State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida
Eve Air Mobility has announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a focused Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at SunTrax Air. The FDOT-led initiative will bring together Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft, operations, and services with SunTrax Air’s research, testing, and validation capabilities. The effort will focus on delivering insights into […]
Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]
Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway
Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]
Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”
Hawaiian Airlines recently unveiled a special aircraft livery celebrating its membership in the oneworld® alliance with a design that honors ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, with the phrase “Aloha a puni ka honua,” or “Aloha all around the world.” Hawaiian’s widebody Airbus A330 carrying the oneworld mark will continue to feature the airline’s iconic Pualani […]

State News

Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

Eve Air Mobility has announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a focused Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at SunTrax Air. The FDOT-led initiative will bring together Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft, operations, and services with SunTrax Air’s research, testing, and validation capabilities. The effort will focus on delivering insights into the infrastructure, operational procedures, and airspace navigation procedures needed to enable the safe and efficient integration of Advanced Air Mobility into Florida’s transportation network. “Florida recognizes its strategic role in the future of Advanced Air Mobility and is proactively building the ecosystem needed to support it,” said Johann Bordais, chief executive officer of Eve Air Mobility. “Chief Will Watts and the FDOT team understand that successfully introducing a new mode of transportation requires alignment across aircraft, infrastructure, operations, and communities. Building on Embraer’s longstanding relationship with the state, Eve is proud to bring its expertise to help advance Florida’s vision and readiness for eVTOL operations.” Owned and operated by FDOT, SunTrax Air serves as Florida’s dedicated Advanced Air Mobility research and development hub, providing a collaborative environment to evaluate technologies, operational concepts, and supporting infrastructure for next-generation aviation. “This partnership is another step of forward-progress being made in Florida toward achieving the implementation of Advanced Air Mobility,” said Jared W. Perdue, P.E., FDOT Secretary. “The unique resources and infrastructure found only at SunTrax will play a key role in Eve’s research and testing needed to ensure the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility into our transportation system.” The partnership builds on the growing relationship between Eve and FDOT. Through ongoing collaboration, the organizations will work to position Florida as a national leader in AAM. Using SunTrax Air’s purpose-built research and testing environment, they will evaluate operational concepts, infrastructure readiness, passenger experience, and future ecosystem requirements, creating a foundation that supports Florida’s long-term transportation strategy while helping accelerate the commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility.
Monache Meadows Restored: RAF Continues to Expand the Map

Photo Credit: The RAF, Monache Meadows, CA “It’s hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service unofficially closed it in the 1970s citing the Wilderness Act, although the strip is not in a Wilderness area; it lies between the Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses. The RAF has announced that Monache Meadows is officially charted as L80, and has been brought back into safe operation after many years of neglect. It is open for public access, thanks to years of effort and support by RAF volunteers and donors. RAF California Liaison Rick Lach first learned of the airstrip in the 80s on a Jeep excursion planting trout in the High Sierras. Lach became an RAF Liaison in 2011, and determined ways to approach the appropriate land managers about restoring the airstrip for use after being abandoned. Persevering for 15 years with respectful communications with a series of District Rangers, he finally delivered a breakthrough in 2024 when the Forest Service agreed to include Monache Meadows in its scope of work, allocating some funds in cooperation with RAF volunteer efforts. “After years of patience and persistence, I am glad to announce that we have restored Monache Meadows back to safe operation to be enjoyed by pilots once again,” said Lach. Both Lach and Barilov organized repeated work parties, seeing as many as 20 volunteers making the arduous drive to help. A Monache resident and RAF supporter donated the windsock. The remote area is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing, and up until now was only accessible seasonally by a rough and rocky road, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The road becomes soft and impassable during wet conditions and closes due to snow. Barilov said, “We appreciate everyone’s help. The strip ended up nearly 2,400 feet in length, is very flat, and is covered with grass. Frankly, it looks like one of the best grass airstrips I have ever landed on.” The airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,874, so those wishing to access it must consider density altitude, and that it seasonally gets heavy snows. 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. Learn more about Monache Meadows Airstrip and how the RAF is Expanding The Map. We have dedicated a new section of our website to highlight the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find a wealth of information about Monache Meadows and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here. Monache Meadows now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide, an important resource where pilots find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings.

National News

BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States. BRINC Skybeam Spotlight in action. The capital will be used to expand BRINC’s domestic manufacturing capability, bring new products to market, and scale go-to-market operations. By the end of the year, BRINC will move into a new facility three times the size of its current factory, expanding its production capacity to meet surging demand from public safety agencies. “Every second matters in an emergency,” says Blake Resnick, Founder & CEO of BRINC. “Our 911 response drones put eyes on scene before first responders arrive, giving dispatchers and officers the situational awareness they need to act decisively and keep people safe. This investment enables our organization to build more products, expand our manufacturing capacity, and put a drone on the roof of every police and fire station in America.” Guardian’s Industry Leading Camera. The round comes at a moment of significant commercial momentum. BRINC more than tripled revenue in 2025 and quintupled monthly production capacity. This year, the company has signed nearly four times as many 911 response drone contracts as it did over the same period in 2025, with agencies including the Los Angeles Fire Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and hundreds of others across the country. BRINC builds drones for every mission. Lemur 2 is the most capable indoor drone. Responder leads the market in time on scene. Guardian is the 911 response drone built to replace helicopters. And because BRINC has deep, exclusive integrations with Motorola Solutions, every product in the fleet is just a button-press away. Agencies looking to learn more can reach out to their local BRINC representative or get in touch at brincdrones.com/contact.
National Aeronautic Association Names Kathryn Hughes as Recipient of the 2026 Stinson Award

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Col. (Ret.) Kathryn Hughes, MD, MPH, DAvMed, USAF, has been named the recipient of the NAA Stinson Award. Kathryn Hughes The Stinson Award honors the legacy of sisters Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, pioneering aviators of the early 20th century. Among the first women to earn pilot’s licenses, they founded the Stinson School of Flying and made significant contributions to early aviation, exhibition flying, and military flight training. The NAA Stinson Award recognizes a living U.S. citizen, group, or organization that has made a lasting impact on advancing women in aerospace through mentorship, advocacy, or pioneering efforts that have expanded opportunities for women in the field. “It takes immense tenacity to be a pioneer, and it takes a rare, fearless individuality to forge a path entirely your own,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kathy has never been afraid to step away from the crowd and do what others simply wouldn’t. She reflects the very essence of the Stinson sisters’ daring spirit and excellence. From the flight deck to her clinic, Kathy shines brightly on her own terms, and her true gift is empowering other women to find the confidence to do the exact same.” Dr. Hughes attended the United States Air Force Academy and, during her 26 years in service, logged over 3,000 military flying hours in multiple aircraft, including the T-38, RC-135, A-10, and Royal Air Force Hawk. While still serving as a pilot, she completed medical school and became the first female Pilot-Physician in the U.S. Air Force. She specialized in acceleration protection and life support equipment testing and evaluation. Her combined aviation and medical expertise enables her to advance human factors research, human systems integration, and enhanced pilot safety. After retiring from the military in 2016, Dr. Hughes has worked as a physician specializing in occupational and aviation medicine and is an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. She is a consultant for Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, the leading manufacturer of ejection and crashworthy seats that have saved over 7,800 lives worldwide. She serves in leadership roles in the Aerospace Medical Association and its Foundation Board. She remains an active general aviation pilot, manages her local airport, and volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Ninety-Nines, mentoring fellow women aviators. “It is a profound honor to have been selected for the prestigious NAA Stinson Award. I have long admired the audacity of Katherine and Marjorie Stinson and what they dared to accomplish,” said Hughes. “Throughout my own career in aviation and aerospace medicine, my goal has been to turn my opportunities into open doors for others. This recognition strengthens my commitment to mentoring and advocating for the next generation of those who strive for careers in aerospace.” Details about the Stinson Award presentation will be announced soon. For more information about the award or to view previous recipients, please visit naa.aero.

International News

Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) Forges Strategic Partnership with AURA AERO to Accelerate Industrialization of the ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Above – Jérémy Caussade, Co-founder and President of AURA AERO, left, and John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft with a signed strategic MOU. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO), the dedicated manufacturing division of Piper Aircraft, today announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French sustainable aviation pioneer AURA AERO. This landmark collaboration brings together PIMCO’s extensive aerospace manufacturing capabilities and AURA AERO’s expertise in next generation aircraft development to support the industrialization and scalable production of ERA, AURA AERO’s Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft. As the aviation industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonization, the partnership bridges nearly 90 years of proven aerostructure fabrication and certification expertise with next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion technology. The alliance is designed to optimize the manufacturing supply chain and ensure robust industrial readiness for the 19-seat ERA, AURA AERO’s revolutionary hybrid-electric regional aircraft engineered to drastically reduce emissions, acoustic footprint, and direct operating costs (DOC) without compromising range or operational flexibility. Strategic MOU signing. The collaboration underscores PIMCO’s strategic expansion into the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and sustainable aviation sectors, providing turn-key, high-volume manufacturing solutions to innovative OEMs. For AURA AERO, the agreement strengthens the industrial foundations required to scale ERA production. Backed by an order book of approximately 700 aircraft, ERA entry into service is scheduled for 2030 from AURA AERO’s manufacturing facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida and in Toulouse, France. “Industrial readiness is as critical as aircraft development. With PIMCO’s long standing experience in aluminum aerostructures, we are strengthening the manufacturing capabilities behind ERA and taking another important step toward delivering commercial aviation’s first hybrid-electric passenger aircraft,” said Jérémy Caussade, Co-founder and President of AURA AERO. “We are thrilled to partner with a visionary industry leader like AURA AERO to advance their hybrid-electric ERA platform,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “By leveraging our legacy of proven aerostructure manufacturing and rigorous certification processes, we are uniquely positioned to help bring the future of eco-designed, sustainable commuter transport to the global market.”
Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Johan Landin as Sales Director. In this role, Landin will lead the commercial growth, customer engagement and global market development of the D328eco and D328MR (Multi-Role) aircraft programs. With an extensive background in aerospace, defense and international business development, Landin joins Deutsche Aircraft from the Saab Group in Sweden, where he has held senior commercial and leadership positions over more than 15 years. His experience includes roles as Campaign Director for the Gripen fighter aircraft, Head of Marketing & Sales for Air Traffic Management, and most recently, Country Manager, overseeing the full breadth of Saab’s product portfolio. Throughout his career, Landin has consistently delivered innovative technology solutions, identified new business opportunities and led strategic development activities across complex international markets. With a track record in navigating regulatory environments, coordinating international stakeholders and guiding customers through transformational journeys, Landin offers a unique perspective on cultivating long-term customer relationships and delivering value-driven solutions in both commercial and multi-role sectors. As a commercial pilot who has flown regional turboprop aircraft and operated his own pilot recruitment agency, Landin also brings invaluable firsthand insight to the role. This real-world experience, combined with his corporate leadership skills, reflects his passion and expertise in aviation. “I am excited to join the team at such an interesting time,” said Johan Landin, Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft. “I look forward to contributing my experience to drive the commercial growth of the revolutionary D328eco aircraft and support the next phase of regional aviation.” Anastasija Visnakova, Chief Commercial Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, welcomed the appointment. “Johan brings a unique combination of experience, from international sales in the aerospace industry to firsthand operational expertise as a commercial pilot,” she said. “His leadership will be instrumental as we expand our global footprint and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.” “Johan’s experience across aerospace, multi-role and commercial aviation makes him an excellent addition to our sales team,” added Nils Heuer, Director Global Sales at Deutsche Aircraft. “His customer-centric mindset, background as a pilot, and international business expertise will strengthen our engagement with operators and partners as we scale the market presence of the D328eco program.” With Landin on board, the team is strengthening its commercial capabilities across both civilian and defense sectors for the D328eco and D328 Multi-Role (MR) aircraft programs. Landin holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and will be based in Stockholm, Sweden, reinforcing Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence close to key customers and partners.

Unmanned Systems

BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations READ MORE
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases New Drone Training and Testing Template for Oregon Public Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new training and testing companion to its public agency drone policy template, giving Oregon public bodies a clearer path for training, evaluating, and documenting the people who fly drones for public work. The earlier ODAV template helped agencies answer an important question: What rules should guide READ MORE

Aviation Education

AOPA Foundation to Expand High School Aviation Education with Maintenance and Manufacturing Curriculum

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced today that it will add a maintenance and manufacturing pathway to its High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, the free, nationally recognized program that has reached more than 130,000 students since it launched in 2016. The new curriculum, which is made possible by a donation from Gregory READ MORE
Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and READ MORE

Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

Eve Air Mobility has announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a focused Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at SunTrax Air. The FDOT-led initiative will bring together Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft, operations, and services with SunTrax Air’s research, testing, and validation capabilities. The effort will focus on delivering insights into […]

Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) Forges Strategic Partnership with AURA AERO to Accelerate Industrialization of the ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Above – Jérémy Caussade, Co-founder and President of AURA AERO, left, and John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft with a signed strategic MOU. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO), the dedicated manufacturing division of Piper Aircraft, today announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French sustainable aviation pioneer […]

Monache Meadows Restored: RAF Continues to Expand the Map

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: The RAF, Monache Meadows, CA “It’s hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service […]

MassDOT Aeronautics Division Receives Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing today that the MassDOT Aeronautics Division is being awarded the Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award for its innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to support transportation operations across the state. The award will be presented at the ESRI User Conference on July 14, 2026, […]

Greenville Downtown Airport Welcomes Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

James Stephens, Greenville Downtown Airport Director, and Trish Balentine, owner and chef of Hangar 28 Kitchen and Events Photo credit: Greenville Downtown Airport/ Robert Hoover. The Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) officially welcomes Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events, as the newest addition to the airport’s Community Corridor. Located in the Community Corridor of the South Ramp, […]

Nearly $30 Million Announced for Airports Across Nevada

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced a $29,974,140 investment into Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these twelve airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation […]

Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Johan Landin as Sales Director. In this role, Landin will lead the commercial growth, customer engagement and global market development of the D328eco and D328MR (Multi-Role) aircraft programs. With an extensive background in aerospace, defense and international business development, Landin joins Deutsche Aircraft from the Saab Group in […]

Mike Goulian Named Keynote Speaker for 2026 MAMA Conference October 25-27

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

One of North America’s most decorated aviators, Mike Goulian doesn’t just fly—he redefines what is possible in three dimensions. Known for an aggressive, crisp performance style that fuses heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbles with competition-level precision, Goulian is a master of the air show arena. The Massachusetts native and entrepreneur will be keynote speaker when more than […]

Western Aircraft Designates Blackhawk Performance Center – Alaska as Authorized Pilatus Satellite Service Center

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Pictured above: A Pilatus PC-12 at the Blackhawk Performance Center – Alaska Facility Western Aircraft, a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup, has designated Blackhawk Performance Center – Alaska (BPC-Alaska) as the Authorized Pilatus Satellite Service Center Supporting Pilatus customers throughout Alaska. As an Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center, Western Aircraft designates satellite service centers to […]

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]

Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”