State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

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

State News

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Breaks Ground on Major Transformation of Historic Hangar 79

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has announced a major milestone in its Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign—the groundbreaking to transform its 80,000-square-foot Hangar 79. This battle-scarred World War II aircraft hangar on Ford Island still bears visible evidence of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. “This groundbreaking represents much more than the beginning of construction,” said John Hiltz, President and CEO of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. “It represents the confidence thousands of supporters have placed in our mission to preserve this sacred historic site. It is a national imperative that the stories born here and the lessons of December 7, 1941 continue to inspire future generations. Every gift brings us closer to protecting Americas WWII aviation battlefield and creating experiences that help visitors understand not only what happened at Pearl Harbor, but why those events continue to matter today.” Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Remember Pearl Harbor national campaign will help bring World War II history to life. Hangar 79 will feature immersive exhibits highlighting stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience from the Pacific air war to the home front. Its Si Robin Aviation Gallery will showcase some of America’s most treasured aircraft while exploring the remarkable history of military aviation and the people whose service shaped America’s airpower legacy. The America Responds Galleries will examine the unprecedented national mobilization that followed the attack on Pearl Harbor, highlighting the industrial achievement, technological innovation, military service, and civilian commitment that helped define what became known as the Greatest Generation. The amazing service of Bob Hope and the many celebrities who joined him, not only in bringing “hope” to the tens of thousands stationed at the front lines, but also to their families at home will be showcased in a special “Hope for Humanity” gallery. These new galleries will become central components of the Museum’s continuing transformation into one of the world’s premier destinations for aviation history, leadership education, and the preservation of the Pacific War story. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is the only museum housed in authentic structures that withstood the 1941 attack. The Museum’s transformation is being designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, one of the world’s largest and most renowned museum exhibition design firms. Locally, PHAM has contracted MASON Architects, Hawaii’s foremost firm combining architecture, historic consulting, and sustainability, and Nan, Inc., the state’s largest locally owned and operated general contractor. Launched in December 2025, the $51 million Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign to restore America’s World War II Aviation Battlefield is the most ambitious preservation and education initiative in the Museum’s 20-year history. With more than $22 million raised to date, the campaign continues to build momentum as supporters across the United States invest in the future of one of America’s most significant historic and educational sites. The Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign supports a broad range of initiatives beyond the new galleries planned for Hangar 79. The campus wide plan includes preservation and restoration of historic Hangar 37, the iconic Ford Island Control Tower, and battlefield grounds, featuring expanded educational programming, innovative exhibitions, enhanced collections care, and new immersive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages. Museum leaders noted that surpassing the $22 million mark demonstrates growing national support for preserving the birthplace of America’s entry into World War II. Campaign contributions have come from veterans, military families, corporations, foundations, civic organizations, and individual donors who share the Museum’s commitment to honoring our veterans and all men and women who serve, ensuring that the lessons of Pearl Harbor remain relevant for future generations. As construction progresses, fundraising efforts will continue nationwide to secure the remaining support needed to complete the campaign’s $51 million objective. Museum officials expect additional announcements regarding new exhibitions, restoration projects, and campaign milestones in the coming months. “Our responsibility extends far beyond preserving historic aircraft and buildings,” Hiltz said. “We are preserving the stories, values, and sacrifices that shaped our nation. This campaign helps ensure that future generations will continue to learn from one of the defining moments in American history.”
Flagstaff Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Air Service

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

National News

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

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

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

International News

Toronto Pearson Announces New Chief Financial Officer

Deborah Flint, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (“GTAA”), has announced that Gareth D. Jones has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), effective October 5, 2026. A Canadian executive, Gareth is a strategic CFO with experience in global asset management, investment banking and complex infrastructure, financing and government transactions across the public and private sectors. He has served as a chief financial officer, worked in private equity asset management and advised the Government of Canada on major transactions involving Telesat, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Canada Growth fund and the Canadian AI Compute Strategy. Most recently, Jones served as CFO of Cardone Enterprises, a global consulting and corporate training company, and as CFO of Squeeze Group, a global insurance and utility services firm based in Utah. He also served as a principal with global private equity asset management firm The Carlyle Group. From 2016 to 2018 and from 2021 to 2024, he served as a special adviser to Cabinet and lead negotiator for the Government of Canada on significant transactions involving Telesat, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Canada Growth Fund and the Canadian AI Compute Strategy, including a significant investment in Cohere. His expertise includes infrastructure finance, capital markets and government transactions, as well as liquidity management, debt management, lender reporting, tax strategy and infrastructure credit. Jones is well positioned to support Toronto Pearson as it advances Pearson LIFT and enters its next phase of growth and enterprise development. “Gareth is joining at a pivotal time as we work with the federal government on its plans to provide institutional capital to airports. His experience in capital markets and large infrastructure projects will be beneficial as we advance Pearson LIFT, our multi-billion investment capital program,” says Deborah Flint, CEO of Toronto Pearson. “Gareth’s expertise in complex transactions will be critical as we position Toronto Pearson to compete and grow. His appointment provides long-term focus and continuity as Toronto Pearson implements its strategic plan over the coming years.” Jones succeeds Debbie Simpson, who is stepping down from her role to pursue other opportunities. Simpson joined the GTAA in November 2024 and has been instrumental in strengthening its finance and procurement functions, enabling Toronto Pearson to progress its 10-year strategic plan and prepare for Pearson LIFT. She developed the financial structures that supported the launch of the first three programs under our capital investment program. Jones will join the organization on October 5, and Simpson will remain available to support the new CFO’s smooth transition.
Stroud-Based Mint Turbines Earns Pratt & Whitney Canada Authorization, Strengthening Oklahoma’s Aerospace Industry

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

Unmanned Systems

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, READ MORE
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for READ MORE

Aviation Education

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

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

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

Toronto Pearson Announces New Chief Financial Officer

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Deborah Flint, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (“GTAA”), has announced that Gareth D. Jones has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), effective October 5, 2026. A Canadian executive, Gareth is a strategic CFO with experience in global asset management, investment banking and complex infrastructure, financing and government transactions across […]

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Breaks Ground on Major Transformation of Historic Hangar 79

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has announced a major milestone in its Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign—the groundbreaking to transform its 80,000-square-foot Hangar 79. This battle-scarred World War II aircraft hangar on Ford Island still bears visible evidence of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. “This groundbreaking represents much more than the beginning of […]

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

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

Flagstaff Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Air Service

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

September 19, 2026September 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

Scottsdale Airport Schedules Routine Runway Maintenance

September 19, 2026September 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

Turning Economic Impact Data into a Case for General Aviation

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 saj_admin

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

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

September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 saj_admin

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

Scottsdale Airport Schedules Routine Runway Maintenance

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

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

Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet