State Aviation Journal

Carbon Cub UL Flies from Yakima, Washington to Australia in Epic Around-the-World Adventure
Photo – David Green’s Carbon Cub UL “Dusty,” N456DG, arrives at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during its nearly 17,000 NM journey from the United States to Australia. Photo Credit: Toru Yajima CubCrafters recently announced the successful completion of an extraordinary international journey by Australian pilot and aircraft owner David Green, […]
Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand
Photo – Dignitaries at the Cirrus Grand Forks expansion ribbon cutting. On Friday, Cirrus celebrated the opening of its expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in manufacturing excellence, safety and quality as well as long-term growth. The multi-million-dollar expansion provides the additional production capacity […]
Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office unveiled last week renderings for a landmark transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Backed by a $20+ billion capital investment program, a historic collaboration between USDOT, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and United Airlines will oversee the transformation […]
Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions
Rotortrade is reporting that they have successfully completed 30 Super Puma transactions, the vast majority involving the H225 platform, supporting operators, governments, leasing companies and financial institutions across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. These projects have included aircraft sales and acquisitions, return-to-service programs, heavy maintenance coordination, aircraft repossessions, long-term storage, mission conversions, technical upgrades, […]

State News

Transportation Secretary Duffy & FAA Administrator Bedford Celebrate Opening of Key Manufacturing Plant for Air Traffic Control Modernization

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford celebrated the grand opening last week of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Frederick, Maryland, that produces equipment critical to America’s brand-new air traffic control system. FAA Administrator Bedford joined the ribbon cutting at the $40-million Rohde & Schwarz USA factory. The 87,000 square-foot facility will build digital Voice over IP voice switches that help air traffic controllers communicate with pilots and other air traffic control facilities. “We’re making sure our air traffic control system is American made,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Under President Trump, we aren’t just modernizing our skies at record speed—we’re putting American workers, American manufacturing, and American innovation first.” “This equipment is a critical part of our landmark air traffic control modernization effort,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “The new facility supports our aggressive schedule to complete the new system by the end of 2028 while strengthening U.S. production capabilities and creating high-quality American jobs.” Additional Information: With a $12.5 billion down payment from the Working Families Tax Cut and Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the FAA is moving at the Speed of Trump to make upgrades to our air traffic control system nationwide. In just one year we have: Replaced 63% of copper wires with either high-speed fiber, 5G wireless or LEO capabilities in air traffic control facilities nationwide Converted 388 radio sites Installed Surface Awareness Initiative technology at 96 towers Transitioned 21 towers to electronic flight strips Installed 176 IP voice switches Installed 9 new Tower Simulation systems to train controllers Installed SMR4 Surface Movement Radars at 5 airports The recent installation of the 140th CERTIUM Voice Communication System (VCS) at the Rapid City Regional Airport control tower in South Dakota completed Wave 1 of the nationwide deployment ahead of schedule. Read more and track our progress on our Modern Skies website.
Epic Flight Academy Accepting Payments From 529 Education Savings Plans

Epic Flight Academy can now accept payments from 529 education savings plans for qualifying educational expenses in eligible aviation training programs, such as Epic’s flight training and aircraft mechanic training. “Parents have frequently reached out inquiring about 529 plans, so we are happy to be able to accept payment from these plans now,” said director of education, Cindy Lovell. “This offers another option for students who seek vocational and technical training in the field of aviation. Epic does not give financial or tax advice. Students and parents should contact their CPA or 529 plan administrator for guidance.” Students enrolled in eligible FAA Part 141 programs may be able to use 529 funds for qualifying expenses. These can include tuition, Tuition and required training fees; required flight and ground instruction; required aircraft or simulator training; required books and training materials; required examinations and testing fees; and required supplies or equipment. Only certain portions of FAA Part 61 flight training may qualify for payment with 529 funds. Eligibility must be evaluated based on the specific training, expense, credential being pursued, and requirements of the student’s 529 plan. Students enrolled in eligible FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic programs may be able to use 529 funds for qualifying expenses. Examples of expenses include tuition and required program fees; required books and instructional materials; required tools, supplies, and equipment; required examination and testing fees. Epic Flight Academy does not accept or apply 529 funds toward housing or personal living expenses. Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S. with multiple campuses and operates two aircraft mechanic schools in Florida and Kentucky.

National News

KORE Aviation Expands Pilot Gear Access Through Partnership with Solo Aviation

KORE Aviation has announced a new partnership with Solo Aviation, a Michigan-based aviation company focused on flight training, serving pilots and aircraft owners at two locations. Through this collaboration, Solo Aviation will offer KORE Aviation products to its aviation community, expanding access to reliable pilot communication gear for students, instructors, aircraft owners, and general aviation pilots. Solo Aviation provides comprehensive flight training, aircraft management, maintenance, and avionics services. As a Cirrus Training Center, Solo Aviation offers specialized training for Cirrus aircraft owners and pilots, alongside its broader flight training programs. Its flight training operation serves students at two locations, Ann Arbor and Jackson, Michigan, with programs designed to support pilots from their first lessons through advanced training and professional aviation goals. With a strong focus on safety and quality instruction, Solo Aviation has built an environment where pilots can continue learning and developing their skills. “Providing our pilots and students with access to dependable equipment is an important part of the experience we want to create at Solo Aviation,” said Clint White, Owner of Solo Aviation. “KORE Aviation offers practical, reliable headset options that fit the needs of both students and general aviation pilots. We are excited to make their products available to our aviation community.” Through the partnership, KORE Aviation products will become more accessible to pilots through Solo Aviation, giving students and experienced aviators another convenient way to find dependable communication equipment for training and everyday flying. “Solo Aviation understands that supporting pilots goes beyond flight instruction,” said Min Kim, President of KORE Aviation. “They have built an aviation community that serves students, instructors, aircraft owners, and pilots at different stages of their journey. We are excited to welcome Solo Aviation as a partner and work together to make reliable pilot gear more accessible.” The partnership builds on KORE Aviation’s continued growth within the flight training and general aviation communities. KORE Aviation currently partners with more than 30 flight schools nationwide and continues to expand its network through relationships with flight schools, aviation organizations, distributors, and partners. By working with Solo Aviation, KORE Aviation is extending that network through a company that supports multiple areas of general aviation. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making dependable aviation equipment more accessible while supporting pilots as they train, build experience, and continue flying.
Phase 2 of FAA BEYOND Program Announced to Advance Drone Innovation

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching Phase 2 of the BEYOND program to expand the agency’s efforts to integrate drones into the national airspace system (NAS) and secure America’s leadership in aviation innovation. The FAA will double the program’s current size by selecting up to eight additional state, local, tribal and territorial entities to serve as lead participants, significantly expanding advanced drone operations across the country. “America leads the world in aviation, and this expansion will help keep it that way,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department is cutting through barriers, advancing innovation and making sure the next generation of aviation technology is developed, tested and built right here in the United States.” “As drone technology continues to advance, the FAA is focused on building a regulatory framework that is safe, scalable and grounded in real-world data,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Phase 2 of BEYOND will expand the partnerships and operations needed to address remaining challenges in beyond visual line of sight operations, public safety missions, on-airport operations and other complex airspace environments.” The expansion builds on the success of two programs from the first Trump administration: the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program, launched in 2017, and BEYOND Phase 1, which began in 2020. Together, the programs established a strong model for collaboration among federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments and industry to safely advance drone operations in the United States. Authorized under Section 920 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, BEYOND Phase 2 will expand participation and support more advanced drone operations. New lead participants will help the FAA address the remaining challenges to safely scale routine drone operations in the National Airspace System. Screening information and additional details on the application process are available now on the FAA website. The BEYOND program helps integrate drones, and other emerging technologies into the NAS under established rules rather than waivers. Originally launched in October 2020, the BEYOND program succeeded the Integration Pilot Program. During BEYOND Phase 1, participants logged more than 70,000 flights, including more than 48,000 beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The program generated critical real-world operational and safety data that informed the FAA’s upcoming BVLOS rule and helped move drone regulation away from case-by-case approvals toward clear, performance-based standards.

