State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Scottsdale Airport Schedules Routine Runway Maintenance
Scottsdale Airport will temporarily close Runway 03/21 and all taxiways in October for scheduled pavement preservation maintenance designed to extend the life of the existing airfield. The routine preservation project does not expand or lengthen the runway, change its weight-bearing capacity or enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. It is separate from the ongoing […]
“Warbird Pilot for a Day” Leads Silent Auction for Moonlight Swing at CAF Airbase Georgia
Moonlight Swing attendees Oct. 17 will have a unique opportunity to bid on a special silent auction package, “Warbird Pilot for a Day,” which involves flying in three Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia aircraft. The aircraft will include a Boeing N2S Stearman biplane trainer, an LT-6 Mosquito trainer with aerobatics, and the Airbase’s most […]
La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf
La Compagnie, the 100% Smart Business Class airline, has announced plans to launch nonstop service between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) in Germany, beginning in Spring 2027. Operating up to five times weekly, the route will connect New York with Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region, one of Europe’s most […]
Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet
Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight […]

State News

Flagstaff Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Air Service

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is one of 14 airports across the United States selected to receive a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The $800,000 in federal grant funding will be used to incentivize an air carrier to provide new nonstop service to Denver or Salt Lake City. The Small Community Air Service Development Program is designed to help small communities address air service and airfare challenges. This funding will allow FLG to offer incentives to an airline providing daily service to eastern or northern markets by establishing nonstop flights to Denver or Salt Lake City. “FLG is excited to be a recipient of the SCASDP grant and eager to provide more connectivity to the northern Arizona region. More flight options create easier opportunities for travelers and stimulate economic growth throughout our community,” said Claire Harper, Airport Communications Manager. “The Small Community Air Service Development Program is unique in that it empowers communities to design solutions that reflect their specific air service needs and circumstances. FLG is ready to address northern Arizona’s air service challenges.” Airport Director Brian Gall added, “This grant represents a major step toward strengthening regional connectivity and improving access for residents, businesses, and visitors. We are committed to expanding air service that meets the needs of our community, and this funding provides a strong foundation for long‑term success.” This year, 56 communities applied for SCASDP funding, collectively seeking nearly $49 million in federal financial assistance. Demand for the program was highly competitive, with up to $14 million available. All selected communities are contributing local financial resources to support their projects, a commitment viewed as essential to the success of proposed initiatives. Nearly all applicants also demonstrated strong public–private partnerships, presented specific plans and timelines for deploying grant funds, and secured letters of support from interested air carriers. FLG’s total project budget is $1,348,500, which includes $800,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation and $548,500 in in-kind contributions and community cash funding. FLG obtained letters of support from two airlines, two airports, and more than 20 local community partners and elected officials. The airport extends its sincere appreciation to Wiseman Aviation, Nackard Companies, Katalyst Space Technologies, the City of Winslow, and Discover Flagstaff for providing critical community funding. These partners are not only contributing financial resources but also demonstrating strong dedication to launching and sustaining additional air service at FLG. FLG currently has service to PHX and DFW on American Airlines.
South Dakota Aeronautics Commission Approves Updated Funding Policy to Support Airport Terminal Development

The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved significant updates to its funding policy at its regularly scheduled September meeting, strengthening state support for airport terminal development. The policy changes address growing infrastructure needs and modernize how state aeronautics funds are allocated to commercial service airport terminal projects. “The Commission recognizes the significant infrastructure needs facing our airports and has responded with a proactive funding strategy,” said SDDOT Secretary Joel Jundt. “These policy updates provide flexibility to support major terminal projects while maintaining a strong aeronautics fund for the long term.” In addition to adopting a new formula for terminal project funding, the Commission also approved an increase in the state match for all public airport grants (except Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports who will remain at five (5) percent) raising the standard match rate from five (5) percent to seven (7) percent. This adjustment strengthens support for smaller airports across South Dakota and helps ensure critical general aviation infrastructure continues to meet community needs. The newly adopted terminal‑funding policy establishes a tiered, percentage‑based formula to determine state financial participation in terminal projects. This structure applies only to portions of terminal buildings dedicated to public, non‑revenue‑generating use, with maximum state contributions ranging from $250,000 to $4 million depending on project size. The Commission emphasized that these changes provide clearer expectations for airport sponsors and ensure state resources are aligned with long‑term aviation system needs in communities across South Dakota.

National News

New Aviation Safety Campaign Seeks to Change How Pilots View Go-Arounds

Go-Arounds Are Awesome!, a new aviation safety initiative founded by expert flight instructor and pilot examiner Jim Pitman, officially launches this month with a campaign to help pilots view a go-around as a normal, positive decision—not a failed landing attempt. The campaign addresses a familiar hazard in general aviation: the temptation to continue an unstable approach. Continuing an unstable approach can contribute to runway excursions, hard landings, and loss-of-control accidents. Although pilots are trained to go-around, external pressures, goal-oriented thinking, and repeated successful outcomes from marginal approaches can make the safer choice feel unnecessarily difficult. “Pilots are wired to complete the mission,” Pitman said. “That mindset can make a go-around feel like a failure, even when it is the best course of action. A go-around is awesome because it is evidence of good aeronautical decision-making.” As an airline pilot, Pitman has experience operating within a safety culture that demands a stabilized approach, and calls for an automatic rejection of the approach if those parameters are not met at a given altitude. Go-Arounds Are Awesome! aims to complement similar procedural training with a cultural shift. The campaign encourages pilots, instructors, and flight schools to positively reinforce go-arounds and to treat the decision to discontinue an approach as an example of sound judgment. “Training teaches pilots how to execute a go-around, but culture determines whether they will actually do it when they should,” Pitman said. “If we can change how pilots feel about going around, we can change behavior—and help prevent accidents.” The campaign’s lighthearted name is intentional. It is meant to replace the reluctant thought, “Oh no, I think I need to go around,” with a more constructive response: “I get to do a go-around and set up a better approach.” At GoAroundsAreAwesome.com, pilots and instructors are encouraged to: Learn about stabilized approaches and go-arounds. Sign the Go-Around Pledge. Share GoAroundsAreAwesome.com with other pilots and instructors.
GAMA Applauds Committee on Passage of Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed this week the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act (H.R. 7553). The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauds the committee on passage of the bill, which has the potential to support innovation in aviation and the development of new and novel technologies by improving the accountability and transparency of the FAA’s type certification process. “The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act provides refinements to the FAA type certification process that can assist in bringing innovative technologies and new products more effectively into the global marketplace. If implemented broadly for advanced air mobility as well as for other manufacturers who are innovating and developing safer and more efficient products, the legislation would begin to facilitate a future state of certification that will improve safety oversight and enhance aviation manufacturing leadership,” said James Viola, GAMA President and CEO. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act would improve accountability and transparency by requiring FAA to publish expected time ranges for various certification activities; enhance the efficiency of the issue paper process for certification applicants and the FAA; and increase the transparency of the rules of the road for delegation activities. “GAMA is grateful for the committee’s work to advance the bill as well as the leadership of Representatives Nehls, Carson, Obernolte, Panetta and others to champion this important legislation. With the Senate Commerce Committee favorably reporting its version of the bill earlier this year, we look forward to further progress on the measure,” Viola added. On June 23, Viola testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation and stressed the need to modernize FAA certification processes to keep pace with innovation and safety technologies. Viola’s testimony can be found HERE.

International News

Stroud-Based Mint Turbines Earns Pratt & Whitney Canada Authorization, Strengthening Oklahoma’s Aerospace Industry

Mint Turbines, a turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company based in Stroud, has been named a Pratt & Whitney Canada Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF), becoming part of the aircraft engine manufacturer’s global network of authorized service providers. The designation expands Mint Turbines’ portfolio of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorizations while further strengthening Oklahoma’s reputation as a national leader in aerospace maintenance and repair. The authorization allows Mint Turbines to perform Pratt & Whitney Canada-approved overhaul services for PT6A and PT6T series engines, which power business aircraft, agricultural aircraft, utility helicopters, air ambulances and other aircraft. Mint Turbines must meet the manufacturer’s rigorous standards for quality systems, technical capabilities and regulatory compliance. For operators, the designation provides access to OEM-authorized overhaul services combined with Mint Turbines’ responsive decision-making, 24/7 customer support and field service expertise. “This authorization represents years of investment in our people, our quality systems and our commitment to doing things the right way,” said Rob Ruck, chief operating officer of M International, the parent company of Mint Turbines. “We believe customers shouldn’t have to choose between responsive service and OEM-certified quality. Becoming a Pratt & Whitney Canada DOF reflects the trust we’ve earned through decades of supporting operators and reinforces the standard our team brings to every engine that comes through our facility.” As one of the world’s leading aircraft engine manufacturers, Pratt & Whitney Canada supports operators through a global network of company-owned and designated service facilities. DOFs are selected for their demonstrated ability to deliver OEM-approved maintenance while meeting the company’s standards for quality, technical expertise and customer service. For Oklahoma, the designation represents more than a milestone for one company. Aerospace is one of the state’s largest economic drivers, and Oklahoma has earned national recognition for its concentration of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul expertise. Mint Turbines’ latest authorization further showcases the technical capabilities found in Oklahoma companies and reinforces the state’s growing role in supporting commercial, government and defense aviation around the world. This designation joins Mint Turbines’ growing portfolio of OEM authorizations, including General Electric, Ozark Aeroworks and Rolls-Royce through sister company Airborne Engines in Canada. Together, these relationships position the company among a select group of independent MRO providers trusted by multiple leading engine manufacturers. For more than 45 years, Mint Turbines has grown its Stroud operation into a globally recognized turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul provider serving commercial, government and defense operators.
Eternity Technologies Completes Major GSE Charging Infrastructure Project Across 41 Airports in Spain

Eternity Technologies has successfully completed the acceptance and certification of a major charging infrastructure project for AENA, supporting the electrification of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operations across 41 airports in Spain. The project involved the supply, installation, commissioning and subsequent certification of an extensive charging infrastructure designed to support the operational requirements of ground handling equipment across the AENA airport network. Delivered across multiple airport locations and ground handling operations, the project encompasses: 41 airports 58 ground handling operators 2,080 GSE vehicles managed 1,106 DC chargers 451 dual charging stations 66 single charging stations 136 DC charger replacements The scale of the deployment demonstrates Eternity Technologies’ capability to deliver complex, multi-site charging infrastructure across demanding airport environments. Alongside the physical charging infrastructure, the project incorporates a web-based charging control and reporting platform, providing greater visibility and management of charging operations. The platform enables GSE identification and charging control, energy consumption monitoring, management of operators and users, charging session reporting and integration of data with SAP ERP. As of August 2026, the platform has managed more than 6 GWh of energy across the charging network. Installation and commissioning took place between September 2023 and March 2024, requiring extensive coordination across multiple airports, customers and operational teams. Final acceptance and certification was completed in July 2026, marking the conclusion of a project spanning almost three years from its initial stages through to final approval. Mark Stevenson, CEO of Eternity Technologies, said: “The successful completion of this project demonstrates the scale and complexity of the solutions Eternity Technologies is capable of delivering. “Supporting charging infrastructure across 41 airports and more than 2,000 GSE vehicles required significant coordination, technical expertise and collaboration across our teams. “As airports and ground handling operators continue their transition towards electrified fleets, reliable charging infrastructure and effective energy management will become increasingly important. We are proud to have supported AENA with a solution designed around the demands of real-world GSE operations.” The completion of the AENA project comes ahead of Eternity Technologies’ participation at GSE Expo Europe 2026, taking place from 15–17 September at FIL, Lisbon, Portugal. The exhibition brings together GSE manufacturers, suppliers, airports, airlines and ground handling professionals from around the world. Eternity Technologies will showcase its energy and charging solutions for Ground Support Equipment and discuss how its technologies can support the transition towards more efficient and electrified ground operations. The event will take place between 15–17 September 2026. It is being held at FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. Eternity Technologies can be found located at Stand F00. Visitors attending the exhibition are invited to meet the Eternity Technologies team to discuss GSE battery, charging and energy solutions. For more information about the event, visit GSE Expo Europe 2026.

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

New Aviation Safety Campaign Seeks to Change How Pilots View Go-Arounds

Go-Arounds Are Awesome!, a new aviation safety initiative founded by expert flight instructor and pilot examiner Jim Pitman, officially launches this month with a campaign to help pilots view a go-around as a normal, positive decision—not a failed landing attempt. The campaign addresses a familiar hazard in general aviation: the temptation to continue an unstable READ MORE
“Warbird Pilot for a Day” Leads Silent Auction for Moonlight Swing at CAF Airbase Georgia

Moonlight Swing attendees Oct. 17 will have a unique opportunity to bid on a special silent auction package, “Warbird Pilot for a Day,” which involves flying in three Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia aircraft. The aircraft will include a Boeing N2S Stearman biplane trainer, an LT-6 Mosquito trainer with aerobatics, and the Airbase’s most READ MORE

New Aviation Safety Campaign Seeks to Change How Pilots View Go-Arounds

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

Go-Arounds Are Awesome!, a new aviation safety initiative founded by expert flight instructor and pilot examiner Jim Pitman, officially launches this month with a campaign to help pilots view a go-around as a normal, positive decision—not a failed landing attempt. The campaign addresses a familiar hazard in general aviation: the temptation to continue an unstable […]

Flagstaff Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Air Service

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is one of 14 airports across the United States selected to receive a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The $800,000 in federal grant funding will be used to incentivize an air carrier to provide new nonstop service to Denver or Salt Lake […]

South Dakota Aeronautics Commission Approves Updated Funding Policy to Support Airport Terminal Development

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved significant updates to its funding policy at its regularly scheduled September meeting, strengthening state support for airport terminal development. The policy changes address growing infrastructure needs and modernize how state aeronautics funds are allocated to commercial service airport terminal projects. “The Commission recognizes the significant infrastructure needs facing our […]

MAC, MDOT Announce Award Winners for Outstanding Achievements in Improving Michigan Aviation

September 19, 2026September 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

At their Sept. 17 meeting held in Harbor Springs in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) fall conference, the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the Award of Excellence winners for achievements in promoting and improving aviation. These awards are presented to airports, aviators, professionals, consultants and […]

Scottsdale Airport Schedules Routine Runway Maintenance

September 19, 2026September 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

Scottsdale Airport will temporarily close Runway 03/21 and all taxiways in October for scheduled pavement preservation maintenance designed to extend the life of the existing airfield. The routine preservation project does not expand or lengthen the runway, change its weight-bearing capacity or enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. It is separate from the ongoing […]

GAMA Applauds Committee on Passage of Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed this week the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act (H.R. 7553). The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauds the committee on passage of the bill, which has the potential to support innovation in aviation and the development of new and novel technologies by improving the accountability and […]

Turning Economic Impact Data into a Case for General Aviation

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 saj_admin

Submitted by Devin Osting Across the country, general aviation airports connect communities to jobs, businesses, health care, emergency services, agriculture, tourism, and the broader transportation system. Demonstrating that value to decision-makers and the public requires credible data showing the economic contribution these facilities make and real-world examples showing what those numbers mean for communities. That […]

NASAO Concludes Successful 95th Annual Convention, Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors

September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 saj_admin

NASAO News Release The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) concluded its 2026 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Grand Forks, North Dakota held Sept. 13 -16, 2026, drawing more than 340 attendees and representatives from 37 states, NASAO leadership called the event a resounding success. “NASAO’s 95th annual meeting once again brought the […]

Stroud-Based Mint Turbines Earns Pratt & Whitney Canada Authorization, Strengthening Oklahoma’s Aerospace Industry

September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Mint Turbines, a turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company based in Stroud, has been named a Pratt & Whitney Canada Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF), becoming part of the aircraft engine manufacturer’s global network of authorized service providers. The designation expands Mint Turbines’ portfolio of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorizations while further strengthening Oklahoma’s […]

“Warbird Pilot for a Day” Leads Silent Auction for Moonlight Swing at CAF Airbase Georgia

September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Moonlight Swing attendees Oct. 17 will have a unique opportunity to bid on a special silent auction package, “Warbird Pilot for a Day,” which involves flying in three Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia aircraft. The aircraft will include a Boeing N2S Stearman biplane trainer, an LT-6 Mosquito trainer with aerobatics, and the Airbase’s most […]

Scottsdale Airport Schedules Routine Runway Maintenance

“Warbird Pilot for a Day” Leads Silent Auction for Moonlight Swing at CAF Airbase Georgia

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

Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet