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 […]
National News
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 […]
Jeppesen ForeFlight Launches as Standalone Company to Redefine the Future of Aviation Software
The original innovators of aviation technology are back in a big way. Jeppesen ForeFlight has announced its launch as a new digital aviation entity, backed by Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm. The company has completed its separation from Boeing and sale to Thoma Bravo in an all-cash transaction valued at $10.55 billion. Brad […]
NBAA’s Bolen and Former AOPA President Honored for Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
At the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), a nonprofit group focused on helping victims escape human trafficking honored NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and former president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Mark Baker with its highest award. Flights to Freedom flies human trafficking survivors to their […]
