Author Archives: Scott Smith

Public benefit flying returns as feature at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Opportunities for pilots to discover ways to help others through aviation

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 28, 2026) — Organizations that provide humanitarian relief and more through aviation will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 as the popular Public Benefit Flying area will be part of the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The aircraft, crews, and organizations that supply aid to victims of natural disasters, war, famine, and other emergencies around the globe will be part of the presentations, along with aircraft on and near Boeing Plaza at the center of the AirVenture grounds. The display will also feature a pavilion that allows current pilots to explore volunteer possibilities and register to help any one of the many organizations represented.

“In 2025, more than 1,500  pilots registered at Oshkosh to become part of public benefit flying, whether that is bringing relief supplies to disaster-stricken areas, flying cancer patients to their appointments, or even moving rescue animals across the country,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This groundswell showed the great spirit of the general aviation community to be there when needed in any possible way benefit those in need.”

The Air Care Alliance will again coordinate the participating organizations at Oshkosh, as it represents more than 50 groups dedicated to delivering impactful and inspiring service through aviation. It will again welcome all pilots to learn more about the nationwide opportunities available to serve others by using their aviation skills. Non-pilots are also welcome to visit during AirVenture to discover more about the multitude of ways that aviation uses local airports and benefits local communities.

More details on participating aircraft and organizations will be announced as they are finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.

 

My forum schedule for Sun N Fun 2026

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Heading to #SUNnFUN2026 this year?

Make time for one of my forums.  Check the @Sunnfun schedule location and any changes.

Tue, April 14  – 10 things to know about Aviation Insurance – 11:00:00 AM
Tue, April 14  – Buyer Beware; Picking the best aircraft for you – 12:00:00 PM
Tue, April 14  – What’s the Real Cost to owning an aircraft?  – 1:00:00 PM

Wed, April 15 – 10 things to know about Aviation Insurance – 11:00:00 AM
Wed, April 15 – Buyer Beware; Picking the best aircraft for you – 12:00:00 PM
Wed, April 15 – What’s the Real Cost to owning an aircraft? – 1:00:00 PM

5 things to remember in an RG aircraft

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Five things to remember when flying a retractable gear aircraft (or any aircraft really).

  1. USE A CHECK LIST! It seems like a no brainer, but sometimes we think we have it all memorized because we have done it so often. Simple things can change the routine and throw you off.
  2. Read the checklist out loud. Surprisingly, you can read the checklist and never touch the gear lever or look at the lights. Reading out loud might seem silly, but it often helps your “co-pilot” crosscheck what you are doing. Even if they are not a pilot, they can make you aware.
  3. Physically put your hand on, or touch items as you read the check list.
  4. Never assume you won’t forget.
  5. Don’t rush the process. Even if you are being pressured in the pattern because of a faster aircraft, follow the routine.