Flying Destinations FLYING Magazine

Bucket List Airports: Here Are Some Can’t-Miss Places

Experience thrill, history, and challenge at these logbook-worthy locations.

Grant Boyd

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Catalina Island [Credit: Jessica Ambats]

Key Takeaways:

When looking through your logbook, there are some flights that stick out more than others.

Your first solo. The time you took a spouse or friend for their first general aviation flight. Or maybe you were able to add a few clicks of Hobbs time behind the powerful engines of a warbird. These noteworthy events are part of the reason flying is so enjoyable and worth the continued costs and time spent remaining current.

Grant Boyd

Grant Boyd is a private pilot with eight years of experience in aviation business, including marketing, writing, customer service, and sales. Boyd holds a Bachelor's and a Master's of Business Administration degree, both from Wichita State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Oklahoma State University. He was chosen as a NBAA Business Aviation ""Top 40 Under 40"" award recipient in 2020.