State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport
Oklahoma took another major step toward becoming a national hub for commercial spaceflight Tuesday as the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), and state leaders joined Dawn Aerospace to break ground on a new mission control facility and spaceplane hangar at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat. […]
HyLight Raises €13M as Autonomous Airships Start Replacing Helicopters on Europe’s Critical Infrastructure
HyLight has raised €13 million from Rubio Impact Ventures, DRW and Teampact Ventures, joined by existing investors Y Combinator and Ring Capital. Founded in 2022, the company has already reached a milestone few industrial startups achieve: designing, building, industrializing and operating its own aircraft in France, while developing the software and artificial intelligence that turn […]
Oregon Department of Aviation Celebrates Completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) joined community leaders, State Aviation Board members, project partners and airport users Thursday, Oct. 1, to celebrate the completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project. The recently completed project included a complete reconstruction of the airport’s runway and apron, the addition of a second taxiway connector, improvements […]
BETA Technologies and Marshall University Showcase Future of Electric Aviation in West Virginia
Marshall University and BETA Technologies (NYSE: BETA), an aerospace and defense company, today brought together university leaders, students and community members to experience the future of electric aviation in West Virginia. The event, hosted by Marshall and BETA at Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), celebrated the activation of […]

State News

Epic Flight Academy Opens 12th Flight School Campus in Danbury

Epic Flight Academy, the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S., has opened its 12th flight school campus. It is located in Danbury, Connecticut at the Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR). The school celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Saturday, October 17th. Founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “We appreciate the warm welcome in Danbury and the support we’ve received from airport leadership and the city. Our Epic team has done a great job setting up the campus, and we’re already training our first flight students. We look forward to welcoming everyone who wants to learn more about Epic Flight Academy.” Those attending the ribbon-cutting were able to tour the facility, meet staff and instructors, experience the flight simulator, and even take a discovery flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Epic purchases all training aircraft brand new from the factory. Epic Flight Academy was founded in 1999. It is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S. and also offers Part 147 aircraft mechanic training in Florida and Kentucky.
ODOT Releases Advanced Air Mobility Three-Year Action Plan

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released its three-year plan to enable and scale advanced air mobility (AAM) operations in Ohio. The strategy builds on years of research and planning, including Ohio’s 2021 study on the economic impact of AAM and the 2022 statewide framework that identified how the technology could be introduced. While those efforts helped define the opportunity and align partners around a shared vision, this new plan outlines the steps to turn that vision into reality. ODOT’s strategy is organized around six key areas: infrastructure, policy, testing and operations, workforce development, funding, and public engagement. Together, these areas create a roadmap for moving from planning and analysis to real-world implementation. A major part of the plan is creating a statewide digital network that will allow aircraft operators, service providers, and public agencies to securely share information. This system will support advanced operations such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights and more efficient transportation and delivery services. By connecting communication, tracking, and traffic-management systems, Ohio aims to create a safer and more coordinated environment for integrated aircraft operations. With this plan, Ohio will create the right conditions for AAM to grow from isolated demonstrations into a scalable transportation and logistics ecosystem. Success will depend not only on innovative aircraft, but also on building the physical infrastructure, digital systems, policies, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth, positioning the state at the forefront of the next era of aviation. Read the Plan

National News

NBAA to Salute Doug Carr’s Legacy of Service with Pillar of the Association Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will bestow its prestigious Pillar of the Association Award to longtime NBAA executive team member Doug Carr, in recognition of his career-long accomplishments on behalf of the association and its members. The award will be presented during the kickoff of the Military Connect program at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. Carr has served the nation with distinction as a six-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. Having most recently served NBAA as senior vice president for safety, security, sustainability and international operations, Carr retired in August after 28 years with the association. His work helped strengthen business aviation safety, preserve access to airspace and airports, and support operators flying internationally. “Doug’s work is woven into the fabric of NBAA,” said NBAA Interim Chief Operating Officer Dan Hubbard. “Whenever our members faced a security challenge, questions about compliance with a complex safety rule or a barrier to international operations, Doug brought the expertise and persistence needed to find a workable path forward. This award recognizes the lasting difference he has made for NBAA and the people it serves.” Carr joined NBAA in 1998 as manager of domestic operations. His responsibilities grew through roles in safety, government affairs and regulatory and international affairs, becoming a leading voice for business aviation in discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and aviation authorities abroad. He contributed to FAA work on flight and rest requirements, led the agency’s Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment aviation rulemaking committee and helped develop the U.S. regulatory framework for fractional aircraft ownership. Carr also led development of safety management system (SMS) standards for business aviation and helped establish the International Standards for Business Aircraft Operations or IS-BAO. Following 9/11, he helped establish NBAA’s Security Council and devised the security program that restored business aviation access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carr worked with the FAA to address restrictions affecting recurrent training and medical certification. Internationally, Carr represented business aviation interests at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), worked with aviation authorities in Europe and Asia and helped establish CBP’s business aviation preclearance program in Shannon, Ireland. He also served as corporate secretary for the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and as chair of the NGPA. Before joining NBAA, Carr worked in government and industry affairs at the National Air Transportation Association. He holds degrees in aviation management and aviation flight from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot and certificated flight instructor. NBAA presents the Pillar of the Association Award to a current or former team member for career-long accomplishments on behalf of NBAA and its members. Formerly the Staff Lifetime Achievement Award, the honor is not presented annually.
Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport

Oklahoma took another major step toward becoming a national hub for commercial spaceflight Tuesday as the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), and state leaders joined Dawn Aerospace to break ground on a new mission control facility and spaceplane hangar at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat. The $7.5 million project, funded through an appropriation by the Oklahoma Legislature, includes a 5,000-square-foot mission control and operations facility and a 10,000-square-foot hangar to accommodate Dawn Aerospace’s reusable, rocket-powered Aurora spaceplane. The development will establish dedicated facilities for the company’s planned operations in western Oklahoma. “Today represents a turning point for Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport,” said Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA and executive director of ODAA. “For years, we’ve talked about Oklahoma’s potential in commercial spaceflight. Now we’re putting that potential into motion. Dawn Aerospace is bringing a fundamentally different approach to reaching space, one that uses a conventional runway rather than a traditional rocket launchpad. That’s exactly the kind of innovation we want to attract to Infinity One.” Dawn Aerospace plans to begin flying its full-performance Aurora spaceplane from Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in 2027. The company has completed 64 Aurora test flights, and in 2024, the aircraft broke the sound barrier and established a world speed record of 118.6 seconds to an altitude of 20 kilometers (approximately 66,000 feet) from a runway. Unlike traditional launch vehicles, Aurora is designed to operate much like an aircraft, taking off and landing on conventional runways while using rocket propulsion to reach extreme altitudes and speeds. The rapidly reusable spaceplane is being developed to enable frequent, lower-cost access to suborbital space for microgravity and scientific research, space technology testing, target presentation, and other high speed and high-altitude applications. Unlike traditional rockets, Aurora can be flown again within hours, enabling science and learning to be dramatically accelerated. This has attracted customers such as California based Astral Materials, a pioneer in advanced semi-conductors, who are booked to do up to 100 flights on Aurora in 2028 from Infinity One Spaceport. “Oklahoma has built a reputation as a state where businesses can thrive, and Dawn Aerospace is a great example of what happens when we work together to turn opportunity into investment,” said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “It’s been an honor to be part of this effort since our first conversations with Dawn in 2024. To go from those initial discussions to breaking ground in Burns Flat is a testament to Oklahoma’s pro-business approach and our commitment to helping innovative companies succeed.” For western Oklahoma, the project brings a new commercial spaceflight activity to an established aviation site and could create opportunities for businesses and workers as operations develop. “When people think about the future of the space industry, they might picture Florida or Texas. But some of the most exciting opportunities are taking shape right here in western Oklahoma,” said State Representative Nick Archer. “Having a company like Dawn Aerospace establish operations in Burns Flat puts our region on the map in an entirely new way. It’s an opportunity to bring new business, attract talent, and show what rural Oklahoma can contribute to a global industry.” “Oklahoma has always been a state that understands aviation, from the pilots who train here to the skilled technicians who keep aircraft flying,” said State Senator Paul Rosino. “What’s exciting about Dawn Aerospace is that it’s taking something we’re already good at and applying it to an entirely new frontier. These spaceplanes will use runways, aviation expertise, and technologies that connect directly to Oklahoma’s strengths. That’s why this is an opportunity worth pursuing.” “Aurora is designed to change the economics of spaceflight by making it possible to fly more frequently, with aircraft-like operations and rapid reusability,” said Stefan Powell, CEO and Co-Founder of Dawn Aerospace. “To make that possible, we need more than a runway. We need a place where we can prepare the aircraft, manage missions, and support our customers. Oklahoma offers a unique combination of capabilities and partners who understand what we’re trying to achieve. This facility is a major step toward bringing that vision into service.” Expected to be completed in fall 2027, the new 15,000-square-foot development will include dedicated mission control, avionics and payload workspaces, a flight simulation office, conference rooms, and supporting operational areas. The adjoining hangar will accommodate the Aurora spaceplane and provide space for aircraft preparation and maintenance activities.

