State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft
Tecnam has announced that Props for a Purpose, a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian aviation, has acquired its first dedicated aircraft: a Tecnam P2012 Traveller. The aircraft has been secured through a 10-year long-term lease agreement with AeroSpring Leasing LLC, marking a significant expansion in both organizations’ operational capabilities. Since its founding, Props for […]
Shenandoah University Launches Undergraduate Certificate Program to Meet Air Traffic Control Staffing Challenge
Shenandoah University has added an Undergraduate Certificate in Air Traffic Control to its growing list of academic offerings to help fill a national deficit of air traffic controllers. Students began taking the initial class for the undergraduate certificate, ATC-101, in Fall 2026, and Shenandoah is anticipating the program’s full launch in Spring 2027. “The air […]
Star Alliance Paris Charles de Gaulle Lounge Retains Skytrax World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge Title
The Star Alliance Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Lounge has once again been named the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, marking the lounge’s third consecutive win in the category. The Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport also secured second place, with Star Alliance taking both the […]
Sky Harbour and Chicago Executive Airport Break Ground on New Home Base Operator
Photo – 16-Acre Private Hangar Development Introduces a New Model for Business Aviation to Chicago and Generates Significant Regional Economic Impact – Sky Harbour Group Corporation and Chicago Executive Airport commemorated the groundbreaking of a new 16-acre private aviation campus last week, marking one of the largest private infrastructure investments in the airport’s history and […]

State News

Lone Star Flight Museum Holds Successful 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day

Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) welcomed hundreds of aspiring aviators and their parents for a successful 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day, presented by ExxonMobil, on Saturday, Sept.19. The goal of the day was to introduce girls (and boys) ages 8 to 17 to hands-on experiences, aerospace, aviation and STEM careers to spark curiosity and open their minds to the endless possibilities in aviation and STEM careers. Photos – Lone Star Flight Museum This year’s event included: New this year! ILC Dover Space Suit – a demonstration of what it’s like to suit up in a space suit and learn how astronauts live and work in space. New this year! Drone soccer, rivet your own souvenir, craft your own 3D Plane, test your airplane against a wind tunnel, make a circuit flashlight and code a robot to navigate taxiways and runways. Returning favorites – about a dozen aircraft on the ramp for participants to tour, the pilot experience, pre-flight inspection, fundamentals of flight and flight simulators. A college and career fair with a couple dozen companies and organizations that spoke with participants about how their jobs impact the aviation industry and how they can achieve their dreams too. Among those inspiring girls to pursue careers in aviation and STEM were Million Air, Houston Airports, San Jacinto College, TSU, United Airlines and more. Flight simulators and hangar talks An inspiring lunch and panel discussion sponsored by H-E-B, featuring aviation industry leaders – Tracie Carwile, Corporate Aviation Leader; Susanne Cross, Aircraft Safety Expert for United Airlines; Veronica Martinez, Spacesuit Engineer; and Captain Jennifer McNeill, U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot; and special guest moderator, Marcela White, pilot and owner of Tavaero Jet Charter, Corp. Girls in Aviation Day at LSFM was graciously supported by Changemaker sponsor ExxonMobil, Champion sponsor Tavaero Jet Charter, Corp.; Catalyst sponsors Million Air Houston and the Patricia Jayne Keefer Foundation; Connector sponsors Atlantic Aviation, Galveston College, Linda & Barry Hunsaker, Signature Aviation and Universal Technical Institute – Houston; and Cheerleader sponsors Dynamic Science, Inc., Houston Airports, Parrish-O’Neill Aviation Insurance and San Jacinto College.
North Dakota Aviation Study – Public Presentation Now Available Online

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has shared a video recording of its recent public presentation highlighting the findings of the 2025 North Dakota Aviation System Plan and Aviation Economic Impact Study. The studies found that North Dakota’s aviation and aerospace industry generates nearly $3.6 billion in annual economic output and supports approximately 28,734 jobs statewide. This includes the economic activity generated by the state’s 89 public-use airports, aerospace manufacturers, the University of North Dakota’s School of Aerospace Sciences, the unmanned aircraft systems industry, and Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases. In addition to documenting aviation’s current economic impact, the State Aviation System Plan evaluates existing airport infrastructure, forecasts future aviation activity, and identifies priorities that will help guide aviation investment over the next decade. For those who were unable to attend one of our recent public meetings, we invite you to watch the recorded presentation and learn more about the important role aviation plays in North Dakota’s economy and communities.

National News

Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft

Tecnam has announced that Props for a Purpose, a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian aviation, has acquired its first dedicated aircraft: a Tecnam P2012 Traveller. The aircraft has been secured through a 10-year long-term lease agreement with AeroSpring Leasing LLC, marking a significant expansion in both organizations’ operational capabilities. Since its founding, Props for a Purpose has coordinated approximately 300 humanitarian missions annually using a nationwide network of volunteer pilots. The acquisition of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, named “Servant One”, represents a major step in the organization’s growth. As their first dedicated aircraft, it provides greater capacity to transport patients, medical teams, volunteers, humanitarian supplies, and mission equipment on a single flight, without relying solely on the availability of volunteer aircraft. The defining feature of the P2012 Traveller for this mission is its highly configurable cabin, which allows Props for a Purpose to rapidly transition between passenger transport, humanitarian cargo, and medical evacuation operations as urgent needs arise. Furthermore, the twin-engine capability and operational efficiency of the P2012 make it the ideal, predictable, and scalable platform for a nonprofit organization executing time-sensitive disaster-response and medical missions. “The addition of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller marks a major step forward for Props for a Purpose and for the people and communities we serve,” said Jacob Bealle, CEO of Props for a Purpose.”For the first time, we have a dedicated aircraft that gives us the capacity, flexibility, and efficiency to respond to a much wider range of missions — from medical transportation and disaster relief to humanitarian cargo and specialized response operations. What excites us most is not the aircraft itself, but the doors it opens for service. The Traveller allows us to respond faster, carry more, and support our partners in ways we simply could not before. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Props for a Purpose, and we are proud to introduce Servant One as a platform built to serve others. We are incredibly grateful for the Tecnam team and everyone who has helped make this next chapter possible, and we are excited to see how many lives can be impacted through this aircraft.” For AeroSpring Leasing LLC, which already owns two Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft, the P2012 represents an important expansion of its portfolio beyond traditional flight-training aircraft and into larger, mission-driven commercial aviation assets. “I’m incredibly proud that AeroSpring has the opportunity to play a part in the mission of Props for a Purpose,”stated Josh Colton, Managing Partner at AeroSpring Leasing LLC. “Aircraft are remarkable tools, but what matters most is what we choose to do with them. This P2012 will be used to reach communities in times of need, support disaster-relief efforts, transport patients, and help people when aviation can make a real difference in their lives. Knowing that an aircraft we acquired will be serving that kind of purpose makes this transaction especially meaningful to me. We’re honored to partner with Props for a Purpose and Tecnam to help make that mission possible.” The partnership with Tecnam provides Props for a Purpose with the manufacturer support, training, and technical expertise necessary to safely build a long-term humanitarian aviation program. “We are deeply honored that Props for a Purpose and AeroSpring Leasing have selected the P2012 Traveller for such a noble cause,” concluded Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 – Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager. “The Traveller was designed with versatility and reliability at its absolute core, making it the perfect platform to seamlessly switch between passenger transport, cargo, and medical relief. Knowing that a Tecnam aircraft will be deployed as ‘Servant One’ to save lives, provide hope, and support communities in need is the greatest testament to our design philosophy. We are proud to support this incredible mission.”
NBAA Names Hubbard as Interim COO, Williams as SVP, Operations

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Board of Directors has named Dan Hubbard as interim chief operating officer, and designated Hubbard as the association’s day-to-day lead while President and CEO Ed Bolen takes a leave of absence for cancer treatment. Hubbard has been with NBAA for 22 years and has served as its senior vice president for communications since 2008. “We are wishing Ed a full recovery as he takes the time he needs to focus on his health,” said John Witzig, chair of NBAA’s Board of Directors. “Dan has a strong strategic view of NBAA’s mission and all its initiatives. As NBAA’s interim COO, he will oversee day-to-day operations during Ed’s absence, including at NBAA-BACE, with support from a leadership team with decades of experience, and a proven track record of serving the business aviation community with excellence.” In addition to driving communications and shaping NBAA’s brand, Hubbard has been deeply involved with NBAA’s external affairs, partnerships and advocacy initiatives in the U.S. and globally, including NBAA conventions on four continents. “NBAA is well-positioned to continue operating seamlessly and serving members strategically and effectively, and I am honored to step in and lead our dedicated team,” Hubbard said. “I have every confidence in our ability to execute an outstanding NBAA-BACE next month, while continuing to advance the industry’s policy agenda and supporting the operational and other needs of our members.” NBAA also announced that Heidi Williams will be elevated to senior vice president, operations, filling a role left by the retirement of Douglas Carr this past July. Williams will lead the Operations team. She currently oversees the association’s policies and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other government and industry stakeholders as vice president, air traffic services and infrastructure. Williams also leads the association’s emerging technologies initiatives and airspace and air traffic modernization efforts. Other aviation associations commented on NBAA’s leadership change and the news about Ed Bolen, including AOPA and EAA. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) extended well wishes to Ed for successful treatment and recovery. “I have known Ed since I started at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association in 2005. Not only is he an extremely effective leader, Ed is a genuinely kind man whose passion and dedication to business aviation have made the whole GA community better. We look forward to having back in the left seat soon,” said AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl. “I had the pleasure of recently spending some time with Ed. His leadership and commitment to general aviation are unwavering. On behalf of all AOPA members, we wish him a full and speedy recovery,” said AOPA Board of Trustees Chairman Luke Wippler. Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association said, “EAA offers its best wishes to Ed Bolen and sends our hopes for a full recovery. While Ed rightly focuses on his health, NBAA is in good hands with its current experienced team. We also offer Dan Hubbard, Heidi Williams, and the rest of NBAA our continuing support as we continue to work together to advance and benefit aviation.” NBAA is excited to welcome the global industry to the association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s most powerful business aviation event. The show will take place Oct. 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), bringing together state-of-the-art aircraft and the leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.

International News

GAMA Announces Team Additions and Promotions

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the additions of Mazdak Hobbi, as Senior Director of Engineering and Certification, and Archie Miller, as Director of Government Affairs. GAMA has also promoted Andy Phillips to Director of Regulatory Affairs and Innovation, and expanded Kyle Martin’s title from Vice President of European Affairs to Vice President of Engineering and European Affairs to reflect new responsibilities. Mazdak Hobbi “We welcome the additions of Mazdak Hobbi and Archie Miller to bolster the expertise of our engineering and government affairs teams so that we can take on ongoing and new opportunities to foster and advance the growth of the industry. Their collective experience is a great complement to the outstanding, hard-working team at GAMA and will serve our member companies well,” said James Viola, GAMA president and CEO. Prior to joining GAMA, Hobbi served as Senior Representative to the European Union in the FAA’s Office of International Affairs, where he represented the FAA on aviation safety, certification and regulatory matters with European and international partners. He brings over 25 years of FAA technical, management and international leadership experience to GAMA, with expertise in aircraft certification, production oversight, flight test, continued operational safety, international validation, bilateral agreements and emerging technology policy. Hobbi earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace Concentration from the New York Institute of Technology. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. As Senior Director of Engineering and Certification, Hobbi will lead GAMA’s technical policy efforts, with a concentration in regulatory, airworthiness, certification and validation activities. Archie Miller Miller, prior to joining GAMA, served as Legislative Assistant for the Aviation Subcommittee of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He brings several years of legislative experience to GAMA. Miller earned his BA in Political Science from the University of Mississippi. As Director of Government Affairs, Miller will support GAMA’s advocacy efforts across all branches of the U.S. government. As Director of Regulatory Affairs and Innovation, Phillips will expand his role within GAMA to encompass its strategic activities to foster the development and entry-into-service of innovations in technologies, products and services, including the work of GAMA’s Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee (EPIC) portfolio. Phillips joined GAMA in 2024 as Manager of Airworthiness and Regulatory Affairs. Martin now leads GAMA’s engineering team with the objective of further strengthening GAMA’s ability to advance globally coordinated approaches to our industry’s technical policy priorities. To reflect this increase in supervisory duties and overall portfolio, his title is now Vice President of Engineering and European Affairs. Martin has been with GAMA since 2016 and has served as Vice President of European Affairs since 2020. “Kyle Martin and Andy Phillips have done a great job serving our membership and advocating on their behalf. Their respective role changes were hard-earned, and I am confident that they will continue to excel under their expanded roles,” Viola said. To learn more about Hobbi, Miller, Phillips, Martin and the entire GAMA team, visit gama.aero.
Airports Council Names Patty Clark as 2026 Downes Award Recipient

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), has announced that Patty Clark was named the recipient of the 2026 William E. Downes, Jr. Memorial Award. The Downes Award, the highest honor given by ACI-NA, is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting the cause of airports and aviation throughout the local, national, and worldwide communities. The award was presented during a special ceremony at the 2026 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2026. From left are Kevin Burke, Patty Clark and Cindy Nichol, ACI-NA Chair. “Patty Clark has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on the aviation industry,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Her leadership and dedication to making airports and the aviation community better truly embody the spirit of the Downes Award. We are honored to recognize her longstanding commitment to this industry.” Clark spent 24 years with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in a myriad of positions from Program Manager of the JFK and EWR AirTrain to the agency’s very first Chief Aviation Strategy Officer. Clark developed and helped implement the strategy for the long-term development of the Port Authority’s five-airport system, inclusive of the LGA and JFK Redevelopment Programs. Additionally, Clark served on the Worldwide Slot Guidance Strategic Review Task Force and was subsequently named to the Expert Group on Slots. Clark’s work on the Expert Slot Board has had positive international implications, strengthening the role of airports in deciding gate allocations for international service. Even in her post-retirement role, Clark continues to tackle tough issues. She engaged with ACI-NA on its workforce strategy to enroll, train and retain employees for airport operations. She continues to champion these workforce efforts in light of the industry’s shortage of employees. To further help with growing workforce needs, Clark serves on the Board of Directors of Vaughn College, a school that is aviation focused comprised predominantly of first-generation college students. She has mentored and guided many students in this program to help them achieve their career goals. “Airports don’t get to walk away when something goes wrong. Whatever happens elsewhere in the system, the passenger is standing in our terminal, and we have to fix it. That is why I have fought for airports to have a seat at every decision-making table, and why the next generation must keep working to make air travel accessible, affordable and dignified for everyone,” said Clark. “I am deeply honored by this award—and I’m not finished yet.” Resiliency is a theme with Clark, and so many members of the aviation industry have been impacted by her incredible leadership. Clark became integral in preserving the Vesey Street staircase, known as the Survivors’ Staircase, now displayed in the 9/11 memorial and museum. It is those stairs that saved Clark’s life. She worked with state, local and preservation officials to ensure that a piece of aviation history was preserved forever.

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

Lone Star Flight Museum Holds Successful 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day

Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) welcomed hundreds of aspiring aviators and their parents for a successful 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day, presented by ExxonMobil, on Saturday, Sept.19. The goal of the day was to introduce girls (and boys) ages 8 to 17 to hands-on experiences, aerospace, aviation and STEM careers to spark curiosity and READ MORE
Shenandoah University Launches Undergraduate Certificate Program to Meet Air Traffic Control Staffing Challenge

Shenandoah University has added an Undergraduate Certificate in Air Traffic Control to its growing list of academic offerings to help fill a national deficit of air traffic controllers. Students began taking the initial class for the undergraduate certificate, ATC-101, in Fall 2026, and Shenandoah is anticipating the program’s full launch in Spring 2027. FAA-certified program READ MORE

Lone Star Flight Museum Holds Successful 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) welcomed hundreds of aspiring aviators and their parents for a successful 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day, presented by ExxonMobil, on Saturday, Sept.19. The goal of the day was to introduce girls (and boys) ages 8 to 17 to hands-on experiences, aerospace, aviation and STEM careers to spark curiosity and […]

North Dakota Aviation Study – Public Presentation Now Available Online

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has shared a video recording of its recent public presentation highlighting the findings of the 2025 North Dakota Aviation System Plan and Aviation Economic Impact Study. The studies found that North Dakota’s aviation and aerospace industry generates nearly $3.6 billion in annual economic output and supports approximately 28,734 jobs statewide. […]

Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Tecnam has announced that Props for a Purpose, a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian aviation, has acquired its first dedicated aircraft: a Tecnam P2012 Traveller. The aircraft has been secured through a 10-year long-term lease agreement with AeroSpring Leasing LLC, marking a significant expansion in both organizations’ operational capabilities. Since its founding, Props for […]

GAMA Announces Team Additions and Promotions

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the additions of Mazdak Hobbi, as Senior Director of Engineering and Certification, and Archie Miller, as Director of Government Affairs. GAMA has also promoted Andy Phillips to Director of Regulatory Affairs and Innovation, and expanded Kyle Martin’s title from Vice President of European Affairs to Vice President of […]

Airports Council Names Patty Clark as 2026 Downes Award Recipient

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), has announced that Patty Clark was named the recipient of the 2026 William E. Downes, Jr. Memorial Award. The Downes Award, the highest honor given by ACI-NA, is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting the cause of airports and aviation throughout the local, […]

Shenandoah University Launches Undergraduate Certificate Program to Meet Air Traffic Control Staffing Challenge

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Shenandoah University has added an Undergraduate Certificate in Air Traffic Control to its growing list of academic offerings to help fill a national deficit of air traffic controllers. Students began taking the initial class for the undergraduate certificate, ATC-101, in Fall 2026, and Shenandoah is anticipating the program’s full launch in Spring 2027. “The air […]

Global Airport Passenger Traffic Reaches Record 9.8 Billion in 2025, ACI-World Reports

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Global airports carried a record 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, Airports Council International (ACI) World reported, while air cargo volumes also reached an all-time high. But momentum has cooled in 2026, with passenger growth slowing amid mounting geopolitical and economic headwinds, even as cargo continues to expand. The figures, published in ACI World’s 2026 Annual […]

North Dakota Airline Boarding Update for August

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) reports that the state’s eight commercial service airports recorded 108,460 airline passenger boardings during August 2026, a decrease of approximately 4% compared to August 2025. Airlines provided a total of 129,976 available departure seats during the month, a decrease of 6% from the previous year. Despite the reduction in […]

Ashley Peterson Launches Carolina Flight Deals, Built for Carolina Airports

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Carolina Flight Deals℠ launched earlier this month, a subscription flight deal service that searches only airports in North and South Carolina. Founded by travel creator Ashley Peterson, the list sends curated economy fares out of all 16 airports across both states, including smaller markets like Wilmington, Fayetteville, New Bern, and Greenville that national deal services […]

Four Prominent Virginians to Be Inducted Into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

Four prominent Virginians will be inducted on November 7th as members of the Class of 2026 of the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. The induction dinner and ceremony will be hosted by the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society at the elite Ford’s Colony Country Club in Williamsburg, Va. The four inductees include, in alphabetical order, Robert […]

Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft

Shenandoah University Launches Undergraduate Certificate Program to Meet Air Traffic Control Staffing Challenge

Star Alliance Paris Charles de Gaulle Lounge Retains Skytrax World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge Title

Sky Harbour and Chicago Executive Airport Break Ground on New Home Base Operator