2026 – Flying Musicians Association, Inc.

From Musician to Private Pilot: My Next Chapter

October 31, 2026October 31, 2026Larry RuffnerNo Comments

Larry RuffnerWhen I first introduced myself to the Flying Musicians Association, I was a musician working toward a longtime dream of becoming a pilot. I mentioned that I was starting this journey a little later in life, and I was excited to connect with others who shared my love for both music and aviation. Well, I have an update! On October 9, at 46 years old, I passed my private pilot checkride and earned my Private Pilot Certificate! Getting here has been quite a journey. Learning to fly has challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, but it’s been an incredible experience to work toward something I’ve wanted to do… Read More

No fly weather :(

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026Lauren Grace ComptonNo Comments

Lauren Grace ComptonGood morning all, Unfortunately, the weather did not agree with IFR today and I will not be able to go up today as I had hoped to. However, I will not let today go to waste as I still have several blocked out free hours. SO, I will be doing youtube ground school started with the things I never really understood including maps, weight and balance charts, and practicing radio calls. I will be reviewing other things as well, but I’ve always practiced things I know I am not as good at first so I remember them better after more review than other topics. Hopefully I will have… Read More

I’M BACK!

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026Lauren Grace ComptonNo Comments

Lauren Grace ComptonHello all! I am pleased to say that I have finally recovered from my concussion and will be returning to the air very soon! Me and my new bike are very exited to start heading down to the airfield so I can get back on the horse that is soloing that plane. I’d also like to thank you all for sticking with me through this long journey. There have been many bumps in the road, and I could not be happier that I am finally going to accomplish what I set out to do. I won’t let you down and I look forward to the post that shows… Read More

Thanks so much for the welcome!

September 24, 2026September 24, 2026Demaree Hill1 Comment

Demaree HillHi, My name is Demaree and I’m new here! I’m based in Nashville! Just beginning ground school! I already love how encouraging this group has been. Excited for events! 😁

Midwest Aviation EXPO – 2026

September 4, 2026September 4, 2026FMA1No Comments

18th Midwest Aviation Expo Mt. Vernon (IL) Outland Airport (MVN) Thurs. 9/10 to Sat. 9/12, 2026 An event designed to promote/sell all things sport aviation and now MOSAIC-related.ALL FREE: Admissions, Parking, Camping, Shuttles FMA members will provide music and outreach. Contact John to volunteer.

School has started!

August 13, 2026August 19, 2026Lauren Grace ComptonNo Comments

Lauren Grace ComptonHello all! As I am returning to the Air Force Academy for another year, I am shifting my flight schooling over to the airfield here! I have been coordinating with the aeroclub here to begin lessons as soon as possible (which has proven very difficult unfortunately) so that I can complete my solo as promised! In other news, Drum and Bugle Corp is back and my section, mallet percussion, has two new members which makes our section of 4 the largest it has ever been! Regular practices have started, and I will hopefully have more pictures and video for you soon! In addition, the Bluebards theater group will… Read More

JD Enshrined

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026FMA1No Comments

John “JD” Dyer USAF Vietnam Veteran, Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Recipient, & Flying Musician a Class of 2006 Hall of Fame Inductee Captain John Dyer was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1949. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he joined the United States Air Force Flight School after graduating from North Carolina A&T University in 1971. At A&T, Dyer was a classmate and roommate with scientist/astronaut Ron McNair. Ron played the saxophone. In the USAF, Dyer served as a flight instructor and was the face of the U.S. Air Force recruiting efforts during the Vietnam War. As part of the 89th Airlift Wing, he flew high-ranking members of… Read More

Pilot by Ear

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026FMA1No Comments

A good read by Yves Le Marquand at Aircraft Investor. Dr. Ian Fries – FMA Board Member

AirVenture – OSH26

July 16, 2026July 25, 2026FMA1No Comments

(New pictures below as they come in.) Attending AirVenture (7/21-26)? We have two nights of music coordinated by John Vining and Josh Homet. Due to the Seaplane Pilots Association moving their event from Thursday to Tuesday this opens up more resources for Thursday evening. In the past several years Mike Dewey coordinated the Irish Trad Session on Thursday evening but due to low musician turnout has decided to take a year off. It appears the audience turnout was good even though a storm soaked everything last year. Mike says he will stop by and share his tin whistle and hopes others will join in. We hope 2027 will see the… Read More

John Vining Shines

July 15, 2026July 15, 2026FMA1No Comments

John Vining, Northwest ambassador, had the privilege of providing music and playing the national anthem at the dedication of the Knox County Aviation Education Center at the end of June. Read the whole article at Open Hanger and Aviation Education Center Dedication at Knox County Airport on 06/27/2026.

Year: 2026