State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]
Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]
Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport
The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]
Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership
Photo Caption: West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sign a ceremonial agreement launching a new aviation pathway for West Virginia students. West Virginia students will have a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers through the new Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway developed […]

State News

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two signature, large-scale commissions as part of AVL Forward, the airport’s terminal modernization project. Artists from western North Carolina will be given preference and are encouraged to apply. The submission deadline is June 22, 2026. Two Landmark Spaces. Unlimited Creative Possibility The RFQ identifies two distinct installation sites within the new terminal, each designed to accommodate ambitious, large-scale work. Location 1: The Grand Lobby / Main Entrance The grand lobby is the terminal’s central arrival moment — the sweeping public space that departing travelers enter first. The soaring new structure offers a rare canvas: suspended works of up to 2,000 pounds or floor-supported work can be designed for this location. Lighting and electrical connectivity are available, opening the door to kinetic, illuminated or interactive installations. Location 2: The Airside Concessions Area The post-security concessions space is where travelers linger — the heart of the concourse experience. Like the grand lobby, this space is engineered to support large-scale suspended art of up to 2,000 pounds or floor-based work. Lighting and electrical connectivity make dynamic or interactive media-based work possible here as well. What AVL Is Looking For The airport is seeking individual artists or artist-led teams that can produce permanent site-specific, large-scale commercial space sculptures or other styles of art pieces that uphold the key design principles for the new airport terminal, designed to be a “modern gateway, humbly rooted in timeless natural beauty.” Specific requirements for commissioned pieces, which will help guide final choices: The art will embrace inspiration from the natural beauty and culture of western North Carolina, and help create an authentic, welcoming environment that roots the airport with a sense of place in the region; The sculptures/art pieces will be appropriate for large-scale commercial spaces (appropriateness to site, durability, etc.); The proposed sculptures will be of the highest quality—creatively and compositionally; Art will not be politically or socially charged; Art will meet all public safety, structural, and maintenance standards (easily cleaned and maintained) and comply with the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA), and all other applicable laws, codes and regulations. There is no requirement for a specific style. Abstract, representational and all aesthetics in between are welcome. These are open commissions for artists with a vision and the craft to realize it. How to Apply Submissions are open now at www.flyavl.com/AVLForwardART The submission deadline is June 22, 2026. This RFQ is the first step in a multi-phase selection process. Finalists will be invited to develop detailed proposals, with installations anticipated ahead of the terminal’s completion in late 2027.
Game on! MSP Airport First to Open Portal Lounge

The new Portal Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Photo Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Air travelers and gamers have a new way to unite at Portal Lounge, a first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment and social venue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Portal Lounge — located in Terminal 1 at the intersection of Concourses C and D, and a short walk from the Concourse C tram — provides guests a full-scale work, rest and play destination that offers elevated food, bar and gaming experiences. “Our passengers have been asking for more unique and elevated experiences, and we’re excited to be the first airport to bring this new lounge concept to life here at MSP,” said Isabella Rhawie, vice president and commercial revenue officer for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “Beyond typical and standard, this airport lounge stands out in its experiential offerings that are sure to create a welcomed energy for a broad mix of our travelers.” Portal Lounge builds on the success of Gameway lounges, currently operating across multiple airports in the country. Founders Jordan and Emma Walbridge intentionally designed this concept to feel more like a social destination than a traditional airport lounge, combining premium food and beverage offerings with immersive entertainment experiences. The space offers signature menu items and a bar program with a star attraction — a robotic bartender that works in tandem with expert staff to create signature drinks exclusively for lounge guests. The 3,800 square foot space includes 600 square feet for gamers, featuring 17 dedicated stations with a mix of Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and custom-built gaming PCs. Guests can access more than 25 of today’s most popular titles across casual, competitive, multiplayer and streaming-friendly gameplay. “Our mission has always been to make airports entertaining, and Portal Lounge is the fullest expression of that yet,” said Emma Walbridge, co-founder of Gameway. “This is what happens when you design a lounge for the next generation of travelers. The Metropolitan Airports Commission saw that future early and had the boldness to help bring it to market.” “The airport lounge category has remained relatively unchanged for years, while traveler expectations have evolved dramatically,” said Jordan Walbridge, co-founder of Gameway. “Portal Lounge was built around the idea that modern travelers are looking for experiences and destinations, even within the airport.” Travelers will be drawn to the space from afar with its custom portal-style entrance. Inside, its art deco-inspired design features lighting, artwork, music and custom furniture that boldly counters usual airport dwell time experiences. Portal Lounge is open to all travelers with walk-in access for approximately $70, if seating is available. Guests can also access the lounge through Priority Pass and participating credit card programs including Chase, American Express and Capital One.

National News

NBAA Champions New FAA Mental Wellness Policy Supporting Counseling

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aeromedical policy update encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) to seek counseling and mental health support early and without fear that receiving talk therapy would jeopardize their medical certification, marking an important shift in the agency’s approach to mental wellness. Rather than viewing participation in counseling or psychotherapy as a potential red flag, the revised policy explicitly encourages pilots and ATCs to seek help through counseling, psychotherapy and peer-support programs when appropriate. Further, aviation medical examiners (AMEs) are now directed to focus on any underlying conditions and their severity when making certification decisions, rather than the presence of counseling. If the aviator is functioning well, the AME can issue. If the AME has significant concerns, they can defer the decision to the FAA. “This is an important step forward in reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention, treatment and resolution,” said Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA director for safety and flight operations. “Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and pilots and controllers should feel empowered to seek support when they need it.” The FAA has also issued new guidance for therapists that pilots and ATCs should share with their provider. It includes a suggested format to provide a brief summary outlining the patient’s diagnosis, severity, resilience and ability to self-monitor, when requested by the FAA. NBAA recommends that pilots and ATCs bring this summary to their AME appointment. “Having this summary for your AME at the outset is a proactive step toward ‘preflighting your medical,’” Larsen said. “It could mark the difference between walking out of the appointment with your certificate, versus delays to that process that could extend several months.” The policy update complements other recent FAA initiatives aimed at modernizing mental health certification pathways. That includes revised guidance issued last year for pilots with anxiety and depression, as well as ongoing revisions to the list of agency-approved medications to treat such conditions. These changes follow recommendations made by the FAA’s Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on which NBAA played a key role. “This policy is certainly worth celebrating on its own, but it’s also an important piece of a much larger effort by the FAA to modernize how it approaches mental health in aviation,” added NBAA Flight Operations Specialist Laila Stein, who with Larsen participated on the ARC. “This talk therapy guidance is a significant step forward, but its real value becomes even clearer when connected to the FAA’s broader framework for supporting mental health while maintaining safety,” she said. Larsen noted the agency’s continued efforts reflect growing recognition that encouraging treatment is safer than discouraging it. “Reducing barriers to care benefits both individual aviators and the broader aviation system,” he said. “We appreciate the FAA’s continued progress in this area and look forward to working together on additional improvements that support both mental wellness and aviation safety.” The association has partnered with MedAire Wellbeing Services to provide NBAA members with a confidential and comprehensive peer support initiative tailored for aviation professionals’ mental health and wellbeing.
The RAF is Expanding The Map in 2026

Photo Credit: Doug Lumgair, Walker Ridge, CA This year, the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is Expanding The Map – and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in the organization’s history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF plans to announce the opening and reopening of more than 15 airstrips across the country. They are expanding backcountry access like never before, and aviators will be able to explore a growing number of destinations where they can share the joys of recreational aviation with family and friends. This nationwide initiative is focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips across the United States, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. The Expanding the Map initiative begins with the reopening of Walker Ridge Airstrip. RAF volunteers, led by RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair, have reclaimed northern California’s Walker Ridge, a once-abandoned BLM airstrip featuring underwing camping and magical views. Walker Ridge airstrip offers a remote, secluded backcountry airstrip experience within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento / Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area regions. There are very few opportunities like this for pilots in these large metropolitan areas to fly out to a genuinely remote location and camp with their airplane just a few hours from home. The combination of dark skies, sweeping valley views, dispersed camping right at the airstrip, and true seclusion makes Walker Ridge a rare and special destination. Nestled within the protected landscape of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, Walker Ridge offers an experience that is both uniquely accessible and remarkably wild. This is the first Expanding the Map airstrip announcement of many, so stay tuned for the next one coming soon! We have dedicated a new section of our website to highlight the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find a wealth of information about Walker Ridge and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here. Walker Ridge now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide, an important resource where pilots find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings.

International News

A Career in Aviation Begins with Curiosity and a Willingness to Learn

The aviation industry is often associated with complex technology, strict procedures, and the highest safety standards. Yet behind this dynamic and constantly evolving field are people whose professional journeys reveal not only career opportunities, but also stories of personal growth. Fifteen years ago, Aleksandra Mesceriakova of FL Technics began her career as an assistant with almost no prior knowledge of aviation. Today, her professional path spans a wide range of responsibilities – from customer service and sales to leadership roles. Her story shows how curiosity, continuous learning, and the support of a strong team can become the foundation for a successful career in aviation. At the beginning of your career, you had very little knowledge of aviation. What inspired you to choose this field? Aleksandra Mesceriakova When I decided to change jobs, I came across a vacancy for an assistant position. At the time, I knew very little about aviation and did not fully understand what FL Technics actually did. Still, I was not afraid to start from scratch, and I was eager to learn from experienced professionals. I started my career as an assistant and eventually grew into the role of Deputy Head of Unit, while gaining experience in several different positions along the way: Technical Assistant, Customer Support Manager, Senior Customer Support Manager, Sales Manager, Senior Sales Manager, and Key Account Manager. This career journey reflects not only my professional growth and increasing responsibilities, but also the trust and confidence my managers and colleagues placed in me. What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your career in aviation? The MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) industry is highly specialized and strictly regulated. It is full of conservative rules, procedures, and abbreviations that can sound like a foreign language to someone without an aviation background – acronyms such as EASA, MOE, CPM, and AOG. One of the biggest challenges at the beginning was learning how to navigate the manuals and understand the structured processes. I have now spent 15 years working with the same department, growing professionally alongside the team and building strong expertise. Throughout this journey, every colleague I met at FL Technics contributed to my development by sharing knowledge, being patient, and offering support. Even after all these years, I am still learning – and that is what I enjoy most about this industry. Every day brings new challenges that encourage continuous improvement and personal growth. Have you ever doubted your career choice? If so, what motivated you during those moments? Not every day is easy – some require an enormous amount of focus, energy, and critical thinking. However, those challenges never made me question my choice. On the contrary, they helped me grow. I learned that asking for help is completely normal, and I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues. Working at FL Technics strengthened my self-confidence and significantly shaped my worldview. I learned to value continuous learning and personal development, but most importantly, I realized that people are what matter most in life. Why people? Because they are the greatest source of motivation to grow and inspire change. The team I work with supports one another not only during successful moments, but also through difficult times. As mentoring is part of my role, I enjoy supporting colleagues and sharing my knowledge. In my free time, I also involve coworkers in different social initiatives, such as helping motivate and inspire children growing up in challenging circumstances. You mentioned children facing difficult circumstances and your desire to help them. We know you are one of the people behind many social initiatives at FL Technics. Could you tell us more about these projects? Social initiatives have interested me since my school years. I participated in various activities and later became a member of the student representation group at university. These experiences showed me that contributing to communities, social causes, and charity work not only helps others, but also helps me grow as a person. As the saying goes, the more you give, the more you receive. Every year, together with my colleagues at FL Technics, we organize an initiative focused on fulfilling children’s wishes. What started with just a few colleagues and a handful of children’s dreams within my team has now become a long-standing tradition across all FL Technics operations in Lithuania. Some colleagues volunteer to help communicate the project, others help purchase gifts and fulfill wishes, some pack everything, while others deliver the presents to the children. It has become a wonderful example of teamwork – and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile. In recent years, we fulfilled 57 children’s wishes. Another project close to my heart is supporting dog shelters. Our office building has several kitchens where we sort waste and collect deposit bottles and cans. I initiated an idea to gather the deposit refunds and donate the collected funds to animal shelters. It turned into another meaningful and successful initiative. In your opinion, what impact do social initiatives have on organizational culture? I believe that participating in social initiatives together with colleagues helps build a stronger team. It creates a more supportive environment and encourages people to better understand and listen to one another. By helping others, we become more aware of the world around us and gain a deeper understanding of the society we live in. How would you describe the people working at FL Technics today? The people at FL Technics are truly passionate about aviation. Many employees have been working here for decades, and they are still genuinely enthusiastic about what they do. Our colleagues come from incredibly diverse backgrounds – representing more than 100 nationalities and cultures, with different languages, education, and professional experiences. This diversity encourages openness, respect, and adaptability, and over time helps us become an even stronger team. Because aviation is a truly international industry, diverse teams are essential for understanding different markets, customers, and partners around the world. What would you say to young people who READ MORE
Into the Firestorm

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the Allied aircrews who flew unarmed transport planes into enemy territory, often just hundreds of feet above the battlefield. Tasked with delivering paratroopers and towing combat gliders packed with troops and equipment, the crews braved anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters without the means to shoot back. Drawing on after-action reports, letters, and personal diaries, Into the Firestorm takes readers into the cockpit of the C-47, revealing the extraordinary courage of these crews in the first complete history of their experiences. Aircrews of the C-47 were ordered to fly straight, low, take no evasive action, and arrive “on time and on target.” On every single mission they were, quite simply, sitting ducks. Readers are introduced to the college students, farmhands, and store clerks who were thrust into service, many of whom would never return. Yet their contribution to the war was crucial. Without resupplies from C-47s, Patton would have lost the Battle of the Bulge. Without the willingness of these aircrews to fly directly over the Himalayas, Japan’s war in the east may well have prevailed. Award-winning author Scott McGaugh restores these unsung heroes to their rightful place in the legacy of the Greatest Generation. Order Information: Osprey

Unmanned Systems

Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end READ MORE
Vantis Expands BVLOS Capabilities as Frontier Precision Joins as New Champion Operator

Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) system, has reached another major milestone with the onboarding of Frontier Precision as its second champion operator. Frontier Precision has secured a new FAA waiver for BVLOS operations, expanding their operational capabilities available through the Vantis service volumes. The waiver is fully aircraft‑agnostic for systems under 55 pounds, allowing Frontier READ MORE

Aviation Education

Into the Firestorm

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the READ MORE
WAI2027 Scholarships Open: Applications Due September 1, 2026

The 2027 Women in Aviation International (WAI) scholarship program is officially open, and members can review dozens of scholarships at  www.wai.org/scholarships. Currently, there are over 50 scholarships valued at more than $200,000 offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatch, drones, and career advancement for individuals in all stages of life. This 2027 scholarship cycle includes READ MORE

A Career in Aviation Begins with Curiosity and a Willingness to Learn

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The aviation industry is often associated with complex technology, strict procedures, and the highest safety standards. Yet behind this dynamic and constantly evolving field are people whose professional journeys reveal not only career opportunities, but also stories of personal growth. Fifteen years ago, Aleksandra Mesceriakova of FL Technics began her career as an assistant with […]

Into the Firestorm

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the […]

NBAA Champions New FAA Mental Wellness Policy Supporting Counseling

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aeromedical policy update encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) to seek counseling and mental health support early and without fear that receiving talk therapy would jeopardize their medical certification, marking an important shift in the agency’s approach to mental wellness. Rather […]

The RAF is Expanding The Map in 2026

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: Doug Lumgair, Walker Ridge, CA This year, the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is Expanding The Map – and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in the organization’s history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF plans to announce the opening and reopening of more than 15 airstrips across the country. […]

WAI2027 Scholarships Open: Applications Due September 1, 2026

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 2027 Women in Aviation International (WAI) scholarship program is officially open, and members can review dozens of scholarships at  www.wai.org/scholarships. Currently, there are over 50 scholarships valued at more than $200,000 offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatch, drones, and career advancement for individuals in all stages of life. This 2027 scholarship cycle includes […]

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026 Andrew Stevens

I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]

Data-Driven Infrastructure Decision Making: Artificial Intelligence, Safety, Efficiency & Cost Savings

June 4, 2026June 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Silent Falcon’s Modification of Standard (MOS) for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AC 150/5380-7B Pavement Inspection has been made available for approved use. This process improves safety and is more efficient than the traditional inspection method—while also reducing pavement management costs. Approximately 3,300 public-use airports are part of The National Plan of Integrated Airport […]

Inauguration of the Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Airport New Terminal Recently Held

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

On May 26, VINCI Airports and the Haute-Savoie Council, respectively manager and owner of the airport, officially inaugurated the Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc airport’s new terminal, in the presence of local elected officials and many stakeholders. The new infrastructure, result of a combined investment of €2.5 million co-financed by VINCI Airports and the Haute-Savoie Council, represents […]

Game on! MSP Airport First to Open Portal Lounge

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

The new Portal Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Photo Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Air travelers and gamers have a new way to unite at Portal Lounge, a first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment and social venue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Portal Lounge — located in Terminal 1 at the intersection of Concourses C […]

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport

Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership