The Killing Zone
By Paul A. Craig
The Killing Zone provides pilots with an invaluable understanding of how and why aviation accidents occur and how to improve their margin of safety while flying. Author Paul Craig leveraged his knowledge as a flight instructor and researcher to analyze National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident reports with the goal of helping prevent accidents that injure or kill pilots and their passengers. His examination of 40 years of accident data found that pilots are at the greatest risk of being involved in an airplane accident when they have between 50 and 350 flight hours—what Craig calls the killing zone.
This third edition covers more recent accidents, expands the scope to include all accidents (not only those that were fatal), and explores new risks related to advancements in flight deck technology and automation, increased integration of drones, and the expansion of artificial intelligence.
Hear Dr. Paul Craig talk about The Killing Zone Monday, January 26 at 7:00 PM on The Midlife Pilot Podcast.
| | Happy New FAR! The new year marks the perfect time to make sure you're up to date with a current FAR/AIM. Free updates are always available on the ASA website. | | |
Each year the NGPA hosts the NGPA Industry Expo, which is one of the largest pilot recruiting and aviation networking events in the U.S. The event features keynote speakers, hundreds of ATP-qualified active airline pilots seeking employment, aviation products and services, and educational seminars that cater to a broad range of aviation interests, including commercial, general aviation, and business/corporate pilots.
ASA will be exhibiting at the NGPA Industry Expo February 5-6. Find us at the entrance of the Expo Hall.
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ASA's FAR/AIM Series provides the most complete and up-to-date information available. As a subscriber to our free update subscription service, you receive notices automatically when a regulatory or procedural change is released by the FAA.
These latest updates to the FAR/AIM series can be found in the table below.
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Title
2026 FAR/AIM
2026 FAR-AMT
2026 FAR-FC
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Update
December 19, 2025
September 9, 2025
December 19, 2025
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| Caravan: Cessna’s Swiss Army Knife with Wings! | | |
Learn about the pilot favorite that does it all: bush flying, geophysical exploration and mapping, patrol, air ambulance, military, sightseeing, corporate, commuter airline, skydiving, cargo, missionary and humanitarian flying, and much more. The Caravan’s almost legendary reputation of safety and reliability remains a comforting constant for those who affectionately refer to the aircraft as their “flying SUV,” “Suburban with a turbine,” or “aerial truck.”
Chapters parallel flight phases on a typical mission, and are chock-full of experience, insights, and trivia from preflight to postflight—a truly amazing story for all pilots interested in this legendary powerhouse.
| | | Dealer of the Month: January | | |
Northstar Aviation was founded with a clear and focused mission: to make flight training more efficient, less overwhelming, and more successful by providing pilots and student pilots with high-quality, highly organized study materials they can trust. From day one, our goal has been to remove unnecessary friction from the learning process so pilots can spend less time searching for information and more time truly understanding it.
At the heart of that mission is our flagship product, the Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM. Regulations are a critical part of flight training, yet many students find it challenging to quickly navigate a comprehensive regulatory text. The Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM builds on ASA’s well-organized and trusted FAR/AIM by adding an extra layer of intuitive, student-focused organization, transforming it into an even more efficient and confidence-building reference. Tabs are thoughtfully placed and clearly labeled, allowing pilots to quickly locate the regulations that matter most—whether studying at home or under pressure during an oral exam. This product has become especially popular with student pilots because it saves time, reduces stress, and builds confidence. In nearly 5 years, Northstar has served tens of thousands of pilots and student pilots.
Northstar Aviation proudly uses ASA’s FAR/AIMs as the foundation for our Pre-Tabbed editions. ASA has long been recognized as the industry standard for aviation publications, known for accuracy, durability, and consistency. By starting with ASA’s high-quality FAR/AIMs, we ensure our customers receive materials they can rely on throughout their training and beyond.
In addition to our Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIMs, Northstar Aviation exclusively carries ASA-branded books. ASA’s reputation for excellence aligns perfectly with our own standards, making their products a natural fit for our catalog. Together, Northstar Aviation and ASA share a commitment to supporting pilots with dependable, professional tools that elevate aviation education.
| | GAA Nominations—Final Deadline | | |
GAA recognizes aviation professionals on the district and national levels for their contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety. The program cooperates with the FAA and many general aviation industry partners and sponsors.
Nominations for the 2026 General Aviation Awards (GAA) have been extended through January 16, 2026.
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The Schiff Show is an education variety show sponsored by Avemco with host Captain Brian Schiff. Each month, a listener of the show will be selected at random to win an ASA FAR/AIM, with an additional yearly prize for a lucky listener.
Episode 13 will be out today at 7pm CT. "When Confidence Outpaces Preparation: Stepping Up Your Mental Game" dissects how a successful, highly educated attorney bought “too much airplane,” skipped ahead in training, and paid the ultimate price.
| | | Originally launched in 2008, the Learn to Fly Blog is for student pilots and those considering flight training. This is a great resource to acquire the aeronautical knowledge needed to be successful during and after training. Certificated pilots and flight instructors will find this a platform full of insights into the aviation environment, in addition to providing encouragement and guidance to newer members of the aviation community. | | |
Choosing a flight school is one of the most exciting—and important—decisions in your journey to becoming a pilot. With so many options available, it’s worth taking the time to find a school that fits your goals, schedule, and learning style (both the …
| | Join the Future in Flight Podcast and navigate the exciting world of flight, with inspiring stories from young aviators, expert insights from industry leaders, and practical guidance to launch your aviation dreams. | | |
ASA has partnered with AviNation to sponsor the "Rising Star" program, a recognition program designed to empower and elevate students who show a passion for aviation and want to pursue an education and/or career in the aviation industry.
Each Rising Star will receive a prize package from ASA to help with their future training needs. This month we would like to congratulate Dino Barontini and Cora Podraza on being AviNation's new Rising Stars. Learn more about these remarkable students on social media.
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The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through EAA Chapters. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses.
Applications are due by January 31, 2026.
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Last month we asked if Santa upgraded his sleigh, what aircraft he should choose. The results are in—first place went to "C-130 Hercules for rugged North Pole ops" with 32% of votes. In second place, with 26% of votes was "Boeing 747 for all the gifts." In third place with 23% of votes was "SpaceX Starship for interplanetary deliveries." And lastly, in fourth place with 19% of votes was "Gulfstream G6700 for speed and luxury."
The following poll is for anyone who wants to participate. Your participation in the poll is voluntary. Your identity will not be made public and is used solely for the purpose of understanding ENROUTE reader preferences, so that we can continue to provide you with the products, services, and information most useful to your training journey.
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| What is your top aviation training goal for 2026? | | | | Trusted in aviation training since 1940, ASA creates first-class products that empower pilots and mechanics to succeed—whether your journey involves earning your airman certificate, flying or maintaining a new aircraft, or climbing the career ladder. Backed by integrity and exceptional customer service, our pilot supplies, books, and digital training help you navigate the dynamic aviation landscape. With ASA by your side, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning! | | |
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| | Header image: 2024 Piper PA-28-181. Photo by DZZY Films. | | | | |
