State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

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 […]
Electra Picks Ohio for First Advanced Aircraft Production Facility
Photo – Electra selects Springfield, OH for its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short, ushering in a new era of air mobility known as Direct Aviation. Credit: Electra Electra has announced plans to establish its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short in the City of Springfield, within Clark County, a major […]

State News

Ontario International Airport Unveils Next-Generation Passenger Screening

Travelers flying through Ontario International Airport (ONT) will enjoy a faster, more seamless security screening experience with the opening of a dramatically expanded passenger screening checkpoint in Terminal 2, with similar enhancements scheduled to open soon in Terminal 4. The project, years in the making, represents one of the most significant improvements to the airport’s passenger processing system since ONT returned to local ownership nearly a decade ago. Designed to improve passenger flow while incorporating the latest security technologies, the expanded checkpoint is the newest investment in ONT’s commitment to providing travelers with a convenient, efficient airport experience. Since returning to local ownership in November 2016, Ontario International Airport has grown from approximately 4.3 million annual passengers to more than 7 million, making it one of the fastest-growing commercial airports in the United States. The checkpoint expansion was designed to ensure the airport continues meeting that demand while maintaining the convenience that has become a hallmark of the ONT experience. “The return of Ontario International Airport to local ownership gave us the opportunity to think beyond today’s needs and invest for the future,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners and Ontario Mayor pro Tem. “This project reflects that long-term vision. As millions more travelers choose ONT, we’re making sure they enjoy an airport experience that is not only among the safest in the nation, but also among the easiest and most efficient.” The modernization includes two new security screening lanes in Terminal 2, significantly increasing passenger screening capacity during peak travel periods. To create the additional space, the secure exit corridor was relocated west of the existing checkpoint, improving passenger circulation throughout the terminal. The new exit corridor features state-of-the-art technology to enhance and facilitate security. Enhancements to Terminal 4 will include one new security screening lane and, as in Terminal 2, a secure new exit corridor. The upgraded checkpoint incorporates advanced security and passenger guidance technologies, including enhanced monitoring systems, new document verification equipment, upgraded closed-circuit television systems and digital information displays that help guide travelers through the screening and exit process.
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 the next generation of aviators. The Tecnam P-Mentor was chosen as the ideal fit for the Loper Flight Academy because it perfectly aligns with the institution’s core safety mission while delivering a modern, affordable, and scalable aviation training model. Featuring low operating costs, full IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capability, advanced avionics, and a highly student-centered design, the P-Mentor serves as much more than a training aircraft. For UNK, the fleet will act as a foundational platform for workforce development, rural access, innovation, and the growth of Nebraska’s future aviation pipeline. “Loper Flight Academy represents the next chapter of the Nebraska Safety Center’s mission to prepare people, strengthen communities, and keep Nebraskans safe,” said Ryo Suzuki, Senior Director of the Nebraska Safety Center. “With strong partners and a student-centered approach, we are building a pathway that connects education, aviation, and workforce development in a way that can change lives.” The establishment of the Loper Flight Academy within UNK’s College of Business and Technology provides a vital local resource for aspiring pilots, directly addressing the global demand for well-trained aviation professionals. “This Academy is about more than learning to fly,” added Dan Smith, Director of the Aviation Program. “It is about creating confidence, discipline, professionalism, and opportunity for students who want to enter one of the most exciting and essential industries in the world.” The P-Mentor is Tecnam’s latest two-seat, single-engine piston aircraft, specifically designed for modern flight schools. It is the only EASA/FAA CS-23 IFR and RNAV approved aircraft in its class, offering the ultimate flight training experience while significantly reducing emissions and operational costs. https://tecnam.com/aircraft/p-mentor/ “We are incredibly proud to partner with the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Nebraska Safety Center for the momentous launch of the Loper Flight Academy,” said Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer at Tecnam. “The P-Mentor was designed specifically to revolutionize the training environment, offering unparalleled safety, state-of-the-art avionics, and exceptional cost-efficiency. Knowing that seven of our aircraft will serve as the cornerstone for Nebraska’s future aviation workforce is a tremendous honor for the entire Tecnam team.” The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Loper Flight Academy will take place on August 20, marking a new era of flight training in Nebraska.

National News

Doug Carr Saluted for Decades of Service as Business Aviation Champion

NBAA Senior Vice President for Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations Doug Carr recently announced his decision to retire from the National Business Aviation Association at the end of August after 28 years of outstanding service to NBAA and the entire business aviation community. Doug Carr “Doug has been a rock upon which NBAA has depended for nearly three decades,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Through his tireless work with the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and NBAA’s International Committee, his pivotal role in the formation of NBAA’s Security Council after 9/11, his leadership on countless safety initiatives with NBAA’s committees and the FAA that helped save lives and his indefatigable promotion of best practices in business aviation operations, Doug has made an indelible mark on NBAA and the entire business aviation industry. He will be greatly missed.” Carr joined NBAA in April 1998 as manager of domestic operations. He subsequently was promoted to manager of safety and operations, director of government affairs and vice president of regulatory and international affairs. More than a simple succession of titles, Carr’s increasing portfolio of responsibilities made him NBAA’s point person with several key agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and others. While at NBAA, Carr has led or participated in several landmark aviation rulemaking and policy efforts. For example, he helped spearhead the work of the FAA’s Fractional Ownership Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), which developed the legal framework for fractional aircraft ownership in the U.S, used as a model for other safety regulators around the globe. Carr also helped devise the DCA Access Standard Security Program, which returned business aviation to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) after 9/11. He was also a key subject matter expert on the FAA’s Part 125/135 ARC Flight and Rest Subcommittee and led the agency’s Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment ARC. He led the successful effort to ensure the TSA was responsive to industry’s concerns about the agency’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program and helped establish the CBP’s business aviation pre-clearance program in Shannon, Ireland. Carr also led the crafting of a workable Safety Management System program for business aviation in the U.S. and helped establish the International Standards for Business Aircraft Operations. During COVID, Carr led efforts with the FAA to help keep business aviation flying in the face of severe restrictions on face-to-face recurrent training and medical certifications, along with ensuring that business aviation was treated fairly as international travel restrictions reduced mission options. Internationally, Carr represented business aviation interests at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has assisted with several rulemaking and policy efforts at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Civil Aviation Administration of Singapore and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, along with other state aviation officials. He has served as the corporate secretary for IBAC, and as chair of the NGPA. Carr is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he received a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and an associate’s degree in aviation flight. Prior to college, he spent six years in the U.S. Navy. Before joining NBAA, Carr was employed by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as a specialist in government and industry affairs. Carr is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot and a certificated flight instructor.
Connico Hires Senior Cost Specialist for Next Phase of National Growth

Connico has announced the addition of Erika May as senior civil cost specialist. With more than 10 years of construction industry experience, May expands the firm’s cost estimating and project management capabilities to support complex infrastructure projects nationwide. Erika May “Erika has an impressive track record in cost estimating and managing complex aviation projects,” said Sri Kumar, Connico president and CEO. “She understands that excellent consulting relies on seeing what is ahead and helping clients make the right call when the stakes are high. We’re proud to welcome her and know both our clients and our team will benefit from her expertise and leadership.” In her role, May specializes in the civil components of complex infrastructure projects. Drawing on her extensive experience in construction leadership and in the field, she develops reliable estimates that help clients make informed project decisions and manage risk from planning through delivery. May holds an associate degree in science from Terra State Community College and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Toledo. She is a LEED® Green Associate™ and is currently pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Beyond her professional experience, May has completed the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy, served on several nonprofit and civic boards throughout Northwest Ohio, and was recognized as a Northwest Ohio 20 Under 40 recipient for her leadership and community involvement. “I’m honored to join Connico at such an exciting point in its growth,” said May. “Connico’s commitment to exceptional service, its people and creating the best place to work truly sets it apart. I’m excited to collaborate with this talented team, continue growing professionally and contribute to what’s next for the firm and our clients.”

International News

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, retrofits and worldwide deliveries. Today, these aircraft are supporting a wide range of missions, including offshore transport, EMS, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian operations, passenger transport, government and VIP missions. This milestone reflects Rotortrade’s experience in supporting the complete lifecycle of Super Puma aircraft, working closely with customers, Airbus and leading MRO partners to deliver integrated solutions from acquisition through entry into service. The company extended their thanks to all their customers, partners and suppliers for their continued trust and collaboration, and look forward to supporting many more projects together.
Van’s Aircraft Delivers the World’s First MOSAIC-Certified Aircraft

Photo – Van’s Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven (left) hands over the keys to the first MOSAIC aircraft ever delivered to Tom Snow, who chose the Cub Yellow scheme as a tribute to the iconic trainer. More RV history was made at EAA AirVenture 2026. Van’s Aircraft delivered the world’s first MOSAIC Part 22-certified aircraft, cementing the company’s place at the forefront of a new era for General Aviation. The MOSAIC-certified RV-12iS, trusted by over 40 flight schools that have amassed more than 100,000 training hours nationwide, didn’t just meet the moment. It defined it. Starting at $246,200, the IFR equipped RV-12 MOSAIC aircraft delivers next-generation flight training capability at a price that makes fleet expansion achievable for flight schools of every size. And unlike other training aircraft still on the drawing board, it’s delivering now. A Historic Milestone, Delivered at Oshkosh The world’s first MOSAIC Part 22 airworthiness certificate was issued to Tom Snow’s RV-12iS during AirVenture. The delivery was celebrated at a ceremony joined by EAA Chairman Jack Pelton and Van’s Aircraft founder Dick VanGrunsven, a fitting tribute to a company that has defined experimental aviation for over 50 years. The aircraft, painted in classic Cub Yellow to honor General Aviation’s roots, will leave Oshkosh and go straight into flight training with Crystal Air Academy. “MOSAIC changes who can fly and how they train,” said Mikael Via, CEO of Van’s Aircraft. “We’ve been building the right airplane for this moment for years, and that moment is here.” IMC Capability: A New Dimension for Flight Training The most significant advancement of the MOSAIC-certified RV-12iS is the ability to operate in actual instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), a training capability never before available in factory-new aircraft at this price point. “Real IMC experience is what separates a safe pilot from a capable one,” said Marc Cook, Customer Experience and Technical Communications Manager at Van’s Aircraft. “Flight schools have wanted this capability at this price point for a long time. Now they have it, and it changes what their students can accomplish.” A Proven Airframe, Elevated and Ready to Fly While other MOSAIC approved training aircraft are still on the drawing board, the IFR equipped RV-12iS is already flying — and starting at $246,200, it delivers next-generation capability at a price that makes fleet expansion achievable for flight schools of every size. Van’s approach to the MOSAIC-certified RV-12iS was deliberate: advance the platform without abandoning what makes it work. While other training aircraft wait in pre-order queues, the MOSAIC-certified RV-12iS is on the flight line, generating revenue for flight schools today. “The RV-12iS isn’t a new airplane built around MOSAIC Part 22,” Cook said. “It’s a proven airplane made better by it.” The MOSAIC-certified RV-12iS retains its Rotax 912iS engine, valued for its reliability, extensive service history, and low operating costs, keeping total cost of training ownership within reach. Paired with Garmin G3X Touch avionics (and soon to be available with AXIS), students build proficiency on a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) platform they will fly throughout their careers. New systems push the platform further. Redundant electrical capacity via an auxiliary alternator ensures mission reliability. An upgraded radiator and oil cooler deliver improved hot-weather performance, keeping the aircraft operational when flight schools need it most. Inside, the RV-12iS raises the bar for the training environment: all-leather seats, integrated elbow rests, redesigned stick grips, improved interior lighting, and enhanced canopy weather sealing. The RV’s legendary performance and handling characteristics remain fully intact. Flight Schools Already Taking Notice The RV-12iS is no stranger to flight school flight lines. Van’s is currently producing approximately one SLSA RV-12iS every four days, with demand driven almost entirely by flight schools across the country. MOSAIC Part 22 certification opens new training use cases, including actual IMC flight, that expand what those schools can offer students from Private through CFII. “Flight schools need an aircraft that’s affordable to operate, easy to teach in, and that students actually want to fly,” Cook said. “The RV-12iS checks every box.” “Van’s has always built quality airplanes that matter,” said Mikael Via. “Being first to MOSAIC certification isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of 50 years of building the right airplane for the moment General Aviation needs it most.”

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

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
Flight Instructor Wins AOPA Sweepstakes Aviat Husky

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced at EAA AirVenture that Ashley Almquist is the winner of AOPA’s Sweepstakes Aviat Husky. Her new airplane, a 2024 Aviat Husky A-1C-200, is a versatile, two-seat tailwheel airplane known for its impressive handling and performance. Almquist graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2026 with a READ MORE

Ontario International Airport Unveils Next-Generation Passenger Screening

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Travelers flying through Ontario International Airport (ONT) will enjoy a faster, more seamless security screening experience with the opening of a dramatically expanded passenger screening checkpoint in Terminal 2, with similar enhancements scheduled to open soon in Terminal 4. The project, years in the making, represents one of the most significant improvements to the airport’s […]

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

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, […]

University of Nebraska at Kearney chooses the Tecnam P-Mentor

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

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

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Andrew Stevens

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

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Andrew Stevens

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 […]

Doug Carr Saluted for Decades of Service as Business Aviation Champion

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

NBAA Senior Vice President for Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations Doug Carr recently announced his decision to retire from the National Business Aviation Association at the end of August after 28 years of outstanding service to NBAA and the entire business aviation community. “Doug has been a rock upon which NBAA has depended for […]

Van’s Aircraft Delivers the World’s First MOSAIC-Certified Aircraft

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Van’s Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven (left) hands over the keys to the first MOSAIC aircraft ever delivered to Tom Snow, who chose the Cub Yellow scheme as a tribute to the iconic trainer. More RV history was made at EAA AirVenture 2026. Van’s Aircraft delivered the world’s first MOSAIC Part 22-certified aircraft, cementing […]

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

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

JetBlue to Continue Providing Essential Air Service to Presque Isle

August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected JetBlue to continue providing Essential Air Service (EAS) to Presque Isle according to a recent release from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the agreement, which covers a two-year term from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028, JetBlue will provide seven round […]

Connico Hires Senior Cost Specialist for Next Phase of National Growth

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Connico has announced the addition of Erika May as senior civil cost specialist. With more than 10 years of construction industry experience, May expands the firm’s cost estimating and project management capabilities to support complex infrastructure projects nationwide. “Erika has an impressive track record in cost estimating and managing complex aviation projects,” said Sri Kumar, […]

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions

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

A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Electra Picks Ohio for First Advanced Aircraft Production Facility