State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji
Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing […]
Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]
Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]
Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport
The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]

State News

Oregon Department of Aviation Releases UAS Operations and Policy Manual Template for State and Local Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations and Policy Manual template to help Oregon state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and other public bodies develop safe and consistent drone programs. The template is designed as a practical starting point for agencies that use, or are considering the use of, drones for public works, transportation, emergency management, natural resources, infrastructure inspection, mapping, environmental monitoring, training, and other governmental functions. It gives agencies a framework they can adapt to their own missions, staffing, equipment, legal review, and risk profile. As drone use continues to expand across government, public agencies need more than aircraft and licensed pilots. They need clear policies, defined roles, safety procedures, training standards, maintenance practices, privacy controls, data handling rules, and reporting processes. The new template brings those elements together in one document while allowing agencies to customize the manual for their specific operations. “Drones are becoming an everyday tool for Oregon public agencies,” said Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation. “This template is intended to help agencies build programs that are safe, accountable, and consistent with Oregon and federal requirements. It gives agencies a strong foundation so they do not have to start from scratch.” The manual includes sections on program governance, pilot qualifications, aircraft registration, Remote ID, Oregon public body registration and reporting, mission planning, operational control, risk assessment, airspace review, contractor use, emergency procedures, maintenance, records retention, privacy, data management, and public communication. The template also recognizes that not every agency has the same mission. Public safety and law enforcement provisions are included as optional annexes so that general government agencies are not required to adopt procedures that do not apply to them. Law enforcement specific sections are separately identified because Oregon law includes additional limits and requirements for those operations. The document is intended to support responsible UAS use across Oregon by helping agencies answer basic operational questions before a flight occurs, including who is in charge of the mission, what authority the operation will use, what airspace approvals are needed, how data will be stored, what reports must be filed, and how the agency will respond if something goes wrong. For smaller agencies, the template can reduce the administrative burden of developing a drone program. For larger agencies, it can help align internal divisions around a common safety and compliance structure. For agencies that work together during regional projects, mutual aid, emergency response, or contractor-supported missions, the template provides common language for operational control, mission approval, risk management, and postflight documentation. “This is about building trust as much as building capability,” Sugahara said. “When public agencies operate drones, the public should know that those flights are being planned, documented, and conducted under clear rules. A good policy manual helps protect the public, the agency, the pilot, and the airspace system.” The Oregon Department of Aviation encourages agencies to review the template with their legal counsel, risk manager, information technology staff, public records officer, and program leadership before adoption. Agencies should also tailor the document to reflect their own mission needs, local procedures, equipment, staffing, and records retention requirements. The UAS Operations and Policy Manual template is available HERE
UBCP Helps RAF Reopen Taylor Flat and “Expand the Map”

Photo Credit: Cory Wolf, Taylor Flat, UT Taylor Flat Airstrip, just a stone’s throw from the wild and scenic Green River as it carves through spectacular Utah canyons, is officially reopened. Thanks to a cooperative effort between the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), Taylor Flat Airstrip, TF9, is one more recreational destination pilots can once again enjoy as the RAF works on Expanding The Map! In 2023, dialog was initiated with the BLM to reopen the airstrip. Daggett County got involved, and RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig navigated the required NEPA process. Lessig was instrumental in preparing a right of way (ROW) lease agreement application, coordinating between Daggett County, the BLM, and other stakeholders, and gathering information to assist the BLM throughout the required Environmental Assessment. “Thanks to Wendy taking action as the RAF Liaison, and her professional persistence following through the lengthy public review process, Taylor Flat Airstrip will reopen as another unique backcountry destination,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. The RAF and UBCP teamed up May 9 to revitalize the airstrip, which had lain dormant for thirty years. “The work party was a resounding success,” Lessig reports. ”We are grateful for the twenty-five volunteers who hand-picked rocks from the airstrip, and used them to mark the runway corners and threshold.” RAF supporters Scott Conner, Kris Lodwick, and Brad Hoefer came from Colorado with skid steers, and saved many hours of volunteer effort filling in ditches that had crisscrossed the airstrip. UBCP provided a new windsock pole for the new RAF windsock. RAF Ambassador and UBCP Board member John Clayton painted the runway corner/threshold rocks and the 16-ft X’s that alert pilots to stay off a sensitive environmental area. The BLM had agreed to shortening the original 4,300-ft airstrip to 2,500 feet to avoid this area, creating a displaced threshold to the east of the runway. “John had the privilege of being the first plane to land at Taylor Flat Airstrip the morning after the work party was completed,” Lessig added. The RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative is a nationwide effort focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. This is the second Expanding the Map airstrip announcement of many, so stay tuned for the next one coming soon!

National News

The National Aeronautic Association Names Robert Sumwalt 2026 Recipient of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Robert Sumwalt, former Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and world-renowned aviation safety champion, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. Robert Sumwalt The Wright Trophy is awarded annually to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States. Sumwalt is being honored for his more than four decades of exemplary service as an airline pilot, safety researcher, instructor, and federal leader, during which his relentless advocacy permanently transformed and elevated global transportation safety standards. “The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy celebrates those whose lifetime of devotion has left an indelible mark on the aviation industry,” said Jim Albaugh, NAA Board Chair. “Robert’s unparalleled commitment to developing proactive safety cultures, mentoring the next generation of aerospace professionals, and leading the NTSB with transparency and unwavering integrity embodies the very spirit of Wilbur and Orville Wright.” Sumwalt’s distinguished career spans 24 years as a commercial airline pilot, logging over 14,000 flight hours, followed by pioneering human factors research with NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System. Appointed to the NTSB in 2006, he served as its 14th Chairman under multiple presidential administrations until his retirement from federal service in 2021. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, continuing his lifelong mission to ensure the skies remain safe for all who fly. “To be counted among the pioneers and leaders who have received the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy is the honor of a lifetime,” said Sumwalt. “This recognition is a testament not to any single individual, but to the collective, enduring effort to make flight safer, more efficient, and more accessible. I am deeply humbled to accept an award that carries the name and spirit of aviation’s ultimate trailblazers.” The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy will be presented to Sumwalt at the Aero Club of Washington’s Annual Wright Memorial Dinner on December 17, 2026, at the Westin DC Downtown Hotel, Washington, D.C. Please see the Aero Club’s website for more information. 2026 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy Selection Committee The NAA proudly recognizes the dedication of the 2026 Selection Committee members who presided over this year’s nomination process: Jim Albaugh – NAA Chair Ivon Aheart – Airlines for America Marsha & Enzo Baldonza – 2024 Wright Trophy Recipient Charles Bolden – 2020 Wright Trophy Recipient Nicola Fox – NASA Kali Hauge – Aero Club of Washington Jon Ostrower – The Air Current Simone Perez – Aerospace Industries Association Jim Sherman – American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Aviation/Airspace Needs Plenary Session Panel Highlighted at WRP Principals’ Meeting

Photo – Aviation panel members from left are, Gary Harter, Mark Bontrager, Arjuna “Tuna” Fields and Matthew Maass. Senior leaders from state, federal and Tribal agencies gathered May 28-29 for the 2026 Western Regional Partnership (WRP) Principals’ Meeting in Deer Valley, Utah. Before the meeting officially kicked-off, separate meetings were held among Department of War, state and Department of the Interior members to share updates and coordinate on regional challenges and opportunities. Throughout the meeting, Principals were updated on accomplishments detailed in the 2026 report on Enhancing Resilience to Avoid Cascading Disaster. The bulk of the meeting was focused on the WRP’s Deep-Dives through plenary sessions including one on Aviation/Airspace Needs. The WRP Aviation/Airspace Needs Plenary panel, consisting of Mark Bontrager, Arjuna “Tuna” Fields and Matthew (Matt) Maass, focused on how quickly the aviation environment in the WRP Region is evolving and what that means for resiliency, safety, and coordination. Gary Harter, Commissioner, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, the panel moderator, stated, “the WRP Airspace Deep-Dive outcomes provided a clearer, shared picture of what resilient airspace really requires: better data sharing, stronger coordination, and a more deliberate way to integrate new entrants without disrupting military or civilian operations.” Panelists emphasized that the WRP Region is especially complex, as it includes some of the nation’s busiest airports, major military training ranges, and commercial spaceports with rapidly expanding demand from drones, advanced air mobility, and space launch activity. Across all of those uses, the core challenge is how to modernize infrastructure, improve data sharing, and integrate new entrants without degrading existing operations. Mark Bontrager, System Delta 80 Operations Integration Technical Director, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, highlighted the growing national importance of space access, noting that space is essential not only to national security but to communications, navigation, weather, and everyday economic activity. He stressed that the Space Force is deploying resources to enhance the resiliency and efficiency of our launch ranges and spaceports as national security, commercial, and civil launch demands increase. Mr. Bontrager stated, “Participating in forums like the Western Regional Partnership allows us to share our expertise regarding airspace and other aviation requirements that are unique to space launch. System Delta 80 is dedicated to fostering resilient launch architecture that supports the Department of War while empowering our commercial partners. It is exactly this kind of cross-sector synergy and collaboration that will secure our capabilities today and enable innovation.” Arjuna “Tuna” Fields, Senior Advisor AAM & UAS Integration/Air Traffic Organization /Strategy, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), focused on the FAA’s modernization efforts, including air traffic control upgrades, dynamic airspace management, AI-enabled planning, and regulatory changes intended to support drones, advanced air mobility, and commercial space. He underscored that the WRP Region is less a problem set than an opportunity-rich proving ground because of its scale, complexity, and concentration of aviation and defense activity. Mr. Fields offered “The biggest takeaway is that no single agency or stakeholder can solve these challenges alone; progress depends on sustained collaboration, shared information, and a willingness to modernize together across every level of government and industry. The Western region is not just a concentration of challenges, it is a concentration of opportunity, because the scale, complexity, and mission demands of the variety users within the airspace, make it the right place to help shape the future of a more dynamic and integrated airspace.” Matthew (Matt) Maass, Director, Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Division of Aeronautics, brought the state and implementation perspective, describing Utah’s efforts to prepare for future spaceport opportunities and to lead through the FAA’s EIPP/UFLY West work on advanced air mobility. He emphasized practical use cases such as package delivery, medical support, firefighting and, eventually passenger movement, while also noting the need for communities to prepare for supporting infrastructure, workforce, and policy changes. Mr. Maass noted, “The opportunity in front of us is to build on the aviation infrastructure we already have, use real-world testing to shape smart policy, and help communities prepare now for the technologies that are about to move from concept into daily operations. We are preparing for a future where advanced air mobility supports package delivery, medical response, firefighting, and eventually passenger movement, but success will depend on doing the groundwork now with testing, planning, and local coordination.” The panel discussion reinforced that successful integration will require close collaboration among federal, state, tribal, military, and industry partners, especially on issues like counter-UAS authorities, airspace modernization, emergency response, and infrastructure readiness. Overall, the panel concluded that while the pace of innovation is creating real policy and operational challenges, the WRP is well positioned to help shape solutions through continued coordination and shared learning. After the meeting concluded, there was an optional tour of Hill Air Force Base (AFB) that highlighted their mission and importance to national security.

International News

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji

Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing the broader population of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, this project represents an important step in the modernization of air traffic management services within the Fiji Domestic Airspace. It will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen safety, and support more resilient aviation operations across the region. The project forms part of Fiji’s government-led investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure under the World Bank-financed Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu. Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in collaboration with Fiji Airports and other implementing partners, the program supports coordinated investments to strengthen regional connectivity, improve essential infrastructure and services, and enable sustainable tourism development across Vanua Levu and Taveuni. “Fiji Airports’ selection of Adacel to deliver this remote tower program reflects a shared commitment to advancing aviation capabilities in the region,” said Daniel Verret, Chief Executive Officer of Adacel. “Our REVAL remote tower solution is a certified, operational, and field-proven platform that delivers enhanced situational awareness and operational resilience, providing a scalable approach to modernizing aerodrome services while enabling customers to expand capabilities over time and maintain long term efficiency and sustainability.” Mesake Seavula Nawari, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports said, “This project marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Fiji’s air traffic management services and reflects our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and resilient aviation operations for the people of Vanua Levu.” He continued, “By introducing remote tower technology at Labasa Airport, we are strengthening the reliability and sustainability of air services, improving connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors, and supporting the continued growth of tourism and economic opportunities across the Northern Division. As the first remote tower installation in the Pacific Islands, this project also positions Fiji at the forefront of aviation innovation in the region and demonstrates our commitment to investing in smart, future-ready infrastructure that will serve our communities for generations to come.” Delivering a modern remote tower solution Under the contract, Adacel will deploy its REVAL digital tower system in a remote tower configuration, consisting of a Remote Tower Module (RTM) installed at Labasa Airport and a Remote Tower Centre (RTC) located at the Nadi Operations Centre. This architecture enables real-time operational visibility and control from a centralized facility, supporting safe and efficient remote service delivery. The solution will deliver high-resolution out-the-window views through an advanced camera system, combined with intelligent video processing and augmentation capabilities. These features provide enhanced situational awareness, supporting safe and effective operations in a wide range of operational conditions.
Global Airport Public-Private Partnership Investment Reached $52 Billion in 2025

Worldwide, 13 new airport public-private partnerships were launched in 2025, with a total value of $9.83 billion, according to Reason Foundation’s Annual Aviation Infrastructure Report. The paper finds that global airport public-private partnership deal values jumped to $51.96 billion across 79 projects in 2025, exceeding the pre-pandemic 2019 level of $51 billion and significantly above the 2020 low of $11 billion. The annual report shows that 49% of global passenger air traffic now passes through airports with significant private investment and management. Today, over 80% of regional passenger traffic in Latin America and Europe goes through privately-backed airports, but just 7% of traffic in the US and North America does. London Heathrow, Paris de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino, Zürich, Istanbul, Vienna, and Melbourne are some of the major airports privately managed. The paper also finds that the remote air traffic control tower market is now projected to grow from $537 million in 2025 to $3.3 billion by 2035.

Unmanned Systems

Oregon Department of Aviation Releases UAS Operations and Policy Manual Template for State and Local Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations and Policy Manual template to help Oregon state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and other public bodies develop safe and consistent drone programs. The template is designed as a practical starting point for agencies that use, or are considering the use READ MORE
Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end READ MORE

Aviation Education

US Aviation Academy Partners with Texas State University to Expand Aviation Science Degree and Flight Training to Four New Locations

US Aviation Academy has announced a partnership with Texas State University (TXST) to expand the university’s Aviation Science degree program to New Braunfels and Denton, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Kansas City, Kansas. The collaboration pairs an accredited college degree with the professional flight training and certifications students need to launch careers as commercial and airline READ MORE
Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. “We’ve had some great days at Texas Southern Aviation,” said Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of Aviation. “This may be one of the pinnacle moments of the program. We’ve READ MORE

Oregon Department of Aviation Releases UAS Operations and Policy Manual Template for State and Local Agencies

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations and Policy Manual template to help Oregon state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and other public bodies develop safe and consistent drone programs. The template is designed as a practical starting point for agencies that use, or are considering the use […]

The National Aeronautic Association Names Robert Sumwalt 2026 Recipient of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Robert Sumwalt, former Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and world-renowned aviation safety champion, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. The Wright Trophy is awarded annually to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to […]

UBCP Helps RAF Reopen Taylor Flat and “Expand the Map”

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: Cory Wolf, Taylor Flat, UT Taylor Flat Airstrip, just a stone’s throw from the wild and scenic Green River as it carves through spectacular Utah canyons, is officially reopened. Thanks to a cooperative effort between the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), Taylor Flat Airstrip, TF9, is one more recreational destination pilots […]

US Aviation Academy Partners with Texas State University to Expand Aviation Science Degree and Flight Training to Four New Locations

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

US Aviation Academy has announced a partnership with Texas State University (TXST) to expand the university’s Aviation Science degree program to New Braunfels and Denton, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Kansas City, Kansas. The collaboration pairs an accredited college degree with the professional flight training and certifications students need to launch careers as commercial and airline […]

Aviation/Airspace Needs Plenary Session Panel Highlighted at WRP Principals’ Meeting

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Aviation panel members from left are, Gary Harter, Mark Bontrager, Arjuna “Tuna” Fields and Matthew Maass. Senior leaders from state, federal and Tribal agencies gathered May 28-29 for the 2026 Western Regional Partnership (WRP) Principals’ Meeting in Deer Valley, Utah. Before the meeting officially kicked-off, separate meetings were held among Department of War, […]

NATA Congratulates Caitlin Locke on FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Appointment

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) congratulated Caitlin Locke on being named Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. Locke, who has spent nearly 18 years at the FAA, moves into the agency’s top civilian safety role after serving as Executive Director of the Aircraft Certification Service within the Aviation Safety organization. The […]

MAMA Members Brief Key State Lawmakers on Beacon Hill

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Members of the Massachusetts Airport Managers Association (MAMA) Legislative Committee travelled to Beacon Hill on June 17 to brief lawmakers on key aviation issues and thank them for their support of Massachusetts’ 37 public use airports through the MassDOT Aeronautics Division. The briefings were conducted in the offices of Senator Jamie Edlridge, Senate Chair of […]

JetZero Breaks Ground on First Aircraft Factory in Greensboro, North Carolina

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

JetZero today broke ground on its first manufacturing and final assembly campus, an 8 million square foot factory on more than 600 acres in Greensboro, North Carolina. The project, supported by the largest ever State-level incentive package for any startup of any industry, will be home to production of JetZero’s next-generation aircraft and will create […]

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing […]

Global Airport Public-Private Partnership Investment Reached $52 Billion in 2025

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 saj_admin

Worldwide, 13 new airport public-private partnerships were launched in 2025, with a total value of $9.83 billion, according to Reason Foundation’s Annual Aviation Infrastructure Report. The paper finds that global airport public-private partnership deal values jumped to $51.96 billion across 79 projects in 2025, exceeding the pre-pandemic 2019 level of $51 billion and significantly above […]

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport