State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf
La Compagnie, the 100% Smart Business Class airline, has announced plans to launch nonstop service between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) in Germany, beginning in Spring 2027. Operating up to five times weekly, the route will connect New York with Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region, one of Europe’s most […]
Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet
Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight […]
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace
Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for […]
Virginia Department of Aviation and Industry Partners Highlight the Future of Aviation with 2nd Flight Demonstration
Photo – Greg Campbell, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation. The Virginia Department of Aviation and industry partners have completed the second Virginia flight demonstration of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), highlighting the future of air transportation in the Commonwealth and across the United […]

State News

Art Returns to Springfield-Branson National Airport with “The Life I Choose” as Launch Installation

Art is returning to Springfield-Branson National Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with The Life I Choose serving as the first installation in the airport’s Sky Gallery following recent flooring renovations. Izzy Presented by Abilities First in partnership with photographer and filmmaker Randy Bacon and 8 Billion Ones, The Life I Choose features portraits and first-person stories from people of all abilities across southwest Missouri. The airport installation marks the next stop for the project, which debuted in Springfield this summer and is now moving into public spaces throughout the region. Each portrait is paired with a personal story, giving the person featured the opportunity to introduce themselves in their own words. The stories share what they care about, where they work, what they enjoy, who they love, what they have experienced and what they want others to understand about their lives. The Life I Choose was created to give people control of how their stories are told. Too often, people are introduced by a diagnosis, service or label before anyone has the chance to know who they are. The project shifts that focus and introduces people as neighbors, employees, artists, friends, advocates and family members. The portraits will be displayed throughout the Sky Gallery at Springfield-Branson National Airport, putting the project in front of travelers from across the Ozarks and beyond. Kristi “This exhibit reflects what we know to be true: every person deserves the opportunity, support, and respect to choose the life they want to live,” said Maggie Rollwagen, president and CEO of Abilities First. “The Life I Choose reminds us that people with the lived experience of a disability are not asking to be placed on the margins of our community. They are already part of the heart of Greene County and Missouri.” The airport installation builds on the project’s first public exhibition in Springfield and continues conversations about independence, accessibility, inclusion and the opportunity for people to live the lives they choose. For Abilities First, the airport also creates a chance to share these stories with people who may not otherwise encounter the organization through a program, event or community partnership. “Public art in the airport is one of the many ways we serve our community, while also enhancing the passenger experience for more than 1.5 million passengers annually,” said David Schaumburg, Director of Aviation for the airport. “Many of our passengers have personal experiences that connect with stories told in Randy Bacon’s remarkable portraits, and hundreds of people a day will have the opportunity to experience them. Art returning to the airport is a moment worth celebrating, and we look forward to the Sky Gallery reopening with this installation.” The installation will remain on display in the Springfield-Branson National Airport Sky Gallery through December.
MSP Airport Deploys Expansive Private Wireless Network

Photo – A new private 5G network provides enterprise-grade connectivity across the MSP Airport campus, including the airfield. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has deployed a new private 5G network that will improve connectivity to vital operational and safety systems that control, monitor and support daily activities. MSP is among the first U.S. airports to shift from traditional wired systems to a modern private 5G platform with the deployment of Ericsson’s Private 5G network. The system connects critical operations across MSP’s busy four-runway airfield, which supported more than 342,000 aircraft operations and served over 36 million passengers in 2025. “Transportation, public safety, maintenance, security and other airport operations all depend on connectivity. We are basically running a city without residents,” said Eduardo Valencia, chief information officer for the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP. “This dedicated wireless infrastructure provides enterprise-grade connectivity across our 5-square-mile campus to support the complex applications that enable us to maintain safe and efficient operations.” Rather than expanding traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure or investing in additional fiber, the new system improves mobility, reliability and coverage for a wide range of airport systems, including camera networks, ticketing equipment, vehicle devices and other mobile equipment. An early use case helped improve video monitoring capabilities for MSP’s tram system. “Traditionally, our cameras relied on wired connectivity. Private 5G now enables continuous video access without interruption, which is especially important in a dynamic airport environment,” said Bill Boyd, director of infrastructure and operations for the MAC’s Information Technology department. “The private 5G network will also support future evolutions in data analysis, automation and operational awareness that airport ecosystems rely on.” While expanding its own uses for the new private 5G network, the MAC also has plans to share the connectivity with airlines, concessionaires and other airport partners.

National News

Business Aviation Legend Roger Whyte to Receive NBAA’s Doswell Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will honor business aviation leader, former industry executive and steadfast industry advocate Roger Whyte with the association’s prestigious John P. “Jack” Doswell Award at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) coming to Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22. Whyte has played pivotal roles in the development of the modern business aviation industry and its expansion across Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific, holding executive positions at Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation) and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. He has also served on the NBAA Board of Directors, including as chairman of the NBAA Advisory Council, and chair of the board’s Nominating Committee. “Roger Whyte reflects the very best of business aviation, including vision, integrity, service and a deep commitment to advancing the global industry,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Across decades of leadership, Roger has helped expand the reach of business aviation around the world, while also giving generously of his time and expertise to strengthen the organizations that support it.” Whyte began his aviation career as general manager of European FBO – OEFAG Aviation Services – in 1974. He joined Cessna in 1982 as its Citation regional sales manager for German-speaking Europe. Whyte was then appointed director of Europe, Middle East and Africa, and later became director of international Citation sales. Upon his retirement from Cessna in 2010, Whyte held the position of senior vice president of sales and marketing, with responsibility for all aircraft product lines. He later represented Gulfstream aircraft sales in Austria for six years. Whyte is also a founding member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), which promotes the highest aviation safety standards across the business, charter and fractional ownership industries. He also served for three years as chairman of the board of directors for Prague-based Central Europe Private Aviation Association (CEPA). He also helped expand business aviation across China and the Asia-Pacific, including through the development of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), which focused on advocacy for greater access for business aviation across the region. Whyte has also served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and on the Board of Governors for the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He is a member of the board of directors of business aircraft management company Avcon Jet, and he retired last December after 15 years on the board of Duncan Aviation. Whyte continues to advise that company and several other organizations on matters affecting the global business aviation industry. “Roger has been a trusted voice, a thoughtful leader and a passionate advocate for business aviation,” Bolen concluded. “We are pleased to honor his decades-long commitment, service and legacy with the Doswell Award.” Named for the former director of flight operations for FlightSafety International and chair of NBAA’s Airspace/Air Traffic Committee, the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award honors lifelong individual achievement on behalf and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation. Learn more about NBAA’s Doswell Award. Taking place Oct. 20-22, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.
Aerospace Visionary Steven F. Udvar-Hazy to Receive NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will present its most prestigious honor, the NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, to aviation icon, philanthropist and innovator Steven F. Udvar-Hazy during the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), taking place Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas. “Steven’s influence across the entire aviation/aerospace landscape is profound,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “His story is one of vision, perseverance and extraordinary impact. It is also a story of his total commitment to the industry’s future. NBAA is pleased to recognize his lifelong dedication to innovation, entrepreneurship and service with our Meritorious Service to Aviation Award.” The award presentation on the show’s Horizon Stage will feature a live, in-depth conversation about the aviation industry between Udvar-Hazy and another NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award recipient, accomplished aviator and global business leader, Ross Perot Jr. Widely credited with pioneering the commercial aircraft leasing industry, Udvar-Hazy is also known for his extraordinary support for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Located at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), the free-to-visit “nation’s hangar” houses hundreds of historically significant aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Udvar-Hazy fled to the U.S. with his family in 1958 following the Soviet reoccupation of the country. He took his first flight in a Piper Cub at age 15 and, one year later, began formal flight training at what is now known as Whiteman Airport (WHP) near Los Angeles. He earned his first jet type rating in 1978. Today, Udvar-Hazy has more than 11,000 hours total flight time, including more than 9,000 hours as captain in multi-engine jet aircraft, and has been a certificated FAA airline transport pilot (ATP) for 37 years. He is type rated on the Gulfstream IV, V and G650 (which he uses for both domestic and international missions), in addition to Learjets and the Cessna Citation CE500 and CE680 families. Udvar-Hazy is also a steadfast advocate for continuous flight training, utilizing FlightSafety International for annual proficiency and recurrent training since the 1980s. Throughout his life, flying combined Udvar-Hazy’s personal passion with his professional ambitions. In 1973, he helped revolutionize the commercial aircraft market by co-founding International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), creating new pathways for airlines around the world to acquire aircraft. He later founded Air Lease Corporation after leaving ILFC in 2010. Udvar-Hazy further channeled his enduring love of aviation into the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center, a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Opened in December 2003, the center’s collection also includes thousands of aviation and space artifacts, in addition to the Space Shuttle. NBAA supported the creation of the center, which today houses a permanent business aviation exhibition, highlighting the industry’s many contributions to communities across the country and around the world. The NBAA exhibit features several pivotal business aircraft, with legendary pilot Bob Hoover’s iconic Rockwell Shrike Commander at its center. Udvar-Hazy’s commitment to furthering aviation education and excellence also includes the Christine and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Library and Learning Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, AZ, campus, which supports the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals. Udvar-Hazy also provides annual scholarships to students at both Embry-Riddle and Purdue University through the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation.

International News

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, major sporting leagues, and start-up businesses on emerging technologies and related marketing strategies. As Founder and President, he oversees corporate strategy, strategic partnerships, and business operations for Airborne Response. Todd also serves as the Executive Director of AIRT, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Airborne Response and official home of Drones For Good®, AAM For Good®, and the DRONERESPONDERS program. Chris brings his subject matter expertise at the intersection of unmanned aviation with public safety and disaster response to the CDA Board. “The future of aviation is unmanned. Now is an exciting time for American drone innovation and security,” said Lisa Ellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Drone Alliance. “America must lead in drone dominance. To execute on behalf of the commercial drone marketplace, we need deep industry experience on our Board. We are thrilled that Chris has joined our leadership team.” “The U.S. advanced aviation industry is at a critical inflection point as drone technology promises to reshape the U.S. economy,” said Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response. “The Commercial Drone Alliance is the leading organization dedicated exclusively to advancing American leadership in commercial unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility policy. It’s an honor to join the board.” Todd joins CDA’s esteemed Board of Directors: Eric Brock (Ondas), Ben Berlin (Zipline International, Inc.), Jenn Player (Skydio), Craig Marcinkowski (NUAIR), Neta Gliksman (Percepto Robotics), James Grimsley (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Margaret Nagle (Wing), Jeff Cole (Hidden Level), Jon Damush (uAvionix), Grant Jordan (SkySafe), Heath McLemore (Florida Power & Light), Jim O’Sullivan (DoorDash), and William Wheeler (Southern Company).
Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium Set for September 26

The 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s gathering features a full day of phenomenal presentations, followed by an informal dinner with an internationally recognized keynote speaker. Arguably the most anticipated event of its kind, this gathering attracts professional and avocational archaeologists, wreck chasers, historians, authors, and adventurers from around the globe. Anyone interested is invited to attend, learn and network. Presentations at this year’s event will be offered by speakers from throughout the international community, sharing their experiences on both land and underwater. Symposium attendance is all inclusive at $65.00 USD, which covers printed materials, morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as a sandwich buffet at noon, sponsored by the Colorado Aviation Historical Society. In addition to the symposium, participants are offered a number of optional tour opportunities along the historic Wright Brothers Trail (09/24), as well as the National Museum of the United States Air Force (09/25). These are sure to satisfy the most ardent aviation history enthusiasts. Saturday evening, following the symposium, a casual social gathering is offered with a buffet dinner and keynote speaker. Dr. Colin Colbourn, Lead Historian for Project Recover, will present an informative talk about Project Recover and some of its more challenging and interesting missions to locate and repatriate missing airman’s remains from around the world. The cost for the evening’s entertainment is $65.00 USD. A block of rooms at the Hope Hotel has been reserved at the special rate of $125.00 USD per night, if you wish to stay on site. (Please be sure to reference the Aviation Archaeology Symposium when making reservations.) Numerous other accommodations are available within the immediate area. For more information and or to register for the symposium and dinner, please visit the website at coahs.org/symposium.

Unmanned Systems

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, READ MORE
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for READ MORE

Aviation Education

Epic Flight Academy Now Offers A&P Test Prep Course

Epic Flight Academy has announced the launch of a two-week test prep course for FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant certification. The courses are offered at both the New Smyrna Beach, Florida campus (EVB) and the Erlanger, Kentucky campus (CVG). Epic COO and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director Josh Rawlins explained, “Ever since we opened our READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet

Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight READ MORE

Art Returns to Springfield-Branson National Airport with “The Life I Choose” as Launch Installation

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Art is returning to Springfield-Branson National Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with The Life I Choose serving as the first installation in the airport’s Sky Gallery following recent flooring renovations. Presented by Abilities First in partnership with photographer and filmmaker Randy Bacon and 8 Billion Ones, The Life I Choose features portraits and first-person stories […]

MSP Airport Deploys Expansive Private Wireless Network

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – A new private 5G network provides enterprise-grade connectivity across the MSP Airport campus, including the airfield. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has deployed a new private 5G network that will improve connectivity to vital operational and safety systems that control, monitor and support daily activities. MSP is […]

PHX Refreshes Concessions with Regional Focus in Celebration of Airport Concessions Day

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is joining airports across North America to celebrate Airport Concessions Day, observed on Sept. 16. The celebration comes as the airport continues a major concessions refresh designed to expand local restaurants and shops at America’s Friendliest Airport®. “We are bringing more local restaurants and shops so travelers can enjoy the […]

Business Aviation Legend Roger Whyte to Receive NBAA’s Doswell Award

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will honor business aviation leader, former industry executive and steadfast industry advocate Roger Whyte with the association’s prestigious John P. “Jack” Doswell Award at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) coming to Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22. Whyte has played pivotal roles in the development of the […]

Aerospace Visionary Steven F. Udvar-Hazy to Receive NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will present its most prestigious honor, the NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, to aviation icon, philanthropist and innovator Steven F. Udvar-Hazy during the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), taking place Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas. “Steven’s influence across the entire aviation/aerospace landscape is profound,” NBAA […]

WSDOT Updating Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan: Open House in Winthrop

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division is updating the Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan. The plan will guide airport development and investment through 2046, with particular emphasis on improvements during the next 10 years. The updated plan will identify current and future airport needs, help maintain compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards […]

Epic Flight Academy Now Offers A&P Test Prep Course

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy has announced the launch of a two-week test prep course for FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant certification. The courses are offered at both the New Smyrna Beach, Florida campus (EVB) and the Erlanger, Kentucky campus (CVG). Epic COO and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director Josh Rawlins explained, “Ever since we opened our […]

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, major sporting […]

Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium Set for September 26

September 12, 2026September 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s gathering features a full day of phenomenal presentations, followed by an informal dinner with an internationally recognized keynote speaker. Arguably the most anticipated event […]

DBIA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington Announces Retirement

September 12, 2026September 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), has announced that she will retire in 2027, concluding more than 22 years with DBIA, including 17 years as its chief executive. Washington will continue to lead the organization while the National Board conducts a search for her successor, with a transition anticipated […]

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf

Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet

Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Virginia Department of Aviation and Industry Partners Highlight the Future of Aviation with 2nd Flight Demonstration