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On September 13, 1935, Howard Hughes strapped into his custom-built H-1 Racer and shattered the world landplane airspeed record, pushing the needle to an incredible 352.39 mph! To put that in perspective, most planes of that era were still drag-heavy biplanes. Hughes and his team pushed the limits of aerodynamics by introducing game-changing design features:

* Flush-Countersunk Rivets: Smooth skin meant less air drag.

* Fully Retractable Landing Gear: Tucked away for maximum speed.

* Power & Precision: A 1,000-hp radial engine encased in a tight, bell-shaped cowl.

After running out of fuel on his final pass, Hughes famously belly-landed the aircraft in a beet field, stepped out with barely a scratch, and simply said, "We can fix her up; she'll go faster". Hughes's obsession with speed laid the blueprint for modern fighter aircraft and high-performance general aviation.

We're honored to be a part of this event! See you in Roswell!

New gear is landing at the races next week! We’ve partnered with Pilot Mall to bring you a bigger selection, top-tier quality, and lower prices across the board.

Grab the new lineup on-site at the event first. The online store drops right after race week!

Talk about a cross-country legend! ✈️💨

On September 10, 1955, the Cessna 182 took to the skies for the very first time! Designed as a nosewheel alternative to the taildragger Cessna 180, it wasn't long before the 182 got its famous nickname - the Skylane - and became the ultimate workhorse of general aviation.

Known for its impressive useful load, solid performance, and cross-country comfort, the 182 has been a staple for private pilots, flight schools, and Civil Air Patrol missions for decades.

Happy National Teddy Bear Day! 🧸✈️

Here at PilotMall.com, we have a long history of loving our teddy bears - especially when they are suited up in their full flight gear!

Missing a pilot-themed co-pilot in your life? Looking for the perfect gift for the young (or young-at-heart) aviation fanatic?

From bomber jackets and aviator goggles to plush flight caps, we’ve got the cutest crewmates on the ramp.

🎁 Shop our plush & teddy bear collection today! In stock and ready to ship straight to your hangar: https://www.pilotmall.com/collections/plush

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Blue skies ahead for the Labor Day weekend! ✈️☀️

Today, we’re taking a pause to celebrate the hard-working men and women who keep American aviation moving forward - from the line techs on the ramp and mechanics in the hangar to the flight instructors, dispatchers, and pilots in the cockpit.

Thank you for your dedication, labor, and passion for the skies.

Wishing you and your family a safe, relaxing, and smooth Labor Day!

Every aviation icon has a humble beginning! ✈️

On September 7, 1927, Clyde Cessna teamed up with Victor H. Roos to launch the Cessna-Roos Aircraft Company. The partnership was short-lived -Roos resigned just months later, leading to the official approval of the Cessna Aircraft Corporation on December 22, 1927.

From those early days in Wichita to the classic high-wing trainers so many of us earned our wings in, Cessna helped shape modern general aviation.

🛩️ What model Cessna did you log your first solo in? Share your aircraft tail number or favorite memory in the comments below! 👇

Who knew there was a National Bring Your Manners to Work Day?! 🤷‍♂️✈️

Well, it turns out today is the day—and in aviation, good manners aren't just polite, they keep the peace and keep us safe! Want to be everyone’s favorite crewmate on the ramp?

Radio Respect: Keep your comms crisp and clear through your headset—nobody likes a hot-mic'er. 🎧

Clean Cockpit: Wipe down those avionics screens and don't leave empty water bottles behind. 🧹

FBO Courtesy: Always tip or thank the line techs refueling your bird and staging your plane. ⛽

Treat Your Gear Right: Stow your flight bag neatly so your copilot isn't tripping over your fuel tester and kneeboard! 💼

What’s your #1 rule for cockpit etiquette? Tell us below! 👇

Heavy headset causing neck fatigue on long cross-countries? Sweating through over-ear cups on summer flights? ✈️☀️

In-ear aviation headsets have become a huge favorite for pilots looking to drop the weight, lose the clamped feeling, and wear sunglasses without breaking the acoustic seal. But are they right for every cockpit setup?

We’re breaking down In-Ear Aviation Headsets vs. Over-Ear ANR:

Comfort & Heat: How in-ear models eliminate headband pressure and ear-cup sweat.

Eyewear Seal: Why pilots who wear glasses or aviation sunglasses love in-ear setups.

Bose ProFlight Series 2 Deep Dive: Feature review, noise attenuation performance, and real-world fit.

Over-Ear Advantages: Why high-noise single-engine pistons might still demand classic over-ear cups.

🔗 Read the full guide to see if it’s time to change your setup: https://www.pilotmall.com/blogs/news/in-ear-aviation-headsets-guide

Team In-Ear or Team Over-Ear? Drop your headset setup in the comments!

On August 29, 1970, an aviation icon took to the skies for the very first time! ✈️💨

Flying out of Long Beach, California, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 officially made its maiden flight. Designed as a wide-body trijet to bridge the gap between narrow-body airliners and massive jets like the Boeing 747, the DC-10 became an instantly recognizable silhouette in commercial aviation history.

With its iconic third engine mounted right in the base of the tail fin, it paved the way for transcontinental wide-body travel and served airlines across the globe for decades.

Important questions:

🥤 Coke or Diet Coke?

🍿 Salty or sweet?

👓 Foggles or Hood?

If you're tackling your Instrument Rating, you know that keeping your eyes inside the cockpit is half the battle. But when it comes to simulated instrument flight, every pilot has a strong preference on how to block out the visual sky.

Are lightweight, easy-to-stow Foggles superior, or does a classic Francis Hood give you the best restricted field of view for real-world prep?

We break down the pros, cons, and comfort factors of both so you can pick the right gear for your flight bag.

✈️ Read the full guide & shop view limiting devices: https://www.pilotmall.com/blogs/news/foggles-view-limiting-devices-guide

Team Foggles or Team Hood? Drop your pick in the comments below! 👇