State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird
Photo Credit floridapanthers.com By Andrew Stevens I always love it when different worlds we appreciate come together for an experience. I’m a big hockey fan and obviously this is the best time of the year with the Stanley Cup Playoffs ongoing (Go Ducks!). My hockey journey is a bit wild, but that’s not the story […]
B-29 ‘Doc” Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress Doc will be back this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, supporting the America 250 theme and more than a century of American aviation innovation. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. “As AirVenture is the world’s largest […]
VertiPorts by Atlantic Hosts Electric Air Taxi Demonstration by Joby Aviation at New York City’s East 34th Street Heliport
VertiPorts by Atlantic, a subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation and the operator of the East 34th Street Heliport (6N5), hosted a successful demonstration flight of Joby Aviation’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of advanced air mobility in New York City. Conducted on Friday, May 1, at one […]
Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education
Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing […]

State News

Update: FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project

The Federal Aviation Administration has published new Airport Procedure Boards on its public involvement website, Community Engagement – Phoenix | Federal Aviation Administration. The proposed procedure boards provide a graphic representation of proposed departures and arrivals at the region’s airports, waypoints that represent specific latitude/longitude points along those flight paths, and representations of the flight tracks in the area from Dec. 2024 and April 2025. Also note the comment period has been extended to June 30, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration will host four virtual public workshops in May as part of the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project. The project is led by the FAA and proposes new and updated satellite‑based flight procedures to enhance safety and improve the efficiency of airspace serving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounding airports. The virtual workshops will provide an overview of regional airspace operations, proposed procedure updates, and findings from the Draft Environmental Assessment for this project. Each workshop will include time for the public to ask questions directly to FAA experts. Spanish translation will be available. While pre-registration is not required, those who register will receive automatic email reminders and Zoom access information. Registration links are available on the project webpage. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the focus of the May 13 FAA meeting and will be discussed as part of all four FAA meetings. The city of Phoenix is making on-site public viewing opportunities available at city facilities for the May 13 and May 19 workshops. These sites are set up to serve community members who may not have access to technology needed to view the FAA’s virtual meetings. FAA staff and technical experts will not be available at the on-site public viewings, and questions may only be submitted through the FAA’s virtual platform. The FAA virtual public workshops are scheduled as follows: May 13 (10 a.m. to noon): Focus – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) On-site public viewing locations: Encanto Park Clubhouse, 2499 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007 South Mountain Community Library, 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85042 May 14 (5 to 7 p.m.): Focus – West Valley airports (Glendale, Goodyear, Buckeye) May 19 (5 to 7 p.m.): Focus – North Valley airports (Deer Valley, Scottsdale) On-site public viewing location: Goelet A.C. Beuf Community Center, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027 May 20 (5 to 7 p.m.): Focus – East Valley airports (Falcon Field, Mesa Gateway, Chandler, Stellar Airpark) The Draft Environmental Assessment for this project is on the FAA’s website. Following its release, the public may submit written comments through June 30, 2026. The public is encouraged to review the draft in advance to better understand the proposed changes and prepare questions and comments. For more information about the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project, including virtual workshop registration details, visit the FAA’s project page.
Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird

Photo Credit floridapanthers.com By Andrew Stevens I always love it when different worlds we appreciate come together for an experience. I’m a big hockey fan and obviously this is the best time of the year with the Stanley Cup Playoffs ongoing (Go Ducks!). My hockey journey is a bit wild, but that’s not the story here today. However, I will note that one of my favorite players growing up was Keith Tkachuk. I absolutely loved the way he played the game – a big physical presence that absolutely owned the ice every time he got out there. Keith now has two kids playing in the NHL (how am I this old…) and I’m also a big fan of theirs now too. Both Matthew and Brady Tkachuk brought home the Gold medal in the Olympics this year for the United States which is amazing! However, I quickly became a fan of Matthew during his early years in Calgary and then started following almost every game of his since his trade to Florida. It’s been a heck of a ride since that time with two Stanley Cup victories and three appearances in the finals over the past three seasons for the Panthers. https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2052885330018083211 Unfortunately, Florida didn’t make the playoffs this season. However, that didn’t stop Matthew from having an incredible experience at this time of year! This weekend is the Fort Lauderdale airshow in Florida and Matthew was given the opportunity to fly as a civilian passenger with the Thunderbirds. Two Stanley Cups, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a ride in an F-16 (all in two years) – talk about living the dream! So yeah, it’s always fun when worlds we love come together – this time the aviation and hockey world for me. Also, I totally want a #26 “Thunderbirds” Florida Panthers hockey jersey! I would absolutely wear that at Oshkosh this year! You can read more about one of Matthew Tkachuk’s greatest experiences of his life on the NHL.com: https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/tkachuk-has-one-of-the-greatest-experiences-of-my-life-flying-with-u-s-air-force-thunderbirds https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2052826541000712385 https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2052868470941851855

National News

AOPA Highlights Mental Health in May, Delivers Resources for Pilots

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a monthlong initiative to highlight pilot mental health, bringing together educational content, expert guidance, and advocacy updates throughout May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The initiative, sponsored by Jeppesen ForeFlight, is designed to address common concerns among pilots, including the fear of losing their medical certificate, the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation, and a lack of clear, actionable information for pilots. “Mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing pilots and the aviation industry today,” said AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl. “AOPA has been working on this issue for years. Our advocacy efforts with Congress and the FAA have led to many of the improvements we’ve seen so far, but we still have a long way to go. During this month, we want to highlight what resources are available and that getting help doesn’t always have to mean giving up flying.” “Mental health does not discriminate—pilot or nonpilot, career airline captain or student pilot—it can affect any of us,” said AOPA Acting Co-President Jill Baker. “The most important thing we want pilots to take away from this month is that they are not alone, and that AOPA stands ready to help our members through the medical certification process. Our Medical Certification Specialists serve tens of thousands of members every year.” Since May 1, AOPA has released several new resources and articles, including: An interview with Xyla Foxlin, a GA pilot who successfully fought to get her medical certificate back. The first of two Expert Insights video series, focused on mental performance. An article profiling a day in the life of an aviation psychiatrist. Throughout May, AOPA will also: Interview Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup about ongoing efforts to streamline medical certification and reduce the stigma around mental health. Dedicate its monthly “What’s Up?” webinar on May 21 to mental health by interviewing Reini Thijssen, a counselor who specializes in supporting pilots. Share additional social media content highlighting the importance of addressing mental health. Expand mental health educational opportunities for CFIs to give them tools to support their students. All resources released throughout May are being compiled in AOPA’s Mental Health Resource Center.
VIRTOWER Enhances Airspace Safety With Remote ID Drone Detection Upgrade

Photo – Virtower Government Support Vehicles with Drone Detection Virtower LLC has announced the successful upgrade of its sensor systems to support Remote ID drone detection—marking a major advancement in airspace safety for general aviation and commercial airport environments. With this upgrade, Virtower’s platform can now detect and display Remote ID-equipped drones in real time, including the location of the drone operator. This enhanced visibility provides airport staff with actionable intelligence to support safety monitoring, incident response, and enforcement of FAA airspace regulations. The capability aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Remote Identification rule (14 CFR Part 89), which requires most drones operating in U.S. airspace to broadcast identification and location data. Virtower transforms this regulatory requirement into real-time operational awareness for airport operators. This enhanced capability is being deployed across Virtower’s network of more than 500 airports, establishing a new benchmark for drone awareness and mitigation across both general aviation and commercial airport operations. Virtower is prioritizing initial upgrades based on operational complexity and traffic volume, with a focus on commercial service airports, towered general aviation airports, and high-activity non-towered airports with more than 100,000 annual operations. This phased approach ensures Remote ID capabilities are first delivered where they can have the greatest impact on safety and airspace management. “Integrating Remote ID detection into our sensor platform is a critical step forward in protecting airport operations from emerging drone-related risks,” said Les Goldsmith, President of Virtower LLC. “By providing both drone and operator location data, we’re enabling airport authorities to respond faster and with greater precision.” The upgrade reflects increasing demand from airports for tools that deliver comprehensive situational awareness of low-altitude airspace activity while supporting compliance with evolving federal regulations. Virtower’s sensor platform is designed for scalable deployment across diverse airport environments, delivering real-time monitoring, alerting, and data integration to enhance safety and operational awareness.

International News

NBAA Names Recipients of Hilsmann Memorial Scholarships

The Maintenance Committee of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the recipients of the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship. The two recipients will be able to attend model-specific training courses to advance their careers as business aviation maintenance technicians. Douglas Stevenson, student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Jackie Wilson, student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University The NBAA Maintenance Committee and NBAA Charities, in coordination with Dassault Falcon Jet and Dassault’s authorized training providers CAE and Flight Safety International, offer the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship to current and aspiring aviation maintenance technicians and military personnel transitioning to business aviation. The scholarship was created to honor the memory of Hilsmann, whose strength of character inspired a high standard of caring in the business aviation community. In his most recent position as a field representative with Dassault Falcon Jet, as well as in his previous positions as an aviation mechanic and pilot, Hilsmann was known for his integrity and pride in his work. Applications for the 2027 Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship will be available in Fall 2026. Learn more about the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship. In addition to the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship, NBAA Charities offers several other scholarships and programs to promote professional development and business aviation careers. For more information, visit nbaa.org/scholarships.
B-29 ‘Doc” Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress Doc will be back this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, supporting the America 250 theme and more than a century of American aviation innovation. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. B-29 ‘Doc’ photos by Kim Stevens “As AirVenture is the world’s largest annual gathering of warbirds, we are happy to be welcoming the B-29 Doc back to Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This B-29 is always a big favorite on Boeing Plaza when it appears in Oshkosh, especially as it is one of only two flying examples in the world of the legendary aircraft.” As currently scheduled, Doc will take centerstage for display on Boeing Plaza on July 24-26. When not on display at Boeing Plaza, flight experiences on Doc will be available July 20-23, based at Appleton International Airport, approximately 20 miles north. Doc was built in 1944 and for many years was part of a squadron known as the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in upstate New York at Griffiss Air Force Base (hence, the name Doc). The airplane was retired in 1956 as the jet bomber age began and sat as a target for Navy training missions in China Lake, California, until 1998. A restoration group took possession of the airplane from the U.S. government and hauled it back to Wichita, Kansas, in pieces in 2000. After 16 years and more than 450,000 volunteer hours, Doc made its first flight after restoration in July 2016, 60 years after it had been retired. Flight experience information for Doc at Oshkosh is available at https://www.b29doc.com/rides/. Doc is owned and operated by Doc’s Friends, Inc., a non-profit based in Wichita.

Unmanned Systems

VIRTOWER Enhances Airspace Safety With Remote ID Drone Detection Upgrade

Photo – Virtower Government Support Vehicles with Drone Detection Virtower LLC has announced the successful upgrade of its sensor systems to support Remote ID drone detection—marking a major advancement in airspace safety for general aviation and commercial airport environments. With this upgrade, Virtower’s platform can now detect and display Remote ID-equipped drones in real time, READ MORE
Palm Springs Police Department Expands Drone Responder Program with MatrixSpace Radar Network

MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, has enabled the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) to expand its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone READ MORE

Aviation Education

Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day Brings Together a Wide Coalition to Promote The Commonwealth’s Industry

By Eric Blinderman Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Photos by Eric Blinderman, Narrative Aviation Industry leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators and students came together to connect, collaborate and share at the 3rd annual Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The event emphasizes the high-wage jobs and economic impact of the Commonwealth’s READ MORE
Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education

Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing READ MORE

AOPA Highlights Mental Health in May, Delivers Resources for Pilots

May 10, 2026May 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a monthlong initiative to highlight pilot mental health, bringing together educational content, expert guidance, and advocacy updates throughout May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The initiative, sponsored by Jeppesen ForeFlight, is designed to address common concerns among pilots, including the fear of losing their medical […]

VIRTOWER Enhances Airspace Safety With Remote ID Drone Detection Upgrade

May 10, 2026May 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Virtower Government Support Vehicles with Drone Detection Virtower LLC has announced the successful upgrade of its sensor systems to support Remote ID drone detection—marking a major advancement in airspace safety for general aviation and commercial airport environments. With this upgrade, Virtower’s platform can now detect and display Remote ID-equipped drones in real time, […]

Update: FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project

May 10, 2026May 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Federal Aviation Administration has published new Airport Procedure Boards on its public involvement website, Community Engagement – Phoenix | Federal Aviation Administration. The proposed procedure boards provide a graphic representation of proposed departures and arrivals at the region’s airports, waypoints that represent specific latitude/longitude points along those flight paths, and representations of the flight […]

AAAE Elects Leaders for 2026-2027 at 98th Annual Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles

May 10, 2026May 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

AAAE Photo – The 2026-2027 AAAE Executive Committee (from left to right): Secretary/Treasurer Cathryn Stephens, A.A.E.; Second Past Chair Rick Crider, A.A.E.; First Past Chair Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E.; Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E.; First Vice Chair Patrick Wilson A.A.E., ACE; Second Vice Chair Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E. Marshall Stevens, A.A.E., Vice President, Operations, & Chief Operating […]

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird

May 9, 2026May 9, 2026 Andrew Stevens

Photo Credit floridapanthers.com By Andrew Stevens I always love it when different worlds we appreciate come together for an experience. I’m a big hockey fan and obviously this is the best time of the year with the Stanley Cup Playoffs ongoing (Go Ducks!). My hockey journey is a bit wild, but that’s not the story […]

Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day Brings Together a Wide Coalition to Promote The Commonwealth’s Industry

May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 Kim Stevens

By Eric Blinderman Industry leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators and students came together to connect, collaborate and share at the 3rd annual Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The event emphasizes the high-wage jobs and economic impact of the Commonwealth’s aerospace sector. Lt. Governor Austin Davis, who also serves as chair […]

Lone Star Flight Museum Celebrates the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with Induction Ceremony and Luncheon

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – From left are, John Dyer, Bonnie Dunbar and Larry Lonero – Meg Lonero’s son. Lone Star Flight Museum leaders, sponsors and 300 special guests celebrated the Class of 2026 at the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame induction ceremony and luncheon on Friday, April 10. The Lone Star Flight Museum team presented this memorable […]

John Ivanoff Named Vice President of Operations at Tucson Airport Authority

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) has announced the hiring of John Ivanoff as Vice President of Operations. As Vice President, Ivanoff will be a member of TAA’s Executive Team. In his role as Vice President of Operations, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of operations at Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN). […]

Palm Springs Police Department Expands Drone Responder Program with MatrixSpace Radar Network

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, has enabled the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) to expand its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone […]

NBAA Names Recipients of Hilsmann Memorial Scholarships

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Maintenance Committee of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the recipients of the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship. The two recipients will be able to attend model-specific training courses to advance their careers as business aviation maintenance technicians. The NBAA Maintenance Committee and NBAA Charities, in coordination with Dassault Falcon Jet and Dassault’s authorized […]

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird

B-29 ‘Doc” Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

VertiPorts by Atlantic Hosts Electric Air Taxi Demonstration by Joby Aviation at New York City’s East 34th Street Heliport

Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education