Textron Aviation Inc. has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support its sterile insect release program protecting citrus crops along the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2027. APHIS will […]
National News
JetBlue Airways Selects ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock FleX Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System for Multi-Airport Technology Program
ADB SAFEGATE has announced that JetBlue Airways has selected Safedock FleX — the company’s latest generation Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) — for a multi-airport technology refresh across four of its major U.S. stations. The program spans Boston Logan (BOS), New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), and San Juan Luis Muñoz […]
Secretary Duffy Announces $835.8 Million for Air Traffic Control Facility Upgrades Across U.S.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Department’s investment of over $750 million to replace eight air traffic control towers and Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONs) with brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is providing $85.8 million to upgrade Federal Contract Towers (FCTs) at 41 airports across 24 states. “This […]
AOPA Holds Annual Member Meeting, Elects New Trustees
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) recently held its annual member meeting at the National Aviation Community Center in Frederick, Maryland, where it elected two new members to the Board of Trustees and heard feedback from 17 members. “This is a game of inches, I want to be clear,” said AOPA Board of Trustees […]
Airport Directors: Stop Telling Aviation Stories
By Eric Blinderman Something recently said to an airport director caused a cocked head and a puzzled look. “Your story is not an aviation one,” he was told. For someone who lives and breathes airport operations and making sure it fits the needs of the pilot community, it was an understandable reaction. That’s his world. […]
AOPA Highlights Mental Health in May, Delivers Resources for Pilots
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a monthlong initiative to highlight pilot mental health, bringing together educational content, expert guidance, and advocacy updates throughout May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The initiative, sponsored by Jeppesen ForeFlight, is designed to address common concerns among pilots, including the fear of losing their medical […]
VIRTOWER Enhances Airspace Safety With Remote ID Drone Detection Upgrade
Photo – Virtower Government Support Vehicles with Drone Detection Virtower LLC has announced the successful upgrade of its sensor systems to support Remote ID drone detection—marking a major advancement in airspace safety for general aviation and commercial airport environments. With this upgrade, Virtower’s platform can now detect and display Remote ID-equipped drones in real time, […]
AAAE Elects Leaders for 2026-2027 at 98th Annual Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles
AAAE Photo – The 2026-2027 AAAE Executive Committee (from left to right): Secretary/Treasurer Cathryn Stephens, A.A.E.; Second Past Chair Rick Crider, A.A.E.; First Past Chair Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E.; Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E.; First Vice Chair Patrick Wilson A.A.E., ACE; Second Vice Chair Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E. Marshall Stevens, A.A.E., Vice President, Operations, & Chief Operating […]
Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Long-Awaited Proposal to Protect Critical Infrastructure Facilities from Rogue Drones
The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) commends the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation, and the broader Administration for today’s announcement of the long-anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to protect certain fixed site facilities from unauthorized drone operations. This is an important step in creating a low altitude airspace ecosystem that enables authorized […]
Aviation Workforce Crisis Meets Action: I Hart Flying Foundation Launches $20,000+ National Scholarship Initiative
As the aviation industry faces ongoing workforce shortages and increasing demand for skilled talent, the I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) has announced the launch of its 2026 national scholarship cycle, delivering more than $20,000 in flight training funding, pilot equipment and industry-supported resources. The initiative, “Access Granted: Runway to Rise,” marks the first phase of […]
