an even greater impact on the entire general aviation world in the future.

» Read more on GA News

Launched just one year ago, SocialFlight has signed up more than 20,000 users. SocialFlight, for those unaware, is a robust calendar of aviation events. “We’ve logged more than 4,000 events in 2013 alone,” reports SocialFlight founder Jeff Simon.  “In fact, we’ve heard of events being created because of SocialFlight.”

New at AirVenture 2013, SocialFlight announced an Ambassador program to promote general aviation. More than 25 people have signed on and are actively giving presentations to pilot’s club, organizations and individuals about how general aviation can benefit from increased awareness and participation in aviation events.

» More on General Aviation News