State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office unveiled last week renderings for a landmark transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Backed by a $20+ billion capital investment program, a historic collaboration between USDOT, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and United Airlines will oversee the transformation […]
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 […]

State News

MnDOT Awards $8 Million for Safety Upgrades at Minnesota Airports

Photo – Construction project taking place at Rochester International Airport (RST) Improvement projects at 39 Minnesota airports recently got clearance for takeoff, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. MnDOT will award $8 million collectively for pavement improvement and turf rehabilitation, crack rehabilitation and removal of obstructions on runways and taxiways. Other projects include planning for stormwater pollution prevention, fuel pump replacements, facilities upgrades and maintenance and security lighting. Funding will support 57 projects overall. “These projects reflect MnDOT’s ongoing commitment to supporting safe and sustainable aviation,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “Minnesota airports act as economic catalysts for all corners of the state, providing crucial transportation hubs to connect people, businesses and emergency services and vital centers for aviation training and job development.” Since fiscal year 2022, the Aeronautics Capital Grant Fund has supported more than 260 safety projects at airports around Minnesota, part of MnDOT’s work to improve and modernize Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure and help keep travelers safe. These projects are financed by the State Airports Fund, which is supported primarily through aviation fuel and sales taxes and aircraft property taxes and registration fees. Visit MnDOT’s Aeronautics Capital Grant Funding Page for more information on the funded airports and projects. Airports receiving grants: Airlake Airport Backus Municipal Airport Bemidji Regional Airport Bowstring Airport Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Brooten Municipal Airport Clarissa Municipal Airport Dodge Center Municipal Airport Duluth International Airport Duluth Sky Harbor Airport Fairmont Municipal Airport Fergus Falls Regional Airport Granite Falls Muni-Lenzen-Roe-Fagan Memorial Field Hawley Municipal Airport Hill City-Quadna Mountain Airport Litchfield Municipal Airport Little Falls Longville Municipal Airport Mankato Regional Airport McGregor – Isedor Iverson Airport Morris Municipal Airport Northome Municipal Airport Orr Regional Airport Owatonna Degner Regional Airport Pipestone Municipal Airport Remer Municipal Airport Rochester International Airport Roseau Municipal Airport Sauk Centre Municipal Airport Southwest Minnesota Regional Springfield Municipal Airport Cloud Regional Airport James Municipal Airport Starbuck Municipal Airport Stephen Municipal Airport Two Harbors Municipal Waskish Municipal Airport Willmar Municipal Airport Worthington Municipal Airport
ALDOT Awards More Than $3.1 Million in Airport Grants

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded more than $3.1 million in Alabama airport grants to support improvement projects at 11 local airports. With this latest round of grants, ALDOT has awarded $5,336,018 through the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program so far in 2026. The grants are part of ALDOT’s Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program, which provides financial assistance and technical support to public-use airports across the state. Eligible projects may include land acquisition, runway upgrades, facility repairs, maintenance, and operational improvements. “Safe, reliable airport facilities require continued investment,” said Frank Farmer, bureau chief of ALDOT’s Aeronautics Bureau. “These grants will help local airports address important needs and maintain facilities that pilots, businesses and communities can depend on.” These grants reflect ALDOT’s continued investment in the state’s air transportation system, which supports emergency response, commerce, tourism and more. The Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program was established to assist airport owners with the planning, construction and maintenance of aviation facilities. ALDOT may also provide engineering and technical support as needed for approved projects. Planning for the FY 2027 program is currently underway. Learn more about the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program.

National News

National Aeronautic Association Announces Kelly L. Adams as the Recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced Kelly L. Adams, Program Director for the Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Health Professions Scholarship Program, as the recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy. Established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation and awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, the Katharine Wright Trophy recognizes individuals who have contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of aviation and space over an extended period. “Katharine Wright’s legacy is defined by steadfast support that enables others to reach extraordinary heights,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kelly Adams embodies that exact spirit. For over two decades, she has served as a vital anchor for military medicine, ensuring those who safeguard our Airmen are supported, equipped, and inspired to lead.” Adams is recognized for her 23-year civil service career leading the Department of the Air Force’s largest health professions accession pipeline. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, she has guided nearly 12,000 future physicians, nurses, and aerospace medicine specialists into military service, strengthening military healthcare readiness and mentoring generations of female Air Force medical leaders. “I am extremely honored and humbled to join the ranks of this illustrious group of Katharine Wright Trophy recipients,” said Awardee Kelly Adams. “Being from the Dayton, Ohio area, known as the ‘Birthplace of Aviation’ and surrounded by Wright Brothers family history, makes this association even more meaningful. I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given to work with the amazing and talented Air Force men and women to help them realize their dreams of becoming United States Air Force Aerospace Health Professional Officers.” The 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy will be formally presented during the NAA Fall Awards Dinner on November 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C. For event tickets and more information, visit naa.aero.
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.

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

MnDOT Awards $8 Million for Safety Upgrades at Minnesota Airports

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Construction project taking place at Rochester International Airport (RST) Improvement projects at 39 Minnesota airports recently got clearance for takeoff, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. MnDOT will award $8 million collectively for pavement improvement and turf rehabilitation, crack rehabilitation and removal of obstructions on runways and taxiways. Other projects include planning […]

ALDOT Awards More Than $3.1 Million in Airport Grants

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded more than $3.1 million in Alabama airport grants to support improvement projects at 11 local airports. With this latest round of grants, ALDOT has awarded $5,336,018 through the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program so far in 2026. The grants are part of ALDOT’s Alabama Airport Improvement Funding […]

National Aeronautic Association Announces Kelly L. Adams as the Recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced Kelly L. Adams, Program Director for the Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Health Professions Scholarship Program, as the recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy. Established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation and awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, […]

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office unveiled last week renderings for a landmark transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Backed by a $20+ billion capital investment program, a historic collaboration between USDOT, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and United Airlines will oversee the transformation […]

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 […]