Flying

The sharp wit and experienced judgment of Flying’s experts cover all the challenges and rewards that aviation offers to all flying enthusiasts. From industry news updates, regulations, trends, air shows and events to carefully researched reports on all categories of airplanes, helicopters, avionics, products, technology, accessories and equipment to pilot technique, flight training, safety, weather, operations and maintenance.

Beyond the Familiar • Issue explores unique flight training opportunities, simulators, and aviation experiences that push pilots outside comfort zones

Classic Returns to Santa Monica • A DC-3 wearing a vintage 1948 United Airlines livery made a quick stop at Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) in California on September 1. The aircraft began life as an Army Air Corps C-47 in October 1945 before going on to serve as a dignitary transport for the state of Georgia. Today, N814CL, Mainliner O’Connor, is owned and operated by Clay Lacy Aviation, which completed its restoration in 2000.

We Hear You • FLYING readers spoke, and we copy—loud and clear

In Motion • Watch exclusive video from the FLYING team

This Month’s Picks • These standout aviation products and services are worth a closer look

Dusting Off Your CFI Ticket • Lapsed flight instructors can navigate regulations, regain teaching skills, and successfully return to right seat

Drone Gift Guide • Here’s what to know about regulations, tariffs, and the best UAVs on the market this holiday season

Building A Better Cockpit • Modularity and dynamic force feedback bring greater flexibility and realism to the home flight simulator

Running On Empty • First solo flight during winter teaches vital importance of fuel reserves, flexible planning, and using every cockpit tool

Cody, Wyoming (KCOD) • Approach into Yellowstone Regional Airport presents challenges of high altitude and big holds

Mode Confusion • Even experienced pilots make mistakes—the key is catching them before they become serious

Culture Creates Safety • Lessons learned commanding fighter squadrons can be applied to safer flight schools

Holiday Gift Guide • FLYING’S PICKS OF GEAR, GADGETS, AND MORE FOR EVERY FLIGHT PLAN

Virginia’s Eyes in the Sky • State Police has turned rugged Daher Kodiak 100 into ultimate special-missions platform

Defying the Ordinary • ELEVATE YOUR FLYING WITH UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE TRAINING ADVENTURES

Last of the Gunfighters • POLIS HED FOR PEACE

American Champion Citabria • Pilot-friendly taildragger and aerobatic icon remains a timeless favorite for training and classic flying

Skipping Grades • Are eVTOLs developing too quickly?

Waze For The Skies • Crowd-sourced data from SkyPath takes guesswork out of turbulence

Fur, Feathers, and Flight • From chickens to lions, transporting animals is always wild ride

Foreflight • Read and organize NOTAMs more easily

Garmin • Skip extra radio call and simplify IFR departures with Mobile Clearance Delivery

Turbine Meets Cub • We’re heading to Yakima, Washington, to visit CubCrafters and get some time in the new Carbon Cub ULT. Combining a TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop with CubCrafters’ lightweight composite construction and proven STOL capability, the ULT brings turbine power to the backcountry. Notably, it’s also the first U.S.-manufactured turboprop eligible to be flown by sport pilots under the FAA’s new MOSAIC regulations. What’s it like to fly? We’ll find out—and bring you the full story in the December print issue of FLYING.

Flying • ISSUE 976 November 2026