How We Research

Radio Hangar content is only as good as its sources. This page documents where our information comes from, how we verify it, and what we do when sources conflict.

Primary News Sources

Our news coverage draws from established aviation journalism outlets via their public RSS feeds:

• AVweb - General aviation news, industry analysis, and pilot-focused reporting. One of the longest-running aviation news outlets online.
• AOPA - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association news, advocacy updates, and GA pilot resources.
• EAA - Experimental Aircraft Association news, homebuilt aviation, and AirVenture Oshkosh coverage.
• FAA Safety - Federal Aviation Administration safety bulletins, regulatory updates, and airworthiness directives.
• Simple Flying - Aviation industry news covering commercial and general aviation.
• The Aviationist - Military and commercial aviation reporting.
• Flying Magazine - General aviation features, training content, and pilot stories.

Headlines are facts and are not copyrightable. All analysis, commentary, and narrative content is original to Radio Hangar. We always credit the reporting outlet that broke the story.

Training and Regulatory Sources

Flight training content references official FAA publications and standards:

• 14 CFR (Federal Aviation Regulations) - The regulatory foundation for all aviation operations in the United States.
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS) - The FAA’s standards for pilot certification knowledge, risk management, and skill.
• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) - The FAA’s foundational reference for aeronautical knowledge.
• Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH) - The FAA’s reference for flight maneuvers and procedures.
• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) - The FAA’s guide to flight information and ATC procedures.

When we cite a regulation, we cite the specific section (e.g., 14 CFR 91.151 for VFR fuel reserves). When we reference a procedure, we reference the handbook and chapter.

History and Reference Sources

Aviation history content draws from:

• Published biographies, memoirs, and historical accounts
• Museum archives and exhibit documentation (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, EAA Aviation Museum, National Museum of the United States Air Force)
• Manufacturer historical records
• Contemporary news accounts from the period being covered

We name our sources in every history segment. When accounts conflict, we note the discrepancy rather than choosing a side.

How We Handle Conflicting Information

Aviation content sometimes involves conflicting sources, evolving facts, or disputed claims. Our approach:

1. When official sources exist, we defer to them. FAA publications take precedence over secondary commentary for regulatory and procedural topics.
2. When sources conflict, we say so. We present both sides rather than picking one without explanation.
3. When facts are developing, we label them as such. Breaking news gets updated as more information becomes available.
4. When we are uncertain, we say “we don’t know.” We do not fill gaps with speculation presented as fact.

What We Don’t Do

• We do not fabricate quotes, statistics, or historical details.
• We do not present opinion as fact or fact as opinion.
• We do not give flight instruction. Training content is educational, not instructional. Always consult your CFI.
• We do not use copyrighted content beyond fair-use commentary on publicly reported news.

Corrections and Feedback

If you find an error in our sourcing or believe we have misrepresented a fact, please let us know. We take corrections seriously and update published content with clear notes explaining what changed.

See our Editorial Standards for more on our editorial process, and our About page for who we are.