Founded in 1949, General Aviation News originally began as a regional newspaper called Western Flyer. It was started by aviation enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest to serve the needs of local pilots. The publication eventually came into its own under Dave Sclair, who purchased the paper in the 1970s to turn it into a national voice for the industry. His idea was to create a dedicated platform for "general aviation"—meaning private pilots and small aircraft owners—rather than the big commercial airlines. Today, the company is still a family business, currently owned by Flyer Media, Inc. and led by Dave’s son, Ben Sclair. Today, General Aviation News is based in Lakewood, Washington, and is focused entirely on the aviation world. They cover news regarding aircraft technology, safety tips, and pilot lifestyle stories, as well as government rules and regulations that affect private flying. They also provide coverage of air shows and industry events, serving as a hub for the pilot community across the country. One interesting fact: A unique fact about General Aviation News is that it predates the internet by several decades. Before it became the website it is today, it built its reputation as a print newspaper that was physically mailed to pilots, and it famously started as a regional paper called Western Flyer before expanding to cover the whole nation.