An Aeronca Chief Takes on the English Channel

Flying a 1947 Aeronca Chief across the English Channel isn’t most pilots’ idea of a smart plan—but with careful preparation, it became the safest leg of the trip. Harry Karmel recounts the Cherbourg-to-Devon crossing, complete with dry suits, dead reckoning, and a memorable arrival at Bolt Head.

Ice, Cookies and a Blinking Light

Navigation for small aircraft in those days relied on a few methods. There were no digital computers or GPS systems, and radar coverage—especially in Canada and Alaska—was sparse. Pilots navigated primarily by following things on the ground (pilotage) or by plotting a course on a map and compensating for wind drift and magnetic variation. This method was called dead reckoning—a lousy term.

St. John’s Patronage: An IFR Odyssey to Newfoundland

An epic journey from a nation’s capital to its subarctic fens leading to the farthest reaches of landfall in eastern North America with only the company of towering mammoths lurking in the horizon’s shadow.

Alaska to Chicago on Straight Floats

was living in Anchorage, Alaska, deep into my professional career as an engineer, had a C172XP on floats, and was enjoying life. My professional responsibilities required attendance at a meeting in Chicago that summer. I decided to travel there in the XP and make it a flying vacation. My friend agreed to come along.

My Superbowl: A 9,000-Mile Pickleball Flight Around America

On May 1, 2023, I set out in N148DW, my 2013 Cessna Turbo 206, in search of a world record: the 48-48-48 Pickleball Challenge—playing pickleball in 48 states in fewer than 48 days. It was as much a pickleball record attempt as it was an aviation feat. Either way, it promised to be a ton of fun.

VIA The Poles: Journey Around the World’s Ultimate Flight Path

,
I was part of a four-person crew that completed a Polar Circumnavigation Diploma flight in May 2025 in a 1976 Learjet 36A, S/N 022, N31GJ. If the application is accepted, it will be the fourth aircraft to meet the FAI Polar Circumnavigation Diploma requirements. The flight served as a fundraiser for the Classic Learjet Foundation, which is currently restoring Learjet 23 S/N 003, the first Learjet delivered to a customer in 1964. The now-vintage Learjet 36A completed the 26,291-mile flight without any issues or maintenance delays.

This Is Why I Fly

On very short notice, my wife and I were able to grab a bag, throw our things together without worrying about fluids, gels, etc., head to the airport, and depart. We had a wonderful weekend with our friends. Then we were able to leave on our own schedule for home. All without TSA, long lines, parking fees, and everything else. General aviation creates opportunities that other modes of transportation can’t provide.

Bahamas Bucket List: Idyllic Island Hopping

The Out Islands of the Bahamas earned their place on my bucket list, and I encourage you to add them to yours. They’re exotic yet accessible. A different country—but with the same language and currency. Untouched tropical islands—with paved runways, friendly locals, and the kind of serenity that makes you want to stay. Words alone are inadequate. Pictures help, and video comes closest to capturing the experience.

Download the 50 Fun Flying Destinations Guide and Map Layer in ForeFlight

Flying isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about discovery, challenge, and the freedom to explore the world from a unique perspective. With that in mind, Sporty’s created a digital guide and ForeFlight content pack that highlights 50 unforgettable flying destinations across the United States.

The Wizardry of OZ—Flying the Ozarks

The privilege of flying Alaska's Denali, Idaho's Frank Church, and Utah's red rock country had made me somewhat jaded.  However, the amazing vista at the John Harris (AR06) strip was a completely unforeseen bonus.  The landscape dropping away under us lifting off runway 28 at Trigger Gap (17A) was another unforgettable view.

Share Your Spring Flying Adventures with Air Facts

At Air Facts Journal, our Travelogue series is built on real stories from pilots like you—stories that capture both the joy and the challenges of personal air transportation. Tell us about your route, the airports you stopped at, the weather you encountered, and those unexpected moments that made your trip unforgettable.

Flying a Skylane From Canada to Belize

I was two months into my first pilot job flying skydivers in the C182 at a small Canadian drop zone, when my boss approached me about ferrying our Cessna 182 to Central America for the winter. I was eager and a bit nervous in anticipation of this daunting task. The final route flown took me 3,600 nautical miles from Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada across mountains, desert, ocean and coastal jungles to Belize City, Belize!
cirrus sr-22

Close, but No Cigar

We were passed from Miami Center to Havana Center as we approached Cuban airspace and the Cuban controllers were both professional and helpful as we went wheels dry only 40 minutes after leaving KMTH. From 8,000 feet (minimum to cross over Cuba), we saw lots of land under agriculture and a large road bisecting the island east to west but only one car on the road. We also saw several airfields of great length, like one might use for large military aircraft?
cub enroute

An A-Maze-ing Day of Flying!

Instead of a “Sunday Drive”, we elected to do some exploring from the sky—a “Sunday Flight”.  The mission was to go up and see the beginning of the season change from lush green leaves of summer to the multitude of oranges autumn has to bring. On top of the list were some corn mazes to circle, ending with landing at one of the local grass strips for a picnic lunch. We wanted to break free from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy the freedom that flying has to offer.
dee

I’m still scared of flying

,
When the Decathalon arrived, he provided dual aerobatic instruction in it and we formed a very small air charter business wherein he served as the PIC of a light twin which we leased locally. I was chief cook and bottle washer and kept the books.
enroute

Soaring Over the Rainbow Nation: A Journey as a South African Pilot

The smaller airports and airstrips scattered across the country have their own charm. The controllers and managers at these smaller fields often share invaluable local knowledge and tips. During one flight to a remote airstrip in the Free State, the local controller not only guided me through unexpected weather changes but also shared some fascinating local lore.
wing

A fun fuel run

The summer sun is filtered through the scattered clouds, and rays of light stream across the hazy sky. This evening’s mission is a simple one—fly. Oh, yes, I need to get fuel, but the real mission is a flight in an aircraft I built—pure and simple. The grin on my face seems permanent these days.
commander en route

Flying to Sun ‘n Fun 2024

During the trip I put 18.1 hours into my logbook, met up with my buddies, made new friends, took a bunch of pictures, had great food and added new life experiences. Why not plan a flying adventure with your friends or flying club, enjoying all that the freedom to fly offers. Keep the blue side up!
new england coast

My first and last flying road trip

The plan was for a mid-October trip from Virginia up the coast to northern Maine with a first stopover in Newport, Rhode Island and then Nantucket, Massachusetts. We would complete the remainder of the planning the day by day. Getting to the adventure involved passing by Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland and the busy airspace around Newark, Kennedy, and La Guardia Airports.

My First Oshkosh

Before we knew it, the traffic alterts started: “Traffic one o’clock, same altitude”. All six eyes in the cockpit suddenly became laser focused.  “The guy behind is going to overpass us”, “That guy just cut us off!” were just some of the things yelled in the cockpit that day.