Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s […]
State News
Kim Brown Announced as New Deer Valley Airport Manager
The City of Phoenix Aviation Department has announced the appointment of Kim Brown as the new Airport Manager for Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), following the retirement of longtime Airport Manager Ed Faron, who concluded nearly 24 years of distinguished service to the department on Monday, March 30. “Faron’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental […]
Nebraska Aviation Council’s Holds 34th Annual Symposium, Recognizes Retired State Aviation Official and Aviation Hall of Fame Inductees
The 34th annual Nebraska Aviation Council held its annual symposium on January 28~31, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza, Kearney, NE. The annual event kicked off with sessions directed at airport officials and management, with the last two days focusing on IA Renewal for aircraft mechanics. Keynote events included the presentations of the 2025 Airport and […]
NBAA Cheers Grassroots Success in Repealing Onerous Washington State Aircraft Tax
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed the repeal of an unduly burdensome tax on most general aviation (GA) aircraft in Washington state, which was enacted last year and set to take effect on April 1. Specifically, the repealed measure (SB 5801) would have established an onerous 10% tax on the purchase of new […]
CAP’s New Jersey Wing Assists U.S. Air Force with Critical Blood Processing Mission
Members of Civil Air Patrol’s New Jersey Wing recently mobilized to assist the U.S. Air Force in processing blood products destined for deployed service members. This effort expands the reach of Operation Pulse Lift, CAP’s ongoing humanitarian blood collection mission, and supports the need for blood for U.S. forces overseas. Responding to a request from […]
NBAA Marks Passing of GA Industry Standard-Bearer John Sheehan
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has paid tribute to the legacy of John J. Sheehan, III, decorated U.S. Navy aviator, general aviation advocate, safety expert and author, who recently passed away after devoting decades of his life to the general aviation industry. Sheehan, a frequent presenter at NBAA events, was the author of the […]
OU’s Max Westheimer Airport Earns Airport of the Year Award
By Jacob Guthrie The University of Oklahoma’s Max Westheimer Airport has received the prestigious Airport of the Year Award for 2026 from the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association. Airport Director Lance Lamkin was also named the 2026 Airport Manager of the Year. “This recognition is a direct reflection of the grit, pride and behind-the-scenes effort our […]
David Smith, PE, Joins McFarland Johnson as Regional Director
McFarland-Johnson, Inc. (MJ) has announced the appointment of David P. Smith, P.E., as Regional Director for New York, further strengthening MJ’s expertise and expanding its leadership presence in the region. Smith will lead the growth of MJ’s transportation practice in New York, with a specific focus on Central New York. With an impressive 33-year career […]
ODAA, OSIDA Celebrate Historic Artemis II Launch, Highlights Contributions from Oklahoma-Based Frontier Electronic Systems
Photo – NASA’s Space Launch System rocket successfully launched Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from Operations and Support Building II at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Oklahoma-based Frontier Electronic Systems supported the mission by manufacturing more than 20 components for the Orion spacecraft. Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls As NASA’s Artemis II mission journeys toward the […]
Innovation Soars at State Capitol as Leaders Celebrate Oklahoma’s $44 Billion Aerospace Economy
Photo – The crowd of aerospace industry stakeholders, military members, educators and students filled the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol for the 2026 AERO Oklahoma Day. The event brought together more than 1,000 attendees to advocate for the state’s $44 billion aerospace and defense industry. The second floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State […]