International News

EAA Introduces 2026 Sport Aviation Halls of Fame Class

The Experimental Aircraft Association Sport Aviation Halls of Fame continue to grow as six new inductees will be honored as part of the 2026 class. The six inductees each represent a different area of aviation – homebuilders, ultralights, the International Aerobatic Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, and EAA Warbirds of America. The 2026 inductees include: EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Mike Blyth– Aircraft designer and Founder of Sling Aircraft, 1995 Microlight World Champion, and pioneer of early microlight aviation in South Africa International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Mike Goulian – Renowned air show performer and air racer, 1995 National Unlimited Aerobatic Champion and three-time member of the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Ron and Diane Fagen – Warbird restorers and founders of the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, MN, home to more than 15 airworthy WWII aircraft Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Tom Brown – Aircraft restoration craftsman who has been involved with and restored a wide variety of award-winning vintage airplanes EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Ronnie Smith – Founder of South Mississippi Light Aircraft (Now South Mississippi Legacy Aviation) The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation. EAA will honor the new inductees at a dinner ceremony on November 11, 2026, in the Eagle Hangar of the EAA Aviation Museum.
Electra, City of Helsinki, and Haaga-Helia University Sign MOU to Explore Direct Aviation Across the Gulf of Finland

Electra announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences to explore how Direct Aviation can enable faster, quieter, and more efficient regional air mobility across the Gulf of Finland. The collaboration will study a new approach to Helsinki-Tallinn connectivity using Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft, designed to take off and land in just 50 meters, and compact access points located closer to where journeys begin and end. The parties will also evaluate additional regional destinations of interest to Helsinki residents, businesses, and visitors. Helsinki and Tallinn are twin cities, with just 80 kilometers separating them across the Gulf of Finland. Approximately 7.5 million travelers move between the cities each year, reflecting their strong commercial, tourism, and cultural ties. Despite the short distance, the journey can take hours. Ferries take two hours, plus the time required to reach the terminal and board, while flying today requires traveling through international airports and the traditional airport and security process. Direct Aviation means flying from where people are to where they want to go. By combining Ultra Short aircraft with compact access points closer to travelers, it can reduce the friction of ferry crossings, airport transfers, long drives, and hub connections and create faster, simpler, easier regional connections. “Helsinki and Tallinn are a natural Direct Aviation market: strong travel demand, short distance, and too much friction in the journey today,” said Diana Siegel, Vice President of Commercial Programs at Electra. “By studying demand, infrastructure, operations, and economics together, we can understand what it would take to make this connection faster, quieter, and more direct.” “Electric aviation has the potential to reshape how we think about distance and connectivity,” said Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta, President of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. “New aircraft capabilities create new possibilities for connecting cities and regions. This collaboration allows us to study those possibilities rigorously, from passenger demand and economics to infrastructure and their broader impact on regional mobility.” “Helsinki aims to grow sustainably while strengthening its accessibility, vitality and international connections,” said Ville Lehmuskoski, Executive Director, Urban Environment Division, City of Helsinki. “If emerging low-emission and electric aviation can complement the existing transport system with faster and more direct connections across the Gulf of Finland, it could create tangible benefits for residents and businesses on both sides, while supporting the development of a more sustainable and integrated regional transport system.” Under the MOU, Electra, the City of Helsinki, and Haaga-Helia will conduct a structured feasibility effort covering access-point design, passenger demand, operating economics, regulatory considerations, and potential public-private partnership models. The parties will also explore opportunities for a future flight demonstration using Electra’s existing EL2 technology demonstrator, subject to future agreements and approvals. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Electra will assess high-level sizing, design requirements, and rough-order-of-magnitude costs for an Ultra Short access point for candidate sites designated by the City of Helsinki. Haaga-Helia and the City of Helsinki will evaluate passenger demand, including existing travel flows by air and ferry, opportunities for demand stimulation through faster air service, and how demand could vary by time of day, day of week, season, and ticket price. “The third era of aviation is about what electrification makes possible,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “For Electra, that means aircraft that can operate from smaller places, connect more communities, and make regional travel dramatically easier. The Gulf of Finland is exactly the kind of real-world market where that promise can be studied, understood, and made real.” The parties will use the findings to inform a roadmap for establishing Ultra Short access infrastructure in Helsinki and identifying viable commercial models for initial service.

Unmanned Systems

Phase 2 of FAA BEYOND Program Announced to Advance Drone Innovation

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching Phase 2 of the BEYOND program to expand the agency’s efforts to integrate drones into the national airspace system (NAS) and secure America’s leadership in aviation innovation. The FAA will double the program’s current size by selecting up to eight additional READ MORE
USI and Robotics Education & Competition Foundation Partner to Expand FAA Part 107 Preparation for Student Drone Competitors

The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) have announced a new partnership designed to provide participants in RECF’s Aerial Drone Competition program with access to FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam preparation, helping students extend their competitive drone experience into workforce and career opportunities. The partnership connects RECF’s hands-on READ MORE

Aviation Education

Epic Flight Academy Accepting Payments From 529 Education Savings Plans

Epic Flight Academy can now accept payments from 529 education savings plans for qualifying educational expenses in eligible aviation training programs, such as Epic’s flight training and aircraft mechanic training. “Parents have frequently reached out inquiring about 529 plans, so we are happy to be able to accept payment from these plans now,” said director READ MORE
More than 200,000 Young People Explore Aviation Possibilities through EAA and Sporty’s Online Learn to Fly Course

More than 200,000 young people nationwide have now had the opportunity to discover and explore a next step in aviation, thanks to the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course available free of charge following their EAA Young Eagles flights. The current online course enrollment is double the total of just four years ago. The online Sporty’s READ MORE

KORE Aviation Expands Pilot Gear Access Through Partnership with Solo Aviation

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

KORE Aviation has announced a new partnership with Solo Aviation, a Michigan-based aviation company focused on flight training, serving pilots and aircraft owners at two locations. Through this collaboration, Solo Aviation will offer KORE Aviation products to its aviation community, expanding access to reliable pilot communication gear for students, instructors, aircraft owners, and general aviation […]

Phase 2 of FAA BEYOND Program Announced to Advance Drone Innovation

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching Phase 2 of the BEYOND program to expand the agency’s efforts to integrate drones into the national airspace system (NAS) and secure America’s leadership in aviation innovation. The FAA will double the program’s current size by selecting up to eight additional […]

Transportation Secretary Duffy & FAA Administrator Bedford Celebrate Opening of Key Manufacturing Plant for Air Traffic Control Modernization

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford celebrated the grand opening last week of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Frederick, Maryland, that produces equipment critical to America’s brand-new air traffic control system. The 87,000 square-foot facility will build digital Voice over IP voice switches that help air traffic controllers communicate […]

Epic Flight Academy Accepting Payments From 529 Education Savings Plans

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy can now accept payments from 529 education savings plans for qualifying educational expenses in eligible aviation training programs, such as Epic’s flight training and aircraft mechanic training. “Parents have frequently reached out inquiring about 529 plans, so we are happy to be able to accept payment from these plans now,” said director […]

EAA Introduces 2026 Sport Aviation Halls of Fame Class

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Experimental Aircraft Association Sport Aviation Halls of Fame continue to grow as six new inductees will be honored as part of the 2026 class. The six inductees each represent a different area of aviation – homebuilders, ultralights, the International Aerobatic Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, and EAA Warbirds of America. The 2026 inductees include: […]

Blending Aviation History with the Workforce of Tomorrow

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

By Jana Gottlieb Walking through the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Center in Hickory, North Carolina, visitors first encounter artifacts tied to the region’s military history before entering a hangar filled with 22 aircraft. Several invite visitors to get close, touch them and, in some cases, climb inside. But the facility […]

Electra, City of Helsinki, and Haaga-Helia University Sign MOU to Explore Direct Aviation Across the Gulf of Finland

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences to explore how Direct Aviation can enable faster, quieter, and more efficient regional air mobility across the Gulf of Finland. The collaboration will study a new approach to Helsinki-Tallinn connectivity using Electra’s Ultra Short […]

DOAV Honors the 2026 Virginia Aviation Award Recipients

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – The 2026 Virginia Aviation Award Winners, from left – John Rutledge, Del. Karrie Delaney, Mike Michel, Greg Campbell, Cindy Watson, Michael Cooper Nestled in the historic corridor of Colonial Virginia, attendees gathered at the Williamsburg Lodge on August 19th, for one of its most noteworthy ceremonies: the Virginia Aviation Awards. The Virginia Department […]

National Center for Aviation Training to Receive 2026 Frank G. Brewer Trophy

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association announced that the National Center for Aviation Training, the main campus of Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, is selected as the recipient of the 2026 Frank G. Brewer Trophy. The Brewer Trophy, established in 1943, is awarded annually for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education […]

UFA, Inc. Opens New Office in Oklahoma City

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

UFA, Inc., a provider of air traffic and airport training solutions, has opened its newest office in Oklahoma City. The office is UFA’s seventh location worldwide and its third in the United States. It will house Oklahoma-based staff dedicated to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Air Force as well as an innovation […]

Carbon Cub UL Flies from Yakima, Washington to Australia in Epic Around-the-World Adventure

Cirrus Expands Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing Demand

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions