State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office unveiled last week renderings for a landmark transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Backed by a $20+ billion capital investment program, a historic collaboration between USDOT, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and United Airlines will oversee the transformation […]
Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions
Rotortrade is reporting that they have successfully completed 30 Super Puma transactions, the vast majority involving the H225 platform, supporting operators, governments, leasing companies and financial institutions across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. These projects have included aircraft sales and acquisitions, return-to-service programs, heavy maintenance coordination, aircraft repossessions, long-term storage, mission conversions, technical upgrades, […]
Wearing the #26 Florida Panthers “Thunderbirds” Jersey at AirVenture 2026
I’m always up for trying something new and being unique in some way. As some of you know, my day job is working in the video game industry and I love it when games and aviation come together! A couple of years ago I bought a bunch of aviation related video game shirts to wear […]
A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 marked my 17th time attending the world’s greatest aviation celebration. This was also the end of my first full year as an EAA Lifetime Member which I officially signed up for at the end of AirVenture last year. This year I flew down to Raleigh, North Carolina to meet up with […]

State News

NBAA, NATA Welcome Cleveland Coalition’s Call to Keep Burke Lakefront Airport Open

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes new calls from a host of Cleveland-area business, education and civic leaders for the Cleveland City Council to reject Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposal to close Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL). More than 50 local business leaders joined dozens of citizens and other Cleveland voices in signing letters urging the mayor and the city to support the airport and asking the city council to hold a hearing on its future. In the letters, the airport advocates argue that BKL is an essential community asset, critical to the city’s progress, prosperity, regional connectivity and workforce opportunity. “NBAA applauds the local residents, business owners, school officials, families and others who recognize that Burke Lakefront Airport is an indispensable economic engine,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Equally important, the airport is a critical incubator for workforce growth in America’s aerospace industry, a key connectivity link for area businesses to cities across and beyond the U.S., a reliever airfield for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport [CLE] and a lifeline for the region’s advanced healthcare operations, including lifesaving medical flights.” Read the letter from Cleveland-area business leaders. Read the letter from Cleveland-area students and professionals. NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) joined the discussion urging a thoughtful, transparent, and fact-based evaluation of the airport’s long-term value to Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region. “Communities build airports with a long-term vision because they recognize that aviation infrastructure supports far more than aviation alone. Airports strengthen local economies, connect businesses, support emergency and medical services, create career opportunities, and provide transportation capacity that communities depend on for decades,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. Those who signed the letter noted that since the start of this year, the city council has provided four opportunities for airport-closure advocates to present their arguments. “It is only just and democratic that a similar forum be provided” for citizens seeking a fully informed assessment of the airport’s future, the letter signatories added. “Such a hearing would allow constituents and aviation professionals to share their unique perspectives, technical expertise and vital concerns directly with the council, ensuring a balanced and transparent decision-making process for the future of this critical asset.” The letters come on the heels of recently released data from the Ohio Department of Transportation, which finds that Burke Lakefront Airport generates $195 million in direct annual economic activity and directly sustains 664 jobs. The airport also generates significant tax revenue, attracts business investment to Cleveland and benefits the city in other important ways. For example, the Cleveland National Air Show, staged from BKL, draws more than 100,000 visitors and millions of dollars to the city’s hospitality sector each year. That said, the event is purpose-built for production at BKL and show organizers have long maintained the air show cannot be moved to an alternate location. Burke Lakefront Airport also plays a central role in confronting a national challenge: the severe shortage of pilots and other aviation professionals, who are key to preserving America’s global aviation leadership. The flight-instruction academies at BKL provide the city with a distinct advantage in leadership on a national priority, while helping local students find promising aviation careers. Closing BKL means closing off Cleveland’s position as a “classroom” for hundreds of professionals in a global industry. “Once an airport is shuttered, it is gone forever, foreclosing opportunities for the businesses that rely on it today, and the potential for it to foster investment and economic growth in the future,” said George Katsikas, president and CEO at Aitheras Aviation Group and member of the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership. “The highest and best use of this land is its current use: as a world-class aviation facility.” “Cleveland’s aviation infrastructure is a competitive advantage for the city and region,” Bolen concluded. “NBAA joins with city residents and businesses in urging the council to pursue an informed, methodical approach as the basis for a balanced, consensus-based plan for Burke Lakefront Airport. A decision of this magnitude impacts not only existing airport users, but also the future of aviation and aerospace in Northeast Ohio.”
New Studies Find Aviation and Aerospace Generate $3.6 Billion for North Dakota

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has announced the completion of the 2025 North Dakota State Aviation System Plan (NDSASP) and the 2025 North Dakota Aviation Economic Impact Study (NDAEIS), representing the state’s most comprehensive evaluation of North Dakota’s aviation system in more than a decade. Conducted in partnership with airports, aviation businesses, state and federal agencies, industry stakeholders, and communities across North Dakota, the two studies provide an updated flight plan for the future of the state’s aviation system while documenting the significant economic contributions that aviation makes to North Dakota’s economy. The studies found that North Dakota’s aviation and aerospace industry generates nearly $3.6 billion in annual economic output and supports approximately 28,734 jobs statewide. This includes the economic activity generated by the state’s 89 public-use airports, aerospace manufacturers, the University of North Dakota’s School of Aerospace Sciences, the unmanned aircraft systems industry, and Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases. North Dakota’s public-use airports alone support an estimated 13,637 jobs, generate more than $750 million in annual payroll, and produce nearly $1.8 billion in annual economic output through airport operations, aviation businesses, capital investments, and visitor activity. “North Dakota’s aviation system is fundamental to our state’s economy, and these studies demonstrate the value that it delivers to communities, businesses, and residents across North Dakota,” said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Our airports connect communities, support critical industries, and generate billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Together, these findings reinforce that a strong aviation system is essential to North Dakota’s economic strength, statewide connectivity, and long-term competitiveness.” In addition to documenting aviation’s current economic impact, the State Aviation System Plan evaluates existing airport infrastructure, forecasts future aviation activity, and identifies priorities that will help guide aviation investment over the next decade. The plan estimates approximately $1.1 billion in airport infrastructure needs across North Dakota during the next ten years. While federal, state, and local funding programs are expected to support much of this investment, the study identifies an estimated $350 million funding shortfall that will require continued collaboration and strategic investment to ensure the state’s airports remain safe, efficient, and capable of supporting future transportation and economic needs. “The aviation industry has changed significantly over the past decade,” Wanner said. “North Dakota has emerged as a national leader in areas such as unmanned aircraft systems, aerospace education, and aviation innovation while continuing to make strategic investments in both commercial service and general aviation airports. These studies provide a blueprint for future decisions that will help shape an aviation system that continues to drive economic opportunity, strengthen statewide connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for all North Dakotans.” Public Presentation Schedule To share the results of both studies, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission will host four public presentations across the state. Each presentation will provide an overview of the findings, including statewide aviation trends, economic impacts, infrastructure needs, and aviation activity forecasts. Bismarck, ND Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. Bismarck Airport ARFF Building 2301 University Drive, Building 14 Minot, ND Tuesday, August 25 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. Minot City Council Chambers 10 3rd Avenue SW Grand Forks, ND Wednesday, August 26 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. The Hive 375 2nd Avenue N Fargo, ND Thursday, August 27 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. Fargo Air Museum 1609 19th Avenue North Airport sponsors, elected officials, aviation businesses, pilots, community leaders, and members of the public are encouraged to attend. View Study Fact Sheet View Study Executive Summary Visit the Project Website:

National News

SWAAAE Announces Board of Directors Election Results and Annual Awards

The 2026-28 Board of Directors election was held in late July in conjunction with the 80th Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference in Palm Desert, CA. Below are the results of the election, as well as Board member advancements: Andrew J. Swanson, C.A.E., of Palo Alto Airport advanced from 1st Vice President to President Alex Smith, A.A.E., C.A.E., of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority advanced from 2nd Vice President to 1st Vice President Cole T. Hartfiel, C.M., ACE, of Sacramento County Department of Airports was elected to 2nd Vice President Gladys D. Brown, C.A.E., C.M., of Yuma International Airport & Rolle Airfield advanced from President to Immediate Past President and President of the SWAAAE Foundation Brett J. Godown, A.A.E., C.A.E., of County of San Bernardino Department of Airports was appointed to Director to represent Southern California for a one-year term Benjamin Westergren, C.M., of Santa Barbara Municipal Airport continues his term as Director to represent Southern California James Cullison, C.M., of Sacramento County Department of Airports was elected as Director to represent Northern California Francisco Partida, C.M., C.A.E., USAP, of City of Fresno, Airports Department continues his term as Director to represent Northern California Graham Ritz, A.A.E., C.A.E., ACE, of Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority continues his term as Director to represent Nevada Sarah Demory, A.A.E., ACE, of City of Phoenix Aviation Department was re-elected as Director to represent Arizona Tim O’Keeffe, C.M., ACE, of San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport continues his term as Director At-Large Stephanie Sampson of Accenture was elected as Corporate Director Brett Shank of RS&H continues his term as Corporate Director Chad Makovsky, A.A.E., C.A.E., of City of Phoenix Aviation Department continues his term as AAAE Director Mark Witsoe, A.A.E., C.A.E., of Napa County Airport continues his term as AAAE Director Andrew Solsvig, A.A.E., of City of Redding Airports continues to serve as the Chapter’s AAAE Board of Examiners Representative Jennifer Maples, A.A.E., C.A.E., ACE, of City of Phoenix Aviation Department continues to serve as the Chapter’s AAAE Nominating Committee Representative SAJ Joins SWAAAE in Congratulating Their 2026 Chapter Award Winners and SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship Recipients SWAAAE was pleased to recognize the recipients of their Chapter Annual Awards. During the President’s Banquet on Tuesday, July 21, they proudly honored the following individuals with this year’s awards: Lifetime Achievement – The Wanamaker Award: Michael D. Hill, DBIA, CPC, LEED AP, Sundt Construction Aviation Excellence Award: Katherine Bales, C.M., ACE GA, C.A.E., Napa County Airport Airport Executive of the Year: Charlene Reynolds, John Wayne Airport President’s Award: Anita Cobb, MBA, Mead & Hunt President’s Award: ZØØ Visual & Audio Production Committee Award of Distinction: Alice Bimrose, A.A.E., ACE, C.A.E., PSM² Outstanding Committee Service Award: Erica Ledesma, C.A.E., City of Livermore Mentorship & Leadership Award: Lisa Watada,WSP Volunteer of the Year: Katherine Bales, C.M., ACE GA, C.A.E., Napa County Airport SWAAAE Member of the Year: Whitney Robare, C.A.E., Monterey Regional Airport Emerging Leader: James Bui, City of Palo Alto Operational Excellence and Community Spirit: Loriann Chace, C.M., ACE, ASC, Sacramento County Department of Airports Aviation Partner Award: KCA Association and Event Management New Certified Airport Executive Chapter Members SWAAAE is pleased to announce Erica Ledesma, Property Manager for Livermore Municipal Airport, T.J. Chen, PE, CM, Senior Program Manager at AtkinsRealis, and Donald Williams Jr., Operations Manager of Monterey Regional Airport District, were recently awarded the SWAAAE designation of Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.). This designation is a testament to expertise and commitment to excellence in airport management. SWAAAE also congratulates the following SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship recipients: 2026 Summer Conference Scholarship Recipient: Andrew Solsvig 2026 Summer Conference Scholarship Recipient: Max Bloom 2026 Summer Conference Scholarship Recipient: Purdina Guerra Academic Scholarship Recipient: Mst Nahar Accreditation Scholarship Recipient: Mohammed Jaweed For more information regarding the awards, please visit: Chapter Annual Awards — https://swaaae.org/Awards Certified Airport Executive — https://swaaae.org/Certification SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship — https://swaaae.org/Scholarships
NAA Selects General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. as the 2026 Bruce Whitman Trophy Recipient

The National Aeronautic Association announced that General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., USAF (Ret.), has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Bruce Whitman Trophy. General Brown is recognized for his exceptional leadership and professional achievements in aerospace over nearly 40 years of military service, as well as his enduring dedication to preserving military heritage and mentoring the next generation of aerospace leaders. Charles Q Brown, Jr. The Whitman Trophy was established by the NAA in 2019 to honor the legacy of the late aerospace executive and philanthropist Bruce Whitman, who served for more than 15 years as CEO of FlightSafety International. The trophy recognizes a living U.S. citizen for significant professional achievement in aerospace and for dedicated efforts to preserve and promote military heritage by leveraging institutions to educate the public, especially students, about the profound sacrifices and legacy of U.S. military service. “The Bruce Whitman Trophy celebrates those who reach the absolute pinnacle of aerospace achievement while ensuring the history, honor, and sacrifices of our military are preserved to inspire future generations,” said Jim Albaugh, Chair, NAA Board of Directors. “General Brown’s career embodies the very definition of this honor. From the flight line to the highest echelons of military leadership, his profound strategic vision has shaped the aerospace landscape, while his continued devotion to educating students ensures that our nation’s military heritage remains an active source of inspiration.” General Brown’s distinguished military career culminated in his service as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, making him the nation’s highest-ranking military officer. Prior to that historic appointment, he served as the 22nd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, becoming the first African American to lead a military service branch. A highly decorated command pilot with more than 3,100 flying hours, General Brown led crucial coalition operations spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Following his retirement from active duty, he has continued his commitment to education, leadership, and public service, currently serving as an Executive-in-Residence at Duke University with joint appointments at the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Pratt School of Engineering. “It is a distinct honor to be recognized with this prestigious trophy,” said Brown. “I am grateful to my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, whose support and guidance made this recognition possible. In the spirit of Bruce Whitman’s legacy, I remain committed to helping develop and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.” The Bruce Whitman Trophy will be officially presented to General Brown on November 5, 2026, during the NAA Fall Awards ceremony. For more information about the Whitman Trophy or to purchase tickets for the event, please visit www.naa.aero or contact

International News

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Delivers Landmark Week for Global Aerospace

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 convened the world of aerospace, defense and space to shape the future of flight. The show welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors, a show-on-show increase of 41%, and nearly double 2022’s attendance, providing the stage for commercial deals worth over $84.7 billion. Across five days, leaders from government, manufacturers, investors, start-ups, academia, media and future talent from 136 countries gathered at the birthplace of British Aviation. Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, LEAP and Pratt & Whitney led the commercial announcements, while the likes of BAE Systems, MBDA and Anduril Industries unveiled new defense technologies. In total, 353 firm commercial aircraft orders have been placed alongside 904 firm engine orders. In a global first, Vertical Aerospace made history by completing the first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight at Farnborough International Airshow, switching from helicopter mode to airplane mode and back again. Fursn Al Emarat – UAE National Air Display Team also made their Farnborough debut with their renowned seven-jet aerial display. The airshow also provided an important forum for government and industry engagement, with attendance from the newly formed government including Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence; Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister of State (Minister for Artificial Intelligence); and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Pioneers of Tomorrow sold-out ahead of the event and once again placed future talent at the center of the airshow, with thousands of members of the public welcomed through the gates on Friday 24 July. Through careers activity, live demonstrations and opportunities to meet employers and educators, the dedicated program inspired young people to explore pathways into aerospace, engineering and STEM, while helping industry engage directly with its future workforce. Discussing the success of the show, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Farnborough International Airshow 2026 has once again shown what can be achieved when the global aerospace community comes together with purpose. Across the week, we have seen business getting done, partnerships strengthened, and ideas turned into action, all against the backdrop of an industry focused on innovation and long-term progress. “From the organizations defining aerospace today to the pioneers building its future, the energy across the show has been exceptional. We are proud to provide a platform that drives commercial success, supports international collaboration and inspires the next generation. It has been a privilege to welcome the industry to Farnborough, and we look forward to building on the momentum created here.” Farnborough International Airshow returns to the industry calendar 17-21 July 2028 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK.
Carbon Cub UL Completes Historic Transatlantic Flight

