In the overall claims process the first thing the claims depart­ment recommends (after pilot and passenger safety) is to secure the aircraft. This means making sure that it is out of the way, locked up or tied down (if possible). Don’t be surprised if it’s not always possible to do this right away. Sometimes this happens the next day, or by a friend, or the local FBO.

When you live in the upper Midwest you start thinking about those things that need to get done before the ice and snow arrive.

Many pilots swap wheels for skis on the family Super Cub to enjoy frozen-lake landings—usually great fun, but sometimes ending badly.

The sports pilot certificate provided an opportunity for pilots to get a license for daytime flying with one passenger in light aircraft

To answer what you might be think­ing, yes, we have had mid-air collisions between aircraft. Some serious and a couple without fatalities.

It is important to remember that even if you don’t own the aircraft completely, or at all, you still have responsibility.

As I have said before, I like going to aviation events. I used to go to a lot more events around the country. Years ago, there were small regional fly-ins in Texas, Arizona, Cali­fornia, Washington, and more.

Not surprisingly, airports are increas­ing the insurance requirements of pilots who hangar their planes at their location.

By Scott “Sky” Smith Recently we’ve had several people wanting to talk about partnerships, flying...

Unless I know the pilot well (or I have their money in hand) I don’t let them fly my aircraft. This is my choice.

You can give unlimited rides if you meet FAA requirements, but you won’t get paid, and it doesn’t guarantee insurance coverage.

Single-engine prices have been increasing since 2017. The prices for average light, single-engine aircraft have gone up almost 75-80 percent.