State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

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 […]
GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions
GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental […]
The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing
As you know from my recent article, I was highly anticipating the release of the new Star Fox game on Nintendo Switch 2. This is a series I’ve loved since the very beginning on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and it’s so great to have another entry into the series arrive on the Switch […]
One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!
As you know, I love my retro aviation games. Anything that was related to aviation and flight was a must play for me growing up and this was absolutely the case with one of my all-time favorite Super Nintendo games, Star Fox! I still own a complete in box (CIB) copy of the SNES version […]

State News

Aviation Innovation to be Celebrated During EAA WomenVenture on July 22

Celebrating women involved in aircraft design, building, and testing will be highlighted at EAA WomenVenture 2026 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 2025 Group Photo “This year, we wanted to focus on the ‘Design, Build, Test’ theme, as these women are at the forefront of new developments in the ever-expanding aviation industry,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation, who coordinates WomenVenture programming. EAA WomenVenture flagship programming on Wednesday, July 22, includes: Annual EAA WomenVenture Group Photo | 11 a.m. | Boeing Plaza Power Lunch | 11:30 a.m.| Theater in the Woods Keynote speaker, Xyla Foxlin, engineer, pilot, and YouTube content creator Evening Program | 6:30 p.m. | Theater in the Woods Panelists include highly accomplished women in aircraft development “Xyla Foxlin, along with our panel of female aviators in the aircraft design space, have helped spark the industry while inspiring other women to pursue their aviation dreams,” Brill said. “Their panel on the future aviation possibilities and how the next generation can get involved will be informational and inspirational.” In addition to the July 22 activities, the EAA WomenVenture Center on the AirVenture grounds will be open all week, featuring 12 aviation organization exhibitors, daily forums, and social gatherings on the covered patio. The center is located on Knapp Street between EAA Press Headquarters and the Forums and Workshops area. Other activities during the week that are already sold out include an Ice Cream Social Presented by Endeavor Air on Monday, July 20, and Bingo sponsored by CiES Incorporated on Saturday, July 25. More information is available at EAA.org/WomenVenture, including how to register for this year’s free commemorative WomenVenture T-shirt, designed by EAA member Justine Boyer. EAA WomenVenture is presented by The Boeing Company, with additional support from 4imprint, Endeavor Air, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Hartzell Propeller, The Ninety-Nines, Piedmont Airlines, Pilotsmith, Southwest Airlines, UND Aerospace, Wing Aviation, Women in Aviation International, The Yalanis Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, and Zipline.
Fly-In Theater Brings Classic Aviation Films to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Screenings open to all AirVenture attendees, presented by PenFed Aviation and film fans alike will enjoy the lineup of movies that are being screened at the Fly-In Theater during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 at the Fly-In Theater. This year the Fly-In Theater is featuring six aviation centered movies from July 18-24 spanning from classic to contemporary films that the whole family can enjoy. Fly-In Theater 2022 by Alden Frautschy. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. For nearly 20 years, the Fly-In theater has been a mainstay for those attending AirVenture. The theater is located right next to the Camp Scholler campground and provides the perfect opportunity to wind down after a long day of airshows, exhibits, and workshops. Every movie will be shown with state-of-the-art projection on a screen that stands about five stories tall, and popcorn is free for all attendees. The Fly-In Theater screenings are free for those who attend AirVenture. No movies will be shown on July 22 or 25 due to the night air shows. The films are preceded by entertaining and informative introductions featuring special guests who bring their own insights and expertise. The regular showtime is at 8:30 p.m., except for July 20 and 24, which start at 8:15. This year’s features include: Saturday, July 18 – Top Gun – Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this aviation classic on the big screen, featuring Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Val Kilmer in this epic tale about grit, competition, friendship, and most importantly, 1980’s naval aviation! The one and only Lt. Cmdr. Lloyd “Bozo” Abel, the pilot who gave Tom Cruise his F-14 orientation, will join us as a special guest. Sunday, July 19 – Flying Misfits – In this feature length pilot episode for the classic television series Black Sheep Squadron, a former U.S Marine pilot Greg “Pappy” Boyington forms his own fighter squadron from a group of misfits and delinquents to help the effort in WWII, long after his time flying with the Flying Tigers in China. Stephen Chapis, author of a new book about the series, will be joining as a special guest. Monday, July 20 – “A Tribute to Jimmy Stewart” – The evening will begin with some very special guests offering an exclusive look behind the scenes at the upcoming film Jimmy, a biopic celebrating the life and accomplishments of Jimmy Stewart, a beloved actor and decorated military aviator. This will be followed by a screening of the 1955 classic Strategic Air Command, where Stewart plays an ex-pilot turned baseball player forced to return to the Air Force and aid his country in Cold War deterrence. Tuesday, July 21 –The Rescue – This documentary film chronicles B-25 owner and pilot Larry Kelly’s trip to China to explore the sites where the brave pilots of 1942’s Doolittle Raid were forced to crash land and take shelter after their one-way mission to strike Japan in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thursday, July 23 – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Ethan Hunt returns to combat his toughest enemy yet, a terrifying AI known simply as “the Entity” has taken over intelligence networks across the globe, and only Hunt and his new allies with the IMF are able to try and stop it before it changes the world as we know it forever. Air show pilot Susan Dacy will join us to talk about high performance Stearman flying Friday, July 24 – Memphis Belle – Inspired by the true story of the Memphis Belle, a B-17 crew, will soon be embarking on their 25th and final mission, having completed the previous 24 against the odds. Their last one is the toughest they’ve been given yet, flying deep into German territory. Special guests include producer Catherine Wyler, along with key cast and crew members.

National News

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 aircraft’s name is also a nod to the Carbon Cub UL program itself. The original “UL” designation reflected the aircraft’s focus on lightweight performance and unleaded fuel compatibility. The new “UL’T” branding builds on that legacy by adding “T” for turbine — while also representing what CubCrafters believes is the ULTimate evolution of the backcountry Carbon Cub platform. The Carbon Cub ULT is powered by the new TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turbine engine, an advanced FADEC-controlled turboprop engine that delivers turbine smoothness and operational simplicity while achieving fuel economy comparable to the gasoline-powered version of the Carbon Cub UL. The engine brings easy-to-maintain turboprop reliability to a new generation of recreational aircraft, combining exceptional durability with simplified operation and reduced maintenance requirements. The TP-R90’s fully integrated Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system eliminates traditional fuel and propeller management, providing pilots with an exceptionally simple and intuitive operating experience. Like the Carbon Cub UL, the ULT benefits from CubCrafters’ latest generation of performance-enhancing airframe improvements, including advanced aerodynamic refinements, lightweight composite construction, and the exceptional short-field capability that has made the Carbon Cub the benchmark for backcountry aircraft worldwide. Starting the Carbon Cub ULT is as simple as turning on the master switch and pressing the start button. The FADEC system automatically manages fuel flow, ignition, engine temperatures, and propeller operation throughout the start sequence and flight envelope, eliminating many of the procedures traditionally associated with both piston and turbine aircraft. The Carbon Cub ULT is also the first U.S.-manufactured turboprop aircraft eligible to be flown by Sport Pilots under the FAA’s new MOSAIC regulations — representing a major milestone in the evolution of recreational aviation. “The Carbon Cub ULT represents some of the most advanced engineering work ever undertaken at CubCrafters,” said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters. “Bringing together regenerative turbine technology, full FADEC controls, lightweight composite construction, and our proven STOL capability into a practical backcountry aircraft demanded an incredible amount of focused innovation and refinement from our team. The result is an aircraft that combines the excitement and refinement of turbine power with the simplicity and accessibility that have always defined the Carbon Cub.” At the heart of the Carbon Cub ULT is the TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop engine—a revolutionary new powerplant that combines turbine smoothness and reliability with remarkable fuel efficiency, durability, and ease of operation, redefining what pilots can expect from turbine-powered flight. “We are extremely proud to be working with CubCrafters as our launch partner in the United States,” said Damien Fauvet, CEO of TurboTech. “CubCrafters has an exceptional reputation for innovation and engineering excellence in backcountry aviation, and the Carbon Cub ULT is an ideal platform to demonstrate the capabilities of the TP-R90 engine. Together, we believe we are introducing a new generation of efficient, practical, turbine-powered recreational aircraft.” “The Carbon Cub ULT demonstrates what’s possible when cutting-edge turbine technology is paired with one of the most proven and capable lightweight backcountry aircraft platforms in the world,” said Brad Damm, Vice President of CubCrafters. “The first thing pilots notice is how effortless the airplane feels,” said Brad Damm. “You push and hold the start button for a few seconds and the aircraft is ready to go fly. The FADEC handles the details, the turbine is incredibly smooth and quiet, and the aircraft retains the lightweight performance and responsiveness that pilots love about the Carbon Cub. It’s one of those airplanes that makes you look for excuses to go flying.” The Carbon Cub ULT has been undergoing active flight testing at the company headquarters in Yakima, Washington, where the program continues to validate performance and refine the aircraft ahead of its public debut. CubCrafters will officially showcase the Carbon Cub ULT this summer at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, where attendees will have their first opportunity to see the aircraft in person. The company is accepting customer deposits for ULT production positions, with initial customer deliveries expected in 2027, as it prepares for the MOSAIC era and the next generation of high-performance recreational aviation.
Colorado Shares Unleaded Aviation Fuel Transition Update

New ACRP Unleaded Avgas Transition Publications Available The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), which is part of the National Academies of Science’s Transportation Research Board, has just released two new publications addressing the aviation industry’s transition to unleaded aviation gasoline (avgas) that will be of interest to Colorado’s aviation community, as they continue to lead the way nationally in this transition. Both publications can be downloaded for free at the hyperlinks below: Research Report 284, Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Guide and Tools, summarizes the general steps and best practices that airports can follow when seeking to supply unleaded aviation gasoline. The report also highlights important sources of information to assist with planning and implementing an airport’s transition to unleaded aviation fuel. Publication 29409, Understanding the Transition to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Primer, provides airports with concise information about the transition to unleaded aviation gasoline, based on the latest information available at the time of its preparation. For more resources and information about how the Colorado Division of Aeronautics is facilitating and supporting the transition to unleaded avgas in Colorado, please visit their unleaded avgas implementation webpage.

International News

Aviation Innovation to be Celebrated During EAA WomenVenture on July 22

Celebrating women involved in aircraft design, building, and testing will be highlighted at EAA WomenVenture 2026 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 2025 Group Photo “This year, we wanted to focus on the ‘Design, Build, Test’ theme, as these women are at the forefront of new developments in the ever-expanding aviation industry,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation, who coordinates WomenVenture programming. EAA WomenVenture flagship programming on Wednesday, July 22, includes: Annual EAA WomenVenture Group Photo | 11 a.m. | Boeing Plaza Power Lunch | 11:30 a.m.| Theater in the Woods Keynote speaker, Xyla Foxlin, engineer, pilot, and YouTube content creator Evening Program | 6:30 p.m. | Theater in the Woods Panelists include highly accomplished women in aircraft development “Xyla Foxlin, along with our panel of female aviators in the aircraft design space, have helped spark the industry while inspiring other women to pursue their aviation dreams,” Brill said. “Their panel on the future aviation possibilities and how the next generation can get involved will be informational and inspirational.” In addition to the July 22 activities, the EAA WomenVenture Center on the AirVenture grounds will be open all week, featuring 12 aviation organization exhibitors, daily forums, and social gatherings on the covered patio. The center is located on Knapp Street between EAA Press Headquarters and the Forums and Workshops area. Other activities during the week that are already sold out include an Ice Cream Social Presented by Endeavor Air on Monday, July 20, and Bingo sponsored by CiES Incorporated on Saturday, July 25. More information is available at EAA.org/WomenVenture, including how to register for this year’s free commemorative WomenVenture T-shirt, designed by EAA member Justine Boyer. EAA WomenVenture is presented by The Boeing Company, with additional support from 4imprint, Endeavor Air, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Hartzell Propeller, The Ninety-Nines, Piedmont Airlines, Pilotsmith, Southwest Airlines, UND Aerospace, Wing Aviation, Women in Aviation International, The Yalanis Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, and Zipline.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice Includes Important Procedure Updates for Pilots Flying to Event

Document is required reading for Oshkosh-bound pilots Pilots can now download the Federal Aviation Administration-released EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice (commonly referred to as the Oshkosh NOTAM), featuring arrival and departure procedures for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 73rd fly-in convention on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The document is in effect from noon CDT on Thursday, July 16, until noon CDT on Monday, July 27, and outlines procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land at nearby airports. The Notice was designed by the FAA to assist pilots in their EAA AirVenture flight planning. The ATC-assignable transition points approaching Oshkosh from the west that will ease holding and congestion will again be in effect in 2026. These points are at Endeavor Bridge, Puckaway Lake, and Green Lake. They will be announced on the arrival ATIS when ATC activates them at times of highest traffic flows. “The most essential information for any pilot flying to Oshkosh involves reading and thoroughly understanding the 2026 AirVenture Notice to ensure safe operations on arrival and departure,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “We urge all pilots to adequate prepare prior to their trip to Oshkosh and consider such things as our AirVenture arrival flight review so they have the proficiency and confidence to fly safely.” Pilots can download a digital version of the Notice at EAA.org/NOTAM, or order a free printed copy via that website or by calling EAA Membership Services at 800-564-6322.

Unmanned Systems

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental READ MORE
Vantis Capabilities Unlocked for Traffic Management and BVLOS Flights

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking the unique capabilities of Vantis to operators for no cost, offering the ability to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), beginning July 1, 2026. With this, operators will get Application Programming Interface (API) access and onboarded on the statewide UAS system at READ MORE

Aviation Education

New Jersey Wing Cadets Visit State House for Legislative Day

More than 50 cadets and adult members of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol recently gathered at the New Jersey State House for State Legislative Day, helping raise awareness of the organization’s missions and services among state lawmakers. CAP Cadet Capt. Logan Lancellotti (left) of the Allentown Composite Squadron presents New Jersey Gov. READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Trains Air Force Pilots

New Smyrna Beach, FL – Epic Flight Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of U.S. Air Force pilots who completed Initial Pilot Training (IPT) at Epic’s New Smyrna Beach campus. Epic trained these officers under an Educational Service Agreement with the Air Force. Following the successful completion of the inaugural cohort in READ MORE

Aviation Innovation to be Celebrated During EAA WomenVenture on July 22

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Celebrating women involved in aircraft design, building, and testing will be highlighted at EAA WomenVenture 2026 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “This year, we wanted to focus on the ‘Design, Build, Test’ theme, as these women […]

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice Includes Important Procedure Updates for Pilots Flying to Event

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Document is required reading for Oshkosh-bound pilots Pilots can now download the Federal Aviation Administration-released EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice (commonly referred to as the Oshkosh NOTAM), featuring arrival and departure procedures for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 73rd fly-in convention on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The document is in effect from […]

Fly-In Theater Brings Classic Aviation Films to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Screenings open to all AirVenture attendees, presented by PenFed Aviation and film fans alike will enjoy the lineup of movies that are being screened at the Fly-In Theater during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 at the Fly-In Theater. This year the Fly-In Theater is featuring six aviation centered movies from July 18-24 spanning from classic to […]

Goodyear and the Legendary Goodyear Blimp Return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with its iconic blimp, Wingfoot One, continuing a tradition of airship appearances over Oshkosh. The annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, with the blimp scheduled to arrive Thursday, July 23. Built on a legacy […]

Heroes and Historic Military Aircraft to Have Their Stories Shared at Warbirds in Review

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

The twice-daily Warbirds in Review series will take place July 20-24 on the Warbirds in Review aircraft ramp, located within the EAA Warbirds of America area on the AirVenture grounds. Open to all AirVenture attendees, these presentations offer a unique opportunity to experience aviation history firsthand through the stories of the people who flew, maintained, […]

Historic Aircraft from National WASP Museum Join Warbirds Lineup

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

BT-13 Valiant, AT-6 Texan represent women’s pioneering legacy of WWII Two historic World War II-era aircraft from the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas, will highlight the importance of women pilots during that period when the airplanes travel to Wittman Regional Airport for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s […]

Wright Brothers Lookalike Aircraft Selected for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Wright “B” Flyer, Inc. is one of three vintage aircraft organizations nationwide selected for funded participation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, scheduled for July 20–26 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The organization will exhibit its aircraft, the White Bird, a modern lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane, as part of the national America 250 commemoration. […]

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Portland International Airport Completes Final Phase of Main Terminal

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

The second and final phase of the globally acclaimed Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal expansion is now open. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the one million-square-foot project is the largest public infrastructure project delivered in Oregon’s history and realizes a decade-long vision to create a more welcoming, sustainable, and distinctly Pacific […]

Jonathan Rayner Appointed Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

London City Airport has announced the appointment of Jonathan Rayner as its new Chief Commercial Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. He joins the airport this month. Jonathan joins London City Airport at an important moment in its development, as the airport progresses its next phase of investment, customer proposition and commercial growth. […]

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing

One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!