State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]
Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway
Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]
Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”
Hawaiian Airlines recently unveiled a special aircraft livery celebrating its membership in the oneworld® alliance with a design that honors ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, with the phrase “Aloha a puni ka honua,” or “Aloha all around the world.” Hawaiian’s widebody Airbus A330 carrying the oneworld mark will continue to feature the airline’s iconic Pualani […]
CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT
CubCrafters has announced the new Carbon Cub ULT, an innovative turboprop-powered evolution of the company’s popular Carbon Cub UL platform. Designed to combine the simplicity and efficiency of modern sport aviation with the smooth power and reliability of turbine technology, the Carbon Cub ULT represents a major step forward in lightweight backcountry aircraft design. The […]

State News

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will become the heart of the EL9 Ultra Short’s hybrid-electric propulsion system. The agreement, which follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023, includes an initial order for 250 TG600 turbogenerators, with allows production to scale with demand for the EL9. Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft is designed using hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology. This opens new possibilities for air travel by enabling the EL9 to take off and land in just 150 feet, unlocking operations from places that have never supported commercial air service before, including spaces closer to where people live, work, and lay. “This agreement is a defining step forward for Electra and for the future of advanced air mobility,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “With this announcement, Safran is cementing its position as a leader in the next era of aviation. Their technical leadership in hybrid-electric, innovative spirit, and long-term partnership are critical as we bring the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft to market and unlock a new model of direct flight.” A turbogenerator consists of a gas turbine combined with one or more electric generators, as well as an innovative system of electrical power and voltage regulation. The TG600 turbogenerator, which will supply 600 kW of electricity, will be developed based on the Safran Helicopter Engines Arrano, a new generation engine that offers 18% reduction in fuel consumption over other in-service engines. The TG600 will also be equipped with two GENeUS electric generators supplied by Safran Electrical & Power. “The signing of this contract marks a major milestone in our collaboration with Electra and signifies the official launch of our turbogenerator activities, a promising new chapter that complements our leadership in turboshaft technology,” said Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO. “We are delighted with the strong partnership we have forged with Electra and are proud to offer the best of our engine technology combined with the best of Safran’s electric know-how. We believe we have the most advanced and efficient hybrid-electric product in its class, a perfect fit for the EL9 to achieve revolutionary capabilities in new air mobility.” Electra’s work is rooted in the company’s view that aviation is entering a third era of flight, one defined by the ability to use new electric propulsion technologies to unlock Direct Aviation. Direct Aviation is a new model of air travel designed to give people the freedom to travel from where they are to where they want to go. It addresses the regional mobility gap between driving and traditional commercial aviation, helping travelers avoid long drives, congested airports, and time-consuming connections. Based on Electra’s Direct Aviation Market Outlook, the route and passenger demand will require 12,000 to 16,000 aircraft over the first ten years of operations, for a nationwide fleet of regional shuttles. Earlier this year, Electra and Bristow Group Inc. announced a Pre-Delivery Payment agreement with non-refundable deposits and binding terms and conditions aligned to commercial aviation industry standards, subject to aircraft certification, securing the first delivery slot for the EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft with the TG600. Electra has submitted the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Part 23 type certification and anticipates a first flight scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028. By combining Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft architecture with Safran’s propulsion and power system capabilities, the companies are working to develop and build a new category of aircraft that will expand air access, reduce barriers to regional connectivity, and transform the way people and goods move through the skies.
Redbird Announces Next-Gen Flight Deck Upgrades for Training Devices

Redbird Flight (Redbird) today introduced an evolution of its flight deck software and hardware, kicking off a broad campaign to systematically increase the fidelity, specificity, and overall value of its aviation training devices (ATDs) for learners and flight training providers. The multi-year effort reflects an ongoing shift in the flight training market, where operators increasingly value higher-fidelity ATDs that more accurately represent the actual aircraft and enable positive transfer of training for learners. “Flight training providers—from local flight schools to large, academy-style, Part 141 programs—continue to express a desire for highly realistic training devices that emulate exactly what their customers will experience in their aircraft fleet,” said Redbird CEO Charlie Gregoire. “In our view, that means not only offering the look, feel, and functionality of specific aircraft cockpits but also the ability to represent and interchange between multiple aircraft configurations and avionics stacks in one device. The enhanced software and hardware options we are introducing today immediately deliver more training value without sacrificing a reconfigurable cockpit architecture that better serves flight schools that have multiple makes and models in their fleet.” A high-fidelity G1000 NXi software emulation and an accompanying ‘E001’ instrument panel headline the first wave of upgrades. Set to release on August 17, the NXi software is the result of a multi-year, ground-up development effort that delivers improved graphics, faster processing speeds, and several enhanced operational features used for training with integrated flight decks and technically advanced aircraft (TAA), including Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), HSI mapping on the primary flight display, and airport environment tools like SafeTaxi. The E001 Enhanced Aircraft panel will be available in early 2027, the first installment in a new family of instrument panels with higher-fidelity hardware and embedded video displays. It features hardware for two G1000 GDU 1054Bs, a GMA1347 audio panel, and knobs to allow for three analog standby instruments. The panel is more flexible and intelligent than previous versions, capable of querying the rest of the hardware in the training device to determine which aircraft configurations can be simulated accurately at a given time. The roadmap for Enhanced Aircraft panels includes several configurations of popular Avidyne and Garmin avionics, including the IFD and GTN series. “Everything we will be developing for the Enhanced Aircraft product line is modular and backward compatible with our existing install base, meaning customers with devices dating back to the original FMX 1 can update individual software and hardware components piecemeal,” added Gregoire. “However, our product roadmap is focused on being able to offer complete, higher-fidelity cockpits for specific aircraft configurations.”

National News

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 across the United States. BRINC Skybeam Spotlight in action. The capital will be used to expand BRINC’s domestic manufacturing capability, bring new products to market, and scale go-to-market operations. By the end of the year, BRINC will move into a new facility three times the size of its current factory, expanding its production capacity to meet surging demand from public safety agencies. “Every second matters in an emergency,” says Blake Resnick, Founder & CEO of BRINC. “Our 911 response drones put eyes on scene before first responders arrive, giving dispatchers and officers the situational awareness they need to act decisively and keep people safe. This investment enables our organization to build more products, expand our manufacturing capacity, and put a drone on the roof of every police and fire station in America.” Guardian’s Industry Leading Camera. The round comes at a moment of significant commercial momentum. BRINC more than tripled revenue in 2025 and quintupled monthly production capacity. This year, the company has signed nearly four times as many 911 response drone contracts as it did over the same period in 2025, with agencies including the Los Angeles Fire Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and hundreds of others across the country. BRINC builds drones for every mission. Lemur 2 is the most capable indoor drone. Responder leads the market in time on scene. Guardian is the 911 response drone built to replace helicopters. And because BRINC has deep, exclusive integrations with Motorola Solutions, every product in the fleet is just a button-press away. Agencies looking to learn more can reach out to their local BRINC representative or get in touch at brincdrones.com/contact.
National Aeronautic Association Names Kathryn Hughes as Recipient of the 2026 Stinson Award

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Col. (Ret.) Kathryn Hughes, MD, MPH, DAvMed, USAF, has been named the recipient of the NAA Stinson Award. Kathryn Hughes The Stinson Award honors the legacy of sisters Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, pioneering aviators of the early 20th century. Among the first women to earn pilot’s licenses, they founded the Stinson School of Flying and made significant contributions to early aviation, exhibition flying, and military flight training. The NAA Stinson Award recognizes a living U.S. citizen, group, or organization that has made a lasting impact on advancing women in aerospace through mentorship, advocacy, or pioneering efforts that have expanded opportunities for women in the field. “It takes immense tenacity to be a pioneer, and it takes a rare, fearless individuality to forge a path entirely your own,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kathy has never been afraid to step away from the crowd and do what others simply wouldn’t. She reflects the very essence of the Stinson sisters’ daring spirit and excellence. From the flight deck to her clinic, Kathy shines brightly on her own terms, and her true gift is empowering other women to find the confidence to do the exact same.” Dr. Hughes attended the United States Air Force Academy and, during her 26 years in service, logged over 3,000 military flying hours in multiple aircraft, including the T-38, RC-135, A-10, and Royal Air Force Hawk. While still serving as a pilot, she completed medical school and became the first female Pilot-Physician in the U.S. Air Force. She specialized in acceleration protection and life support equipment testing and evaluation. Her combined aviation and medical expertise enables her to advance human factors research, human systems integration, and enhanced pilot safety. After retiring from the military in 2016, Dr. Hughes has worked as a physician specializing in occupational and aviation medicine and is an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. She is a consultant for Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, the leading manufacturer of ejection and crashworthy seats that have saved over 7,800 lives worldwide. She serves in leadership roles in the Aerospace Medical Association and its Foundation Board. She remains an active general aviation pilot, manages her local airport, and volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Ninety-Nines, mentoring fellow women aviators. “It is a profound honor to have been selected for the prestigious NAA Stinson Award. I have long admired the audacity of Katherine and Marjorie Stinson and what they dared to accomplish,” said Hughes. “Throughout my own career in aviation and aerospace medicine, my goal has been to turn my opportunities into open doors for others. This recognition strengthens my commitment to mentoring and advocating for the next generation of those who strive for careers in aerospace.” Details about the Stinson Award presentation will be announced soon. For more information about the award or to view previous recipients, please visit naa.aero.

International News

Chapman Freeborn Group Supports Complex Movement of 121 Mongolian Horses

Chapman Freeborn Group has supported a specialist live animal charter operation moving 121 Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi, delivered through close collaboration between Chapman Freeborn’s Asia Pacific team and Intradco Global, its specialist live animal transport brand. The operation involved three back-to-back B757F charter flights within a 38-hour window, moving 51 horses outbound, 20 horses home and a further 50 horses outbound as part of a single coordinated rotation. The project required detailed planning, bilateral coordination and specialist equine transport expertise to ensure every stage of the movement was managed with animal welfare, timing and operational precision at its center. Live animal movements are among the most specialist areas of air charter. Unlike standard cargo, each movement must be planned around the needs of the animals, with careful consideration given to aircraft suitability, loading arrangements, documentation, welfare requirements and coordination between teams at origin, destination and throughout the journey. “This was a very special movement and a strong example of what can be achieved when specialist teams work closely together across the group,” said Latha Narayan, President APAC at Chapman Freeborn. “Projects of this nature require more than aircraft capacity alone. They rely on trust, detailed planning, specialist knowledge and continuous coordination to make sure every stage of the operation is handled with care. For our Asia Pacific team, this operation also reflects the importance of combining regional market understanding with global specialist capabilities. By working closely with Intradco Global, we were able to support a complex live animal movement with the care, agility and expertise required.” The movement carried added significance as part of a wider bilateral initiative, with some of the horses returning after several years and new horses travelling onward as part of the rotation. The operation also reunited members of the animal care team involved in the original movement, bringing continuity and experience to a highly sensitive project. “Horse movements are among the most sensitive live animal transport projects, and every detail matters,” said Charlie McMullen, CEO – Intradco Global. “From preparation to loading and arrival, our priority is always the welfare of the animals and the smooth delivery of the operation. We are pleased to have contributed our specialist live animal logistics experience to this complex movement.” The operation highlights Chapman Freeborn Group’s ability to combine global air charter capabilities with Intradco Global’s dedicated live animal transport expertise, supporting complex and sensitive movements where safety, welfare and operational precision are critical.
Redbird Announces Next-Gen Flight Deck Upgrades for Training Devices

Redbird Flight (Redbird) today introduced an evolution of its flight deck software and hardware, kicking off a broad campaign to systematically increase the fidelity, specificity, and overall value of its aviation training devices (ATDs) for learners and flight training providers. The multi-year effort reflects an ongoing shift in the flight training market, where operators increasingly value higher-fidelity ATDs that more accurately represent the actual aircraft and enable positive transfer of training for learners. “Flight training providers—from local flight schools to large, academy-style, Part 141 programs—continue to express a desire for highly realistic training devices that emulate exactly what their customers will experience in their aircraft fleet,” said Redbird CEO Charlie Gregoire. “In our view, that means not only offering the look, feel, and functionality of specific aircraft cockpits but also the ability to represent and interchange between multiple aircraft configurations and avionics stacks in one device. The enhanced software and hardware options we are introducing today immediately deliver more training value without sacrificing a reconfigurable cockpit architecture that better serves flight schools that have multiple makes and models in their fleet.” A high-fidelity G1000 NXi software emulation and an accompanying ‘E001’ instrument panel headline the first wave of upgrades. Set to release on August 17, the NXi software is the result of a multi-year, ground-up development effort that delivers improved graphics, faster processing speeds, and several enhanced operational features used for training with integrated flight decks and technically advanced aircraft (TAA), including Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), HSI mapping on the primary flight display, and airport environment tools like SafeTaxi. The E001 Enhanced Aircraft panel will be available in early 2027, the first installment in a new family of instrument panels with higher-fidelity hardware and embedded video displays. It features hardware for two G1000 GDU 1054Bs, a GMA1347 audio panel, and knobs to allow for three analog standby instruments. The panel is more flexible and intelligent than previous versions, capable of querying the rest of the hardware in the training device to determine which aircraft configurations can be simulated accurately at a given time. The roadmap for Enhanced Aircraft panels includes several configurations of popular Avidyne and Garmin avionics, including the IFD and GTN series. “Everything we will be developing for the Enhanced Aircraft product line is modular and backward compatible with our existing install base, meaning customers with devices dating back to the original FMX 1 can update individual software and hardware components piecemeal,” added Gregoire. “However, our product roadmap is focused on being able to offer complete, higher-fidelity cockpits for specific aircraft configurations.”

