State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT
CubCrafters has announced the new Carbon Cub ULT, an innovative turboprop-powered evolution of the company’s popular Carbon Cub UL platform. Designed to combine the simplicity and efficiency of modern sport aviation with the smooth power and reliability of turbine technology, the Carbon Cub ULT represents a major step forward in lightweight backcountry aircraft design. The […]
GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions
GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental […]
The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing
As you know from my recent article, I was highly anticipating the release of the new Star Fox game on Nintendo Switch 2. This is a series I’ve loved since the very beginning on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and it’s so great to have another entry into the series arrive on the Switch […]
One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!
As you know, I love my retro aviation games. Anything that was related to aviation and flight was a must play for me growing up and this was absolutely the case with one of my all-time favorite Super Nintendo games, Star Fox! I still own a complete in box (CIB) copy of the SNES version […]

State News

Vintage in Review Highlights Antique and Classic Aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

The Vintage in Review showcase is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, featuring unique and iconic aircraft that were built and flown during the first half-century of aviation. The showcase will take place July 20-24 at the Interview Circle just east of the Vintage Red Barn. “Vintage in Review gives a wonderful opportunity to see and learn about planes that can’t be seen anywhere else, with some of our featured aircraft being as old as 90 years,” explained Ray Johnson, Vintage in Review chairman. “It also gives a chance to get to know the owners and pilots, who are often the mechanics too, behind these vintage aircraft. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and be regaled by some great stories about the flights and upkeep of these planes, and learn about the time and effort needed to keep these aircraft in the sky.” This year’s showcase features an incredible range of diverse aircraft that represent 20 years of American civil aviation design. Each day at 10:30 a.m., pilots of these magnificent aircraft will be interviewed alongside their rare and unique antique and classic airplanes. They will be accompanied by the Ladies for Liberty, who will be performing World War II-era songs. There will also be an engine run of the iconic 1915 Curtiss OX-5 immediately following the performances from the Ladies of Liberty. Monday, July 20 Mid America Flight Museum – 1934 Granville Brothers Gee Bee R-6 QED (Replica) Tuesday, July 21 Shawn Honaker – 1946 Aeronca Champ Wednesday, July 22 Tim Talen – 1935 National Airplane and Motor Co.Bluebird LP-4 Thursday, July 23 Jan Johnson – 1944 Stinson L-5E Friday, July 24 Will Kientz – 1953 Temco T-35A Buckaroo
NASA Brings Legendary Aircraft to Celebrate America 250 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and several NASA aircraft will be among the special guests on Boeing Plaza, in the Warbirds area, and during several airshows during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Isaacman will speak during a Warbirds in Review presentation on his personal MiG-29 and F-5 aircraft on Thursday, July 23, at 10 a.m. and during a Boeing Plaza presentation on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. Friday’s event will highlight the future vision for NASA, including its upcoming space missions and ongoing aeronautics innovations. Highlighting the aircraft from NASA will be an F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet with special patriotic livery celebrating America 250, including navy blue-and-white star covered fuselages and red-and-white striped wings. They are based at Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. In addition, a NASA T-38 Talon, a legendary training jet for the astronaut corps, will be on display on Boeing Plaza. This Talon is based out of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Rounding out the group will be four special livery F-5F Tiger IIs, with three of them decorated in special white and blue Freedom 250 paint schemes. The three “Freedom 250” F-5s will be on display in the Warbirds area throughout the week, apart from their participation in the July 23-24 air shows. These iconic aircraft were featured during the July 4 flyover in Washington D.C., as a part of the America 250 celebrations. This will be the first time the aircraft will be available to be seen by the public on static display with their special liveries.

National News

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT

CubCrafters has announced the new Carbon Cub ULT, an innovative turboprop-powered evolution of the company’s popular Carbon Cub UL platform. Designed to combine the simplicity and efficiency of modern sport aviation with the smooth power and reliability of turbine technology, the Carbon Cub ULT represents a major step forward in lightweight backcountry aircraft design. The aircraft’s name is also a nod to the Carbon Cub UL program itself. The original “UL” designation reflected the aircraft’s focus on lightweight performance and unleaded fuel compatibility. The new “UL’T” branding builds on that legacy by adding “T” for turbine — while also representing what CubCrafters believes is the ULTimate evolution of the backcountry Carbon Cub platform. The Carbon Cub ULT is powered by the new TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turbine engine, an advanced FADEC-controlled turboprop engine that delivers turbine smoothness and operational simplicity while achieving fuel economy comparable to the gasoline-powered version of the Carbon Cub UL. The engine brings easy-to-maintain turboprop reliability to a new generation of recreational aircraft, combining exceptional durability with simplified operation and reduced maintenance requirements. The TP-R90’s fully integrated Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system eliminates traditional fuel and propeller management, providing pilots with an exceptionally simple and intuitive operating experience. Like the Carbon Cub UL, the ULT benefits from CubCrafters’ latest generation of performance-enhancing airframe improvements, including advanced aerodynamic refinements, lightweight composite construction, and the exceptional short-field capability that has made the Carbon Cub the benchmark for backcountry aircraft worldwide. Starting the Carbon Cub ULT is as simple as turning on the master switch and pressing the start button. The FADEC system automatically manages fuel flow, ignition, engine temperatures, and propeller operation throughout the start sequence and flight envelope, eliminating many of the procedures traditionally associated with both piston and turbine aircraft. The Carbon Cub ULT is also the first U.S.-manufactured turboprop aircraft eligible to be flown by Sport Pilots under the FAA’s new MOSAIC regulations — representing a major milestone in the evolution of recreational aviation. “The Carbon Cub ULT represents some of the most advanced engineering work ever undertaken at CubCrafters,” said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters. “Bringing together regenerative turbine technology, full FADEC controls, lightweight composite construction, and our proven STOL capability into a practical backcountry aircraft demanded an incredible amount of focused innovation and refinement from our team. The result is an aircraft that combines the excitement and refinement of turbine power with the simplicity and accessibility that have always defined the Carbon Cub.” At the heart of the Carbon Cub ULT is the TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop engine—a revolutionary new powerplant that combines turbine smoothness and reliability with remarkable fuel efficiency, durability, and ease of operation, redefining what pilots can expect from turbine-powered flight. “We are extremely proud to be working with CubCrafters as our launch partner in the United States,” said Damien Fauvet, CEO of TurboTech. “CubCrafters has an exceptional reputation for innovation and engineering excellence in backcountry aviation, and the Carbon Cub ULT is an ideal platform to demonstrate the capabilities of the TP-R90 engine. Together, we believe we are introducing a new generation of efficient, practical, turbine-powered recreational aircraft.” “The Carbon Cub ULT demonstrates what’s possible when cutting-edge turbine technology is paired with one of the most proven and capable lightweight backcountry aircraft platforms in the world,” said Brad Damm, Vice President of CubCrafters. “The first thing pilots notice is how effortless the airplane feels,” said Brad Damm. “You push and hold the start button for a few seconds and the aircraft is ready to go fly. The FADEC handles the details, the turbine is incredibly smooth and quiet, and the aircraft retains the lightweight performance and responsiveness that pilots love about the Carbon Cub. It’s one of those airplanes that makes you look for excuses to go flying.” The Carbon Cub ULT has been undergoing active flight testing at the company headquarters in Yakima, Washington, where the program continues to validate performance and refine the aircraft ahead of its public debut. CubCrafters will officially showcase the Carbon Cub ULT this summer at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, where attendees will have their first opportunity to see the aircraft in person. The company is accepting customer deposits for ULT production positions, with initial customer deliveries expected in 2027, as it prepares for the MOSAIC era and the next generation of high-performance recreational aviation.
Colorado Shares Unleaded Aviation Fuel Transition Update

New ACRP Unleaded Avgas Transition Publications Available The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), which is part of the National Academies of Science’s Transportation Research Board, has just released two new publications addressing the aviation industry’s transition to unleaded aviation gasoline (avgas) that will be of interest to Colorado’s aviation community, as they continue to lead the way nationally in this transition. Both publications can be downloaded for free at the hyperlinks below: Research Report 284, Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Guide and Tools, summarizes the general steps and best practices that airports can follow when seeking to supply unleaded aviation gasoline. The report also highlights important sources of information to assist with planning and implementing an airport’s transition to unleaded aviation fuel. Publication 29409, Understanding the Transition to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Primer, provides airports with concise information about the transition to unleaded aviation gasoline, based on the latest information available at the time of its preparation. For more resources and information about how the Colorado Division of Aeronautics is facilitating and supporting the transition to unleaded avgas in Colorado, please visit their unleaded avgas implementation webpage.

International News

Air Charter Safety Foundation Welcomes Kelly Sawyer as Executive Operations Coordinator

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has announced the appointment of Kelly Sawyer as Executive Operations Coordinator. Sawyer brings more than 17 years of executive operations and administrative leadership experience, supporting senior executives across nonprofit, aviation, legal, and healthcare organizations. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for managing complex initiatives, strengthening organizational operations, and fostering productive relationships with boards, leadership teams, and key stakeholders. In her new role, Sawyer supports ACSF leadership with day-to-day operations, organizational coordination, and key initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission to promote the highest standards of safety in business aviation. “Kelly’s experience, professionalism, and collaborative approach make her an outstanding addition to the ACSF team,” said Debi Carpenter, President of the Air Charter Safety Foundation. “As ACSF continues to expand the resources and programs we provide to our members and the industry, Kelly’s operational expertise and dedication to excellence will help strengthen our organization and support our mission of advancing aviation safety.” Sawyer is an accomplished Executive Operations Coordinator and Senior Executive Assistant with extensive experience supporting C-suite executives, boards of directors, and advisory groups. She is known for her solutions-focused mindset, exceptional organizational skills, and commitment to mission-driven organizations. “I’m excited to join the Air Charter Safety Foundation and contribute to an organization that plays such an important role in advancing safety throughout the business aviation community,” said Kelly Sawyer. “I look forward to supporting the Foundation’s leadership, members, and initiatives as ACSF continues to grow its impact across the industry.” The addition of Sawyer reflects ACSF’s continued commitment to strengthening its team and enhancing the programs, services, and operational support it provides to members dedicated to improving aviation safety.
Vintage in Review Highlights Antique and Classic Aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

The Vintage in Review showcase is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, featuring unique and iconic aircraft that were built and flown during the first half-century of aviation. The showcase will take place July 20-24 at the Interview Circle just east of the Vintage Red Barn. “Vintage in Review gives a wonderful opportunity to see and learn about planes that can’t be seen anywhere else, with some of our featured aircraft being as old as 90 years,” explained Ray Johnson, Vintage in Review chairman. “It also gives a chance to get to know the owners and pilots, who are often the mechanics too, behind these vintage aircraft. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and be regaled by some great stories about the flights and upkeep of these planes, and learn about the time and effort needed to keep these aircraft in the sky.” This year’s showcase features an incredible range of diverse aircraft that represent 20 years of American civil aviation design. Each day at 10:30 a.m., pilots of these magnificent aircraft will be interviewed alongside their rare and unique antique and classic airplanes. They will be accompanied by the Ladies for Liberty, who will be performing World War II-era songs. There will also be an engine run of the iconic 1915 Curtiss OX-5 immediately following the performances from the Ladies of Liberty. Monday, July 20 Mid America Flight Museum – 1934 Granville Brothers Gee Bee R-6 QED (Replica) Tuesday, July 21 Shawn Honaker – 1946 Aeronca Champ Wednesday, July 22 Tim Talen – 1935 National Airplane and Motor Co.Bluebird LP-4 Thursday, July 23 Jan Johnson – 1944 Stinson L-5E Friday, July 24 Will Kientz – 1953 Temco T-35A Buckaroo

Unmanned Systems

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental READ MORE
Vantis Capabilities Unlocked for Traffic Management and BVLOS Flights

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking the unique capabilities of Vantis to operators for no cost, offering the ability to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), beginning July 1, 2026. With this, operators will get Application Programming Interface (API) access and onboarded on the statewide UAS system at READ MORE

Aviation Education

Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and READ MORE
New Jersey Wing Cadets Visit State House for Legislative Day

More than 50 cadets and adult members of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol recently gathered at the New Jersey State House for State Legislative Day, helping raise awareness of the organization’s missions and services among state lawmakers. CAP Cadet Capt. Logan Lancellotti (left) of the Allentown Composite Squadron presents New Jersey Gov. READ MORE

Air Charter Safety Foundation Welcomes Kelly Sawyer as Executive Operations Coordinator

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has announced the appointment of Kelly Sawyer as Executive Operations Coordinator. Sawyer brings more than 17 years of executive operations and administrative leadership experience, supporting senior executives across nonprofit, aviation, legal, and healthcare organizations. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for managing complex initiatives, strengthening organizational operations, […]

Vintage in Review Highlights Antique and Classic Aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Vintage in Review showcase is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, featuring unique and iconic aircraft that were built and flown during the first half-century of aviation. The showcase will take place July 20-24 at the Interview Circle just east of the Vintage Red Barn. “Vintage in Review gives a wonderful opportunity to […]

NASA Brings Legendary Aircraft to Celebrate America 250 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and several NASA aircraft will be among the special guests on Boeing Plaza, in the Warbirds area, and during several airshows during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Isaacman will speak during a Warbirds […]

Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and […]

Cutting-Edge Aviation Technology to be Featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Includes Boeing Plaza displays and air show demonstrations The future of aviation technology will be highlighted on July 21 as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh continues its annual tradition of featuring the latest innovations as part of displays on Boeing Plaza and demonstrations during the Tuesday air show. “EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the focal point of the […]

Aviation Innovation to be Celebrated During EAA WomenVenture on July 22

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Celebrating women involved in aircraft design, building, and testing will be highlighted at EAA WomenVenture 2026 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “This year, we wanted to focus on the ‘Design, Build, Test’ theme, as these women […]

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice Includes Important Procedure Updates for Pilots Flying to Event

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Document is required reading for Oshkosh-bound pilots Pilots can now download the Federal Aviation Administration-released EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice (commonly referred to as the Oshkosh NOTAM), featuring arrival and departure procedures for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 73rd fly-in convention on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The document is in effect from […]

Fly-In Theater Brings Classic Aviation Films to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Screenings open to all AirVenture attendees, presented by PenFed Aviation and film fans alike will enjoy the lineup of movies that are being screened at the Fly-In Theater during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 at the Fly-In Theater. This year the Fly-In Theater is featuring six aviation centered movies from July 18-24 spanning from classic to […]

Goodyear and the Legendary Goodyear Blimp Return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with its iconic blimp, Wingfoot One, continuing a tradition of airship appearances over Oshkosh. The annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, with the blimp scheduled to arrive Thursday, July 23. Built on a legacy […]

Heroes and Historic Military Aircraft to Have Their Stories Shared at Warbirds in Review

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

The twice-daily Warbirds in Review series will take place July 20-24 on the Warbirds in Review aircraft ramp, located within the EAA Warbirds of America area on the AirVenture grounds. Open to all AirVenture attendees, these presentations offer a unique opportunity to experience aviation history firsthand through the stories of the people who flew, maintained, […]

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing

One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!