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.

Flying • ISSUE 967 February 2026

WHAT’S INA CALL SIGN? • Whether you approve of it or not, it’s a hard-earned badge from your flying friends

Lightning Fast • Photographer Andrew Lawson captures shock waves from the F-35 Lightning II at the 2024 San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show. This single-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter is built for missions ranging from air combat and strike to electronic warfare and reconnaissance. Shown here is the short takeoff and vertical landing variant.

THE MILITARY INFLUENCE • From checklists to call signs, here’s what GA has adopted from the armed forces

SHORT COMBAT STORY OF ‘RIDLON’S RATS’ • Connecting with WWII history through a B-24 pilot’s recollections and flight simulation

UNIVERSAL THREAT • Air Force veteran recounts stressful experiences from close stall calls

TUCSON KTUS VOR OR TACAN RWY 12 • Essential knowledge decodes stepdowns, radar requirements, and missed approach segment

FROM VMC TO IMC: A CFI’S PERSPECTIVE • This structured lesson will instill IFR departure confidence

LESSONS FROM ‘TOP GUN’ • Applying a fighter mindset to your everyday flying will make you a safer pilot

SO REAL, IT’S SURREAL • ScaleWings SW-51 delivers WWII fighter thrills with modern and forgiving handling

INSIDE THE U.S. AIR POWER RESERVE • 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group’s vital facility in the Arizona desert is far more than a ‘boneyard

ALL IN THE FAMILY • MEG GODLEWSKI HERITAGE FLIGHT MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON STATE CONTINUES TO INSPIRE

TUCSON, ARIZONA • A GENERAL AVIATION GATEWAY TO MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY

TALON TRAINING TALE • Air Force veteran recalls past T-38 experience with emergency during solo flight

AERO VODOCHODY L-39 ALBATROS • Where general aviation meets the fighter jet dream

TWO HEADS • In the cockpit, are two heads better than one?

QUESTIONING AIRPLANE RELIABILITY • Another month-long excursion with mechanical issues

THE AIRMEN CLUB • Recalling its 80-year history, from a rigged air race to power broker exploits

PAST MEETS PRESENT