Ohio continues to lead the nation in modernizing emergency response with the selection of nine public safety agencies to participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expand rapid aerial response capabilities across communities of all sizes. The program, led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) […]
State News
Long-time Airport Director Brian Weiler Announces Retirement
Brian Weiler, who has been director of the Springfield-Branson National Airport since 2011, informed the Airport Board of his intention to retire summer 2026 during their Feb. 19 regular meeting. “It has been the honor and privilege of my professional career to lead the airport during this period of strong growth and change,” he told […]
JobsOhio Powers Hartzell Propeller’s New Innovation Center with $2M Grant
Photo – The Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center builds on the expansion already underway at the company’s headquarters in Piqua, Ohio, which integrates advanced materials manufacturing and aerospace technology. Hartzell Propeller builds upon its decades of investment in Ohio and unwavering commitment to the local community with the grand opening of the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center […]
$2 Million Federal Appropriation to Expand Drone Research and Teaching at UTEP Aerospace Center
Photo – U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales on the UTEP campus on Feb. 13, 2026, to announce a $2 million appropriation from the federal government to expand drone testing and operations infrastructure at the University’s remote facilities in Fabens and Tornillo, Texas. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso. Officials at The University of Texas […]
Westmoore High School Wins Inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship
In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa. The championship held Feb. 20–21 at the Tulsa Community […]
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases White Paper on Impacts of Federal UAS Restrictions on State Agencies
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a white paper outlining the operational and financial impacts of recent federal restrictions affecting certain foreign made uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) used by state transportation and aviation agencies. The report examines the effects of Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-26-02, related guidance from the Federal Highway […]
Florida Legislature Recognizes ERU for 100 Years of Aviation and Aerospace Excellence
Photo – Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler, students and guests are recognized at the Florida State Capitol. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle) Legislators in Tallahassee have honored Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERU) Centennial by adopting a resolution recognizing the university’s outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in the state of Florida, across the nation and around the world. The […]
HDOT Welcomes International Shoppes as New Concessionaire at Honolulu and Kahului Airports
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has selected International Shoppes (iShoppes) to provide retail and in-bond duty free concessions at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG). Under a 10-year contract, New York-based iShoppes along with business partner Ben Crump Enterprises, will take over the shops that are currently operated by […]
Fly to Save Lives Theme Inspires 2026 Aviation Art Contest Winner
Artwork above – First place winner of the Senior Division: Soyoon Kim The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has announced the winners of the 2026 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest, an annual competition designed to inspire and engage young people in aviation through artistic expression. This year’s theme, “Fly to Save Lives,” challenged […]
Montana Airports Secure FY 2027 Grant and Loan Awards
The Montana Aeronautics Board awarded approximately $3.33 million in airport grant and loan funding for state fiscal year (FY) 2027 during its January meeting. This funding will support infrastructure and safety improvements at 46 public use airports across Montana. Out of Montana’s 126 airports, 71 are federally funded. State grant and loan awards made to […]
