State Aviation Journal

ODAA and Bartlesville Municipal Airport Celebrate Taxiway Project Completion, Break Ground on New Hangar Construction
Photo – Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Executive Director Grayson Ardies led the Bartlesville Municipal Airport’s ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the airport’s taxiway on Monday, Sept. 8. The airport also broke ground on the future 20,000-square-foot hangar project anticipated to be completed by summer 2026. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace […]
“Yellow Rose” Stops at Centennial
The “Yellow Rose”, the christened name of the vintage B-25J Mitchell WWII bomber, is once again touring the American skies. The bomber is completely restored to its wartime capabilities and is operated by the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing. Photographer Griffey Bostock took advantage of the aircraft’s recent stop at Centennial Airport in Englewood, […]
First Dreamliner with Lufthansa Allegris Lands in Frankfurt
Lufthansa welcomes the first Dreamliner with the Allegris cabin in Frankfurt: The Boeing 787-9 with the new interior in all classes landed recently at Frankfurt Airport from Seattle, WA. Initially, the newest member of the Lufthansa fleet will be used on flights from Frankfurt to Toronto, Canada, starting in mid-October. This year alone, Lufthansa expects […]
Aims Celebrates New Aircraft Maintenance Training Center
Aims Community College in Colorado celebrated National Aviation Day, August 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new, state-of-the-art Aircraft Maintenance Training Center (AMTC). This is a soft opening for the nearly 60,000 square foot facility. Renovations are still underway and classes are set to begin for the new Aircraft Maintenance Technician program in January […]

State News

MAC Completes Decade of Renovations in MSP Airport Departures and Arrivals Halls

Photo – MSP Airport’s Terminal 1 ticketing hall. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission Passengers and visitors traveling to and through Terminal 1’s pre-security areas at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) have witnessed a major conversion in progress over the last decade. The result: MSP’s ticketing and arrival lobbies have taken a multi-generational leap from their 1960s-era design and infrastructure to now support tech-advanced travel processes that seamlessly fit within more spacious, accessible and welcoming spaces. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), owner and operator of MSP, has substantially completed its $600 million Operational Improvements Program that has transformed the public side of the terminal. Over the course of 20 distinct projects, the entire terminal footprint was expanded toward the roadway, security screening was consolidated into two larger and more efficient checkpoints, larger baggage carousels were installed, and practically every building system was updated in sync with refreshed design elements along every passenger touchpoint. “This has been a decade-plus journey to transform the facility and processes to enhance the passenger experience and our operational capacities,” said MAC CEO Brian Ryks. “The massive scope of this program centered on being prepared for the next several decades to serve our passengers, airlines and other partners and maintain our status as one of the top aviation hubs in the country.” Maximizing the use of the existing facility, which opened in 1962, was the foundational goal of the program that also included objectives to reduce congestion, increase capacity, and optimize passenger flow in the larger of MSP’s two terminals. Sustainability was also incorporated into the improvements, including automatic tinting glass across the terminal facade, LED lighting, low-flow restroom fixtures, and other building system efficiency upgrades. MSP served more than 36 million passengers when improvements began in 2015. Activity increased to a record of 39.5 million passengers in 2019. The forecast for passenger demand is more than 50 million by 2040. Sixteen airlines currently operate at MSP — it’s the second largest hub for Delta Air Lines and serves as the home base for Sun Country Airlines, which operates out of Terminal 2. MSP is the 17th busiest U.S. airport by total passengers. “The projects were challenging because we built an entirely new airport environment under the same roof, without the ability to close the front door,” said MAC Vice President of Planning and Development Bridget Rief. “It took extreme coordination and communication with our many stakeholders to develop the complex phasing of improvements that enabled our airlines and the Transportation Security Administration to maintain operations and serve a growing volume of passengers at the same time.” “The investments to create brighter, more modern spaces will further elevate MSP’s award-winning passenger experience, which includes the No. 1 ranking among mega airports for two out of the last three years in the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study,” said MAC Chair Rick King. “The new and refreshed lobbies and other spaces also deliver a more dynamic first impression for visitors to match the vibrant and welcoming culture of the Twin Cities and Minnesota.” Summary of Operational Improvement Program enhancements: · Total improved space: 730,000 square feet. · Expanded Terminal 1 by 17,000 square feet to improve passenger flow, public seating, sight lines and curbside connectivity. · Consolidated security screening to two checkpoints from six, located at each end of the terminal for improved passenger movements and throughput. · Improved passenger movements with more central elevators, escalators and stairs, and new unstaffed terminal exits to baggage claim. · Implemented the foundation for a campus-wide digital canvas that includes features to display security wait times and customize messaging for security, airline and other travel partners. · Built new and modernized ticketing and check-in operations for airlines. · Replaced original baggage carousels and inbound/outbound baggage systems to accommodate current and future demand. · Installed 213,000 square feet of terrazzo flooring. · Increased restroom capacity and accessibility features, including three restrooms on the Arrivals level with adult changing tables. · Improved lighting and seating options on all pre-security levels. · The Operational Improvements Program included partner projects with Airport Foundation MSP, which operates the Arts@MSP program. The Aurora, a 29-foot-tall high-tech sculpture by artist Jen Lewin, was installed in February 2021. It’s located in the center of the Departures and Arrivals levels. The Airport Foundation also expanded its stunning collection of mosaic murals, with six new murals at new restrooms on both the Departures and Arrivals levels. While pre-security renovations have concluded, other projects continue beyond Terminal 1 security checkpoints to extend the modernization of the facility and improve the passenger experience. The MAC and Delta Air Lines have partnered on a $242 million Airport Modernization Program that is renovating six of the terminal’s seven concourses (A, B, C, D, F and G) and approximately 75 Delta gate hold rooms. It’s the airport’s largest-ever interior renovation and will provide travelers with a more unified experience between the front door and airline gate areas. These improvements should be completed by the end of 2025. Additionally, the MAC is expanding Concourse G by 157,000 square feet between gates G8 and G13. The $305 million project will widen the central concourse corridor, increase gate seating by 52%, increase international arrivals capacity, and provide more restrooms, concessions and art display space. This project will be completed by 2028.
ODAA and Bartlesville Municipal Airport Celebrate Taxiway Project Completion, Break Ground on New Hangar Construction

Photo – Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Executive Director Grayson Ardies led the Bartlesville Municipal Airport’s ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the airport’s taxiway on Monday, Sept. 8. The airport also broke ground on the future 20,000-square-foot hangar project anticipated to be completed by summer 2026. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and Bartlesville Municipal Airport recognized the completion of the northeastern Oklahoma airport’s taxiway project with a ribbon-cutting today. Following the ceremony, attendees broke ground along that same taxiway where a new hangar is intended to be built. Bartlesville’s improvements were initially presented several years ago for project funding in the ODAA’s Airport Construction Program (ACP) given the state’s focus on pro-growth aviation infrastructure. The ACP is a five-year revolving plan the ODAA provides in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport sponsors to support the combined goal of having a system of airports that serves the business, transportation, and commerce needs of communities across the state. The project included construction of 1,300 linear feet of taxiway into a new hangar development area that will allow for dozens of new hangars to be built. The new taxiways extend east of the airport’s main parallel taxiway “A” and are located northeast of the terminal building. The taxiway construction was necessary to facilitate the airport’s plans for expanding their hangar development area. The cost of the taxiway project totaled a little more than $2 million. The ODAA provided almost $1.2 million, the FAA provided $737,000 and the City’s Airport Fund provided a little more than $100,000 to fund the project. “With Bartlesville’s completed taxiway and upcoming hangar construction, we’re continuing to improve access to northeast Oklahoma,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “These upgrades are laying the foundation to ensure economic success in Bartlesville’s aviation industry and throughout the entire region. We’re ushering in commerce and welcoming investment with every improvement made to Oklahoma’s thriving airport system.” The 20,000-square-foot hangar construction project will provide the opportunity to expand existing aviation businesses or recruit new aerospace industry to the airport. The hangar development is part of a statewide effort to increase aircraft storage facilities at airports across Oklahoma with a goal to increase aviation business activity. The project is expected to cost about $5.4 million; ODAA plans to cover $2.38 million while the Bartlesville Development Authority will provide a little more than $3 million. “We’re thankful for the Oklahoma Legislature, the ODAA and the BDA for their continued support,” said Mike Richardson, Bartlesville airport director. “We’re excited to continue making these projects possible and seeing where this growth will take us in the future.” A contract with Koehn Construction Services for the hangar construction was approved by the Bartlesville City Council in early August 2025. The project construction could officially start as soon as fall 2025 and be completed by the summer of 2026. “We’re very proud of the progress and upcoming plans made here at Bartlesville Municipal,” said Chris Batchelder, BDA vice president of Business Development. “It’s more than fresh pavement and a new building. It represents additions to the workforce here at the airport and at surrounding businesses that support airport employees and outside businesses that travel into Bartlesville.” Bartlesville Municipal Airport sits on about 430 acres in northwest Bartlesville within the Osage County line, about three miles west of the city’s downtown area. The public airport features a concrete runway that measures 6,850 feet long by 100 feet wide. Open 24/7 for aircraft takeoffs and landings, the property hosts a Fixed-Base Operator to provide a full range of services to both transient and local business including aircraft fueling, towing, hangar storage, flight crew vehicles, restrooms, passenger and flight crew lounge areas, weather and flight planning. Bartlesville Municipal Airport is home base to around 50 aircraft and sees about 12,000 takeoffs and landings annually.

National News

NBAA Applauds FAA’s Request for Solutions on Historic ATC System Overhaul

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen commended the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) recent publication of a Request for Solutions (RFS), in which the agency solicits a prime integrator to manage the development and implementation of a modernized air traffic control (ATC) system. “NBAA applauds the FAA’s important next step to move forward with air traffic control modernization,” said Bolen. “We support efforts to streamline procurement and drive results to meet the three-to-four-year goal. This Request for Solutions is a key step toward modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS) on schedule.” The FAA outlines a three-pillar strategy to aviation safety: continuously optimizing national airspace design and technology; modernizing NAS infrastructure, telecommunication, surveillance, automation and facilities; and fully staffing and equipping the best people for the mission. The agency says these three pillars will result in safety, reliability, agility and scalability of the NAS. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) in the RFS describes the role, responsibilities and tasks of the prime integrator. The RFS also includes instructions for submitting a proposal and criteria by which the agency will evaluate proposals and Integrator accountability terms. The FAA will respond to questions about the RFS on a rolling basis on Sept. 9, 16 and 19, and plans to select the prime integrator on or around Oct. 31. Details are available in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
McFarland Johnson Welcomes Gavin Fahnestock as Regional Planning Manager – Aviation

McFarland Johnson (MJ) has announced that Gavin Fahnestock has joined McFarland Johnson as Regional Planning Manager in its Aviation Division. Mr. Fahnestock is based in Melbourne, Florida and will focus on MJ’s growing airport and aviation consulting practice in the Southeastern United States. Gavin Fahnestock As a Regional Planning Manager, Mr. Fahnestock will lead a diverse team of airport planners, as well as coordinate with airport stakeholders and local, state, and federal agencies, to ensure airport planning and development projects are completed efficiently and effectively. With over 19 years of experience in aviation planning, he has managed airport-specific projects across the country. His experience includes airport master plans and updates, on-call planning and design services, runway relocations, airfield development programs, and terminal capacity expansion and improvement programs. In addition to his consulting experience, Mr. Fahnestock served in lead and management roles with the Federal Aviation Administration. There he was responsible for the Airport Improvement Program Budget, funds oversight, policy development and guidance, and quality control processes. “I am passionate about aviation and enjoy the challenges of the industry,” said Fahnestock. “I look forward to this opportunity at McFarland Johnson to contribute to the firm’s strategic growth and success in the Aviation industry. In collaboration with McFarland Johnson’s diverse team of professionals, we can bring innovative solutions that can be applied to a broad range of airports across the United States,” added Fahnestock. “We are pleased to have Gavin join MJ’s growing Aviation team. His diverse public and private sector experience, strategic thinking, and leadership skills will benefit our new and existing clients in the region,” said John Mafera, Vice President and Director of Aviation. “Please join me in welcoming Gavin Fahnestock to McFarland Johnson!”

International News

WAI Celebrates 11th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day

Thousands of girls, ages 8-18, around the world on September 20 will be able to experience the 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day in their local communities through unique events hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters and corporate members. WAI also offers additional virtual resources, activities, information, and instructional videos via the free Aviation for Girls (AFG) app, available year-round. Already over 190 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across 40 U.S. States, two U.S. territories, and 30 countries across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Some 40,000 youth attendees will be introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace through meeting positive role models, career panels, exploring airplanes and airports, and a host of hands-on, fun, and educational activities ranging from sectional chart scavenger hunts, to making a tailwheel airplane, to learning about aircraft engines and avionics with maintenance technicians. To enjoy the full Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) educational experience, WAI event hosts provide activity kits to participants featuring a GIAD backpack filled with Aviation for Girls 2025, a propeller activity to teach aviation concepts, an aviation sectional chart for early navigation practice, a WAI sticker, an empowering glitter tattoo, the WAI Career Guide titled The Sky is Unlimited (www.WAI.org/aviation-careers) and a bandana to honor our pioneers. Additionally, caps, keychains, and special edition GIAD T-shirts for adults and children are available for a small cost. Kids who don’t have access to an in-person event can download the Aviation for Girls app for free to participate in a virtual Girls in Aviation Day. “In 2025, Women in Aviation International proudly celebrates the 11th anniversary of Girls in Aviation Day,” said WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “Thanks to the generous support of our partners, we’ve been able to grow this event far beyond a single day—reaching girls throughout the year through our Aviation for Girls program. Girls in Aviation Day has played a vital role in opening doors to aviation and STEM careers for thousands of girls worldwide.” To find a GIAD event near you, click here: https://www.wai.org/giad2025-events. You can also use the interactive map on the Aviation for Girls app to explore all events across the globe. Additional information and updates about Girls in Aviation Day are available at www.WAI.org/giad.
Gerard Salernitano Named Aviation Sector Leader, North America at TYLin

TYLin has announced the promotion of Gerard Salernitano to Aviation Sector Leader, North America, where he will lead the strategic direction of TYLin’s Aviation Sector in North America. In his role, Gerard will expand the firm’s global reputation as a trusted partner to the aviation community by fostering innovation, driving growth and providing solutions that connect communities. Gerald Salernitano With more than 30 years of experience in civil engineering, program management, and construction, Gerard has led complex airport programs from conceptual planning through final delivery. Since joining TYLin in 2020, he has accelerated the growth of the Aviation Sector with a client-centric approach that combines cutting-edge solutions with innovation and quality. His collaborative, future-ready approach and unique blend of technical aptitude and management proficiency has made a measurable impact on airport modernization and expansion projects. “We are delighted Gerard will be leading our Aviation Sector,” said Kimberly Slaughter, Transportation Leader, North America. “He brings a deep understanding of the interlocking issues facing airports, from safely moving goods and people to promoting sustainable operations and an exceptional passenger experience. Under his leadership, the Aviation Sector will continue to deliver bold, holistic solutions that meet the challenges of today while providing flexibility and scalability to address tomorrow’s evolving needs.”  “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Aviation Sector Leader, North America,” said Gerard Salernitano. “I am honored to lead such an outstanding group of talented aviation professionals, who all share a passion for delivering the airport programs that make aviation safe, sustainable, and efficient while enhancing the customer experience.”  Key Highlights of the Appointment As Aviation Sector Leader, North America, Gerard will drive alignment, innovation, and growth across all aviation-related operations and initiatives. Gerard is a seasoned aviation professional and currently serves as Aviation Sector Leader, North America and provides group leadership with a history of successful project execution. Gerard’s design and project management background include all aspects of design, strategic planning, project administration, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder relations. With over thirty years of construction management experience, Gerard’s technical experience ranges from on-site management, including inspection and field engineering, to change order processing, claims mitigation, document management, and quality assurance/control.

Unmanned Systems

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace’s K1000ULE Becomes Longest-Endurance UAS on DoD’s Blue UAS Cleared and Blue UAS Select Lists

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace announced that its fully electric K1000ULE UAS has been added to both the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Cleared List and the Blue UAS Select List, the government’s trusted rosters of drones validated as secure, NDAA-compliant, ready for immediate procurement. The K1000ULE is the longest-endurance, longest-range aircraft in READ MORE
AgEagle Aerial Systems MicaSense Series RedEdge-P Multispectral Camera Available Now on Ascent’s SPIRIT™ and SPARTAN™ UAV Platforms

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. announced the successful integration and availability of its MicaSense RedEdge-P™ multispectral camera on Ascent AeroSystems’ rugged SPIRIT™ and SPARTAN™ coaxial UAV platforms. This fully integrated solution, now available for order, delivers unparalleled agricultural and environmental intelligence in a seamless, quick-connect package. The MicaSense RedEdge-P is an industry-leading multispectral and panchromatic sensor, READ MORE

Aviation Education

WAI Celebrates 11th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day

Thousands of girls, ages 8-18, around the world on September 20 will be able to experience the 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day in their local communities through unique events hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters and corporate members. WAI also offers additional virtual resources, activities, information, and instructional videos via the free READ MORE
Modernizing Helicopter Training: How Today’s CFIs Are Elevating Safety and Support

By Tom Luca Schneider – Commercial Helicopter Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) The role of certified flight instructors (CFIs) has changed and expanded in recent years. Where once they gave cockpit instruction and helped students get in their hours in the air to eventually become skilled helicopter pilots, today’s CFIs are far more focused READ MORE

Girls in Aviation Day 2023 Inspires Over 30,000 Participants

October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – WAI Northern Planes Chapter at Fargo Air Museum, ND, USA 2023. Girls around the world participated in the 9th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) organized by Women in Aviation International (WAI) on September 23. Through unique local events hosted by WAI chapters and corporate members, the number of GIAD participants more […]

2024 Minnesota Aviation Maintenance & IA Renewal Conference

October 14, 2023October 14, 2023 Kim Stevens

The 2024 Minnesota Aviation Maintenance & IA Renewal conference is scheduled to take place on March 26-27, 2024 at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. More information can be found here: www.scsutraining.com/2024amt

MAC CEO Brian Ryks Earns Airport Industry Leadership Award

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023 Kim Stevens

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) announced Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), as the 2023 recipient of the Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award. The award is the highest honor given to an active airport CEO/Director by ACI-NA, the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United […]

Opener Announces Helix, its First Scalable Production Aircraft; Changes Company Name to Pivotal

October 8, 2023October 8, 2023 Kim Stevens

Opener has announced Helix, its first scalable production vehicle, and unveils its new identity. Now named Pivotal, this step represents the company’s trailblazing influence on the industry and its transition to become a product-delivering entity serving the needs of customers in multiple segments. As a pioneer, Pivotal is renowned for the BlackFly, the first eVTOL […]

JAL and REGENT Sign Agreement to Study Seaglider Operations in Japan

October 8, 2023October 8, 2023 Kim Stevens

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and REGENT Craft have announced the signing of a comprehensive partnership agreement to establish a system for seaglider operations in Japan. The agreement follows a strategic investment in REGENT made earlier this year by JAL Innovation Fund, the CVC of JAL. Through this agreement, the two companies aim to implement next-generation […]

NASAO Supports Nomination of Michael Whitaker to be Next FAA Administrator

October 7, 2023October 7, 2023 Kim Stevens

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) announced its support for the nomination of Michael Whitaker to be the next administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Mr. Whitaker is a widely respected leader in the aviation industry who can effectively bring his variety of experiences to bear in this position,” said Greg Pecoraro, […]

AUVSI Announces Green UAS Certification for Skyfront Perimeter 8+ Drone

October 7, 2023October 7, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) announced that it has awarded Green UAS certification to the Skyfront Perimeter 8 and 8+ long-endurance, hybrid-electric Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The platform is the first to complete the program’s compliance testing and receive the ‘Green UAS cleared’ designation, which assesses and verifies commercial drones meet the […]

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $14.8 Million in Grants to Help Small Communities Improve Air Service

October 7, 2023October 7, 2023 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that it will award $14.8 million from the Small Community Air Service Development Program to help 20 communities in 16 states develop solutions to their local air service needs. These federal grants assist small communities across the country with maintaining and building air service options. “Air service […]

NATA and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Form Partnership to Advance AAM/UAM Implementation

October 7, 2023October 7, 2023 Kim Stevens

NATA (National Air Transportation Association) and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) announced a partnership providing the structure for the further development of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)/Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem. NATA and CNO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at maturing AAM/UAM education and adoption with the exchange of expertise and information […]

Colorado City Airport Honored as 2023 Airport of the Year

October 1, 2023October 1, 2023 Kim Stevens

Community engagement and facility upgrades helped make Colorado City Municipal Airport the state’s Airport of the Year for 2023. The airport is owned and operated by the Town of Colorado City. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Group cited the northern Arizona airport’s community outreach, including an expanded Fly-in and Airshow attended by 1,400 people, […]

ODAA and Bartlesville Municipal Airport Celebrate Taxiway Project Completion, Break Ground on New Hangar Construction

“Yellow Rose” Stops at Centennial

First Dreamliner with Lufthansa Allegris Lands in Frankfurt

Aims Celebrates New Aircraft Maintenance Training Center