State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf
La Compagnie, the 100% Smart Business Class airline, has announced plans to launch nonstop service between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) in Germany, beginning in Spring 2027. Operating up to five times weekly, the route will connect New York with Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region, one of Europe’s most […]
Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet
Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight […]
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace
Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for […]
Virginia Department of Aviation and Industry Partners Highlight the Future of Aviation with 2nd Flight Demonstration
Photo – Greg Campbell, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation. The Virginia Department of Aviation and industry partners have completed the second Virginia flight demonstration of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), highlighting the future of air transportation in the Commonwealth and across the United […]

State News

Epic Flight Academy Now Offers A&P Test Prep Course

Epic Flight Academy has announced the launch of a two-week test prep course for FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant certification. The courses are offered at both the New Smyrna Beach, Florida campus (EVB) and the Erlanger, Kentucky campus (CVG). Epic COO and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director Josh Rawlins explained, “Ever since we opened our first Part 147 campus, we’ve had requests for a test prep course like this. So, we worked with staff to plan a robust refresher course that takes two weeks and includes testing over that period. We’re excited to help skilled mechanics earn their FAA certifications.” Initially, Epic will offer a course each month. Tuition is $2,100 with a $100 registration fee. Mechanics with requisite civilian or military experience, 14 CFR Part 65 who have obtained the FAA Form 8610-2 are eligible to register for this course.
Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium Set for September 26

The 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s gathering features a full day of phenomenal presentations, followed by an informal dinner with an internationally recognized keynote speaker. Arguably the most anticipated event of its kind, this gathering attracts professional and avocational archaeologists, wreck chasers, historians, authors, and adventurers from around the globe. Anyone interested is invited to attend, learn and network. Presentations at this year’s event will be offered by speakers from throughout the international community, sharing their experiences on both land and underwater. Symposium attendance is all inclusive at $65.00 USD, which covers printed materials, morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as a sandwich buffet at noon, sponsored by the Colorado Aviation Historical Society. In addition to the symposium, participants are offered a number of optional tour opportunities along the historic Wright Brothers Trail (09/24), as well as the National Museum of the United States Air Force (09/25). These are sure to satisfy the most ardent aviation history enthusiasts. Saturday evening, following the symposium, a casual social gathering is offered with a buffet dinner and keynote speaker. Dr. Colin Colbourn, Lead Historian for Project Recover, will present an informative talk about Project Recover and some of its more challenging and interesting missions to locate and repatriate missing airman’s remains from around the world. The cost for the evening’s entertainment is $65.00 USD. A block of rooms at the Hope Hotel has been reserved at the special rate of $125.00 USD per night, if you wish to stay on site. (Please be sure to reference the Aviation Archaeology Symposium when making reservations.) Numerous other accommodations are available within the immediate area. For more information and or to register for the symposium and dinner, please visit the website at coahs.org/symposium.

National News

DBIA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington Announces Retirement

Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), has announced that she will retire in 2027, concluding more than 22 years with DBIA, including 17 years as its chief executive. Washington will continue to lead the organization while the National Board conducts a search for her successor, with a transition anticipated by mid-2027. Lisa Washington Prominently displayed in Washington’s office is a reminder of the first three organizational goals she set when she arrived at DBIA in 2004. She achieved all three, and she has been setting new ones ever since. When Washington joined DBIA, design-build was still widely considered an alternative project delivery method, and the organization was largely focused on building understanding and acceptance of its use. Today, design-build is mainstream, and DBIA has evolved to define and advance the standard for Design-Build Done Right®. “Lisa will leave DBIA at a moment of extraordinary strength and opportunity,” said Virginia McAllister, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, DBIA 2026 National Board of Directors Chair. “The organization is growing and its influence across the industry has never been greater. That position reflects Lisa’s leadership in guiding DBIA through more than two decades of growth and an extraordinary evolution of the design-build industry. She has approached her retirement with the same thoughtfulness she has brought to her leadership, giving the Board the time and opportunity to plan carefully for the transition and DBIA’s next chapter.” Washington joined DBIA in 2004 to lead its education and professional development efforts and was named Executive Director/CEO in 2009. During her tenure, design-build authorization expanded from fewer than half of U.S. states to 48, the number of DBIA-certified professionals grew from fewer than 100 to nearly 7,000, membership increased from fewer than 8,000 to more than 25,000, and the organization’s operating budget more than tripled. Together, these measures of growth reflect Washington’s leadership and the collective contributions of DBIA’s staff, Regions, volunteer leaders and industry partners. As DBIA’s understanding of successful design-build became more sophisticated and multidimensional, Washington increasingly drew on relationships with leading industry experts to broaden the organization’s thinking beyond project delivery mechanics to the human and organizational factors that shape performance. That collaborative philosophy also informed her view of DBIA’s role in the industry, bringing Owners and practitioners across disciplines together with researchers, policymakers and other industry partners to build consensus, advance research-based practices and raise expectations for design-build performance. That future-focused approach extended to strengthening DBIA itself. Most recently, following a Board-led assessment of DBIA’s regional structure, Washington developed a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the relationship between the national organization and its 14 Regions, enhance support and resources, and better position the network to serve a growing design-build industry. “Lisa’s leadership changed not only the size and influence of DBIA but she understood the Institute’s responsibility to the design and built industry,” said Craig Unger, FDBIA, former interim DBIA President, who helped bring Washington to DBIA in 2004. “From the beginning, she had an acute ability to understand what the Institute urgently needed while also looking ahead to what DBIA could become. Lisa immersed herself in the industry and became one of design-build’s most visible and trusted advocates, while continuing to guide DBIA to evolve as the industry changed significantly during her tenure.” Washington’s commitment to the industry has also earned recognition beyond the association community. Engineering News-Record named her one of its Top 25 Newsmakers of 2012 for her leadership of an industry coalition that worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve its design-build procurement processes. In 2023, she was inducted into the National Academy of Construction, which recognized her as a transformational leader in design-build whose collaborative work helped standardize best practices across the industry. For Washington, however, her connection to the industry has always been rooted in something more fundamental. “I came to DBIA because of my background in association leadership, but I stayed for more than two decades because I came to believe so deeply in the importance of this work and the people who make it possible,” Washington said. “I came to understand how profoundly our industry touches people’s lives and the difference design-build can make in delivering better projects. It has been the privilege of my career to work alongside extraordinary staff, volunteer leaders, Owners and industry professionals to advance that mission. I’m enormously proud of what we have built together and confident in where DBIA is headed.” DBIA’s National Board of Directors has retained Korn Ferry to lead the national search for Washington’s successor, with the goal of welcoming DBIA’s next Executive Director/CEO by mid-2027. Interested candidates or those wishing to recommend potential candidates may contact Cristina Fisher at Cristina.fisher@kornferry.com. Washington will continue as Executive Director/CEO until her successor begins and will remain with DBIA through December 2027 in a transition advisory capacity. More than two decades after arriving at DBIA with three goals in hand, Washington will leave an organization that has transformed and is prepared to keep asking the question that defined much of her leadership: What does the industry need from DBIA next?
U.S. DOT Invests $481 Million to Improve Airport Infrastructure

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investing $481 million to improve infrastructure and enhance safety at airports. The FAA is delivering 191 grants to airports in 36 states and two territories through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program, including: $100 million to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia for runway, taxiway and terminal reconstruction and runway safety area improvements. $32.5 million to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky to reconstruct the terminal. $30.3 million to San Diego International Airport in California for terminal construction. $14.2 million to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Wisconsin for taxiway construction and rehabilitation. $8.7 million to El Paso International Airport in Texas to rehabilitate the apron. $2.5 million to general aviation airports in Wisconsin for terminal reconstruction, runway and taxiway rehabilitation and snow-removal-equipment building reconstruction “From our regional hubs to some of America’s busiest airports, we are investing in critical infrastructure that will provide American families with a more seamless, efficient travel experience for years to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Upgrading our runway infrastructure is part of our work to usher in the Golden Age of Transportation.” “We’re investing in airport infrastructure that keeps travelers safe and airports operating efficiently,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “These grants will help airports across the country meet the demands of today’s travelers while preparing for the future.” Additional Information: AIG funding can be used for airport planning, development, terminal improvements, baggage system upgrades, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, roadway and access improvements, and other safety-related infrastructure needs. View a data visualization of the airports receiving funding.

International News

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, major sporting leagues, and start-up businesses on emerging technologies and related marketing strategies. As Founder and President, he oversees corporate strategy, strategic partnerships, and business operations for Airborne Response. Todd also serves as the Executive Director of AIRT, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Airborne Response and official home of Drones For Good®, AAM For Good®, and the DRONERESPONDERS program. Chris brings his subject matter expertise at the intersection of unmanned aviation with public safety and disaster response to the CDA Board. “The future of aviation is unmanned. Now is an exciting time for American drone innovation and security,” said Lisa Ellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Drone Alliance. “America must lead in drone dominance. To execute on behalf of the commercial drone marketplace, we need deep industry experience on our Board. We are thrilled that Chris has joined our leadership team.” “The U.S. advanced aviation industry is at a critical inflection point as drone technology promises to reshape the U.S. economy,” said Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response. “The Commercial Drone Alliance is the leading organization dedicated exclusively to advancing American leadership in commercial unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility policy. It’s an honor to join the board.” Todd joins CDA’s esteemed Board of Directors: Eric Brock (Ondas), Ben Berlin (Zipline International, Inc.), Jenn Player (Skydio), Craig Marcinkowski (NUAIR), Neta Gliksman (Percepto Robotics), James Grimsley (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Margaret Nagle (Wing), Jeff Cole (Hidden Level), Jon Damush (uAvionix), Grant Jordan (SkySafe), Heath McLemore (Florida Power & Light), Jim O’Sullivan (DoorDash), and William Wheeler (Southern Company).
Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium Set for September 26

The 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s gathering features a full day of phenomenal presentations, followed by an informal dinner with an internationally recognized keynote speaker. Arguably the most anticipated event of its kind, this gathering attracts professional and avocational archaeologists, wreck chasers, historians, authors, and adventurers from around the globe. Anyone interested is invited to attend, learn and network. Presentations at this year’s event will be offered by speakers from throughout the international community, sharing their experiences on both land and underwater. Symposium attendance is all inclusive at $65.00 USD, which covers printed materials, morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as a sandwich buffet at noon, sponsored by the Colorado Aviation Historical Society. In addition to the symposium, participants are offered a number of optional tour opportunities along the historic Wright Brothers Trail (09/24), as well as the National Museum of the United States Air Force (09/25). These are sure to satisfy the most ardent aviation history enthusiasts. Saturday evening, following the symposium, a casual social gathering is offered with a buffet dinner and keynote speaker. Dr. Colin Colbourn, Lead Historian for Project Recover, will present an informative talk about Project Recover and some of its more challenging and interesting missions to locate and repatriate missing airman’s remains from around the world. The cost for the evening’s entertainment is $65.00 USD. A block of rooms at the Hope Hotel has been reserved at the special rate of $125.00 USD per night, if you wish to stay on site. (Please be sure to reference the Aviation Archaeology Symposium when making reservations.) Numerous other accommodations are available within the immediate area. For more information and or to register for the symposium and dinner, please visit the website at coahs.org/symposium.

Unmanned Systems

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, READ MORE
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for READ MORE

Aviation Education

Epic Flight Academy Now Offers A&P Test Prep Course

Epic Flight Academy has announced the launch of a two-week test prep course for FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant certification. The courses are offered at both the New Smyrna Beach, Florida campus (EVB) and the Erlanger, Kentucky campus (CVG). Epic COO and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director Josh Rawlins explained, “Ever since we opened our READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet

Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight READ MORE

Epic Flight Academy Now Offers A&P Test Prep Course

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy has announced the launch of a two-week test prep course for FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant certification. The courses are offered at both the New Smyrna Beach, Florida campus (EVB) and the Erlanger, Kentucky campus (CVG). Epic COO and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director Josh Rawlins explained, “Ever since we opened our […]

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, major sporting […]

Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium Set for September 26

September 12, 2026September 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s gathering features a full day of phenomenal presentations, followed by an informal dinner with an internationally recognized keynote speaker. Arguably the most anticipated event […]

DBIA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington Announces Retirement

September 12, 2026September 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), has announced that she will retire in 2027, concluding more than 22 years with DBIA, including 17 years as its chief executive. Washington will continue to lead the organization while the National Board conducts a search for her successor, with a transition anticipated […]

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

La Compagnie, the 100% Smart Business Class airline, has announced plans to launch nonstop service between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) in Germany, beginning in Spring 2027. Operating up to five times weekly, the route will connect New York with Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region, one of Europe’s most […]

Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight […]

Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for […]

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa Students Awarded Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation Scholarships

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has announced that 13 students from its Tulsa campus aviation flight and aviation maintenance technology programs have been selected as recipients of scholarships through the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship Program. The nationally recognized scholarship program supports hardworking individuals pursuing training for careers in the skilled trades […]

U.S. DOT Invests $481 Million to Improve Airport Infrastructure

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investing $481 million to improve infrastructure and enhance safety at airports. The FAA is delivering 191 grants to airports in 36 states and two territories through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program, including: “From our regional hubs to some of America’s busiest airports, […]

MSP Airport to Close Runway 17-35 for Lighting Modernization

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Runway 17-35 will close Sept. 8 for six weeks to upgrade electrical systems on the runway and connected taxiways. During the project, crews will replace all existing elevated and in-pavement halogen fixtures with energy-efficient LED lighting along the entire runway — completing a multi-year effort to modernize airfield lighting. “This […]

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf

Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet

Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Virginia Department of Aviation and Industry Partners Highlight the Future of Aviation with 2nd Flight Demonstration