State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]
Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway
Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]
Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”
Hawaiian Airlines recently unveiled a special aircraft livery celebrating its membership in the oneworld® alliance with a design that honors ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, with the phrase “Aloha a puni ka honua,” or “Aloha all around the world.” Hawaiian’s widebody Airbus A330 carrying the oneworld mark will continue to feature the airline’s iconic Pualani […]
CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT
CubCrafters has announced the new Carbon Cub ULT, an innovative turboprop-powered evolution of the company’s popular Carbon Cub UL platform. Designed to combine the simplicity and efficiency of modern sport aviation with the smooth power and reliability of turbine technology, the Carbon Cub ULT represents a major step forward in lightweight backcountry aircraft design. The […]

State News

Nearly $30 Million Announced for Airports Across Nevada

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced a $29,974,140 investment into Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these twelve airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation systems, and hangar updates. “Nevada’s airports are the gateway to our state – for visitors, for emergency services, and for Nevadans traveling throughout the Silver State and across America,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s critical that all the airports across Nevada continue to have world-class facilities and infrastructure. Nevada’s Congressional delegation will never stop fighting to deliver for our state’s aviation infrastructure.” “Nevada’s airports see millions of travelers every year, domestic and international, who come to our state and contribute to Nevada’s economy,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help keep the infrastructure of our airports up to date, allowing them to keep up with Nevada’s demands as a top travel destination. I’ll continue supporting our state’s tourism and travel economy at the federal level.” The Senators helped secure the following grants for twelve airports across the state: $13,695,039 for Reno-Tahoe International Airport to reconstruct the existing airport terminal, including upgrades to pavement and utilities that have reached the end of their useful lives. $5,094,412 for Reno-Stead Airport to reconstruct 24,800 square yards of the existing main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. An airport apron is the area of an airport in which aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained. $3,564,630 for Harry Reid International Airport to rehabilitate pavement across its airport apron and plan for future improvements. $2,947,000 for Austin Airport to realign, rehabilitate, and reconstruct the airport’s taxiways, modernizing the airport and bringing them up to modern standards. The airport will also acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information. $1,667,000 for Tonopah Airport to reconstruct 21,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. $1,092,652 for Fallon Municipal Airport to construct a new 300-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars, as well as update existing taxiways. $769,028 for Mesquite Airport to reconstruct 25,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The airport will also reconstruct a gravel road used by airport vehicles, FAA vehicles, and ground service equipment. $387,448 for Silver Springs Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information. $282,000 for Minden-Tahoe Airport to rehabilitate taxi-lanes that have reached the end of their useful lives. $187,500 for Carson City Airport to reconstruct the pavement on airport taxiways to extend their useful lives. $160,901 for Lincoln County Airport to construct a new 1,500 square foot building to house snow removal equipment. $126,530 for Wells Municipal Airport Harriet Field to construct a new 200-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars. Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have consistently fought to ensure Nevada’s transportation infrastructure has the funding it needs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FAA reauthorizations legislation, and annual budget bills. The Senators recently secured $33,746,000 from the FAA for airports throughout Nevada, including $20 million for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. These investments help support the Silver State’s vital manufacturing and hospitality sectors while ensuring that Nevadans have the safe and efficient transportation network they require.
Mike Goulian Named Keynote Speaker for 2026 MAMA Conference October 25-27

One of North America’s most decorated aviators, Mike Goulian doesn’t just fly—he redefines what is possible in three dimensions. Known for an aggressive, crisp performance style that fuses heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbles with competition-level precision, Goulian is a master of the air show arena. The Massachusetts native and entrepreneur will be keynote speaker when more than 200 delegates will gather for the 2026 MAMA Conference at the AC Marriott Hotel in Worcester October 25-27. In the early 90’s Michael became the youngest ever US National Aerobatic Champion. He competed on three US World Aerobatic Teams before focusing on airshow flying. Since that time, Michael has flown around the world as an air show pilot and a competitor in the Red Bull Air Race where he accumulated victories in Abu Dhabi, Budapest, and the famed Indy Motor Speedway. He has also garnered industry recognition by winning all three of the air show industry’s top awards. One of only 7 pilots ever to accomplish this. Most recently, he was named an Honorary Blue Angel. Michael and his wife Karin operate a Cirrus Training Center at Hanscom and Plymouth Airports. He is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) with over 1,500 hours in SRs, and he holds multiple jet type ratings. He is a Designated Pilot Examiner and a board member for EAA.

National News

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 across the United States. BRINC Skybeam Spotlight in action. The capital will be used to expand BRINC’s domestic manufacturing capability, bring new products to market, and scale go-to-market operations. By the end of the year, BRINC will move into a new facility three times the size of its current factory, expanding its production capacity to meet surging demand from public safety agencies. “Every second matters in an emergency,” says Blake Resnick, Founder & CEO of BRINC. “Our 911 response drones put eyes on scene before first responders arrive, giving dispatchers and officers the situational awareness they need to act decisively and keep people safe. This investment enables our organization to build more products, expand our manufacturing capacity, and put a drone on the roof of every police and fire station in America.” Guardian’s Industry Leading Camera. The round comes at a moment of significant commercial momentum. BRINC more than tripled revenue in 2025 and quintupled monthly production capacity. This year, the company has signed nearly four times as many 911 response drone contracts as it did over the same period in 2025, with agencies including the Los Angeles Fire Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and hundreds of others across the country. BRINC builds drones for every mission. Lemur 2 is the most capable indoor drone. Responder leads the market in time on scene. Guardian is the 911 response drone built to replace helicopters. And because BRINC has deep, exclusive integrations with Motorola Solutions, every product in the fleet is just a button-press away. Agencies looking to learn more can reach out to their local BRINC representative or get in touch at brincdrones.com/contact.
National Aeronautic Association Names Kathryn Hughes as Recipient of the 2026 Stinson Award

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Col. (Ret.) Kathryn Hughes, MD, MPH, DAvMed, USAF, has been named the recipient of the NAA Stinson Award. Kathryn Hughes The Stinson Award honors the legacy of sisters Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, pioneering aviators of the early 20th century. Among the first women to earn pilot’s licenses, they founded the Stinson School of Flying and made significant contributions to early aviation, exhibition flying, and military flight training. The NAA Stinson Award recognizes a living U.S. citizen, group, or organization that has made a lasting impact on advancing women in aerospace through mentorship, advocacy, or pioneering efforts that have expanded opportunities for women in the field. “It takes immense tenacity to be a pioneer, and it takes a rare, fearless individuality to forge a path entirely your own,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kathy has never been afraid to step away from the crowd and do what others simply wouldn’t. She reflects the very essence of the Stinson sisters’ daring spirit and excellence. From the flight deck to her clinic, Kathy shines brightly on her own terms, and her true gift is empowering other women to find the confidence to do the exact same.” Dr. Hughes attended the United States Air Force Academy and, during her 26 years in service, logged over 3,000 military flying hours in multiple aircraft, including the T-38, RC-135, A-10, and Royal Air Force Hawk. While still serving as a pilot, she completed medical school and became the first female Pilot-Physician in the U.S. Air Force. She specialized in acceleration protection and life support equipment testing and evaluation. Her combined aviation and medical expertise enables her to advance human factors research, human systems integration, and enhanced pilot safety. After retiring from the military in 2016, Dr. Hughes has worked as a physician specializing in occupational and aviation medicine and is an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. She is a consultant for Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, the leading manufacturer of ejection and crashworthy seats that have saved over 7,800 lives worldwide. She serves in leadership roles in the Aerospace Medical Association and its Foundation Board. She remains an active general aviation pilot, manages her local airport, and volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Ninety-Nines, mentoring fellow women aviators. “It is a profound honor to have been selected for the prestigious NAA Stinson Award. I have long admired the audacity of Katherine and Marjorie Stinson and what they dared to accomplish,” said Hughes. “Throughout my own career in aviation and aerospace medicine, my goal has been to turn my opportunities into open doors for others. This recognition strengthens my commitment to mentoring and advocating for the next generation of those who strive for careers in aerospace.” Details about the Stinson Award presentation will be announced soon. For more information about the award or to view previous recipients, please visit naa.aero.

International News

Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Johan Landin as Sales Director. In this role, Landin will lead the commercial growth, customer engagement and global market development of the D328eco and D328MR (Multi-Role) aircraft programs. With an extensive background in aerospace, defense and international business development, Landin joins Deutsche Aircraft from the Saab Group in Sweden, where he has held senior commercial and leadership positions over more than 15 years. His experience includes roles as Campaign Director for the Gripen fighter aircraft, Head of Marketing & Sales for Air Traffic Management, and most recently, Country Manager, overseeing the full breadth of Saab’s product portfolio. Throughout his career, Landin has consistently delivered innovative technology solutions, identified new business opportunities and led strategic development activities across complex international markets. With a track record in navigating regulatory environments, coordinating international stakeholders and guiding customers through transformational journeys, Landin offers a unique perspective on cultivating long-term customer relationships and delivering value-driven solutions in both commercial and multi-role sectors. As a commercial pilot who has flown regional turboprop aircraft and operated his own pilot recruitment agency, Landin also brings invaluable firsthand insight to the role. This real-world experience, combined with his corporate leadership skills, reflects his passion and expertise in aviation. “I am excited to join the team at such an interesting time,” said Johan Landin, Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft. “I look forward to contributing my experience to drive the commercial growth of the revolutionary D328eco aircraft and support the next phase of regional aviation.” Anastasija Visnakova, Chief Commercial Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, welcomed the appointment. “Johan brings a unique combination of experience, from international sales in the aerospace industry to firsthand operational expertise as a commercial pilot,” she said. “His leadership will be instrumental as we expand our global footprint and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.” “Johan’s experience across aerospace, multi-role and commercial aviation makes him an excellent addition to our sales team,” added Nils Heuer, Director Global Sales at Deutsche Aircraft. “His customer-centric mindset, background as a pilot, and international business expertise will strengthen our engagement with operators and partners as we scale the market presence of the D328eco program.” With Landin on board, the team is strengthening its commercial capabilities across both civilian and defense sectors for the D328eco and D328 Multi-Role (MR) aircraft programs. Landin holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and will be based in Stockholm, Sweden, reinforcing Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence close to key customers and partners.
Chapman Freeborn Group Supports Complex Movement of 121 Mongolian Horses

Chapman Freeborn Group has supported a specialist live animal charter operation moving 121 Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi, delivered through close collaboration between Chapman Freeborn’s Asia Pacific team and Intradco Global, its specialist live animal transport brand. The operation involved three back-to-back B757F charter flights within a 38-hour window, moving 51 horses outbound, 20 horses home and a further 50 horses outbound as part of a single coordinated rotation. The project required detailed planning, bilateral coordination and specialist equine transport expertise to ensure every stage of the movement was managed with animal welfare, timing and operational precision at its center. Live animal movements are among the most specialist areas of air charter. Unlike standard cargo, each movement must be planned around the needs of the animals, with careful consideration given to aircraft suitability, loading arrangements, documentation, welfare requirements and coordination between teams at origin, destination and throughout the journey. “This was a very special movement and a strong example of what can be achieved when specialist teams work closely together across the group,” said Latha Narayan, President APAC at Chapman Freeborn. “Projects of this nature require more than aircraft capacity alone. They rely on trust, detailed planning, specialist knowledge and continuous coordination to make sure every stage of the operation is handled with care. For our Asia Pacific team, this operation also reflects the importance of combining regional market understanding with global specialist capabilities. By working closely with Intradco Global, we were able to support a complex live animal movement with the care, agility and expertise required.” The movement carried added significance as part of a wider bilateral initiative, with some of the horses returning after several years and new horses travelling onward as part of the rotation. The operation also reunited members of the animal care team involved in the original movement, bringing continuity and experience to a highly sensitive project. “Horse movements are among the most sensitive live animal transport projects, and every detail matters,” said Charlie McMullen, CEO – Intradco Global. “From preparation to loading and arrival, our priority is always the welfare of the animals and the smooth delivery of the operation. We are pleased to have contributed our specialist live animal logistics experience to this complex movement.” The operation highlights Chapman Freeborn Group’s ability to combine global air charter capabilities with Intradco Global’s dedicated live animal transport expertise, supporting complex and sensitive movements where safety, welfare and operational precision are critical.

Unmanned Systems

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
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases New Drone Training and Testing Template for Oregon Public Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new training and testing companion to its public agency drone policy template, giving Oregon public bodies a clearer path for training, evaluating, and documenting the people who fly drones for public work. The earlier ODAV template helped agencies answer an important question: What rules should guide READ MORE

Aviation Education

AOPA Foundation to Expand High School Aviation Education with Maintenance and Manufacturing Curriculum

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced today that it will add a maintenance and manufacturing pathway to its High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, the free, nationally recognized program that has reached more than 130,000 students since it launched in 2016. The new curriculum, which is made possible by a donation from Gregory READ MORE
Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and READ MORE

Nearly $30 Million Announced for Airports Across Nevada

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced a $29,974,140 investment into Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these twelve airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation […]

Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Johan Landin as Sales Director. In this role, Landin will lead the commercial growth, customer engagement and global market development of the D328eco and D328MR (Multi-Role) aircraft programs. With an extensive background in aerospace, defense and international business development, Landin joins Deutsche Aircraft from the Saab Group in […]

Mike Goulian Named Keynote Speaker for 2026 MAMA Conference October 25-27

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

One of North America’s most decorated aviators, Mike Goulian doesn’t just fly—he redefines what is possible in three dimensions. Known for an aggressive, crisp performance style that fuses heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbles with competition-level precision, Goulian is a master of the air show arena. The Massachusetts native and entrepreneur will be keynote speaker when more than […]

Western Aircraft Designates Blackhawk Performance Center – Alaska as Authorized Pilatus Satellite Service Center

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Pictured above: A Pilatus PC-12 at the Blackhawk Performance Center – Alaska Facility Western Aircraft, a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup, has designated Blackhawk Performance Center – Alaska (BPC-Alaska) as the Authorized Pilatus Satellite Service Center Supporting Pilatus customers throughout Alaska. As an Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center, Western Aircraft designates satellite service centers to […]

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]

Chapman Freeborn Group Supports Complex Movement of 121 Mongolian Horses

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Chapman Freeborn Group has supported a specialist live animal charter operation moving 121 Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi, delivered through close collaboration between Chapman Freeborn’s Asia Pacific team and Intradco Global, its specialist live animal transport brand. The operation involved three back-to-back B757F charter flights within a 38-hour window, moving 51 horses outbound, 20 […]

Redbird Announces Next-Gen Flight Deck Upgrades for Training Devices

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Redbird Flight (Redbird) today introduced an evolution of its flight deck software and hardware, kicking off a broad campaign to systematically increase the fidelity, specificity, and overall value of its aviation training devices (ATDs) for learners and flight training providers. The multi-year effort reflects an ongoing shift in the flight training market, where operators increasingly […]

Lufthansa’s First Airbus A350-1000 Arrives with Special Livery

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

In just a few weeks, Lufthansa’s special anniversary fleet will welcome another addition: The very first A350-1000 that Lufthansa Airlines will take delivery of from Airbus was painted at the Toulouse plant in blue, featuring a white XXL crane and the lettering “1926 | 2026” and “100” – using a total of 432 liters of […]

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]

BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT