State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]
Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]
Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport
The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]
Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership
Photo Caption: West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sign a ceremonial agreement launching a new aviation pathway for West Virginia students. West Virginia students will have a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers through the new Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway developed […]

State News

Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. “We’ve had some great days at Texas Southern Aviation,” said Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of Aviation. “This may be one of the pinnacle moments of the program. We’ve had a twin-engine airplane in our fleet, but nothing like this. The other one was a 1980 Seneca II. This one is a 2026 brand-new Diamond DA42 with the latest technology.” This twin-engine plane will allow our students to earn their multi-engine rating, which is the final significant step before they attain their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating. All pilots must earn their ATP in order to fly for the airlines. The new plane is one of the most advanced multi-engine trainers in the world. “In the last eight years since I’ve been at Texas Southern, it’s been like finishing a puzzle and there were just a couple of pieces left in that puzzle to make it what I refer to as the best program in the country,” Dr. Fontaine said. “There are universities that are rated higher than Texas Southern because they’ve been around more than 50 years. But I will promise you we’ve done everything possible to elevate our program. We’ve dotted every ‘I’ and crossed every ‘T’ with what’s necessary to become a top 10 university in aviation in the United States. This is one of the final pieces of the puzzle and we’re elated.” The delivery of the new plane comes on the heels of several major milestones. The University cut the ribbon on Texas Southern University at the Houston Spaceport in April. The 20,000 square-foot hangar houses our newly acquired fleet of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft purchased in 2025. The facility also includes 3,800 square feet of classroom and office space to support expanded on-site instruction, as well as future coursework tied to Texas Southern’s developing aerospace engineering program. The program also entered into its fourth airline pilot pathway affiliation this spring after being named a Collegiate Partner in Delta’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program. This expands on ongoing career pathway partnerships with United’s Aviate Program, Southwest Airlines’ Destination 225°, and Republic Airways Pathway Program. With these developments, Texas Southern continues to solidify itself as the aviation leader in Texas its pursuit of becoming a top 10 aviation program in the country.
Todd Case Named Kentucky Department of Aviation Commissioner

Todd Case, longtime Kentucky businessman, public servant and pilot, has been named by Gov. Andy Beshear as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Aviation, a division of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Todd Case Born and raised in Pike County and a native of Louisa, Todd is a 1989 graduate of the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Pauletta, have one daughter, Lindsey, who currently teaches aviation and finance classes at Lawrence County High School. With more than 30 years as an active pilot, Todd has built a distinguished reputation within the aviation community through his leadership, dedication, and passion for flight. He is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the exclusive “The Quiet Birdmen” fraternity. As the former owner of one of the region’s largest aviation maintenance facilities, he oversaw comprehensive maintenance operations for commercial flights serving Lexington, while also providing trusted service for government, municipal, and private aircraft owners across Kentucky and throughout the United States. He also supports the next generation of pilots through donations to high school students for flight simulator instruction, lessons, and mentorship. Todd successfully operates several companies throughout the Commonwealth, and in May 2022 was appointed to serve on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees where he is currently serving his second term guiding one of the state’s premier educational institutions. He is especially passionate about supporting children’s healthcare needs through Shriners International and has previously served on the board of Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa. In 2010, he was appointed by the governor to represent Kentucky on the national stage as a member of the Kentucky Motor Carrier Advisory Committee. Today, he continues to serve Kentucky through his role on the “EPIC” – Energy Planning and Inventory Commission, where he remains involved in strategic development efforts for Kentucky’s current and future electricity needs.

National News

WMG Expands Team with Five Strategic Hires

WMG has announced the addition of six new professionals to support its growing team with expertise in complex aviation, commercial and public-sector construction programs nationwide. Maritza Godina Maritza Godina joins WMG as a Tenant/ADR Project Manager based in Seattle, Washington. She brings 18 years of experience delivering large-scale tenant improvement and concession projects across major airport and commercial developments. She supports the South Concourse Evolution project in Seattle, overseeing complex buildouts involving multiple stakeholders and tenant groups. Previously, she managed concessions redevelopment initiatives and high-value programs across terminals at Los Angeles International Airport. Eric Lederman Eric Lederman joins the firm as a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) Consultant with extensive environmental and safety leadership experience in aviation and infrastructure projects. Lederman has led environmental compliance and safety initiatives on major programs at Los Angeles International Airport, including the Delta Skyway modernization. He is recognized for maintaining high standards of safety, quality and compliance across complex, fast-paced project environments. Ivy Ayad Ivy Ayad joins WMG as an Accounting Clerk with more than nine years of international accounting and finance experience. She has managed key financial operations across organizations in the United States, Australia and Europe. Ayad brings deep expertise in ERP systems along with strong analytical and reporting capabilities that support accurate and efficient financial operations. Patrick Schee Patrick Schee joins WMG as a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Manager, bringing over a decade of experience in construction management and public-sector project delivery. Currently supporting the LAX Terminal 5 project, he oversees stormwater compliance activities to ensure adherence to environmental permit requirements through active coordination with contractors and agencies. Zuzanna Cermak Zuzanna Cermak joins WMG as an Assistant Project Manager with more than a decade of experience managing complex residential, commercial and specialty construction projects. She has led multi-phase developments exceeding $20 million, overseeing schedules, budgets, subcontractors and compliance across active and occupied sites. Her experience includes facade reconstruction, fire protection systems and large-scale renovations, as well as managing permitting and multi-agency coordination on high-profile aviation projects. Maxwell Bates Maxwell Bates joins WMG as a Procurement Manager, bringing more than 12 years of experience in construction procurement, contract administration and cost control. He has supported commercial and residential projects ranging from $2 million to $25 million, with expertise spanning subcontractor buyout, preconstruction planning and project execution, including the LAX Gateway program. “The collective expertise and years of proven excellence that Maritza, Eric, Ivy, Patrick, Zuzanna and Maxwell bring to the WMG team will help us continue to deliver the high-quality client experience our partners have come to know us for,” said Lauren Weinbaum, WMG’s founder and president. “We are proud to have them contributing to the continued growth of our firm as we reach into new markets and geographies.” Together, these new team members reflect WMG’s continued investment in experienced professionals who bring specialized expertise to complex project environments and strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality outcomes across sectors.
NBAA Champions New FAA Mental Wellness Policy Supporting Counseling

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aeromedical policy update encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) to seek counseling and mental health support early and without fear that receiving talk therapy would jeopardize their medical certification, marking an important shift in the agency’s approach to mental wellness. Rather than viewing participation in counseling or psychotherapy as a potential red flag, the revised policy explicitly encourages pilots and ATCs to seek help through counseling, psychotherapy and peer-support programs when appropriate. Further, aviation medical examiners (AMEs) are now directed to focus on any underlying conditions and their severity when making certification decisions, rather than the presence of counseling. If the aviator is functioning well, the AME can issue. If the AME has significant concerns, they can defer the decision to the FAA. “This is an important step forward in reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention, treatment and resolution,” said Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA director for safety and flight operations. “Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and pilots and controllers should feel empowered to seek support when they need it.” The FAA has also issued new guidance for therapists that pilots and ATCs should share with their provider. It includes a suggested format to provide a brief summary outlining the patient’s diagnosis, severity, resilience and ability to self-monitor, when requested by the FAA. NBAA recommends that pilots and ATCs bring this summary to their AME appointment. “Having this summary for your AME at the outset is a proactive step toward ‘preflighting your medical,’” Larsen said. “It could mark the difference between walking out of the appointment with your certificate, versus delays to that process that could extend several months.” The policy update complements other recent FAA initiatives aimed at modernizing mental health certification pathways. That includes revised guidance issued last year for pilots with anxiety and depression, as well as ongoing revisions to the list of agency-approved medications to treat such conditions. These changes follow recommendations made by the FAA’s Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on which NBAA played a key role. “This policy is certainly worth celebrating on its own, but it’s also an important piece of a much larger effort by the FAA to modernize how it approaches mental health in aviation,” added NBAA Flight Operations Specialist Laila Stein, who with Larsen participated on the ARC. “This talk therapy guidance is a significant step forward, but its real value becomes even clearer when connected to the FAA’s broader framework for supporting mental health while maintaining safety,” she said. Larsen noted the agency’s continued efforts reflect growing recognition that encouraging treatment is safer than discouraging it. “Reducing barriers to care benefits both individual aviators and the broader aviation system,” he said. “We appreciate the FAA’s continued progress in this area and look forward to working together on additional improvements that support both mental wellness and aviation safety.” The association has partnered with MedAire Wellbeing Services to provide NBAA members with a confidential and comprehensive peer support initiative tailored for aviation professionals’ mental health and wellbeing.

International News

A Career in Aviation Begins with Curiosity and a Willingness to Learn

The aviation industry is often associated with complex technology, strict procedures, and the highest safety standards. Yet behind this dynamic and constantly evolving field are people whose professional journeys reveal not only career opportunities, but also stories of personal growth. Fifteen years ago, Aleksandra Mesceriakova of FL Technics began her career as an assistant with almost no prior knowledge of aviation. Today, her professional path spans a wide range of responsibilities – from customer service and sales to leadership roles. Her story shows how curiosity, continuous learning, and the support of a strong team can become the foundation for a successful career in aviation. At the beginning of your career, you had very little knowledge of aviation. What inspired you to choose this field? Aleksandra Mesceriakova When I decided to change jobs, I came across a vacancy for an assistant position. At the time, I knew very little about aviation and did not fully understand what FL Technics actually did. Still, I was not afraid to start from scratch, and I was eager to learn from experienced professionals. I started my career as an assistant and eventually grew into the role of Deputy Head of Unit, while gaining experience in several different positions along the way: Technical Assistant, Customer Support Manager, Senior Customer Support Manager, Sales Manager, Senior Sales Manager, and Key Account Manager. This career journey reflects not only my professional growth and increasing responsibilities, but also the trust and confidence my managers and colleagues placed in me. What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your career in aviation? The MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) industry is highly specialized and strictly regulated. It is full of conservative rules, procedures, and abbreviations that can sound like a foreign language to someone without an aviation background – acronyms such as EASA, MOE, CPM, and AOG. One of the biggest challenges at the beginning was learning how to navigate the manuals and understand the structured processes. I have now spent 15 years working with the same department, growing professionally alongside the team and building strong expertise. Throughout this journey, every colleague I met at FL Technics contributed to my development by sharing knowledge, being patient, and offering support. Even after all these years, I am still learning – and that is what I enjoy most about this industry. Every day brings new challenges that encourage continuous improvement and personal growth. Have you ever doubted your career choice? If so, what motivated you during those moments? Not every day is easy – some require an enormous amount of focus, energy, and critical thinking. However, those challenges never made me question my choice. On the contrary, they helped me grow. I learned that asking for help is completely normal, and I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues. Working at FL Technics strengthened my self-confidence and significantly shaped my worldview. I learned to value continuous learning and personal development, but most importantly, I realized that people are what matter most in life. Why people? Because they are the greatest source of motivation to grow and inspire change. The team I work with supports one another not only during successful moments, but also through difficult times. As mentoring is part of my role, I enjoy supporting colleagues and sharing my knowledge. In my free time, I also involve coworkers in different social initiatives, such as helping motivate and inspire children growing up in challenging circumstances. You mentioned children facing difficult circumstances and your desire to help them. We know you are one of the people behind many social initiatives at FL Technics. Could you tell us more about these projects? Social initiatives have interested me since my school years. I participated in various activities and later became a member of the student representation group at university. These experiences showed me that contributing to communities, social causes, and charity work not only helps others, but also helps me grow as a person. As the saying goes, the more you give, the more you receive. Every year, together with my colleagues at FL Technics, we organize an initiative focused on fulfilling children’s wishes. What started with just a few colleagues and a handful of children’s dreams within my team has now become a long-standing tradition across all FL Technics operations in Lithuania. Some colleagues volunteer to help communicate the project, others help purchase gifts and fulfill wishes, some pack everything, while others deliver the presents to the children. It has become a wonderful example of teamwork – and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile. In recent years, we fulfilled 57 children’s wishes. Another project close to my heart is supporting dog shelters. Our office building has several kitchens where we sort waste and collect deposit bottles and cans. I initiated an idea to gather the deposit refunds and donate the collected funds to animal shelters. It turned into another meaningful and successful initiative. In your opinion, what impact do social initiatives have on organizational culture? I believe that participating in social initiatives together with colleagues helps build a stronger team. It creates a more supportive environment and encourages people to better understand and listen to one another. By helping others, we become more aware of the world around us and gain a deeper understanding of the society we live in. How would you describe the people working at FL Technics today? The people at FL Technics are truly passionate about aviation. Many employees have been working here for decades, and they are still genuinely enthusiastic about what they do. Our colleagues come from incredibly diverse backgrounds – representing more than 100 nationalities and cultures, with different languages, education, and professional experiences. This diversity encourages openness, respect, and adaptability, and over time helps us become an even stronger team. Because aviation is a truly international industry, diverse teams are essential for understanding different markets, customers, and partners around the world. What would you say to young people who READ MORE
Into the Firestorm

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the Allied aircrews who flew unarmed transport planes into enemy territory, often just hundreds of feet above the battlefield. Tasked with delivering paratroopers and towing combat gliders packed with troops and equipment, the crews braved anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters without the means to shoot back. Drawing on after-action reports, letters, and personal diaries, Into the Firestorm takes readers into the cockpit of the C-47, revealing the extraordinary courage of these crews in the first complete history of their experiences. Aircrews of the C-47 were ordered to fly straight, low, take no evasive action, and arrive “on time and on target.” On every single mission they were, quite simply, sitting ducks. Readers are introduced to the college students, farmhands, and store clerks who were thrust into service, many of whom would never return. Yet their contribution to the war was crucial. Without resupplies from C-47s, Patton would have lost the Battle of the Bulge. Without the willingness of these aircrews to fly directly over the Himalayas, Japan’s war in the east may well have prevailed. Award-winning author Scott McGaugh restores these unsung heroes to their rightful place in the legacy of the Greatest Generation. Order Information: Osprey

Unmanned Systems

Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end READ MORE
Vantis Expands BVLOS Capabilities as Frontier Precision Joins as New Champion Operator

Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) system, has reached another major milestone with the onboarding of Frontier Precision as its second champion operator. Frontier Precision has secured a new FAA waiver for BVLOS operations, expanding their operational capabilities available through the Vantis service volumes. The waiver is fully aircraft‑agnostic for systems under 55 pounds, allowing Frontier READ MORE

Aviation Education

Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. “We’ve had some great days at Texas Southern Aviation,” said Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of Aviation. “This may be one of the pinnacle moments of the program. We’ve READ MORE
Into the Firestorm

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the READ MORE

Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. “We’ve had some great days at Texas Southern Aviation,” said Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of Aviation. “This may be one of the pinnacle moments of the program. We’ve […]

Todd Case Named Kentucky Department of Aviation Commissioner

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

Todd Case, longtime Kentucky businessman, public servant and pilot, has been named by Gov. Andy Beshear as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Aviation, a division of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Born and raised in Pike County and a native of Louisa, Todd is a 1989 graduate of the University of Kentucky. He and his […]

WMG Expands Team with Five Strategic Hires

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

WMG has announced the addition of six new professionals to support its growing team with expertise in complex aviation, commercial and public-sector construction programs nationwide. Maritza Godina joins WMG as a Tenant/ADR Project Manager based in Seattle, Washington. She brings 18 years of experience delivering large-scale tenant improvement and concession projects across major airport and […]

A Career in Aviation Begins with Curiosity and a Willingness to Learn

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The aviation industry is often associated with complex technology, strict procedures, and the highest safety standards. Yet behind this dynamic and constantly evolving field are people whose professional journeys reveal not only career opportunities, but also stories of personal growth. Fifteen years ago, Aleksandra Mesceriakova of FL Technics began her career as an assistant with […]

Into the Firestorm

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the […]

NBAA Champions New FAA Mental Wellness Policy Supporting Counseling

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aeromedical policy update encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) to seek counseling and mental health support early and without fear that receiving talk therapy would jeopardize their medical certification, marking an important shift in the agency’s approach to mental wellness. Rather […]

The RAF is Expanding The Map in 2026

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: Doug Lumgair, Walker Ridge, CA This year, the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is Expanding The Map – and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in the organization’s history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF plans to announce the opening and reopening of more than 15 airstrips across the country. […]

WAI2027 Scholarships Open: Applications Due September 1, 2026

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 2027 Women in Aviation International (WAI) scholarship program is officially open, and members can review dozens of scholarships at  www.wai.org/scholarships. Currently, there are over 50 scholarships valued at more than $200,000 offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatch, drones, and career advancement for individuals in all stages of life. This 2027 scholarship cycle includes […]

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026 Andrew Stevens

I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport

Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership