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A New Aviation News Source - AvBrief

Ironflight

Ironflight

VAF Moderator / Line Boy
Mentor
Mods - This non-RV post has been approved by DR!

Many of us have followed the online news source Avweb for a daily dose of what is going on in aviation. The company that owns Avweb (and other publications, including Kitplanes) recently fired its Editor in Chief, Russ Niles because they are going with articles written by young staffers using AI. Russ, a 21-year veteran of Avweb - knows the value of actual aviation journalism written by real, knowledgeable aviators, and today began producing AvBrief.org, a thrice-weekly online news compilation by aviators, for aviators. If you ares used to drinking your morning coffee and getting briefed for the day by the old web site, I think you’ll enjoy his new offering! BTW, Russ has been shopping for an RV-6 for quite awhile…..

avbrief.org

So Long AVweb, Hello AVBrief - AvBrief.com

My old publication AVweb is changing so we're carrying on its traditions with a new publication called AVBrief
avbrief.org avbrief.org

IMG_0196.jpeg
 
Paul, thanks for posting. I think AI can be a useful tool, however, I wonder about the liability of an “official publication” publishing something that is incorrect resulting in an incident and/or loss of life.

Further, it hurts the mind thinking of an LLM putting out a falsehood that is then picked up by another, and incorporated, and pick up by another now with an N = 2, and so on until it become a “statistical truth” with a high degree of certainty!
 
Ironflight said:
Mods - This non-RV post has been approved by DR!

Many of us have followed the online news source Avweb for a daily dose of what s going on in aviation. The company that owns Avweb (and other publications, including Kitplanes) recently fired its Editor in Chief, Russ Niles because they are going with articles written by young staffers using AI. Russ, a 21-year veteran of Avweb - knows the value of actual aviation journalism written by real, knowledgeable aviators, and today began producing AvBrief.org, a thrice-weekly online news compilation by aviators, for aviators. If you ares used to drinking your morning coffee and getting briefed for the day by the old web site, I think you’ll enjoy his new offering! BTW, Russ has been shopping for an RV-6 for quite awhile…..

avbrief.org

So Long AVweb, Hello AVBrief - AvBrief.com

My old publication AVweb is changing so we're carrying on its traditions with a new publication called AVBrief
avbrief.org avbrief.org

View attachment 94302
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Yes, I do read AvWeb every morning with my coffee.
Yes, I have now subscribed to AvBrief and replaced AvWeb with it in my bookmarks.
Thanks for letting us know.
 
Ironflight said:
because they are going with articles written by young staffers using AI.
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What a shame that someone thinks that AI is a replacement for experience.

I sold cutting edge, high leverage, enterprise software similar to AI that could seriously move the efficiency needle. To succeed, folks needed to make disciplined changes to receive benefits without draining critical assets holding the knowledge and experience that were fundamental to it's success. It was always based on more effeciently and effectively utilizing the experience and knowledge of the senior folks by the junior folks, at scale. Sadly, the vast majority failed to achieve results, as they were unwilling to "do the hard work." They all wanted quick fixes and treated the software/methodology as a quick fix even though it wasn't. Seems that is the way most corporations chasing quick bumps in market cap, choose to run the business.

AI is clearly a new tool to be used and surely will create improvements. However, it is not a miracle that will allow companies to dump their staff in favor of it. It is just another tool, just like the typewriter, that will improve efficiency and produce small reductions in junior staff.
 
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rv6builder said:
I've signed up! I don't want to read any AI crap.
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I'm seeing a lot more YouTube videos that sure seem to be AI generated. Typically, very shallow content. Mispronunciations. I know they'll improve, but I would generally prefer the human element with this type of thing. As for workplace enhancement, I'm all-in on the new AI apps. Just have to double-check all the critical pieces.
 
lr172 said:
What a shame that someone thinks that AI is a replacement for experience.

I sold cutting edge, high leverage, enterprise software similar to AI that could seriously move the efficiency needle. To succeed, folks needed to make disciplined changes to receive benefits without draining critical assets holding the knowledge and experience that were fundamental to it's success. It was always based on more effeciently and effectively utilizing the experience and knowledge of the senior folks by the junior folks, at scale. Sadly, the vast majority failed to achieve results, as they were unwilling to "do the hard work." They all wanted quick fixes and treated the software/methodology as a quick fix even though it wasn't. Seems that is the way most corporations chasing quick bumps in market cap, choose to run the business.

AI is clearly a new tool to be used and surely will create improvements. However, it is not a miracle that will allow companies to dump their staff in favor of it. It is just another tool, just like the typewriter, that will improve efficiency and produce small reductions in junior staff.
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That's a great perspective, and I completely agree with the nuance you bring to the conversation. AI, like any transformative technology before it, is only as powerful as the experience, insight, and discipline of the people wielding it. Cutting-edge tools—whether enterprise software from years past or today’s AI—can amplify the wisdom of experienced professionals, but only when organizations are willing to do the hard work of change management and invest in upskilling and process integration.

I’ve also noticed that real value comes when AI augments human talent rather than seeks to replace it. Automating routine tasks can free up time for senior and junior teams alike to focus on higher-level work, but it still takes human judgment, mentorship, and an openness to adapt to actually move the needle. Too many companies hope for shortcuts or overnight gains instead of doing the foundational work that lets everyone—especially those with deep expertise—contribute at a higher level with these new tools.

In short, AI works best as a complement, not a replacement. The real differentiators are the people, their experience, and how organizations embrace change to harness all available tools effectively. Thanks for sparking such an important discussion!

(The above was AI generated.)
 
In my business we're already seeing significant damage to critical thinking ability that over-reliance on AI is facilitating. People unfortunately are lazy and too often use AI as a crutch instead of as a tool in the tool box
 
Let it rip*, Russ and Paul. We got your backs. You got this.

* I’ve been watching ‘The Bear’ on Hulu.
 
Having recently referenced an old Kitplanes article about making a very simple and cheap tool to replace a crankshaft oil seal, for a laugh I decided to see what "AI" could come up with to compare.... I typed in "design me a tool to stretch a crankshaft oil seal over the prop flange of a Lycoming O-320".

Not quite the same as the genius Kitplanes one that worked perfectly.


Alex
 

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Ironflight said:
Many of us have followed the online news source Avweb for a daily dose of what is going on in aviation. The company that owns Avweb (and other publications, including Kitplanes) recently fired its Editor in Chief, Russ Niles because they are going with articles written by young staffers using AI. Russ, a 21-year veteran of Avweb - knows the value of actual aviation journalism written by real, knowledgeable aviators, and today began producing AvBrief.org, a thrice-weekly online news compilation by aviators, for aviators. If you ares used to drinking your morning coffee and getting briefed for the day by the old web site, I think you’ll enjoy his new offering!
Click to expand...

I was one of the earliest subscribers to AVweb -- back when Mike Busch had just started it. Over the past few years I found it increasingly difficult to even maintain a subscription. The emails just would never be delivered. Couldn't comment, either. Eventually I just gave up.

I'm glad to see someone carrying on the spirit and commitment of the original AVweb. I'm sure AI has it's place, but to buy all those aviation publications and then turn them into AI-driven, low cost shadows of their former selves is just not something I'm interested in. Hopefully the parent company will realize this is not a good fit and sell them to someone who has a passion for aviation writing and journalism rather than being motivated by economies of scale as they try to make a bigger buck.

Ironflight said:
BTW, Russ has been shopping for an RV-6 for quite awhile…..
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Seems like a smart gent. Let's see if he can beat my record. It only took me 20 years to find the right one... :)

--Ron
 
Russ should try to un-retire Bertorelli, at least for a guest appearance. I would love to read his views on current developments ;)

Break.

In my opinion, the #1 issue at Firecrown should indeed be content generation...due to lack of human motivation, not AI. I can't speak firsthand regarding other Firecrown titles, but I do know Kitplanes editors and contributors have experienced considerable delay in compensation. It's been the elephant in the room for months...enough so that even an AI tool can generate commentary:

ScreenHunter_2890 Aug. 06 10.40.jpg

Speaking for myself, I received a check on August 2nd, for an article submitted in February, and published in April. This only after making a personal visit to the Firecrown offices in Chattanooga on the 25th, and a cordial conversation with the president.

Again, the deep issue here is motivation. Money is a big factor, but it's also about respect. When the humans stop, AI generation is all that remains.

I strongly suggest you support AvBrief, and VAF.
 
It's natural for people to be comfortable with what they're used to and uncomfortable with change. Sadly for them, the exponential decrease in the doubling time of human knowledge is going to exponentially increase that discomfort. Right now, in these very early stages, AI has limited usefulness and is more of a novelty than useful tool. That will change, and rapidly, especially with the looming advent of quantum computing. Shit's about to get real guys...
 
Darin Watson said:
Further, it hurts the mind thinking of an LLM putting out a falsehood that is then picked up by another, and incorporated, and pick up by another now with an N = 2, and so on until it become a “statistical truth” with a high degree of certainty!
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This is called Model Collapse.
MacCool said:
Right now, in these very early stages, AI has limited usefulness and is more of a novelty than useful tool. That will change, and rapidly, especially with the looming advent of quantum computing. Shit's about to get real guys...
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I've been hearing about how AI is "just around the corner" since the 70s. Always, and forever, "any day now, just wait".
 
RV7A Flyer said:
This is called Model Collapse.

I've been hearing about how AI is "just around the corner" since the 70s. Always, and forever, "any day now, just wait".
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Agree.
What they now call AI isn't much more than a significant advance in search technology, indexing, natural language processing and some basic rule processing logic. I still chuckle at the name. While it is artificial, it is any thing but intelligence. Any form of intelligence requires an ability to learn and apply judgement. What passes for AI today has no meaningfull feedback loop. Without that it can't really learn. Additionally, learning typically involves instruction and mentorship. So, without intelligent people feeding back what it is doing right or wrong, it can't really learn; or not learn anything usefull. if it can't learn, it can't really be intelligent. At least not the way we define it in the human context.
 
Not to be argumentative, but I chuckle at those who can't see the exponential increase in human knowledge over the last generation and understand its implications, thinking that anything that was true in the 70's has any relevance 50 years later.
 
I might give it a try, but I ditched AvWeb a while back due to the comment section essentially becoming a barely moderated soapbox for everyone's crazy uncle with a political or social axe to grind. Sure, we don't have to read comments but to me a robust, relevant and respectful dialogue among readers (a hallmark of VAF) is part of the value of any such outlet. When that becomes toxic, it's not worth my time. I would hope that Russ takes a page from DR when it comes to rules and moderation of the comments.
 
MacCool said:
Not to be argumentative, but I chuckle at those who can't see the exponential increase in human knowledge over the last generation and understand its implications, thinking that anything that was true in the 70's has any relevance 50 years later.
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well, Boyd was relevant in the seventies…
 
Paul: thanks for the note, and the opportunity to support Russ Niles and the new venture.
 
Anyone else get this on their PC?

Outlook has detected an unsafe link.​

Visiting this website might not be safe.

Outlook has blocked the link https://avbrief.org/. This website might harm your computer or cause your personal information to be stolen. We recommend that you do not continue.

Return to Outlook
 
MacCool said:
Not to be argumentative, but I chuckle at those who can't see the exponential increase in human knowledge over the last generation and understand its implications, thinking that anything that was true in the 70's has any relevance 50 years later.
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Maybe I wasn't clear...I've been hearing about AI as "just about there" Every. Single. Year. since the 70s. And it's ALWAYS "just about there". Sorta like fusion as the answer to all the world's power demands. Just about there!

Just as it is today.
 
AI, used responsibly, by knowledgeable people moves the efficiency mark as several above have noted. I recently had conversations with a business who utilized AI to write a marketing brief on a new product. The AI generator allowed the user to filter sources and pear down to trusted sources. Not only did it generate the brief, it generated a webcast with hosts that spoke with perfect deflection and dialect. They also used it to generate an automated product selection guide with thousands of variations.
AI did this in a few days. He told me at the last company he owned it cost them $900k.
I will absolutely subscribe to AVBrief and have no issues if they use AI as a tool as long as knowledgeable people are in control of the output.
 
DanH said:
Russ should try to un-retire Bertorelli, at least for a guest appearance. I would love to read his views on current developments ;)
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Bertorelli was always good for honesty and snark. I really miss the days when the articles on Avweb said what everyone else was thinking, but didn't put in writing. That largely ended with the warbird crash at Oshkosh a bunch of years ago where Avweb opined on who was at fault and the guy who earned that title sued 'em. There have been a few pointed barbs since then, but like Cougar said in Top Gun, they lost the edge.

Anyhow, I would welcome back some of the less filtered commentary like was in AvWeb 20 years ago...
 
arffguy said:
I have not seen any of you ask this question.

Is Kitplanes magazine going to go to pot now?
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I tried to subscribe to Kitplanes a few weeks ago. It was a disaster. After spending more than an hour on the telephone, I finally got through to a real live person who then canceled my subscription at my request.

They used AI generated phone support. It was impressive in that the AI “young woman” they used spoke in upspeak and “vocal fry” so common among young women of the Gen Z persuasion. Pretty impressive except that I got tired of it after hearing the same scripts for an hour!
 
arffguy said:
I have not seen any of you ask this question.

Is Kitplanes magazine going to go to pot now?
Click to expand...
Great question. I just resubscribed at Oshkosh 'cause the rate was more reasonable than the $45 renewal rate they offered me by mail. We'll see if it is worth ~$30/yr going forward. I know if I compare an issue from 15 years ago to the latest issue, the page count seems to have declined...
 
DanH said:
There have been significant developments. The Kitplanes you know is gone.
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Word on the street is that the new owners aren't looking for first person articles from contributors any more. They want their editors to write the articles. Which works OK if you have enough editors working on enough projects to provide first person, hands-on articles. Otherwise, it's gonna be Kitplanes Lite. All the cost with a fraction of the useful content.
 
Well it’s probably time that I comment on further developments a little bit. The short answer is that AvWeb and Kitplanes have been sister publications for decades, and they were both bought (along with Aviation Consumer, IFR, etc) two years ago by Firecrown, a new publishing collective with broad reach. They are budget-driven and trying to provide synergy between markets - but the bottom line is that they don’t understand speciality publishing, and the need for subject matter experts that can also write…. (BTW - the magazine has been base lined at 84 pages for as long as I can remember - it has never gone below that. Sometimes it goes above that to accommodate Buyer’s Guides. But the magazine is thinner because of thinner paper….)

Therefore, it is with great regret that I have to post that due to changes in management by the owners of the Kitplanes brand, the editorial staff has reluctantly had to take the position that we simply can’t produce the magazine at the level of quality and content that our readers have come to expect from the 41-year history of the publication. Because of this, the senior editors have all decided that the September issue will be their last under Firecrown, and are exploring for ways to continue providing the content our readers have come to expect in other venues. We have let our regular (and occasional) contributors know this, and most have said “tell us when we have a new outlet!” Because we all recognize the desire that builders and pilots have for this kind of material.

I have been with Kitplanes in some capacity or another for about fifteen years, and have enjoyed bringing together a great team of people to write about Experimental aviation. I’ll miss that if we can’t continue in some form!

Paul
 
MacCool said:
Not to be argumentative, but I chuckle at those who can't see the exponential increase in human knowledge over the last generation and understand its implications, thinking that anything that was true in the 70's has any relevance 50 years later.
Click to expand...
So what was true in the 70s is not true (relevant) today? Really? Seems to me truth is absolute! The truth of gravitational physics in the 70s holds the same gravitational truth today! Measurement of HP for an engine holds true today just as it did in the 70s. I contend there are still many relevant 50 yo concepts and ideas still very relevant today.

Throwing aside older concepts for the sake of embracing new just for the sake of experiencing new is not a good enough reason for me. Show me the value that will enhance my experience and I am there. Such is the reason I embraced these new fangled EFIS systems when they first came out instead of “poo pooing” them. Replace something old because the new is better works for me. Replacing something old for new because it appears to be the in thing, show me the value..

Relevancy is not the issue when deciding whether one wants to work with AI or not. The technology has to provide a substantial advantage over the existing technology before it will become relevant.
 
I originally subscribed to KitPlanes in 1984 (the very beginning). I've even contributed a couple of articles myself.

It is so sad to see the best magazine, of any kind (IMHO), go down the drain. Of course it is no surprise. Most all of us have seen it coming for some time.
 
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Ironflight said:
I have been with Kitplanes in some capacity or another for about fifteen years, and have enjoyed brining together a great team of people to write about Experimental aviation. I’ll miss that if we can’t continue in some form!
Click to expand...

Russ left AVweb to start AVbrief. And it seems to be off to an auspicious beginning, because there's still a strong desire for quality news coverage of general aviation.

So if you leave Kitplanes, one can't help but wonder when we might expect the first issue of... oh let's see, what shall we call it... KitBuilder? KitAircraft? KitFlight? KitCraft? AeroBuilder? Aviator's Blueprint?

--Ron
 
Signed up. Best of luck.
Zero interest in anything AI. Let those puters drive Tesla taxis.

I won't be renewing my Kitplanes subscription. Pretty sad. It was a great rag despite my few contributions. I hope someone publishes another.
 
Ironflight said:
Well it’s probably time that I comment on further developments a little bit. The short answer is that AvWeb and Kitplanes have been sister publications for decades, and they were both bought (along with Aviation Consumer, IFR, etc) two years ago by Firecrown, a new publishing collective with broad reach. They are budget-driven and trying to provide synergy between markets - but the bottom line is that they don’t understand speciality publishing, and the need for subject matter experts that can also write…. (BTW - the magazine has Ben base lined at 84 pages for as long as I can remember - it has never gone below that. Sometimes it goes above that to accommodate Buyer’s Guides. But the magazine is thinner because of thinner paper….)

Therefore, it is with great regret that I have to post that due to changes in management by the owners of the Kitplanes brand, the editorial staff has reluctantly had to take the position that we simply can’t produce the magazine at the level of quality and content that our readers have come to expect from the 41-year history of the publication. Because of this, the senior editors have all decided that the September issue will be their last under Firecrown, and are exploring for ways to continue providing the content our readers have come to expect in other venues. We have let our regular (and occasional) contributors know this, and most have said “tell us when we have a new outlet!” Because we all recognize the desire that builders and pilots have for this kind of material.

I have been with Kitplanes in some capacity or another for about fifteen years, and have enjoyed brining together a great team of people to write about Experimental aviation. I’ll miss that if we can’t continue in some form!

Paul
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Oh man, sad news indeed. Thanks for the update, and obviously keep us posted what comes next!

I just renewed my subscription too.... bummer

Alex
 
Please shift that talent into improving EAA Sport Aviatiom. It has never come back from Jack Cox's passing and is stale.

VAF could sink Firecrown in content, context and quality. Is historical Kitplanes archived beyond what Fircrown can mismanage?
 
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