The Journal
Hangar talk, how-tos and trip reports.
After the ground stop: what the FAA said about getting flights back to normal
Where recovery from the November 13, 2026 nationwide FAA ground stop stood on Sunday, November 15: cancellation counts, what officials and L3Harris have said, airline waivers, and your refund rights.
Sick on a trip? What Amazon One Medical virtual visits really cost (and a note for pilots)
A short travel-health tip for people who fly: how Amazon One Medical virtual visits and prescriptions work on a U.S. trip, what they cost with Prime, where they don't work, and why pilots still need their AME.
Starship Flight 15: the first tower catch of a ship back from orbit, and a lost booster
A sourced recap of Starship Flight 15: Ship 42 returned from orbit and was caught by the Starbase tower on Nov. 14, 2026, while the Super Heavy booster aborted its catch and was intentionally destroyed offshore.
What happened in the November 13 nationwide FAA ground stop
A sourced explainer on the FAA's nationwide ground stop on Friday, November 13, 2026: the timeline, what officials say caused it, what a ground stop is, and what travelers can do.
How to read a METAR in 60 seconds
A plain-English, field-by-field walk through one real Fort Lauderdale METAR, with the codes you will see most often and a few that trip up student pilots.
How to read a TAF before you go (and when to stay on the ground)
A practical guide to Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts: the valid period, FM, TEMPO, BECMG and PROB30 groups, using a real Fort Lauderdale TAF and a worked summer example.
Key West fly-out from Fort Lauderdale: how to plan the trip
A planning guide for flying a light airplane from the Fort Lauderdale area to Key West International (EYW): route choices, airspace and airport notes from the FAA Chart Supplement, the FBO, fuel and fees, and weather timing.
Thanksgiving 2026 travel: when the crowds peak, and how to pack for a delayed trip
What AAA and Airlines for America project for Thanksgiving 2026 air travel, the busiest days to expect, and a practical plan for flying through a holiday rush after a rough November.
Jet blast on the ground: what flipped a Cessna at John Wayne, and how pilots stay clear
A factual recap of the November 7, 2026 incident in which a Cessna 172 overturned while taxiing behind an airliner at John Wayne Airport, and a plain-English look at jet blast and how light-aircraft pilots avoid it.
What is known about the November 1 Learjet accident near Greenacres
A factual summary of official information about the Learjet 60 that crashed near Greenacres, Palm Beach County, on November 1, 2026, and the status of the NTSB investigation (ERA27MA026).
Gifts for the pilot in the family, without filling the hangar with junk
A practical gift guide for pilots, student pilots and airport people: what they will actually use, what they will keep, and what to skip.
Private pilot checkride week: what to study, what to pack, what to skip
A calm, practical plan for the week before a private pilot practical test: studying the ACS, paperwork, weather, the oral, the flight and what to bring.
When the roads to FLL flood: what travelers ran into on September 18
A recap of public reporting on the September 18, 2026 storm flooding near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport's entrances, and practical tips for getting to any airport on a flooded day.
A first home flight-sim setup: yoke, pedals and a clear desk
How to build a first home flight-simulator setup that helps real flying: what to buy first, how to set up the desk, and how to practice procedures instead of just sightseeing.
An airport day with kids: how to watch airplanes and keep it fun
How to plan a family day watching airplanes: picking a spot, timing it, what to bring, how to explain what kids are seeing, and the rules that keep everyone safe.
A student pilot's headset buying guide (and the cheap comfort upgrade)
What actually matters in a first aviation headset: fit, clamp force, passive versus ANR, mic quality and spare parts, plus why fresh ear seals can make an old headset feel new.
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An independent pilot lounge on the internet: live airport weather, nearby traffic, fly-out ideas, free aviation games and gear for pilots and the people who love them.