International News

VINCI Airports Launches the Transformation of Terminal 2 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

VINCI Airports has launched a major modernization project for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The ceremony was held in the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Véronique Sarselli, President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, as well as Rémi Maumon de Longevialle , Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Airports, and Cédric Fechter, Area Director for France at VINCI Airports. This project is part of a strategic investment program of over €380 million planned over seven years, led by the shareholders of Aéroports de Lyon and contingent upon the signing of an economic regulation agreement with the French government by spring 2027. It will sustainably enhance the region’s attractiveness, improve the passenger experience and the airport’s energy efficiency, while also meet the needs of airlines. A terminal designed for the needs of tomorrow The project includes a 9,500 m² extension and the modernization of 12,000 m² of existing spaces, incorporating a next-generation security screening area, similar to the one to be deployed at Terminal 1 for summer 2027, as well as new retail and leisure areas. The bus station will also be expanded to enhance intermodal connections and accommodate more buses, particularly those connecting to the Alps. Terminal 2 is scheduled to open by 2029, ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. A more efficient and sustainable infrastructure Beyond a better passenger experience, the new Terminal 2 will improve the operational performance of the platform with optimized handling of oversized baggage (skis, bicycles, etc.) to meet the growth of mountain traffic in winter and summer, as well as greater flexibility in the use of aircraft parking positions. In line with VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy at Lyon Airport, a major energy-efficiency refurbishment will sustainably reduce its carbon footprint. This project is part of the Lyon airport’s decarbonization trajectory; it was the 6th airport in the world to obtain ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) Level 5 certification, the highest level of the program, attesting to its achievement of net zero carbon emissions from the airport’s direct emissions [1] and its commitment to decarbonizing the entire aviation ecosystem. Preparing for the future of the region This transformation is also a crucial step in preparing for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the natural gateway to the French Alps, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport will play a central role in transporting delegations, spectators, and international tourists. The future Terminal 2 will provide a welcome befitting this global event and will support the region’s tourism and economic development, benefiting the entire area and its local communities. A unifying project supported by all shareholders The laying of this foundation stone illustrates the collective mobilization of Aéroports de Lyon’s public and private shareholders around a shared vision: to equip the region with high-performing, sustainable infrastructure adapted to the needs of the coming decades. This convergence of views between the State, local authorities, the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, VINCI Airports, and its partners Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Crédit Agricole Assurances demonstrates the shared confidence in the airport’s strategic role for connectivity, economic attractiveness, and the region’s international influence. Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, declares said, “At VINCI Airports, we support local communities over the long term by investing in the transformation of the airports we operate and preparing for their future. The future Terminal 2 illustrates this ambition, shared with all our public and private partners: to sustainably strengthen Lyon-Saint Exupéry’s role in serving the connectivity and attractiveness of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is essential that we, together with the government, create the conditions to fully mobilize our investment capacity to continue modernizing the airport and supporting the region’s economic and tourism development.”
Nigerian Business Aviation Conference Returns after 10-Year Hiatus as African Business Aviation Sector Accelerates

The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) will return in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus, bringing the aviation industry together at a pivotal time for business and general aviation in Nigeria and across Africa. Segun Demuren, CEO EAN Aviation, speaks at NBAC 2017. Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will convene industry leaders, operators, regulators & government bodies, finance & leasing providers, OEMs, investors, aircraft owners and other stakeholders from Nigeria, across Africa and the international aviation community. The conference returns as African business aviation experiences unprecedented momentum. According to the WingX Global Market Tracker, Africa was the world’s fastest-growing business aviation region in 2025, with departures increasing by 15%, compared with global growth of 5%. Nigeria sits at the center of that growth. WingX recorded 49,586 business aviation departures from the country between January 2019 and May 2026, representing 19% of the African total. Lagos and Abuja ranked as the continent’s two busiest airports, while 80% of Nigerian activity was domestic – evidence of strong underlying demand. “These figures demonstrate both the strength of Nigerian business aviation and the opportunity ahead,” says Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN Aviation and Chairman, NBAC Steering Committee. “In Nigeria and across Africa, where scheduled services do not always connect commercial centers efficiently, business aviation is essential to mobility, investment and trade. It enables companies, investors and specialist teams to reach the places where they are needed and supports economic activity across the region.” “But demand alone will not create a sustainable industry,” Demuren continues. “Continued growth requires financing, infrastructure, maintenance capacity, skilled personnel, technology and clear, enabling regulation. No single organization or part of the industry can deliver all of that independently. We are bringing NBAC back to unite the people who can turn this momentum into lasting progress.” NBAC 2027 will bring the public and private sectors together to address these priorities and develop practical solutions suited to African operating conditions. For international stakeholders, the conference will provide direct access to one of the continent’s most important business aviation markets, insight into local requirements and opportunities to build credible partnerships in Nigeria and across West Africa. EAN Aviation has organized all four previous editions of NBAC. With more than 15 years of experience across the Nigerian business aviation value chain, the company combines detailed knowledge of the local operating environment with strong regional and international industry relationships.

Unmanned Systems

Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover Urges Leaning into Many Pathways Needed for Deep Space Innovation at Oklahoma Aerospace Forum

More than 400 aerospace executives, military leaders, policymakers, researchers and students gathered yesterday at the ninth annual Oklahoma Aerospace Forum, where NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Capt. Victor J. Glover, Jr., urged attendees to lean into the many pathways driving aerospace and deep-space innovation. Organized by Jones Strategies, this year’s forum focused on strengthening collaboration READ MORE
FAA Funds Drone Research to Support Safe Integration in NAS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced it awarded $12 million to 19 companies for drone research and testing projects that will help safely expand drone operations in the National Airspace System. These awards were made through the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Program. The program funds companies working with FAA-designated UAS READ MORE

Aviation Education

Epic Flight Academy Opens 12th Flight School Campus in Danbury

Epic Flight Academy, the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S., has opened its 12th flight school campus. It is located in Danbury, Connecticut at the Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR). The school celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Saturday, October 17th. Founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “We appreciate the warm READ MORE
Hundreds Attend Lone Star Flight Museum’s 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day

Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) welcomed hundreds of aspiring aviators and their parents for a successful 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day, presented by ExxonMobil, on Saturday, Sept.19. The goal of the day was to introduce girls (and boys) ages 8 to 17 to hands-on experiences, aerospace, aviation and STEM careers to spark curiosity and READ MORE

Epic Flight Academy Opens 12th Flight School Campus in Danbury

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy, the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S., has opened its 12th flight school campus. It is located in Danbury, Connecticut at the Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR). The school celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Saturday, October 17th. Founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “We appreciate the warm […]

NBAA to Salute Doug Carr’s Legacy of Service with Pillar of the Association Award

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will bestow its prestigious Pillar of the Association Award to longtime NBAA executive team member Doug Carr, in recognition of his career-long accomplishments on behalf of the association and its members. The award will be presented during the kickoff of the Military Connect program at the NBAA Business Aviation […]

VINCI Airports Launches the Transformation of Terminal 2 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

VINCI Airports has launched a major modernization project for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The ceremony was held in the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Véronique Sarselli, President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolas […]

Nigerian Business Aviation Conference Returns after 10-Year Hiatus as African Business Aviation Sector Accelerates

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) will return in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus, bringing the aviation industry together at a pivotal time for business and general aviation in Nigeria and across Africa. Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will convene industry leaders, operators, regulators & government […]

ODOT Releases Advanced Air Mobility Three-Year Action Plan

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released its three-year plan to enable and scale advanced air mobility (AAM) operations in Ohio. The strategy builds on years of research and planning, including Ohio’s 2021 study on the economic impact of AAM and the 2022 statewide framework that identified how the technology could be introduced. While […]

Omni Aircraft Maintenance Names Olivia Stokes Regional Sales Executive for Texas

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Omni Aircraft Maintenance has named Olivia Stokes Regional Sales Executive for Texas. As Omni’s presence in McKinney continues to grow, Stokes will work directly with directors of maintenance, aircraft owners, and flight departments across the state to understand their challenges and connect them with support from Omni’s McKinney and Tulsa facilities. Stokes’s first priority is […]

Joby Aviation and Oregon Department of Aviation Highlight Autonomous Flight at Portland International Airport

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Joby Aviation and the Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) today highlighted the October 2 visit of Joby’s autonomous J208 aircraft to Portland International Airport (PDX). During the stop at Atlantic Aviation, Joby showcased the aircraft and demonstrated its autonomy technology before departing on the final leg of its return journey to the company’s headquarters in […]

AOPA Celebrates 300th Flying Club Founded Through Foundation Program

October 15, 2026October 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced that Lake Missoula Flight Club is the 300th flying club formed as part of its Flying Clubs Initiative. The club, based at Missoula Montana Airport (KMSO), has 30 members and five airplanes: two Cessna 150s nicknamed “Dimples” and “Sunshine,” a Grumman AA-1C Lynx, a Piper Tri-Pacer, […]

Brian Johnson Joins Iowa DOT Aviation Team

October 14, 2026October 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Brian Johnson has joined the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau as the Aviation Program Manager. Johnson will manage and administer the State Aviation Program, including the State Airport Improvement Program, Vertical Infrastructure Programs, and other programs. He also will work with the system planning process and the aviation DBE program. Prior to joining the Iowa […]

Metropolitan Airports Commission Promotes Alison Kelly, Nicole Kiefer to Human Resources Leadership Roles

October 14, 2026October 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has promoted Alison Kelly and Nicole Kiefer to senior leadership roles within the Human Resources and Labor Relations department. Kelly is now the director of labor relations and total rewards and Kiefer is now the director of talent acquisition, development and engagement. “Having Alison and Nicole in these leadership roles […]

Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport

HyLight Raises €13M as Autonomous Airships Start Replacing Helicopters on Europe’s Critical Infrastructure

Oregon Department of Aviation Celebrates Completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project

BETA Technologies and Marshall University Showcase Future of Electric Aviation in West Virginia