State Aviation Journal – Page 167 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector
Driven by the strong momentum of the global aeronautics industry, the discreet Toulouse-based Satys Group is consolidating its growth, recovering its pre-Covid profitability ratios, and entering 2026 with solid development ambitions across its six markets: commercial aviation, regional aviation, business aviation, helicopters, defense, and aircraft repainting. “This favorable environment contrasts sharply with the extreme difficulties […]
Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology
Daher unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family – the TBM 980 – which integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort. The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by […]
Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet
Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era […]
Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition
A new, immersive exhibition at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is casting a light on passengers and inviting them to explore its spiritual and transformative qualities through a wide range of media. Spectral Alchemy, curated by the Phoenix Airport Museum, features works by 15 Arizona artists and transforms the Terminal 4, Level 3 Museum Gallery […]

State News

Electra Joins Virginia Smart Airspace Program to Establish National Blueprint for Advanced Air Mobility Instrument Flight Rules

Photo – Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses the nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. Credit: Electra Electra announced a new partnership with the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Smart Airspace Program to design, implement, and test a first-of-its-kind, low-cost instrument flight rules (IFR) network for Ultra Short and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft complete with new, FAA-certified access points. Nearly all commercial aviation services operate under IFR to ensure reliability, predictability, and safety, especially when the weather is not clear. However, existing IFR arrival and departure procedures are not designed with AAM aircraft in mind. Without AAM-specific procedures, there could be unsustainable airport congestion, reduced time savings for passengers, and challenges in attaining full commercial viability of AAM aircraft. The program’s IFR routing, procedures, and new access points will separate AAM traffic from conventional flights, enable more direct routing, and be based on GPS navigation, making it a low-cost, scalable model for replication around the United States. Electra, which has developed the world’s first hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft, joins as a technical lead alongside NAVOS Air. The program is led by Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), supported financially by the Virginia Small Aircraft Transportation Systems Lab, and supported financially and technically by the Virginia Department of Aviation. “The Virginia AAM Smart Airspace Program is establishing the regulatory, procedural, and operational foundation for real-world AAM deployment—not in the future, but now,” said Tombo Jones, the Director of MAAP, an FAA Designated Test Site. “With FAA engagement, proven technical methods, and scalable infrastructure, Virginia is helping to define the national blueprint for how Advanced Air Mobility will operate in everyday airspace.” “This partnership marks a critical step forward on our path to unlocking a new era of aviation – one that is simpler, faster, and without the hassle of today’s commercial services,” said Parker Vascik, Director of Product Strategy, Electra. “By creating the necessary operational, physical, and digital infrastructure in an affordable package, we are one step closer to enabling safe, scalable, and reliable all-weather AAM operations across the country. Ultimately, our goal is to transform the future of travel, giving people the freedom to travel from where they are to where they want to go.” Electra’s team of aerospace engineers and pilots will work with the other technical leads to design, implement, and test instrument procedures for Ultra Short aircraft, including during the most technically difficult part of flying in poor weather – proceeding from cloud coverage to a landing site. The GPS-developed procedures will enable flight in instrument meteorological conditions: broadly, when flight visibility is less than 3 miles and cloud ceilings are less than 1,000 feet above the ground. The program will also research the successful implementation of Ultra Short access points. The program will also create a repeatable and scalable model for expanding AAM IFR networks, starting with the strategic connection of four Virginia nodes: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI): an off-airport Ultra Short access point in Blacksburg. Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (KROA): an on-airport Ultra Short access point that keeps AAM aircraft separated from conventional runways and flight patterns at a large airport. Allen C. Perkinson Airport, Blackstone (KBKT): an existing FAA-approved vertiport in a mixed civilian/military use environment that supports Ultra Short access. Shannon Airport: an existing rural airport with a turf runway in a commuter community in northern Virginia. A summer 2024 economic analysis conducted by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems to measure the impacts of enabling AAM operations across Virginia projected more than $16 billion generated in new economic activity, $2.8 billion generated in tax revenue, and the creation of more than 17,000 high-value jobs across the aerospace ecosystem through 2045. Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. By pairing practical infrastructure with transformative capability, Direct Aviation enables trips that were previously impractical or impossible and expands economic opportunity to communities of every size. For more information, visit https://www.electra.aero.
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport Remains the Fastest-Growing Major Airport in the United States

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has announced that Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) remains the fastest-growing major airport in the United States for the second year in a row, according to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation data. The data confirms PVD is the fastest-growing major airport in the United States by seats and passengers for year-over-year growth over a 12-month period ending October 2025, comparing the largest 75 airports in the country. During this timeframe, total passengers increased by 11 percent and total seat capacity increased by 10 percent. “PVD is the only major airport in the country to achieve double-digit passenger and seat growth for this time period. This is a remarkable achievement for PVD travelers and it reinforces the importance of the airport to Rhode Island’s economy,” stated Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to keep pace with this growing demand.” “During my administration, we have continued to make investments in destination marketing, and the return has clearly been impactful. With expanded direct flight options, the convenience of our airport, and our top-notch hotels and restaurants, Rhode Island continues to set record-breaking tourism numbers. Each year, more and more visitors from across the globe are coming to experience all that the Ocean State has to offer,” said Governor Dan McKee. Aviation and tourism together represent two of Rhode Island’s most significant economic engines. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, aviation activity in Rhode Island generates approximately $2.7 billion annually in total economic impact, supporting jobs, business activity, and statewide connectivity. In parallel, a 2024 statewide tourism economic impact study found that tourism generated a total economic impact of $8.8 billion, driven by $6 billion in direct visitor spending across lodging, food and beverage, transportation and retail. The sustained growth at PVD directly supports both sectors by expanding access, capacity and competitiveness for the Ocean State. “On behalf of RIAC’s Board of Directors, we could not be more pleased with the growth and direction of the airport. There has been a collective effort over the past decade from the executive team at RIAC, our federal delegation, the Governor, and House and Senate leaders that has produced this transformative era,” stated Jonathan Savage, chair of RIAC’s Board of Directors.

National News

NBAA-Supported Senate Bill Calls for Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities at Contract Towers

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate to direct installation of cost-effective air traffic technologies to fill a critical safety gap at many general aviation (GA) airports across the country. Introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to procure and install Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT) technology at more than 90 smaller and rural airports under the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program. APRT uses automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from aircraft to present controllers with a real-time display of local airspace, offering significantly greater situational awareness over use of visual observations and radio calls to separate traffic, and greatly reduced installation and maintenance costs when compared to radar-integrated systems. “This off-the-shelf technology will have a huge and immediate impact at many contract tower facilities across the country that currently manage a significant amount of mixed operations without any digital assistance,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “APRT is critical to reducing risk and maintaining operational safety. We are pleased to see this important safety legislation introduced in the Senate and urge its swift passage.” FCTs currently operate at 265 airports across the country. If enacted, this NBAA-supported legislation would facilitate acquisition, installation and operating expenses for APRT at the FCT airports that currently lack Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or similar radar-integrated air traffic displays. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 called on Congress to direct the FAA to approve systems like APRT to improve operational situational awareness at FCTs. The agency approved the first APRT last summer, with several additional airports deploying APRT to positive effect in the time since. In addition to NBAA, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act is also endorsed by the Regional Airline Association; U.S. Contract Tower Association; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Airlines for America.
NBAA Welcomes Senate Confirmation of Ryan McCormack to Key DOT Post

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes the Senate’s confirmation of Ryan McCormack as the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) undersecretary with responsibility for policy. Ryan McCormack McCormack was confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 26. He has been serving as deputy chief of staff for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy since January 2025. “This is an important role at a critical time for DOT as the agency undertakes an historic modernization initiative, while continuing its core work to keep transportation safe and reliable,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We congratulate Mr. McCormack and look forward to working with him in his new role.” The DOT and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are working to build a brand-new air traffic control infrastructure in coordination with a coalition of about 60 industry stakeholder groups, called Modern Skies, of which NBAA is a founding member. McCormack came to DOT from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, after working on Capitol Hill as chief of staff to Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-5-WI). He was also legislative director for DOT Secretary Sean Duffy when he served in the House of Representatives.

International News

From Childhood Fascination to International Career: How Curiosity Powered an Aviation Dream

Algirdas Norušas turned his childhood fascination with airplanes into a leadership role overseeing the development of a new aircraft maintenance hub in Punta Cana. His journey, from training engineers and technicians to managing large projects, highlights how the aviation industry offers global career growth and values a people-first approach, with safety as the top priority. The aviation sector is experiencing major growth in regions once considered off the beaten track. In Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, a new aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub is taking shape, with Algirdas Norušas — who has nearly 15 years of industry experience across various roles — leading the project as part of a broader international team. From watching planes take off near his childhood home in Lithuania, Norušas followed his curiosity into a career spanning continents. Algirdas Norusas Today, he is guiding one of FL Technics’ most ambitious regional projects, building a full maintenance center from the ground up in the Caribbean. His journey illustrates that steady progression and practical skill-building in the industry benefit professionals, regardless of their origins. From curiosity to leadership at FL Technics Growing up near an airport in central Lithuania, Algirdas Norušas watched planes fly overhead every day and knew he wanted a career in aviation. His early interest in physics and mathematics, along with hours spent building and fixing gadgets, made engineering a natural choice for his studies. After graduating from Vilnius Tech Antanas Gustaitis’ Aviation Institute, he joined FL Technics, a global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, in an entry-level training role. He was given responsibility early, putting his skills to the test nearly from day one. What set Norušas apart early on was his strong interest in aviation rules and regulations. “From the first days, I was drawn to the details of regulations and requirements,” he says. “While some might find those topics dull, I read through them like other people read fiction. This gave me a broad understanding of how the entire aviation world operates.” Focusing on the regulatory side laid a solid foundation for his later leadership roles, teaching him about the connections between technical work and broader operational safety. Aviation mindset: careers that look beyond competition Aviation is an industry where working together comes before competing at any cost. Airlines and maintenance providers often operate as “competing colleagues,” sharing know-how and resources across company lines. “In aviation, the main goal is not to outrun each other but to keep flights operating safely,” he says. “We might compete for business, but we all share our processes, ideas, and troubleshoot together so everyone can do the job the right way.” There is broad discussion about the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence across every industry. Despite all the advances, Norušas believes the success of aviation still rests on people and their close attention to detail. “Every time I fly, whether for business or leisure, I always check the details of the aircraft I’m on: its make and model, engine variant, age, and previous flights. I even read about its former owners and general history. Safety is built on curiosity, discipline, and persistence. No technology can replace that human touch.” He notes that most safety incidents do not begin with a technical failure but with a human action or judgment. It’s a reminder that strength comes from the reliability of the systems and the people we work with every day. People-first approach anchors the future of aviation For Algirdas, travel and meeting people have kept him invested in aviation year after year. His career has taken him across five continents, from busy maintenance sites in Europe to small airports in Africa and the Caribbean. It is often the unlikely encounters that stick with him, like running into a stranger in Burkina Faso who turned out to share a friend in the aviation industry. “This is a small world. Everywhere you go, you come across people you know or have worked with before. That sense of connection, even thousands of miles from home, is what keeps me smiling and motivated.” Starting the project in Punta Cana blends that spirit with the challenge of trying something new. Building a maintenance facility from scratch in the Dominican Republic puts him face-to-face with new questions about local rules and ways of working, and it drives him each day. “Every country, every team brings me a new lesson,” he says. “It is exciting to take what I know and help shape something totally new here. I want the next person, maybe even a kid watching planes take off at Punta Cana, to see that a career in aviation can take you wherever you want to go.”
Mount Royal University in Canada expands its flight training capabilities with the ALSIM AL250 simulator

ALSIM proudly announces the addition of an AL250 simulator at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. This new addition strengthens the university’s commitment to delivering high-quality and immersive pilot training. The AL250 simulator addresses the initial phase of training needs (PPL, CPL, Instrument and Multi Engine ratings) and is a SEP/MEP reconfigurable simulator certified as an EASA FNPT II, FAA AATD and Transport Canada FTD Level 2 with IPC capability. In addition, it offers both analog and glass cockpits for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch. This device has been extremely well received since its creation, with more than 125 units installed and operating successfully worldwide. “The flight school at Mount Royal University covers a wide range of student training levels. We chose the AL250 simulator because it allows us to quickly and efficiently configure our simulators for each lesson without the need for complex hardware changes. We also value the enhanced realism of the seamless, full field of view in ALSIM simulators, which is vital to the student pilot experience” explains Ian Wallace, Chief Flight Instructor at Mount Royal University. Souleymane Sarré, Sales Manager at ALSIM, adds, “We are thrilled to extend our long-term partnership with Mount Royal University through the addition of the AL250, which will perfectly complement their existing ALSIM ALX. We’re proud to continue supporting MRU in fostering excellence and shaping the future of aviation training. A huge thank you to the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation at MRU for their renewed confidence in ALSIM solutions.”

Unmanned Systems

Everdrone Launches Next-Generation Medical Drone for Emergency Medical Transport

The Swedish company Everdrone is launching a new medical transport drone, E3. The drone is fully developed by Everdrone and features increased capacity to carry multiple types of medical equipment, significantly improving its performance compared to previous versions. “The new drone is faster, safer, and can carry heavier payloads. This will save lives,” says Mats READ MORE
FAA Radar Data Feed Activated in North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven announced last week the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site. Senator Hoeven (center) announces activation. The test site is the first non-federal entity READ MORE

Aviation Education

City of Riverside Partners with Education Institutions to Explore Job and Economic Growth Through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT)

The City of Riverside is working with two local school districts and several local colleges to explore ways to create additional jobs and long-term growth in the aviation, aerospace, and related technology sectors through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT). “This will ensure Riverside remains proactive, not reactive, about aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs,” READ MORE
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. Westmoore High School placed first among 12 teams at READ MORE

NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna Steps in as Industry Co-Chair of EAGLE Initiative

October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 Kim Stevens

Last week, the EAGLE (Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions) Initiative announced that NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna will serve as co-chair, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Executive Director of Aircraft Certification Services (AIR-1) Lirio Liu. Castagna is the second industry co-chair of the EAGLE Initiative–a collaborative effort between industry stakeholders and the FAA […]

Home for the Holidays: DOT is Working to Get You There

October 29, 2023October 29, 2023 Kim Stevens

As winter approaches, 47 airports in 23 states will be better prepared to keep airport operations running safely and smoothly. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded nearly $57.6 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for snowplows, de-icing equipment, and new or upgraded facilities to store this […]

Aeronautics Commission Hold Agency Naming Ceremony and 60th Anniversary Celebration

October 29, 2023October 29, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has announced a naming ceremony and 60th-anniversary celebration as they become the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. The event will take place on November 16th, 2023, at 2 p.m. on the Fourth Floor Rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol with a reception to follow. The agency will continue to provide […]

Out of this World Exhibition “Lands” at Phoenix Sky Harbor

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 Kim Stevens

A NASA space mission to a small, metallic ‘world’ captured the imagination of university students around the country. The mission’s destination, Psyche, is an asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter that may offer a unique window into Earth’s core. Psyche appears to consist of exposed nickel-iron core material of an early building block of a […]

Wisk Expands AAM Leadership in Los Angeles

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 Kim Stevens

Wisk Aero has expanded its leadership in Los Angeles and the AAM industry with the region’s first public air taxi flights and discussions with local and city officials. In October, Wisk became the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi company to fly in the greater Los Angeles Area with the launch of […]

The National Aviation Hall of Fame Announces the “Class of 2024”

October 22, 2023October 22, 2023 Kim Stevens

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has revealed the exceptional individuals chosen for induction in the prestigious Class of 2024. This illustrious Annual Enshrinement event is set to take place in the fall of 2024. Founded in 1962, the NAHF has been a symbol of excellence in aviation and space exploration. With 262 distinguished […]

NASAO, Other Associations Applaud Swift Committee Action on FAA Nominee

October 21, 2023October 23, 2023 Kim Stevens

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) was among the associations applauding the swift action recently by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in advancing the nomination of Michael Whitaker to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nomination will now move to the Senate floor for a vote […]

Northern Colorado Regional Airport Remote Tower Project Paused – Controlled Airspace to Continue

October 21, 2023October 21, 2023 Kim Stevens

Since 2015, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics (State), the Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been collaborating on an innovative effort to bring remote air traffic control tower technology to FNL and Colorado. This technology uses video cameras and other sensing technologies to emulate the […]

Aviation Stakeholders’ Response to EPA Endangerment Finding on Leaded Avgas

October 21, 2023October 21, 2023 Kim Stevens

A coalition of aviation stakeholder organizations, including the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), issued the following joint statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment finding on lead in aviation gasoline (avgas) issued on October 18: “We are working with the Administration toward the ultimate elimination of lead from avgas, and this […]

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Partners with MyGoFlight | Flight Flix to Enhance Safety in Aviation

October 21, 2023October 21, 2023 Kim Stevens

NAFI, the National Association of Flight Instructors, announced its official partnership with MyGoFlight| Flight Flix, a premium designer and manufacturer of aviator flight gear. This strategic collaboration aims to elevate safety standards within the aviation industry and provide flight instructors and pilots with innovative tools and equipment to enhance their overall flight experience. The Flight […]

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition