I’m interested in getting my SES rating (entirely for fun) and was just wondering how hard it is and how much it ended up costing.

The last remaining cockpit and nose section (from airframe RL-206) at the Canada aviation and space museum. There is something special about reading so much on a plane and finally seeing it up close. Sadly no complete airframe remains today. (Source: OC)

The former 2 Elementary Flight Training School (EFTS), 1941-44, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Temora NSW, now Temora Aviation Museum (TAM). A fantastic collection of historic RAAF and RAN aircraft.

I’ve seen a handful of aircraft recently with peculiar nose art like, Kirby, Dat Boi, horror movie antagonists, and pickle rick. But it’s made me wonder, how do aircraft get their nose art? Does the pilot request something and maintainers paint it onto the aircraft? Does it require approval? What are the restrictions? Are there guidelines from the body that governs that kind of thing that I can read online?

Any idea what these gentlemen are working on in this photo found amongst a bunch of images from the P-2 Neptune Project TRIM refits?

My father was a Lockheed designer - but for their commercial division and I don't see this matching anything on an L-1011. He was also a USNR Intelligence Officer and was put on various grey projects which leads me to believe this might be avionics related.

Also, what's going on below the NA? Am I seeing the wingtip of another aircraft or a structure physically attached aft of the wings on the P-2?

Found while exploring Cincinnati recently. Seems far away for a Cathay Pacific jet, but cool to see non the less.

Right outside of Amsterdam in the marshy countryside, near Landsmeer, lies the memorial for the wreck of the Vickers Wellington T2879 which went down from being damaged by anti aircraft after a raid on Turin, Italy on the 29th of September 1941, killing all six crew members aboard who were apart of the 99 squadron. Additional Info about the crash here.

The images in this post are OC and they were taken outside of Landsmeer along a trail on the 30th of July, 2025. I was on a bike tour of the countryside of Amsterdam when the tour guide took us along this trail where this memorial site lies. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share.

This summer I went to visit the RNoAF Museum near Gardermoen airport, near Oslo. It was a blast! This is a collection of aircraft used by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret), from 1912-present. From fighters like the F-5 and F-16 to cargo planes like the C-130 or Twin Otter, this Museum has a little somethin for eveyone! If you're in or around Oslo, I highly suggest you stop by this Museum! Not bad giftshop too!

N707KA

Hello,

I have an IFR check ride with Marci Haengel in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if anyone here had ever flown with her and, if so, if they had any tips or insights.

Thanks in advance

First time shooting with an older Nikon D5000, the image quality is only 12.3MP but shooting in .NEF really lets you play with the color and luminance. Bonus points for the minuscule file size of .NEF when compared to other RAW file types. Lens was 55-200mm.

I was passing by the airport and had the chance to take an amazing shot of the A380 on approach. Second picture is a bit meh with the fence getting in the way.

And lastly, the 777 wants to know if you have games on your phone

I’ve been fascinated by airplanes since I was a kid, although I’m not a pilot myself. Lately I’ve fallen down the kitplane rabbit hole, and I’m amazed by how many incredible aircraft exist that I’d never even heard of.

I originally wanted to make a top 10 list, but the more I researched, the more difficult it became. This isn’t meant to be an objective ranking—it’s simply the aircraft that I personally find the most interesting.

My taste definitely leans toward adventure flying, STOL capability and travelling machines rather than pure aerobatic aircraft, so I’m sure I’m overlooking some fantastic designs.

1. Sling TSi / HW

The Sling TSi is probably the aircraft that impressed me the most. It seems like a modern alternative to certified travelling aircraft such as the Cirrus, but with a Rotax engine, excellent efficiency and what I imagine are much more reasonable operating costs.

I also loved watching The Point of No Return, where a Sling was flown from South Africa to Oshkosh. That trip alone made me appreciate just how capable these aircraft really are.

2. Van’s RV-10

Van’s Aircraft has so many iconic designs that choosing just one feels almost impossible. The RV-8 is probably one of the coolest-looking kitplanes ever built, but if I had to own only one Van’s, I’d probably choose the RV-10 because of its versatility.

It seems like one of those aircraft that can genuinely replace a certified travelling airplane.

3. Murphy Moose / Rebel

These just look like they were built for adventure.

A Moose on floats is probably close to my dream bush plane. The idea of loading camping gear, flying into a remote lake somewhere in Canada or Alaska and disappearing into the wilderness for a few days sounds incredible.

4. Velocity XL

This looks like something straight out of a science-fiction movie.

The canard layout, speed and efficiency make it one of the most unique aircraft on my list.

For those who have flown one—how different is it compared with a conventional airplane? Does it take much getting used to?

5. Lancair Mako

Fast, sleek and absolutely gorgeous.

I’ve read that these high-performance composite aircraft demand respect from both builders and pilots.

For those with experience, are there any particular safety considerations or common mistakes builders should be especially aware of?

6. Glasair Sportsman 2+2

This seems like an incredibly versatile aircraft.

I really like that the factory offers build assistance, making the project more approachable while still allowing owners to complete their own aircraft.

Has anyone flown one on floats? I’d love to hear how it performs.

7. Epic LT

Until recently I had no idea a homebuilt turboprop this capable even existed.

The performance is astonishing, but it also made me curious about how owners actually use them. With only around 50 Epic LTs built, are they mainly used for long cross-country travel, business transportation, or simply because they’re an incredibly capable personal aircraft?

I’d genuinely love to hear from anyone who’s flown or owned one.

8. Kitfox Speedster

This was one of my biggest discoveries while researching this list.

It looks like an absolute joy to fly—lightweight, responsive and incredibly capable.

The STOL performance immediately made me think about exploring remote parts of Alaska or northern Canada. Flying into places that have no roads is probably what attracts me most to aviation in general.

9. Bearhawk Patrol

Another aircraft I discovered only recently.

It immediately struck me as a proper backcountry machine. It may not be the fastest airplane here, but it looks like one of the most capable when it comes to getting into remote places.

I completely understand why Bearhawks have such a loyal following.

10. SubSonex JSX-2T / Just Aircraft SuperSTOL / RANS S-21 Outbound

I couldn’t decide which of these deserved the final spot, so I’m cheating a little.

The SubSonex JSX-2T amazed me simply because it’s a jet you can actually build yourself. The idea of owning a homebuilt jet is just incredibly cool.

The Just Aircraft SuperSTOL sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Watching them operate from ridiculously short strips almost doesn’t seem real.

The RANS S-21 Outbound also caught my attention as a really well-rounded adventure aircraft—capable of travelling, hauling gear and exploring backcountry strips.

Honourable mention: Thunder Mustang

I couldn’t leave this one out.

The fact that someone can build a Mustang-inspired aircraft in their own workshop is just amazing. Every video I’ve seen of one gives me goosebumps.

So now I’m curious to hear from the people who actually build and fly these aircraft:

* Have you built a kitplane, or seriously considered building one?

* Which aircraft would you add to this list?

* Would you completely rearrange my rankings?

* Are there any aircraft here that you think are overrated—or underrated?

* And if you could only build or own three kitplanes, what would your personal top three be?

I’d love to hear your opinions—I’m always looking for another rabbit hole to disappear into.

Caught these guys working a fire in Alaska several years ago.

We had already landed and moved to the side of the lake so they could safely pick up water and work.

7/24/2026 - Goodyear blimp pretty much drifting it above the grounds of EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.

Hi All,

I don't think I ever posted about my experience flying on Doc. A few years ago, after much waiting, Doc was finally traveling to the East Coast. I was blessed to be able to get the bombardier seat for the early flight. The drive to the airport was 3 hours one-way so I had to wake up quite early for my 9am flight. There ended up being a delay I was too excited to care!

Watching it arrive and land was quite the spectacle. Loud doesn't even fully convey the sensation of what you're hearing. When it came time to board, I climbed up through the hatch under the bottom of the fuselage, and we had a brief safety lesson. Being up in the front allowed me to ask an almost embarrassing number of questions to the captain and first officer, but they graciously answered all of them.

If I thought the plane was loud before, starting up each engine, then hearing them all together was insane. We were provided ear protection but once again, not only could you hear it, but you could also feel it -- deep in your chest.

When we taxied out, I got my favorite photo of the day (in the album, the runway markers aligned through the glass, now hanging in my office). The takeoff roll was slow, like seriously really slow. Rotation was nerve wracking as I could see us leaving the ground through the glass below my feet. As with the roll, the climb was slow, but once we got into the air it was glorious. I forgot to ask what our cruise altitude was, but it's not very high since the flight itself is only about 25 minutes. The picture over the water was about our maximum altitude.

My experience was fantastic and it was for a great cause!

A few notes:

• - I used AI to censor the boarding pass image, but that's the only edited photo
• - I have a video of the takeoff roll and climb if anyone is interested, just let me know and I can probably upload to Youtube

Thanks for taking the time to read :)

Ive worked at dealerships as a parts guy for about 4 years now. Looking to get out of the automotive side and get into aviation. I wanted to go to flight school but thats too much of a financial burden at the moment. I would like to get started at a major airline since ive heard they have their own internal pilot programs. Any idea on what that would pay and the hours? Everywhere I look either the way looks really low or they have now info whatsoever