Subject: Friday Dispatch: MedXPress Gets a “Pre-Flight” Facelift, Warbird Restoration Wins, and the 2026 Industry Outlook
Welcome to your weekly briefing from Flying Digest, where we believe the soul of aviation is found in the camaraderie of the hangar and the focus of the cockpit. For the week of January 16–23, 2026, the mood is one of forward-looking modernization, as the FAA streamlines medical certification and the warbird community prepares for a landmark airshow season.
General Aviation News
- MedXPress “Pre-Flight” Update: On January 23, the FAA introduced major changes to the MedXPress landing page to reduce aeromedical delays. New links and prompts now help pilots research medical conditions and “pre-flight” their applications with required documentation before seeing an Aviation Medical Examiner.
- Latin America Flight Advisory: As of January 16, the FAA has issued a 60-day sweeping advisory for pilots flying over Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. Heightened caution is urged at all altitudes due to increased military activity and satellite navigation (GNSS) interference.
- Sacramento Landing Gear Incident: On January 16, the pilot of a Piper PA-28 reported a landing gear issue after touching down at Sacramento McClellan Airport. The pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured; the FAA has launched an investigation into the mechanical failure.
- Pilot Perspective—The “Data-Driven” Cockpit: The latest FAA Safety Briefing highlights a shifting culture where GA pilots are increasingly using tools like the National General Aviation Flight Information Database (NGAFID) to analyze their own flight data for better safety outcomes.
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Warbird Reports
- Raptor Demo Team Confirmed: The USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, led by Captain Nick “Laz” Le Trouneau, has been officially confirmed for its first-ever visit to New Zealand for the Easter 2026 circuit.
- Clarktor 6 Tugs Fully Restored: On January 20, the Oehme Brothers War Horse Garage in Pennsylvania announced the successful full restoration of two WWII-era Clarktor 6 aircraft tugs. These vintage workhorses are now ready to support heavy warbird ground operations.
- SBD Dauntless Milestone: Restoration of a rare SBD Dauntless at Pioneer Aero reached a pivotal stage this week, with technicians completing the permanent riveting of the inboard leading edges and applying the first layer of topcoat paint.
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Industry Insights
- 2026 Financial Outlook: A major industry report released on January 23 predicts a record global net profit of $41 billion for airlines in 2026, driven by lower fuel prices and a projected 4.9% rise in global passenger traffic.
- ATC Modernization Prime Integrator: Work has officially begun with Peraton as the Prime Integrator for the FAA’s mission to fundamentally overhaul the nation’s air traffic control system. The initiative focuses on transitioning legacy infrastructure to modern, high-speed platforms.
- Supply Chain Bottlenecks: Despite a projected 30% rise in aircraft deliveries for 2026, industry analysts warn that a record-high order backlog of 17,000 aircraft means supply-side constraints will likely persist through 2031.
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