State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

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 […]
A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 marked my 17th time attending the world’s greatest aviation celebration. This was also the end of my first full year as an EAA Lifetime Member which I officially signed up for at the end of AirVenture last year. This year I flew down to Raleigh, North Carolina to meet up with […]

State News

FAA Opens New Asheville Air Traffic Control Tower to Support Record Growth in Western North Carolina

The FAA announced the opening of Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) new 121-foot air traffic control tower, which replaces the old facility built in 1961. The new facility provides controllers with a modern workspace to support growing air traffic demand across western North Carolina. “Air traffic controllers need modern infrastructure and technology to keep up with growing demand,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, our controllers managed a dramatic increase in traffic to support recovery efforts. They deserve a modern facility and 21st century tools to continue providing safe and efficient air traffic services to western North Carolina.” Over the past decade, air carrier operations at Asheville Regional Airport have increased by more than 300 percent, making it the third-busiest airport in North Carolina. The new tower provides controllers with improved visibility and workspace while positioning the airport for continued growth. The FAA provided $31.7 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to construct the new tower. The FAA also awarded $10 million through IIJA to expand and modernize the airport’s terminal, increasing gate capacity from five to 12. Additional modernization efforts: Through the Brand New Air Traffic Control System, the AVL tower will receive key equipment upgrades which will be installed by the end of 2028. These include: New radars. These will provide controllers an aircraft’s position, altitude, flight number and if the aircraft is in an emergency status. These state-of-the-art radars will also make future repairs easier to identify and solve, which will reduce flight delays and cancellations. Modern voice switches. These replace analog systems from the 1990s and enable controllers to more easily switch channels and connect faster than ever before. That means improved communication with aircraft, adjacent facilities and internal phone systems. Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI). It enables air traffic controllers to track aircraft and vehicles in real-time in any weather condition, and where aircraft may be out of sight from the control tower. This vital technology will reduce delays and improve runway safety efficiency. Additionally, the FAA recently installed a new Tower Simulation System (TSS) at Asheville. This allows controllers to train in a controlled environment by projecting airport-specific operations and scenarios. TSS can speed up training times by almost 30 percent.
Richard Arthur Field Celebrates Expansion

State representatives and local officials gathered at Richard Arthur Field Airport in Fayette, Alabama to celebrate the newest expansion during the recent ribbon cutting ceremony. As the community has grown and the airport has experienced more frequent usage, the demand for more aircraft storage has steadily increased. To meet these needs, city leaders collaborated with the airport’s engineers, Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), to design three new hangars and an extended apron in addition to other improvements. The airport now boasts a new 4,860 square-foot multi-box hangar to further support operations and increase aircraft capacity. The newly completed apron adds an additional 10,320 square feet, leaving the door open for future development. In addition to the new hangars and apron expansion, the project also included grading, paving, striping, drainage and culvert repair under the runway. These improvements are critical to satisfy the local aviation demands and to bolster the economic viability of both Richard Arthur Field and the city of Fayette. This project was supported in part by Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding and Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). GMC provided aviation services on the project as well as geotechnical and construction inspection.

National News

FAA Investing $870 Million in Airport Infrastructure Improvements Across U.S.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investing $870 million to improve infrastructure, enhance safety and add more family-friendly features for American families. The Department is delivering 339 grants to airports in 44 states and two territories through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program, including: $289 million to Los Angeles International Airport for a new terminal access road $50 million to Miami International Airport to reconstruct the terminal roof $9.1 million to Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio to rehabilitate passenger bridges and reconstruct key airport facilities $4.2 million to Juneau International Airport in Alaska for snow removal equipment replacement $3.7 million to Charleston International Airport in South Carolina for terminal expansion $3.5 million to Sugar Land Regional Airport in Texas for runway reconstruction “From our regional hubs to some of America’s busiest airports, we are investing in critical infrastructure that will provide American families with a more seamless, efficient travel experience for years to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Upgrading our runway infrastructure is part of our work to usher in the Golden Age of Transportation.” “We’re making airports safer and more convenient for travelers across the U.S,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “We’re releasing grants at record speed to ensure we keep up with the growing demand for travel.” Additional Information: AIG funding may be used for airport planning, development, terminal improvements, baggage system upgrades, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, roadway and access improvements, and other safety-related infrastructure needs. View a data visualization of the airports receiving funding.
National Aeronautic Association Announces Kelly L. Adams as the Recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced Kelly L. Adams, Program Director for the Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Health Professions Scholarship Program, as the recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy. Established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation and awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, the Katharine Wright Trophy recognizes individuals who have contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of aviation and space over an extended period. “Katharine Wright’s legacy is defined by steadfast support that enables others to reach extraordinary heights,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kelly Adams embodies that exact spirit. For over two decades, she has served as a vital anchor for military medicine, ensuring those who safeguard our Airmen are supported, equipped, and inspired to lead.” Adams is recognized for her 23-year civil service career leading the Department of the Air Force’s largest health professions accession pipeline. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, she has guided nearly 12,000 future physicians, nurses, and aerospace medicine specialists into military service, strengthening military healthcare readiness and mentoring generations of female Air Force medical leaders. “I am extremely honored and humbled to join the ranks of this illustrious group of Katharine Wright Trophy recipients,” said Awardee Kelly Adams. “Being from the Dayton, Ohio area, known as the ‘Birthplace of Aviation’ and surrounded by Wright Brothers family history, makes this association even more meaningful. I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given to work with the amazing and talented Air Force men and women to help them realize their dreams of becoming United States Air Force Aerospace Health Professional Officers.” The 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy will be formally presented during the NAA Fall Awards Dinner on November 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C. For event tickets and more information, visit naa.aero.

International News

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Delivers Landmark Week for Global Aerospace

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 convened the world of aerospace, defense and space to shape the future of flight. The show welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors, a show-on-show increase of 41%, and nearly double 2022’s attendance, providing the stage for commercial deals worth over $84.7 billion. Across five days, leaders from government, manufacturers, investors, start-ups, academia, media and future talent from 136 countries gathered at the birthplace of British Aviation. Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, LEAP and Pratt & Whitney led the commercial announcements, while the likes of BAE Systems, MBDA and Anduril Industries unveiled new defense technologies. In total, 353 firm commercial aircraft orders have been placed alongside 904 firm engine orders. In a global first, Vertical Aerospace made history by completing the first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight at Farnborough International Airshow, switching from helicopter mode to airplane mode and back again. Fursn Al Emarat – UAE National Air Display Team also made their Farnborough debut with their renowned seven-jet aerial display. The airshow also provided an important forum for government and industry engagement, with attendance from the newly formed government including Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence; Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister of State (Minister for Artificial Intelligence); and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Pioneers of Tomorrow sold-out ahead of the event and once again placed future talent at the center of the airshow, with thousands of members of the public welcomed through the gates on Friday 24 July. Through careers activity, live demonstrations and opportunities to meet employers and educators, the dedicated program inspired young people to explore pathways into aerospace, engineering and STEM, while helping industry engage directly with its future workforce. Discussing the success of the show, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Farnborough International Airshow 2026 has once again shown what can be achieved when the global aerospace community comes together with purpose. Across the week, we have seen business getting done, partnerships strengthened, and ideas turned into action, all against the backdrop of an industry focused on innovation and long-term progress. “From the organizations defining aerospace today to the pioneers building its future, the energy across the show has been exceptional. We are proud to provide a platform that drives commercial success, supports international collaboration and inspires the next generation. It has been a privilege to welcome the industry to Farnborough, and we look forward to building on the momentum created here.” Farnborough International Airshow returns to the industry calendar 17-21 July 2028 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK.
Carbon Cub UL Completes Historic Transatlantic Flight

Photo – Owner Zbigniew Dziubas (left) and Pilot Gabriel Batkiewicz (right) in Lewiston, Idaho – photo by Tyler Peters. CubCrafters is celebrating another milestone in Carbon Cub history following the successful completion of the first transatlantic flight by a Carbon Cub UL. Rather than disassembling and shipping the aircraft to Poland, the owner chose to fly it home, demonstrating the Carbon Cub UL’s remarkable efficiency, reliability, and adventure-ready capability over one of general aviation’s most demanding ferry routes. Carbon Cub UL N21UL departed Lewiston, Idaho, after delivery to its new owner, Zbigniew Dziubas, with Gabriel Batkiewicz serving as the expedition’s pilot. Over the course of 94.5 flight hours, the aircraft traveled approximately 6,900 nautical miles, crossing the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and ultimately arriving safely in Poland. The journey required meticulous planning, patience, and disciplined aeronautical decision making while operating through remote terrain, rapidly changing weather, and long overwater crossings. Before departing Canada for the North Atlantic crossing, the aircraft had its first 25-hour oil change. Weather played a significant role throughout the expedition. Favorable conditions allowed the Carbon Cub UL to cruise over the Greenland Ice Cap at Flight Level 120, while strong winds delayed departure from Greenland before the crossing to Iceland. Earlier in the trip, deteriorating weather in Canada required a diversion to a planned alternate airport, reinforcing the crew’s commitment to conservative decision-making and safety. To complete the longest overwater segment, the aircraft was equipped with an auxiliary belly pod carrying an additional 25 gallons of fuel, increasing total fuel capacity to 69 gallons. While it is possible to cross the Atlantic by making an additional stop in the Faroe Islands, that route often presents strong winds, moderate turbulence, and operational challenges. The additional fuel allowed the crew to bypass the Faroe Islands and fly directly from Reykjavík, Iceland (BIRK) to Wick, Scotland (EGPC). The longest leg of the journey covered 695 nautical miles in 6 hours and 58 minutes, consuming 158 liters (41.7 U.S. gallons) of fuel. Throughout much of the expedition, the Carbon Cub UL cruised at approximately 5,200 RPM and 32 inches of manifold pressure, averaging just 21.5 to 22.0 liters per hour (5.7 to 5.8 U.S. gallons per hour). Average true airspeed ranged between 97 and 100 mph, depending on weather conditions and winds. Powering the Carbon Cub UL was the turbocharged Rotax 916 iS engine. Its FADEC-controlled fuel injection, turbocharging, and exceptional fuel efficiency enabled the aircraft to perform consistently from low-altitude cruising across North America to operations at Flight Level 120 over Greenland. Throughout the expedition, the Rotax 916 iS delivered the reliability, efficiency, and smooth operation required for nearly 95 hours of international flying. “The airplane pleasantly surprised me,” said Gabriel Batkiewicz, pilot of the expedition. “The engine ran beautifully and the aircraft was stable throughout the journey. I was skeptical of the Rotax engine before this trip, but after flying it across the Atlantic, I’ve completely changed my opinion. Every leg required careful planning, weather analysis, and fuel management, but the aircraft performed exceptionally throughout the entire journey.” Pilot Gabriel Batkiewicz’s Satellite Tracker Data of N21UL’s Flight Route to Poland. For the extended overwater crossings, the Carbon Cub UL was equipped with immersion suits, life jackets, a life raft, satellite tracking equipment, and emergency communication devices. Alternate airports were continuously evaluated throughout the journey, with every weather related decision favoring safety over schedule. “Flying a brand-new Carbon Cub UL from the United States to Poland is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Gabriel Batkiewicz’s planning, decision-making, and piloting skills,” said Brad Damm, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for CubCrafters. “It’s also an outstanding demonstration of the Carbon Cub UL’s efficiency, reliability, and capability. Averaging less than six gallons of fuel per hour while crossing some of the most remote terrain and water on Earth speaks volumes about both the aircraft and the turbocharged Rotax 916 iS powerplant. We’re excited to see another Carbon Cub UL begin its next adventure in Europe.” The successful transatlantic delivery highlights the growing international presence of the Carbon Cub UL and demonstrates the confidence owners around the world have in the aircraft. From the mountains of Idaho to the North Atlantic and ultimately Poland, the journey showcased the Carbon Cub UL’s ability to combine exceptional backcountry performance with the efficiency, reliability, and range needed for extraordinary international adventures. Flight by the Numbers • Aircraft: Carbon Cub UL N21UL • Engine: Rotax 916 iS turbocharged • Owner: Zbigniew Dziubas • Pilot: Gabriel Batkiewicz • Distance: Approximately 6,900 nautical miles • Flight Time: 94.5 hours • Longest Leg: 695 nautical miles • Longest Flight: 6 hours, 58 minutes • Fuel Capacity: 69 gallons (44 gallon wing tanks and 25 gallon auxiliary belly pod) • Average Fuel Burn: 21.5–22.0 L/hr (5.7–5.8 U.S. gal/hr) • Average True Airspeed: 97–100 mph Route • KLWS – KMAN – U88 – U87 – KWYS – KMDS – KBUU – KHAI – KDET (USA • CYKF – CSE4 – CYBC – CYGV – CYYR – CYFP – CYFB. (Canada) • BGSF – BKGG (Greenland) • BIRK (Iceland) • EGPC – 01EG – EGSL (UK) • EHSE – LKLT – EPNT (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland)

Unmanned Systems

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
BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations READ MORE

Aviation Education

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
University of Nebraska at Kearney chooses the Tecnam P-Mentor

The Nebraska Safety Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has officially announced the launch of the Loper Flight Academy, set to be inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 20. To power this new initiative, the Academy has selected Tecnam, acquiring a brand-new fleet of seven (7) Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft to train READ MORE

FAA Investing $870 Million in Airport Infrastructure Improvements Across U.S.

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investing $870 million to improve infrastructure, enhance safety and add more family-friendly features for American families. The Department is delivering 339 grants to airports in 44 states and two territories through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program, including: $289 million to Los […]

FAA Opens New Asheville Air Traffic Control Tower to Support Record Growth in Western North Carolina

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The FAA announced the opening of Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) new 121-foot air traffic control tower, which replaces the old facility built in 1961. The new facility provides controllers with a modern workspace to support growing air traffic demand across western North Carolina. “Air traffic controllers need modern infrastructure and technology to keep up with […]

Richard Arthur Field Celebrates Expansion

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

State representatives and local officials gathered at Richard Arthur Field Airport in Fayette, Alabama to celebrate the newest expansion during the recent ribbon cutting ceremony. As the community has grown and the airport has experienced more frequent usage, the demand for more aircraft storage has steadily increased. To meet these needs, city leaders collaborated with […]

Five New Jersey Cadets Advance Aviation Dreams at Civil Air Patrol’s Falcon Flight Academy

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

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. Hosted by Civil Air Patrol’s New Jersey Wing in partnership with Ocean County Airport, the academy brought together 14 cadets from across the country for […]

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Delivers Landmark Week for Global Aerospace

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 convened the world of aerospace, defense and space to shape the future of flight. The show welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors, a show-on-show increase of 41%, and nearly double 2022’s attendance, providing the stage for commercial deals worth over $84.7 billion. Across five days, leaders from government, manufacturers, investors, start-ups, […]

Carbon Cub UL Completes Historic Transatlantic Flight

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Owner Zbigniew Dziubas (left) and Pilot Gabriel Batkiewicz (right) in Lewiston, Idaho – photo by Tyler Peters. CubCrafters is celebrating another milestone in Carbon Cub history following the successful completion of the first transatlantic flight by a Carbon Cub UL. Rather than disassembling and shipping the aircraft to Poland, the owner chose to […]

MnDOT Awards $8 Million for Safety Upgrades at Minnesota Airports

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Construction project taking place at Rochester International Airport (RST) Improvement projects at 39 Minnesota airports recently got clearance for takeoff, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. MnDOT will award $8 million collectively for pavement improvement and turf rehabilitation, crack rehabilitation and removal of obstructions on runways and taxiways. Other projects include planning […]

ALDOT Awards More Than $3.1 Million in Airport Grants

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded more than $3.1 million in Alabama airport grants to support improvement projects at 11 local airports. With this latest round of grants, ALDOT has awarded $5,336,018 through the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program so far in 2026. The grants are part of ALDOT’s Alabama Airport Improvement Funding […]

National Aeronautic Association Announces Kelly L. Adams as the Recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced Kelly L. Adams, Program Director for the Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Health Professions Scholarship Program, as the recipient of the 2026 Katharine Wright Trophy. Established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation and awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, […]

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions

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

A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026