The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the introduction of the Mental Health in Aviation Act and the Aviation Medication Transparency Act, which will improve transparency surrounding medication guidelines and increase access to mental health resources, while reducing the stigma surrounding such needs and protecting the livelihood of controllers and pilots. Both bills were introduced […]
National News
NATA’s 2025 Aviation Business Conference Draws Strong Turnout, Tackles Key Challenges, and Highlights a Unified Industry Vision
Leaders from virtually all segments of the aviation business sector gathered in Dallas on November 17-18 to tackle a wide range of pressing issues, identify strategies to keep the aviation industry thriving, and outline pathways for moving forward. NATA’s (the National Air Transportation Association) annual Aviation Business Conference brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and […]
AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Releases 35th Richard G. McSpadden Report
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released the 35th Richard G. McSpadden Report—formerly the Joseph T. Nall Report—which analyzes general aviation accidents that occurred in 2023, the most recent year for which full data are available. The report provides the most comprehensive review of general aviation safety, with accident data […]
General Aviation Award Nominations Deadline Extended
The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors announces an updated submission deadline for applications and nominations for the 2026 awards for National Flight Instructors, Aviation Maintenance Technicians, and FAA Safety Team Representatives until midnight on December 19, 2025. Submissions and additional information on the process can be accessed at www.generalaviationawards.com/nominate. The program, a cooperative […]
Former Idaho State Aviation Director Remains Active in Aviation
Photo – Mike teaching his son Sam to fly. Mike Pape, former Aviation Director for the State of Idaho, continues to stay engaged in the aviation industry. Since leaving state service Mike has stayed busy in the private sector, mostly in Part 135 management. “I’m currently working as the Director of Operations with Jetstream Aviation […]
AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Celebrates 75 Years of Making Aviation Safer
Seventy-five years ago on November 10, 1950, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) began life as the AOPA Foundation. Over the decades, it has gone through several incarnations, but its mission has remained the same: to help pilots make better decisions and to bring down the general aviation accident rate. ASI […]
Digitize for Safety – Monetize for Growth
How Improving Safety with Digitization Unlocks the Hidden Value of Airports Photo above – Photo – Operation Iraqi Freedom night mission launch at sunset. By Grant Bishop, CEO, Silent Falcon; Former USAF Squadron Commander F-16 “Wild Weasel” pilot “If you think your airport doesn’t have a pavement problem, go touch the propeller blade of a […]
Mead & Hunt Names Troy Pankratz Chief Operating Officer and President
Mead & Hunt has named Troy Pankratz, PE, as Chief Operating Officer and President, effective November 1, 2025. Troy, who brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the firm and serves on its Board of Directors, will partner with Chief Executive Officer Amy Squitieri to strengthen the company’s people-first culture, drive operational excellence, […]
Danny Maldonado Named President & CEO of Bell
Textron Inc. has announced that Danny Maldonado has been named president & CEO of the Bell segment, effective January 4, 2026. Maldonado, currently Bell’s chief commercial officer (CCO), will succeed Lisa Atherton, who was recently appointed as president & CEO of Textron Inc., effective January 4, 2026. As CCO, Maldonado is responsible for Bell’s global […]
Air Care Alliance Announces Mark Hanson as New President
The Air Care Alliance (ACA) has announced that Mark Hanson has been selected as the organization’s new President, following the passing of longtime leader Jim Hesseman earlier this year. Reflecting on this leadership transition, Hanson shared, “Jim was both a mentor and a friend. I learned so much from him about the heart of public […]
