Trending Topics surfaces the conversations gaining momentum across the PlanesChat network — ranked by a momentum score that weights recency and unique verified-pilot participation, not raw reply count. No engagement bait, no algorithm pushing rage threads.
Trending only counts replies from verified pilots, weighted by how recently the activity happened. A 200-reply thread from three months ago does not outrank an active 40-reply thread from this morning.
FAA NPRMs and reg changes the community is reacting to. Avionics firmware updates and field reports. Weather events impacting major training regions. Gear reviews, type-club discussions, and incident debriefs.
Engagement-based feeds reward outrage and hot takes. Momentum rewards genuine discussion — threads where pilots are exchanging information faster than the rest of the platform.