Photo – Owner Zbigniew Dziubas (left) and Pilot Gabriel Batkiewicz (right) in Lewiston, Idaho – photo by Tyler Peters. CubCrafters is celebrating another milestone in Carbon Cub history following the successful completion of the first transatlantic flight by a Carbon Cub UL. Rather than disassembling and shipping the aircraft to Poland, the owner chose to fly it home, demonstrating the Carbon Cub UL’s remarkable efficiency, reliability, and adventure-ready capability over one of general aviation’s most demanding ferry routes. Carbon Cub UL N21UL departed Lewiston, Idaho, after delivery to its new owner, Zbigniew Dziubas, with Gabriel Batkiewicz serving as the expedition’s pilot. Over the course of 94.5 flight hours, the aircraft traveled approximately 6,900 nautical miles, crossing the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and ultimately arriving safely in Poland. The journey required meticulous planning, patience, and disciplined aeronautical decision making while operating through remote terrain, rapidly changing weather, and long overwater crossings. Before departing Canada for the North Atlantic crossing, the aircraft had its first 25-hour oil change. Weather played a significant role throughout the expedition. Favorable conditions allowed the Carbon Cub UL to cruise over the Greenland Ice Cap at Flight Level 120, while strong winds delayed departure from Greenland before the crossing to Iceland. Earlier in the trip, deteriorating weather in Canada required a diversion to a planned alternate airport, reinforcing the crew’s commitment to conservative decision-making and safety. To complete the longest overwater segment, the aircraft was equipped with an auxiliary belly pod carrying an additional 25 gallons of fuel, increasing total fuel capacity to 69 gallons. While it is possible to cross the Atlantic by making an additional stop in the Faroe Islands, that route often presents strong winds, moderate turbulence, and operational challenges. The additional fuel allowed the crew to bypass the Faroe Islands and fly directly from Reykjavík, Iceland (BIRK) to Wick, Scotland (EGPC). The longest leg of the journey covered 695 nautical miles in 6 hours and 58 minutes, consuming 158 liters (41.7 U.S. gallons) of fuel. Throughout much of the expedition, the Carbon Cub UL cruised at approximately 5,200 RPM and 32 inches of manifold pressure, averaging just 21.5 to 22.0 liters per hour (5.7 to 5.8 U.S. gallons per hour). Average true airspeed ranged between 97 and 100 mph, depending on weather conditions and winds. Powering the Carbon Cub UL was the turbocharged Rotax 916 iS engine. Its FADEC-controlled fuel injection, turbocharging, and exceptional fuel efficiency enabled the aircraft to perform consistently from low-altitude cruising across North America to operations at Flight Level 120 over Greenland. Throughout the expedition, the Rotax 916 iS delivered the reliability, efficiency, and smooth operation required for nearly 95 hours of international flying. “The airplane pleasantly surprised me,” said Gabriel Batkiewicz, pilot of the expedition. “The engine ran beautifully and the aircraft was stable throughout the journey. I was skeptical of the Rotax engine before this trip, but after flying it across the Atlantic, I’ve completely changed my opinion. Every leg required careful planning, weather analysis, and fuel management, but the aircraft performed exceptionally throughout the entire journey.” Pilot Gabriel Batkiewicz’s Satellite Tracker Data of N21UL’s Flight Route to Poland. For the extended overwater crossings, the Carbon Cub UL was equipped with immersion suits, life jackets, a life raft, satellite tracking equipment, and emergency communication devices. Alternate airports were continuously evaluated throughout the journey, with every weather related decision favoring safety over schedule. “Flying a brand-new Carbon Cub UL from the United States to Poland is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Gabriel Batkiewicz’s planning, decision-making, and piloting skills,” said Brad Damm, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for CubCrafters. “It’s also an outstanding demonstration of the Carbon Cub UL’s efficiency, reliability, and capability. Averaging less than six gallons of fuel per hour while crossing some of the most remote terrain and water on Earth speaks volumes about both the aircraft and the turbocharged Rotax 916 iS powerplant. We’re excited to see another Carbon Cub UL begin its next adventure in Europe.” The successful transatlantic delivery highlights the growing international presence of the Carbon Cub UL and demonstrates the confidence owners around the world have in the aircraft. From the mountains of Idaho to the North Atlantic and ultimately Poland, the journey showcased the Carbon Cub UL’s ability to combine exceptional backcountry performance with the efficiency, reliability, and range needed for extraordinary international adventures. Flight by the Numbers • Aircraft: Carbon Cub UL N21UL • Engine: Rotax 916 iS turbocharged • Owner: Zbigniew Dziubas • Pilot: Gabriel Batkiewicz • Distance: Approximately 6,900 nautical miles • Flight Time: 94.5 hours • Longest Leg: 695 nautical miles • Longest Flight: 6 hours, 58 minutes • Fuel Capacity: 69 gallons (44 gallon wing tanks and 25 gallon auxiliary belly pod) • Average Fuel Burn: 21.5–22.0 L/hr (5.7–5.8 U.S. gal/hr) • Average True Airspeed: 97–100 mph Route • KLWS – KMAN – U88 – U87 – KWYS – KMDS – KBUU – KHAI – KDET (USA • CYKF – CSE4 – CYBC – CYGV – CYYR – CYFP – CYFB. (Canada) • BGSF – BKGG (Greenland) • BIRK (Iceland) • EGPC – 01EG – EGSL (UK) • EHSE – LKLT – EPNT (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland)

Unmanned Systems

GeoComm and SkyfireAI Bring Actionable Location Intelligence to Drone as First Responder Operations

GeoComm and SkyfireAI announced the use of GeoComm DFR Routing within SkyfireAI’s Drone as First Responder operations. The collaboration helps public safety agencies direct drones to emergency incidents with greater location certainty and a clearer operational picture. The announcement advances the companies’ partnership around a critical operational challenge: connecting emergency incident information to autonomous drone READ MORE
BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations READ MORE

Aviation Education

Five New Jersey Cadets Advance Aviation Dreams at Civil Air Patrol’s Falcon Flight Academy

Five New Jersey Civil Air Patrol cadets are taking significant steps toward earning their private pilot certificates as students at a Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, held July 10-19. Flight Academy Student Cadet Maj. Adrian Chaberek performs a preflight inspection before departing on a training flight during Falcon Flight Academy. Hosted by Civil Air READ MORE
University of Nebraska at Kearney chooses the Tecnam P-Mentor

The Nebraska Safety Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has officially announced the launch of the Loper Flight Academy, set to be inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 20. To power this new initiative, the Academy has selected Tecnam, acquiring a brand-new fleet of seven (7) Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft to train READ MORE

SWAAAE Announces Board of Directors Election Results and Annual Awards

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 2026-28 Board of Directors election was held in late July in conjunction with the 80th Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference in Palm Desert, CA. Below are the results of the election, as well as Board member advancements: SAJ Joins SWAAAE in Congratulating Their 2026 Chapter Award Winners and SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship Recipients SWAAAE was pleased […]

NAA Selects General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. as the 2026 Bruce Whitman Trophy Recipient

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association announced that General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., USAF (Ret.), has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Bruce Whitman Trophy. General Brown is recognized for his exceptional leadership and professional achievements in aerospace over nearly 40 years of military service, as well as his enduring dedication to preserving military heritage […]

NBAA, NATA Welcome Cleveland Coalition’s Call to Keep Burke Lakefront Airport Open

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes new calls from a host of Cleveland-area business, education and civic leaders for the Cleveland City Council to reject Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposal to close Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL). More than 50 local business leaders joined dozens of citizens and other Cleveland voices in signing letters urging the […]

NATA Congratulates David Cummins on Confirmation as TSA Administrator

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) congratulated David Cummins on his confirmation and swearing-in as the eighth Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). His focus on the TSA workforce, advanced technology, traveler communication, and evolving drone integration and cyber threats comes at an important time for aviation security. “Administrator Cummins brings valuable private-sector transportation […]

NBAA Welcomes Emily Deaton as SVP, Product Development and Sales

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced that jetAVIVA CEO and business aviation trailblazer Emily Deaton will join the association in a new role, as senior vice president for product development and sales. Deaton will lead the creation of new offerings and experiences for NBAA members, forge strategic partnerships across the industry, launch new products […]

New Studies Find Aviation and Aerospace Generate $3.6 Billion for North Dakota

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has announced the completion of the 2025 North Dakota State Aviation System Plan (NDSASP) and the 2025 North Dakota Aviation Economic Impact Study (NDAEIS), representing the state’s most comprehensive evaluation of North Dakota’s aviation system in more than a decade. Conducted in partnership with airports, aviation businesses, state and […]

FAA Investing $870 Million in Airport Infrastructure Improvements Across U.S.

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investing $870 million to improve infrastructure, enhance safety and add more family-friendly features for American families. The Department is delivering 339 grants to airports in 44 states and two territories through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program, including: $289 million to Los […]

FAA Opens New Asheville Air Traffic Control Tower to Support Record Growth in Western North Carolina

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The FAA announced the opening of Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) new 121-foot air traffic control tower, which replaces the old facility built in 1961. The new facility provides controllers with a modern workspace to support growing air traffic demand across western North Carolina. “Air traffic controllers need modern infrastructure and technology to keep up with […]

Richard Arthur Field Celebrates Expansion

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

State representatives and local officials gathered at Richard Arthur Field Airport in Fayette, Alabama to celebrate the newest expansion during the recent ribbon cutting ceremony. As the community has grown and the airport has experienced more frequent usage, the demand for more aircraft storage has steadily increased. To meet these needs, city leaders collaborated with […]

Five New Jersey Cadets Advance Aviation Dreams at Civil Air Patrol’s Falcon Flight Academy

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Five New Jersey Civil Air Patrol cadets are taking significant steps toward earning their private pilot certificates as students at a Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, held July 10-19. Hosted by Civil Air Patrol’s New Jersey Wing in partnership with Ocean County Airport, the academy brought together 14 cadets from across the country for […]

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions

Wearing the #26 Florida Panthers “Thunderbirds” Jersey at AirVenture 2026

A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026