So you've found it. The one. That gorgeous Cessna 182 or Cherokee sitting on the ramp, gleaming in the sunlight, practically calling your name. The seller seems nice, the price looks fair, and those logbooks? They're thick, complete, and go all the way back to delivery day. Time to write a check, right? Not so fast. Here's something we've learned the hard way at Stikes Aviation: logbooks lie.  Okay, maybe "lie" is a strong word. But they definitely don't tell you the whole tr

There is something unmistakably magical about flying at Christmastime. Maybe it’s the cold, crisp air that makes the engine feel stronger. Maybe it’s the soft glow of runway lights reflecting on frosty pavement. Maybe it’s knowing that aviation brings families together when it matters most. For pilots, Christmas isn’t just a holiday — it's a season where the meaning of flight becomes even more powerful. The Sky Feels Bigger in December Winter air is smooth, stable, and beauti

Every pilot has an origin story. Mine began long before I ever touched an airplane yoke. When I was a toddler, my family tells stories of pulling the car over on country roads so I could watch crop dusters fly low across the fields. I was absolutely mesmerized. Even as a two year old, walking through the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, I felt the same electricity — staring up at airplanes suspended in time, imagining what it must feel like to fly them. To this day, I doubt I'

Commercial airports are built for efficiency. Small airports are built for connection. Ask any pilot where they feel most at home, and you won’t hear “Terminal B” or “Gate 47.” You’ll hear things like: “My hangar.” “The ramp at sunrise.” “The little FBO where they know my name.” That’s because small airports are more than runways and fuel pumps — they’re living communities, where aviation’s heart beats strongest. Hangar Doors and Open Conversations Walk onto any GA ramp and y

One of the most remarkable things about aviation is how it reshapes our understanding of distance. A place that once felt far suddenly becomes an easy Saturday morning trip. A region you’ve driven through dozens of times becomes unrecognizable from 5,000 feet. Routes that look simple on a sectional chart reveal hidden landscapes and textures the moment your wheels leave the runway. Flying doesn’t just take us from point A to point B — it transforms how we experience the spac

When most people think of aviation, they picture airplanes cutting through open skies. But every pilot knows the truth: the magic of aviation isn’t just in the machines — it’s in the people. General aviation is powered by a network of passionate individuals who show up day after day to keep aircraft safe, airports running, and pilots supported. They are the heartbeat of every flight, the invisible hands behind every successful takeoff and landing. This post celebrates them —

✈️ The Magic of Flight Every pilot knows that moment—the soft click of the canopy latch, the hum of the engine coming alive, and the feeling that everything outside the cockpit suddenly fades away. In those moments, flying becomes more than travel. It’s time travel. When you take off, you leave behind the noise of modern life. You rise into the same sky that aviators from every generation have flown before you. In the cockpit, you’re connected across decades—to barnstormers,

Aviation as a Family Affair One of the most rewarding aspects of owning or flying a general aviation aircraft is the ability to share it with the people you love. Family flying turns aviation from a solo pursuit into a shared adventure—one that builds memories, teaches lessons, and strengthens bonds. Whether it’s a short hop for breakfast or a cross-country vacation, flying with family offers a special kind of freedom that few experiences can match. This is one of my favorite

The Joy of Weekend Flying One of the greatest perks of owning or having access to a personal aircraft is the freedom to take off on your own schedule and explore new places. For pilots based in the Atlanta area, a short flight can turn an ordinary weekend into a memorable adventure. Here are some of the best destinations within an hour or two of Spalding County Airport (6A2) that make for perfect weekend getaways. 1. Blue Ridge, Georgia — Mountain Views and Rustic Charm Nestl

The Dream vs. The Reality Owning your own airplane is one of the most rewarding experiences in aviation — freedom, flexibility, and pride all rolled into one. But after the excitement of purchasing your first aircraft comes an important reality: keeping it ready to fly safely and efficiently costs money. Understanding these ongoing expenses is key to stress-free ownership and smart financial planning. Hangar or Tie-Down? Choosing Where Your Aircraft Lives One of the biggest d

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