State Aviation Journal

MIA, Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines Host Tour for Children with Disabilities Before the Holidays
Photo – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié (center) with more than 150 children at the MIAair tour on November 19. A week before the Thanksgiving travel season begins, Miami International Airport (MIA), Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines hosted the airport’s latest MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness […]
Tail Section of Legendary Lockheed Super Star Successfully Assembled at Lufthansa Group Hangar One
The next important milestone has been reached at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport: the tail unit has now been mounted on the Lockheed L-1649A Super Star. The three-part rudder is characteristic of this particular aircraft series. It has a wingspan of over 15 meters […]
Oregon Department of Aviation Completes Runway and Electrical Rehabilitation Project at Siletz Bay State Airport
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has announced the completion of the Runway and Electrical Rehabilitation Project at Siletz Bay State Airport (S45). The project included resurfacing the aging north two-thirds of the runway and repairing low pavement sections on the south end, as well as replacing the airport’s nearly 40-year-old airfield electrical system. The […]
Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8
International Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse ceremonially retired its Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft and dedicate its new Boeing 767 at its Airlift Response Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event marks a new era for the ministry’s global aviation operations and advances its ability to help suffering families around the world in Jesus’ Name. For […]

State News

MIA, Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines Host Tour for Children with Disabilities Before the Holidays

Photo – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié (center) with more than 150 children at the MIAair tour on November 19. A week before the Thanksgiving travel season begins, Miami International Airport (MIA), Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines hosted the airport’s latest MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) tour for more than 150 children with disabilities from local schools, along with their parents, teachers, and guardians. The tour allowed participants to rehearse the air travel experience from start to finish, all the way to an airplane seat, in a safe and controlled environment. “We strive to make Miami-Dade County services as accessible as possible to all of our residents, which is why I am so proud of MIA’s successful efforts to empower travelers with disabilities through its award-winning MIAair tour program,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “With this month’s MIAair tour, even more children and their families gained the confidence and comfort they need to experience the joy of air travel without barriers.” The children practiced entering the airport, getting boarding passes, going through security, and boarding a LATAM Airlines plane with the airline’s gate agents and flight crew. The program also served as a learning experience for airline and airport workers at MIA. The goal of the MIAair program is for anyone, regardless of their disability, to experience the magic and wonder of flight. Since launching the MIAair tours in 2015, in partnership with the UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), MIA has now hosted tours for nearly 400 children with disabilities. “Thank you to our partners at Miami International Airport and LATAM for investing their facilities and their hearts in accessible travel,” said Alison Lathrop, Delta’s Managing Director of Accessibility Programs. “Travel is for everyone, and we’re delighted to spread a little cheer and make the travel experience more familiar and accessible for to these kids and their families this holiday season.” “We are delighted to take part in this event that brings together so many children and their families,” said Cristina De Melo, VP North America & Caribbean at LATAM Airlines. “At LATAM, we are committed to building an inclusive and accessible travel industry. As part of this commitment, we have been enhancing the travel experience for people with disabilities—through initiatives such as practice boarding across our South American subsidiaries and partnerships with Autism Double-Checked and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. These collaborations help us create a more accessible journey for passengers on the autism spectrum and those with hidden disabilities. Today’s event has been a meaningful opportunity to further our mission of promoting accessibility and inclusion.”
Ohio Businesses, Pilots, and Schools Unite to Oppose Request to Close Burke Lakefront Airport

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has joined the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP), a coalition made up of local businesses, aviation organizations, and schools—to oppose Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s misguided effort to permanently close Burke Lakefront Airport. Last month, Mayor Bibb asked the federal government to relieve the city of Cleveland of its obligation to keep the airport open. In a letter sent today to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, and Representative Shontel Brown, the LAPP highlighted that the FAA and state of Ohio have awarded nearly $20 million in grants to improve the airport—funding that requires Burke Lakefront to remain open until the late 2030s. “By accepting these grants, the city has agreed to operate and maintain the airport,” the letter states. “Temporary politicians should not be able to ignore or undo commitments made by their predecessors, which will have negative long-term impacts. Simply casting the airport to the wayside and placating to Mayor Bibb’s wishes is not in the best interest of the public, the aviation system, or the City of Cleveland.” “Burke Lakefront Airport isn’t just used by general aviation pilots—it’s a vital asset to northeast Ohio and the country,” said AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis. “Planes take off and land there more than 50,000 times each year, and the airport serves as an important link for public safety, medevac operations, Coast Guard missions and training, flight training, educational opportunities, and more. For example, just one medevac operator based at Burke Lakefront operates more than 500 medical and organ transplant flights there every year.” “In cases like this, if a public airport is going to close, the entity running that airport—in this case, the city of Cleveland—must prove to the FAA that the closure is in the public’s best interest, and they must provide a plan for another local airport to absorb the traffic and infrastructure,” added Lewis. “Mayor Bibb has done none of that. We’ve checked with other airports in the area. Many of them operate at or near capacity, and none of them can handle the influx of traffic or the expansion of infrastructure needed to support these operations.” In its letter, the LAPP invited Mayor Bibb to meet with the group to discuss how the airport can continue to play an important role for the city of Cleveland.

National News

GAA Nominations Deadline Extended into December

The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors announces an updated submission deadline for applications and nominations for the 2026 awards for National Flight Instructors, Aviation Maintenance Technicians, and FAA Safety Team Representatives until midnight on December 19, 2025. Submissions and additional information on the process can be accessed at www.generalaviationawards.com/nominate. The program, a cooperative effort between industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), seeks to recognize individuals for their professionalism and dedication to general aviation (GA). Honorees serve as exemplary models of character and excellence for the broader GA community. GAA encourages flight schools, aviation organizations, universities, FSDOs, and other entities to nominate fellow aviators or submit applications. This year, GAA will recognize every nominee, acknowledging the vital contributions each person makes to their community’s health and safety. The selection process begins following the NEW December 19th deadline at the Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO), where Honorees are chosen at the district level. These winners then proceed to the national level, where a panel of judges composed of industry professionals and past Honorees selects the final Honorees. In addition to national recognition, winners present a live broadcast offering their knowledge and expertise, are awarded a trip to AirVenture, a commemorative plaque, and numerous gifts from industry sponsors. GAA is a not-for-profit corporation run exclusively by volunteers, and it depends on financial support from sponsors and donations to provide these honors.
McFarland Johnson Welcomes Jason Kantak, PE As Regional Engineering Manager

McFarland Johnson (MJ) has announced Jason Kantak as Regional Engineering Manager in its Civil Engineering Services Division. Based in Syracuse, New York, Kantak will focus on expanding all MJ’s Divisions within the Central New York region, with an emphasis on Civil, Transportation, Aviation, and Environmental Services. Jason Kantak As Regional Engineering Manager, Kantak oversees the Civil Engineering Services Division’s Quality Assurance & Control operations and business development, leading growth strategies, process improvements, and strategic initiatives focused on Central New York. With 30 years of cross-disciplinary experience, he is a leading problem solver for complex challenges. His diverse project portfolio spans commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal engineering. In addition to his engineering roles, he has also been a founding principal and Chief Financial Officer for a consulting firm and a lighting manufacturer. “McFarland Johnson’s strong reputation, expertise, and employee ownership attracted me. From the start, the MJ team valued my perspective, demonstrated integrity, and showed commitment to success. I am excited to help MJ continue to grow and succeed,” noted Kantak. “We are pleased to welcome Jason to MJ’s growing Civil Engineering team. His broad engineering, financial, and management experience, coupled with his entrepreneurial leadership skills, will benefit our clients and accelerate our growth in the Central New York region,” said Steve Boisvert, Director of Civil Engineering Services for McFarland Johnson.

International News

Tail Section of Legendary Lockheed Super Star Successfully Assembled at Lufthansa Group Hangar One

The next important milestone has been reached at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport: the tail unit has now been mounted on the Lockheed L-1649A Super Star. The three-part rudder is characteristic of this particular aircraft series. It has a wingspan of over 15 meters and weighs around 1.4 tons. The assembly was carried out using two forklifts operating in parallel. With this, all the large components of the Super Star have now been successfully assembled. The historic aircraft, once a symbol of innovation and elegance, was painted this summer at Münster/Osnabrück Airport in its classic 1950s livery. The fuselage, wings, engines, and tail were then transported to Frankfurt by heavy haulage. The various aircraft parts were assembled in the new building at Frankfurt Airport over the past few weeks. Now, with a total length of around 35 meters and an impressive wingspan of more than 45 meters, the Super Star shines again in all its former glory. Together with the legendary Junkers Ju 52, the Lockheed Super Star will be the main attraction of the “Lufthansa Group Hangar One.” Due to a glass facade, visitors can also admire the two icons of aviation history from the outside. The opening of the conference and visitor center coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Deutsche Luft Hansa and underscores the importance of aviation history for the Lufthansa Group.
WAI Announces the 2026 Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees

Women in Aviation International (WAI) has selected the 2026 inductees for its international Pioneer Hall of Fame. These three female trailblazers will be honored at the 37th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference during a ceremony and celebration dinner at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, March 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The 2026 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductees are: Olga Custodio As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering Hispanic female captain in commercial aviation, Olga Custodio defines her success through three principles: overcome self-doubt, stay open to possibilities, and see yourself as an equal. After flying the T-38 as an instructor pilot, she served 24 years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Olga then flew with American Airlines on the Boeing 727, Fokker 100, Boeing 757 and 767, accumulating over 11,000 hours of flight time and retiring as a captain. As a STEM advocate, Olga is a speaker serving as a role model for aspiring aviators. She is a tireless volunteer to inspire and educate students, especially from underserved communities. Her memoir Flightpath of Fortitude includes Olga’s essential life insights on how to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams. Joan Sullivan Garrett Joan Sullivan Garrett began her medical career as a flight nurse who envisioned a worldwide solution for travel safety on air, land, and sea, anywhere in the world, after losing a young patient in the remote Arizona mountains. She founded MedAire in 1985 and pioneered global telemedicine through radio, teletype, and satellite communications. She personally trained flight crews and corporate pilots in emergency response, bringing a hands-on approach to a challenge the industry had largely overlooked. But her most transformative innovation came with the creation of MedLink, a 24/7 air-to-ground response center staffed by emergency physicians. Serving as CEO until 2008, Joan details her journey in her autobiography One Life Lost, Millions Gained. She has received numerous awards and accolades as a visionary healthcare leader and aviation safety pioneer, and served on various aviation boards. Nadine Berniece Ramsey The late Nadine Berniece Ramsey was a pioneering female pilot of military aircraft and a member of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. As the first woman in the United States to fly military aircraft, she helped pave the way for today’s women military aircraft pilots. Nadine’s flying achievements came early and often, including being the first Kansas woman to earn a commercial pilot license, among the earliest women to fly the U.S. Air Mail, as well as a successful aircraft businesswoman, stunt flier, and racer. She was also a first squadron commander for the Civil Air Patrol Program and one of only about 50 women to provide wartime service training instruction during the war. Her legacy to the nation is detailed in the book Taking Flight. “We want to ensure that the rich history of women’s accomplishments in aviation is not lost in time,” says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “Our international Pioneer Hall of Fame honors women who made remarkable contributions to aviation, as well as open doors for future generations of women who choose aviation as a career. This year’s inductees reflect their unique contributions to aviation, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.” The Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor women who have made significant contributions as record setters, pioneers, or innovators. Special consideration is given to individuals or groups who have helped other women be successful in aviation or opened doors of opportunity for other women. Each year, WAI solicits nominations from throughout the industry for its Pioneer Hall of Fame. To learn about the more than 130 inductees over the past 30+ years, visit WAI.org/pioneers. This event is a registration-required event with an additional fee. Guest tickets can be purchased through WAI2026 registration here. Space is limited for this special celebration with attire cocktail, business formal, or military formal. Register for WAI2026 here!

Unmanned Systems

Osage LLC Hosts Osage Nation Congress for Tour and Presentation of Future Skyway Range Plans

Osage LLC welcomed members of the Osage Nation Congress for an in-depth tour and lunch briefing at Skyway Range, offering a first look at an ambitious vision to transform the area into a leading center for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) innovation, testing, and economic growth. The visit provided Osage leaders with a comprehensive overview of READ MORE
Virginia Launches Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Systems Test Site Program

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) have announced the launch of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility Test Site Program, a new pilot initiative to evaluate and integrate next-generation aviation technologies across Virginia’s transportation and innovation ecosystem. Developed to support the deployment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), READ MORE

Aviation Education

InstructAir and Skyfarer Academy Finalize Acquisition, Uniting Two Aviation Training Innovators

Skyfarer Academy has announced the completion of its acquisition of InstructAir, a leading platform connecting flight instructors and pilots across the United States. This strategic acquisition brings together two pioneering forces in aviation education to create the most comprehensive digital ecosystem for student pilots, flight instructors, schools, and aviation enthusiasts nationwide. A Unified Platform for READ MORE
WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2026 Emerging Leaders Courses

Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and conducted by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE). In 2026, WAI will expand the program to offer both an on-campus READ MORE

GAA Nominations Deadline Extended into December

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors announces an updated submission deadline for applications and nominations for the 2026 awards for National Flight Instructors, Aviation Maintenance Technicians, and FAA Safety Team Representatives until midnight on December 19, 2025. Submissions and additional information on the process can be accessed at www.generalaviationawards.com/nominate. The program, a cooperative […]

MIA, Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines Host Tour for Children with Disabilities Before the Holidays

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié (center) with more than 150 children at the MIAair tour on November 19. A week before the Thanksgiving travel season begins, Miami International Airport (MIA), Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines hosted the airport’s latest MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness […]

Ohio Businesses, Pilots, and Schools Unite to Oppose Request to Close Burke Lakefront Airport

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has joined the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP), a coalition made up of local businesses, aviation organizations, and schools—to oppose Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s misguided effort to permanently close Burke Lakefront Airport. Last month, Mayor Bibb asked the federal government to relieve the city of Cleveland of its […]

Kansas City – Lee’s Summit Regional Airport Holds Hangar 2 Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The City of Lee’s Summit hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13 to celebrate the completion of Hangar 2, a state-of-the-art facility at the Kansas City – Lee’s Summit Regional Airport (LXT). Hangar 2 represents a major investment in the City’s growing regional airport and supports Lee’s Summit’s commitment to expanding aviation opportunities, workforce development […]

McFarland Johnson Welcomes Jason Kantak, PE As Regional Engineering Manager

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

McFarland Johnson (MJ) has announced Jason Kantak as Regional Engineering Manager in its Civil Engineering Services Division. Based in Syracuse, New York, Kantak will focus on expanding all MJ’s Divisions within the Central New York region, with an emphasis on Civil, Transportation, Aviation, and Environmental Services. As Regional Engineering Manager, Kantak oversees the Civil Engineering […]

Pape-Dawson Expands Airport Planning Practice with Acquisition of Coffman Associates

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Pape-Dawson has acquired Coffman Associates, a nationally recognized airport planning firm with offices in Kansas and Arizona, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s expanding aviation practice. Founded in 1979, Coffman Associates specializes in airport planning and associated environmental and noise/land use studies. The firm’s unmatched experience includes more than 600 airport master plans, 450 […]

Hooker Municipal Airport, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Fuel Future Growth with $1M Upgrade

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – Hooker Municipal Airport and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics celebrated a $1,000,000 upgrade to the airport’s fuel system on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The improvement replaced outdated and unreliable fuel tanks. Hooker Municipal Airport, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), officially celebrated a major infrastructure upgrade […]

Guymon Municipal Airport, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Kick Off Key Hangar Project Construction in Panhandle

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and Guymon Municipal Airport held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The new hangar is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The Guymon Municipal Airport and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) marked the start of construction on a new 120-foot […]

Osage LLC Hosts Osage Nation Congress for Tour and Presentation of Future Skyway Range Plans

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Osage LLC welcomed members of the Osage Nation Congress for an in-depth tour and lunch briefing at Skyway Range, offering a first look at an ambitious vision to transform the area into a leading center for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) innovation, testing, and economic growth. The visit provided Osage leaders with a comprehensive overview of […]

Tail Section of Legendary Lockheed Super Star Successfully Assembled at Lufthansa Group Hangar One

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The next important milestone has been reached at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport: the tail unit has now been mounted on the Lockheed L-1649A Super Star. The three-part rudder is characteristic of this particular aircraft series. It has a wingspan of over 15 meters […]

MIA, Delta Air Lines, and LATAM Airlines Host Tour for Children with Disabilities Before the Holidays

Tail Section of Legendary Lockheed Super Star Successfully Assembled at Lufthansa Group Hangar One

Oregon Department of Aviation Completes Runway and Electrical Rehabilitation Project at Siletz Bay State Airport

Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8