State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand
Photo – Dignitaries at the Cirrus Grand Forks expansion ribbon cutting. On Friday, Cirrus celebrated the opening of its expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in manufacturing excellence, safety and quality as well as long-term growth. The multi-million-dollar expansion provides the additional production capacity […]
Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office unveiled last week renderings for a landmark transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Backed by a $20+ billion capital investment program, a historic collaboration between USDOT, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and United Airlines will oversee the transformation […]
Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions
Rotortrade is reporting that they have successfully completed 30 Super Puma transactions, the vast majority involving the H225 platform, supporting operators, governments, leasing companies and financial institutions across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. These projects have included aircraft sales and acquisitions, return-to-service programs, heavy maintenance coordination, aircraft repossessions, long-term storage, mission conversions, technical upgrades, […]
Wearing the #26 Florida Panthers “Thunderbirds” Jersey at AirVenture 2026
I’m always up for trying something new and being unique in some way. As some of you know, my day job is working in the video game industry and I love it when games and aviation come together! A couple of years ago I bought a bunch of aviation related video game shirts to wear […]

State News

Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand

Photo – Dignitaries at the Cirrus Grand Forks expansion ribbon cutting. On Friday, Cirrus celebrated the opening of its expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in manufacturing excellence, safety and quality as well as long-term growth. The multi-million-dollar expansion provides the additional production capacity needed to optimize manufacturing flow, increase efficiency, and support demand across the Cirrus product portfolio including the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft, the SR Series and best-selling jet in general aviation, the Vision Jet. Purpose-built to support current and forecasted production rates, the expanded facility enables an optimized production layout that streamlines the movement of composite parts throughout the manufacturing process. The enhanced workflow will improve manufacturing efficiency, and the additional footprint allows for improved automation capability, equipment integration with business systems, and workplace safety. “This expansion reflects our continued investment in our people, our products, and the Grand Forks community,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer at Cirrus. “By adding more than 30,000 square feet, creating new jobs, and enhancing our workplace for our team members, we’re positioning Cirrus for continued growth. The strong partnerships we’ve built with the City of Grand Forks, the State of North Dakota, the Bank of North Dakota, and the University of North Dakota have given us the confidence to continue investing here, including making Grand Forks the location where we will manufacture composites for the new TRAC10 flight training aircraft.” “Grand Forks has played an essential role in Cirrus’ growth and manufacturing strategy for decades,” said Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus. “Our success starts with our people and our supportive community. This investment allows us to create an even better environment for our team while expanding the capacity and capabilities needed to support our continued growth.” Home to approximately 500 employees, the Grand Forks facility plays a critical role in Cirrus’ manufacturing operations, producing advanced composite parts that support aircraft production. Team members across manufacturing, engineering, safety and quality assurance, CNC machining, human resources and training contribute to the facility’s success, with approximately 80 percent of the workforce dedicated to direct manufacturing operations. Cirrus Grand Forks team. The expansion addresses the growing need for additional manufacturing space as Cirrus aircraft demand continues to increase. The expansion also provides facility flexibility to better support the innovation process. This project also reflects the strong partnership between Cirrus and the Grand Forks community. In addition to Cirrus’ investment, local partner contributions underscore a shared commitment to economic growth and advanced manufacturing in the region. The expanded facility officially opens on August 14 and further strengthens Cirrus’ manufacturing network, ensuring the company is well-positioned to meet customer demand while continuing to deliver the quality, innovation and craftsmanship that define every Cirrus aircraft.
Iowa Transportation Commission Approves FY2027 Aviation Program

The Iowa Transportation Commission last week approved $10.2 million for the fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) State Aviation Program, which includes several subprograms detailed below. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) will fund $5.9 million for a variety of aviation safety initiatives, system planning, and air service development activities. It will also provide funding for airport development projects at 22 airports in Iowa. The AIP program is funded through the State Aviation Fund using revenues from aircraft registration fees and aviation fuel taxes. Eligible AIP projects include: Runway, taxiway and apron development Fuel systems Navigational aids Maintenance of aviation weather systems Runway marking Windsocks Emergency operational repairs Land-use planning Air service initiatives Mitigation of obstruction and wildlife hazards at airports Aviation vertical infrastructure programs will provide $4.2 million for projects at 11 general aviation airports and eight commercial service airports throughout Iowa. These programs provide funding for the maintenance and development of airport facilities such as terminal buildings, maintenance facilities, and aircraft hangars. Vertical infrastructure programs are funded from Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund appropriations. The State Aviation Program supplements local and federal funding sources and seeks to maintain a safe and effective statewide air transportation system. Details on State Aviation Program Funding can be viewed online. Additional information regarding aviation in Iowa is available at Iowa Aviation.

National News

Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand

Photo – Dignitaries at the Cirrus Grand Forks expansion ribbon cutting. On Friday, Cirrus celebrated the opening of its expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in manufacturing excellence, safety and quality as well as long-term growth. The multi-million-dollar expansion provides the additional production capacity needed to optimize manufacturing flow, increase efficiency, and support demand across the Cirrus product portfolio including the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft, the SR Series and best-selling jet in general aviation, the Vision Jet. Purpose-built to support current and forecasted production rates, the expanded facility enables an optimized production layout that streamlines the movement of composite parts throughout the manufacturing process. The enhanced workflow will improve manufacturing efficiency, and the additional footprint allows for improved automation capability, equipment integration with business systems, and workplace safety. “This expansion reflects our continued investment in our people, our products, and the Grand Forks community,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer at Cirrus. “By adding more than 30,000 square feet, creating new jobs, and enhancing our workplace for our team members, we’re positioning Cirrus for continued growth. The strong partnerships we’ve built with the City of Grand Forks, the State of North Dakota, the Bank of North Dakota, and the University of North Dakota have given us the confidence to continue investing here, including making Grand Forks the location where we will manufacture composites for the new TRAC10 flight training aircraft.” “Grand Forks has played an essential role in Cirrus’ growth and manufacturing strategy for decades,” said Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus. “Our success starts with our people and our supportive community. This investment allows us to create an even better environment for our team while expanding the capacity and capabilities needed to support our continued growth.” Home to approximately 500 employees, the Grand Forks facility plays a critical role in Cirrus’ manufacturing operations, producing advanced composite parts that support aircraft production. Team members across manufacturing, engineering, safety and quality assurance, CNC machining, human resources and training contribute to the facility’s success, with approximately 80 percent of the workforce dedicated to direct manufacturing operations. Cirrus Grand Forks team. The expansion addresses the growing need for additional manufacturing space as Cirrus aircraft demand continues to increase. The expansion also provides facility flexibility to better support the innovation process. This project also reflects the strong partnership between Cirrus and the Grand Forks community. In addition to Cirrus’ investment, local partner contributions underscore a shared commitment to economic growth and advanced manufacturing in the region. The expanded facility officially opens on August 14 and further strengthens Cirrus’ manufacturing network, ensuring the company is well-positioned to meet customer demand while continuing to deliver the quality, innovation and craftsmanship that define every Cirrus aircraft.
David Cummins Confirmed as New TSA Administrator

David Cummins was sworn in as the eighth Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. In May 2026, President Trump nominated Cummins to head TSA and lead a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees and the security operations at more than 430 airports across the United States. Under the direction of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Cummins also has federal responsibility for the security of the nation’s surface transportation including rail, mass transit systems, highways, pipelines and maritime. David Cummins Cummins looks forward to carrying on TSA’s strong 25-year tradition of playing a critical role in protecting American travelers while further enhancing the passenger experience and taking the agency to the next level with the continued implementation of advanced technology. “TSA will deliver on its role to secure the Golden Age of Travel the Trump administration has ushered in,” said Cummins. “We do not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, or an elevated experience. In fact, our mission demands that we achieve all three at once. That is President Trump’s and Secretary Mullin’s vision for the TSA, and it’s what the American people, rightfully, expect of this agency.” Cummins identified his key priorities to further advance TSA, which include: Focusing on the TSA workforce and improving morale Rolling out new technology at TSA checkpoints Providing travelers with the information they need to further reduce wait times and get through security faster Hardening transportation networks against drone and cyber threats Cummins brings a wealth of transportation experience from the private sector, where he directed partnerships with federal, state and local governments across the U.S. and globally. He has overseen strategy and acquisitions for transportation systems across 30 countries, leading cutting-edge business initiatives to improve efficiency and customer experience across multiple industries. He led numerous innovation projects and has been co-awarded 12 patents. As the Director of Operations Management for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he earned the International Project of the Year Award from the Project Management Institute. Cummins holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School, an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a BA in Political Science from Messiah University.

International News

$2.85 Million Raised July 23 for Aviation Education and More During The Gathering Hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation

Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for Experimental Aircraft Association programming. “What occurs at The Gathering each year brings together individuals and companies that have benefited from or enjoyed the world of flight in a way to give back, whether that is to youth aviation education or to initiatives that preserve our impressive aviation heritage,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. “This tremendous outpouring of support under this year’s theme of ‘Aerial America’ in honor of America 250 will allow programs to continue that inspire, motivate, and encourage participation in aviation.” Among the special guests during the evening were the Royal Air Force Red Arrows demonstration team, which made its inaugural appearance at AirVenture in 2026; EAA Young Eagles program chairman Jimmy Graham, pilot a former NFL All-Pro tight end, and 10-year-old Hazel Schaefer, who earlier that week flew with Graham to commemorate 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the program’s history; plus notable leaders from the aviation community. Among some of the highlights of the gala were: The Red Arrows auctioning a signed team photo for $25,000, with a second one donated for an equal amount; A Goodyear Blimp experience; Bidding on a restored Piper PA-12 aircraft; Three gifts of $100,000 each, along with matching donation by one benefactor of all individual gifts of up to $2,500; An NFL experience in Paris, France, on October 25 auctioned, featuring the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. EAA programs that will benefit from The Gathering proceeds include Young Eagles, which introduces flight to young people free of charge; EAA’s online AeroEducate aviation education portal; and the Pilot Proficiency Center that enables current and prospective pilots to build skills year-round at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
Drone-Delivered AED Used in Life-Saving Cardiac Arrest Response in Sweden

An automated external defibrillator (AED) delivered by Everdrone’s drone system was used in response to a confirmed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest involving a man in his 60s in Borås, Sweden, on 19 July 2026. The drone was dispatched as part of Västra Götaland Region’s (VGR) standard emergency response and delivered the AED to the scene of the incident prior to ambulance arrival. The man regained a pulse at the scene and was subsequently treated in hospital. “In cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are critical. Everdrone’s drone system helps healthcare providers get an AED to the scene as early as possible, giving the patient the best possible chance of survival,” says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone. The drone flies autonomously to the emergency location and delivers the AED by lowering it on a winch from an altitude of approximately 30 metres. In suspected cardiac arrest cases, the drone is dispatched automatically in parallel with the ambulance. Photo: Everdrone AB Following an emergency call to SOS Alarm, the drone was dispatched from its local base in Borås and delivered the AED directly to the scene prior to ambulance arrival. Bystanders immediately started CPR and attached the AED with guidance and support from the emergency dispatcher. The AED analysed the patient’s heart rhythm, and a defibrillation shock was delivered. The subsequent medical response was provided by the ambulance service and the other emergency responders. “Every time our drone system is used in a real emergency, it reinforces the value of integrating drones into emergency medical services. The drone complements ambulances and other emergency resources by delivering life-saving equipment during the most critical minutes,” says Mats Sällström. The response was part of Västra Götaland Region’s emergency drone programme, under which drones are automatically dispatched alongside ambulances to suspected cardiac arrests. Mats Sällström “Our system, Drone Emergency Medical Services (DEMS), is unique and currently operates in Sweden and France. This incident further demonstrates its potential to help save more lives, and we hope it will raise greater awareness of drones as a valuable complement to emergency medical services,” says Mats Sällström. The service is operated jointly by Västra Götaland Region and Everdrone. Six operational drone bases provide coverage for more than 300,000 residents in the region as part of a long-term initiative to reduce the time before life-saving treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The incident in Borås demonstrates how drone technology can be integrated into routine emergency medical services. Facts about Everdrone’s drone system in Västra Götaland Region New operational system in Västra Götaland Region since spring/summer 2026 Research programme ongoing since 2019 as a collaboration with VGR, Karolinska Institutet and Everdrone Six operational drone bases Covers more than 300,000 residents Delivers: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and aerial situational awareness Purpose: To reduce the time to AED delivery in suspected cardiac arrests and provide early situational awareness at emergency scenes Additional deployments: France (operational) and Stockholm Region (launching autumn 2026)

Unmanned Systems

Drone-Delivered AED Used in Life-Saving Cardiac Arrest Response in Sweden

An automated external defibrillator (AED) delivered by Everdrone’s drone system was used in response to a confirmed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest involving a man in his 60s in Borås, Sweden, on 19 July 2026. The drone was dispatched as part of Västra Götaland Region’s (VGR) standard emergency response and delivered the AED to the scene of READ MORE
GeoComm and SkyfireAI Bring Actionable Location Intelligence to Drone as First Responder Operations

GeoComm and SkyfireAI announced the use of GeoComm DFR Routing within SkyfireAI’s Drone as First Responder operations. The collaboration helps public safety agencies direct drones to emergency incidents with greater location certainty and a clearer operational picture. The announcement advances the companies’ partnership around a critical operational challenge: connecting emergency incident information to autonomous drone READ MORE

Aviation Education

College Park Aviation Museum and Fig Factor Media to Host Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Sept. 26

Fig Factor Media, in partnership with the College Park Aviation Museum, presents the Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Saturday, Sept. 26, at the museum in College Park, Maryland. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month and free to the public, this family-friendly event recognizes the important contributions Latinas have made to aviation in a variety READ MORE
Five New Jersey Cadets Advance Aviation Dreams at Civil Air Patrol’s Falcon Flight Academy

Five New Jersey Civil Air Patrol cadets are taking significant steps toward earning their private pilot certificates as students at a Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, held July 10-19. Flight Academy Student Cadet Maj. Adrian Chaberek performs a preflight inspection before departing on a training flight during Falcon Flight Academy. Hosted by Civil Air READ MORE

Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand

August 16, 2026August 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Dignitaries at the Cirrus Grand Forks expansion ribbon cutting. On Friday, Cirrus celebrated the opening of its expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in manufacturing excellence, safety and quality as well as long-term growth. The multi-million-dollar expansion provides the additional production capacity […]

Iowa Transportation Commission Approves FY2027 Aviation Program

August 16, 2026August 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Iowa Transportation Commission last week approved $10.2 million for the fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) State Aviation Program, which includes several subprograms detailed below. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) will fund $5.9 million for a variety of aviation safety initiatives, system planning, and air service development activities. It will also provide funding for airport development […]

$2.85 Million Raised July 23 for Aviation Education and More During The Gathering Hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation

August 10, 2026August 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for Experimental Aircraft Association programming. “What occurs at The Gathering each year […]

David Cummins Confirmed as New TSA Administrator

August 10, 2026August 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

David Cummins was sworn in as the eighth Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. In May 2026, President Trump nominated Cummins to head TSA and lead a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees and the security operations at more than 430 airports across the United States. Under the […]

College Park Aviation Museum and Fig Factor Media to Host Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Sept. 26

August 10, 2026August 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

Fig Factor Media, in partnership with the College Park Aviation Museum, presents the Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Saturday, Sept. 26, at the museum in College Park, Maryland. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month and free to the public, this family-friendly event recognizes the important contributions Latinas have made to aviation in a variety […]

Drone-Delivered AED Used in Life-Saving Cardiac Arrest Response in Sweden

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

An automated external defibrillator (AED) delivered by Everdrone’s drone system was used in response to a confirmed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest involving a man in his 60s in Borås, Sweden, on 19 July 2026. The drone was dispatched as part of Västra Götaland Region’s (VGR) standard emergency response and delivered the AED to the scene of […]

First Flight Society Celebrates National Aviation Day 2026 on Wednesday, August 19th

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The First Flight Society announced their annual celebration of National Aviation Day. This year is the 87th anniversary of National Aviation Day. Activities will take place at Dare County Regional Airport (MQI). Admission and parking are free at the airport. The event will run from 10:00AM until 3:00 PM and is aimed at all ages. […]

SWAAAE Announces Board of Directors Election Results and Annual Awards

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 2026-28 Board of Directors election was held in late July in conjunction with the 80th Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference in Palm Desert, CA. Below are the results of the election, as well as Board member advancements: SAJ Joins SWAAAE in Congratulating Their 2026 Chapter Award Winners and SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship Recipients SWAAAE was pleased […]

NAA Selects General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. as the 2026 Bruce Whitman Trophy Recipient

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association announced that General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., USAF (Ret.), has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Bruce Whitman Trophy. General Brown is recognized for his exceptional leadership and professional achievements in aerospace over nearly 40 years of military service, as well as his enduring dedication to preserving military heritage […]

NBAA, NATA Welcome Cleveland Coalition’s Call to Keep Burke Lakefront Airport Open

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes new calls from a host of Cleveland-area business, education and civic leaders for the Cleveland City Council to reject Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposal to close Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL). More than 50 local business leaders joined dozens of citizens and other Cleveland voices in signing letters urging the […]

Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions

Wearing the #26 Florida Panthers “Thunderbirds” Jersey at AirVenture 2026