Unmanned Systems

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
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases New Drone Training and Testing Template for Oregon Public Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new training and testing companion to its public agency drone policy template, giving Oregon public bodies a clearer path for training, evaluating, and documenting the people who fly drones for public work. The earlier ODAV template helped agencies answer an important question: What rules should guide READ MORE

Aviation Education

AOPA Foundation to Expand High School Aviation Education with Maintenance and Manufacturing Curriculum

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced today that it will add a maintenance and manufacturing pathway to its High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, the free, nationally recognized program that has reached more than 130,000 students since it launched in 2016. The new curriculum, which is made possible by a donation from Gregory READ MORE
Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and READ MORE

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]

Chapman Freeborn Group Supports Complex Movement of 121 Mongolian Horses

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Chapman Freeborn Group has supported a specialist live animal charter operation moving 121 Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi, delivered through close collaboration between Chapman Freeborn’s Asia Pacific team and Intradco Global, its specialist live animal transport brand. The operation involved three back-to-back B757F charter flights within a 38-hour window, moving 51 horses outbound, 20 […]

Redbird Announces Next-Gen Flight Deck Upgrades for Training Devices

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Redbird Flight (Redbird) today introduced an evolution of its flight deck software and hardware, kicking off a broad campaign to systematically increase the fidelity, specificity, and overall value of its aviation training devices (ATDs) for learners and flight training providers. The multi-year effort reflects an ongoing shift in the flight training market, where operators increasingly […]

Lufthansa’s First Airbus A350-1000 Arrives with Special Livery

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

In just a few weeks, Lufthansa’s special anniversary fleet will welcome another addition: The very first A350-1000 that Lufthansa Airlines will take delivery of from Airbus was painted at the Toulouse plant in blue, featuring a white XXL crane and the lettering “1926 | 2026” and “100” – using a total of 432 liters of […]

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]

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

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Marcy Meyer Retires from Nebraska Aeronautics After Impressive 35 Year Career

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

By Kim Stevens When Marcy Meyer arrived in Kearney, NE three decades ago, she knew nothing about aviation, let alone navaids. “I was looking for a job in a new community with good benefits and pay,” recalls Marcy. Last week, after a successful and productive thirty-five-year career in aviation, Marcy retired from the Nebraska Department […]

FL Technics Indonesia Opens Aircraft Painting Facility in Bali and Welcomes First Customer

July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

FL Technics Indonesia, the FAA Part-145 certified MRO provider, has opened a new aircraft painting facility at its Denpasar, Bali facility. The painting booth marks a significant expansion of the company’s full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Southeast Asia. On 30 June 2026, just days after the painting facility launched, FL Technics Indonesia […]

Zilvinas Lapinskas Appointed CEO of Avia Solutions Group to Lead the Next Phase of Global Expansion

July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

Avia Solutions Group has appointed Zilvinas Lapinskas as Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of global expansion, effective July 7. Lapinskas brings extensive international aviation experience and a proven track record of scaling operations in complex, highly regulated markets, to the role. As CEO of FL Technics Group, he transformed the business from […]

Oregon Department of Aviation Releases New Drone Training and Testing Template for Oregon Public Agencies

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new training and testing companion to its public agency drone policy template, giving Oregon public bodies a clearer path for training, evaluating, and documenting the people who fly drones for public work. The earlier ODAV template helped agencies answer an important question: What rules should guide […]

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT