McFarland Johnson (MJ) has announced Jason Kantak as Regional Engineering Manager in its Civil Engineering Services Division. Based in Syracuse, New York, Kantak will focus on expanding all MJ’s Divisions within the Central New York region, with an emphasis on Civil, Transportation, Aviation, and Environmental Services. As Regional Engineering Manager, Kantak oversees the Civil Engineering […]
National News
Pape-Dawson Expands Airport Planning Practice with Acquisition of Coffman Associates
Pape-Dawson has acquired Coffman Associates, a nationally recognized airport planning firm with offices in Kansas and Arizona, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s expanding aviation practice. Founded in 1979, Coffman Associates specializes in airport planning and associated environmental and noise/land use studies. The firm’s unmatched experience includes more than 600 airport master plans, 450 […]
NBAA Welcomes Senate Bills to Protect Pilot and Controller Safety, Support Mental Health
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
