State Aviation Journal

Bristell B23 Receives FAA Type Certification
BRM AERO, manufacturer of Bristell Aircraft, has announced that the two-seat Bristell B23 has received Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 23 regulations, marking the first certified variant in the company’s B23 series and opening new opportunities in the rapidly expanding U.S. pilot training market. The certification addresses critical industry needs […]
FAA Grants Self-Examining Authority to Epic Flight Academy
Photo – Logan Dochtermann (left) became Epic’s first in-house pass when he earned his instrument rating in August 2025. He is pictured with his instructor, Breyton Jackson. The FAA has granted Epic Flight Academy self-examining authority to conduct in-house checkrides, a privilege that provides benefits to both the school and the students. Shane Williams, Director […]
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, […]

State News

Kent State University Receives Federal Grant for Airport Improvements

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Kent State University $4,106,553 for upgrades to its airport, including the reconstruction of 1,500 square yards of the existing Compass Calibration Pad Apron pavement and 3,700 feet of existing paved Taxiway A pavement. The grant funds the final phase of these projects. The airport is the longest-surviving public-use airport in Ohio and celebrated its centennial in 2020. U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) provided a letter in support to help bolster the grant application. “The Kent State University Airport plays a pivotal role in our community, ensuring that the next generation of aviators can receive the best education, right here in Northeast Ohio. These funds will help ensure that we are continuously repairing and making upgrades to the airport, so it can serve generations to come,” said Rep. Sykes. “Kent State University is grateful for this investment in our airport and in Ohio’s largest collegiate flight training program. The reconstruction of the Compass Calibration Pad Apron will ensure that our students and faculty continue to train in a safe, modern environment while preparing the next generation of professional pilots. Since the 1960s, Kent State has been advancing aviation education and meeting Ohio’s workforce needs, and today we proudly offer seven professional pilot pathway programs that connect students directly to careers,” said Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., Dean, Kent State University College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
South Grand Lake Regional Airport Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Terminal, Hangar, and Taxiway

Photo – Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, led the groundbreaking ceremony for upgrades at the South Grand Lake Regional Airport in northeastern Oklahoma. The improvements include a new terminal, a hangar, and a parallel taxiway. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and South Grand Lake Regional Airport (SGLRA) celebrated the next steps for several much-anticipated improvement projects with a recent groundbreaking ceremony. On the slate for upgrades at the northeastern Oklahoma airport are a new terminal, a hangar, and a parallel taxiway. South Grand Lake Regional Airport Board Members (left to right): Bob Sullivan, Board Secretary; Jimmy Kuykendall, Vice Chair; Preston Kelley; Mike Vaughn; Derrick Schimdt; Brent Howard, Chairman Emeritus; Dave Wolfard, Treasurer; Jim Brown, Chairman. Members not pictured are John Nail and Gary Wilkins. SGLRA’s improvements are part of a multi-phase effort over the next five years to upgrade the Craig County-based airport. The projects are programmed and funded by the ODAA Airport Construction Program (ACP), a five-year revolving program plan that has been a long-standing practice of the agency, but was codified in state law during the 2025 legislative session. The purpose of the evolving ACP is to enhance air transportation project planning for the state, the FAA, and airport sponsors. This programming process aims to anticipate airport funding needs and schedules through multi-year planning. This is the process by which the department fulfills its mandate to create a system of airports that meets the business, transportation, and commercial needs of communities across the state. The cost for all three projects totals about $12.3 million. The construction of the terminal and hangar will cost just over $6 million and will be primarily funded by legislatively directed funds through ODAA. The taxiway project is planned to cost about $6.3 million, with the majority being funded with $6 million from the FAA, and about $314,000 in matching funds being split between ODAA and the local airport sponsor.

National News

NBAA Announces Promotion of Aviator, NAS Expert Heidi Williams to Association Vice President

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has named Heidi Williams vice president, air traffic services and infrastructure, expanding her role in overseeing the association’s policies and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), state and local officials. Heidi Williams “Heidi has been instrumental in advocating for business aviation at the highest levels of government, helping to ensure that our members retain equitable access to airports and airspace across the National Airspace System (NAS),” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Her technical expertise and experience in air traffic system operations has helped ensure that business aviation is well understood by regulators and other policymakers.” Williams and other NBAA Air Traffic Services staff represent business aircraft operators on the floor of the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), a coordination hub from which government and industry collaborate on a daily basis regarding aviation system management and decision-making. Other industry segments represented at the center include the passenger, cargo, low-cost and international carriers. Williams also leads the association’s emerging technologies initiatives and airspace and air traffic modernization efforts, including notice to airmen (NOTAM) modernization. She recently served as the industry chair on the NOTAMs Task Force. Prior to joining NBAA in 2016 as director, air traffic services, Williams held roles at Lockheed Martin and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). A 25-year veteran of the aviation industry, Williams is a commercial pilot and flight instructor. She received her bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Justin Wortman Joins RS&H to Support Firm’s National Aviation Architecture Services

Employee-owned, national architecture, engineering and consulting firm RS&H welcomes Justin Wortman as an Associate Vice President, Senior Project Director, Aviation. With two decades of experience leading large-scale airport programs, Wortman will help further strengthen RS&H’s ability to deliver transformative solutions for aviation clients nationwide. His expertise spans planning, design management and program leadership for major projects at airports across the country, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Wortman’s knowledge and skills have supported clients on large-scale efforts such as the LAX Delta Sky Way program and program design for the development of LAX Terminal 9. Justin Wortman Known for his data-driven approach and collaborative leadership, Wortman has worked closely with airport authorities and airline stakeholders to enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and deliver high-value programs. His ability to synthesize complex problems and distill the options into a series of well-defined scenarios empowers clients to make quick decisions with confidence. “Justin is a great addition to our growing team,” said Dennis Iskra, CM, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President and Senior Principal Architect at RS&H. “His incredible passion and experience in the aviation industry are a great addition to the RS&H team and will be instrumental in delivering integrated solutions to our clients. We are incredibly excited to have him join during such a pivotal time in our company’s growth.” “I am excited to join such a dynamic team capable of supporting the full spectrum of planning, design, and construction management services at airports across the country,” said Wortman. Wortman received his Bachelor’s of Environmental Design in architecture from North Carolina State University and his Master’s of architecture from the University of Southern California.

International News

GAMA Second Quarter Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report Shows Increase in Overall Value

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the Second Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first six months of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, show increased shipments in the business jet and piston airplane sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments. Aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 5.1% with 810 units, turboprops decrease 4.3% with 268 airplanes, and business jets increase 9.9% with 354 airplanes. The value of airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2025 was $12.3 billion, an increase of 9.9%. Helicopter shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston helicopters decrease by one unit to 106, and turbine helicopters decrease 2.3% with 302 units. The value of civil-commercial helicopter deliveries was $2.0 billion. Six Month Aircraft Shipment & Billing Aircraft Type20242025% ChangePiston Airplanes771810+5.1%Turboprops280268-4.3%Business Jets322354+9.9%Total Airplanes1,3731,432+4.3%Total Airplane Billings$11.2B12.3B+9.9%Piston Helicopters107106-0.9%Turbine Helicopters309302-2.3%Total Helicopters416408-1.9%Total Helicopter Billings$1.7B$2.0B+20.3% GAMA’s complete 2025 second quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
Bristell B23 Receives FAA Type Certification

BRM AERO, manufacturer of Bristell Aircraft, has announced that the two-seat Bristell B23 has received Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 23 regulations, marking the first certified variant in the company’s B23 series and opening new opportunities in the rapidly expanding U.S. pilot training market. The certification addresses critical industry needs as flight schools struggle with aging fleets and rising costs amid unprecedented pilot demand. The B23 platform already holds EASA CS-23 certification in Europe, where over 1,100 Bristell aircraft have been delivered since 2009, establishing proven performance in commercial training operations. Nearly 100 Bristell aircraft are already operating in the United States today, popular among both flight schools and private pilots for cross-country flying, providing a foundation of real-world experience for the company’s certified aircraft expansion. Strategic Market Entry “This first FAA certification enables us to address the pilot shortage crisis with modern training solutions,” said Martin Bříštěla, CEO and Co-founder of Bristell Aircraft. “Flight schools need alternatives to aging fleets with 40-year-old designs. Additional B23 variants will follow this initial certification as we expand our certified portfolio.” B23 Interior The company plans to grow its North American dealer network by 50% within 18 months while pursuing certification for the complete B23 lineup, including Rotax 912iS, 915iS, 916iS, and IFR variants, providing comprehensive solutions for diverse aviation needs from basic training to advanced cross-country flying. Modern Training Economics The certified B23 delivers compelling economics with its 100 HP Rotax 912S3 engine featuring 2,000-hour TBO intervals and 4.5 gallons per hour fuel consumption, certified for both 100LL AVGAS and unleaded automotive fuel. “Training organizations save up to 35% on operational costs compared to traditional alternatives,” said David Copeland, Vice President of Sales. “For private pilots, the 700-nautical-mile range and spacious cockpit make it ideal for comfortable cross-country adventures, while the BRS parachute system provides an additional layer of safety that gives both pilots and passengers peace of mind.” Bristell Manufacturing Facility Czech Republic Advanced safety features include all-metal construction with rigid cockpit design. Key specifications: 1,654 lbs MTOW, 662 lbs useful load, and the widest cockpit in class at 51 inches for enhanced pilot comfort during extended flights. Market Availability Deliveries of the FAA-certified B23-912 begin Q4 2025 through Bristell’s North American dealer network. Sales inquiries and customer support available 24/7 worldwide through Bristell Direct at +1-316-215-8651.

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

ATP Flight School Begins Training First Class of American Airlines Cadet Academy Students

ATP Flight School began training its inaugural class of four American Airlines cadets at its Charlotte-Concord training center. This milestone marks the first group of cadets to enroll in the American Airlines Cadet Academy pathway through ATP, following ATP’s selection as an official partner school earlier this year. ATP Flight School welcomed its inaugural class READ MORE
Legacy Flight Training Celebrates 15 Years in Vero Beach and 10 Years in Scottsdale

Legacy Flight Training marks two major milestones in 2025: 15 years of operations at its headquarters at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida (KVRB), and 10 years at its Scottsdale, Arizona (KSDL) training center. The anniversaries highlight the company’s role as the trusted provider of professional, standardized training for Piper PA-46 pilots worldwide. From the READ MORE

Cirrus Aircraft Earns ANAC Approval in Brazil for Vision Jet’s Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland System

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023 Kim Stevens

Cirrus Aircraft, in collaboration with Garmin International, Inc., announced that its Vision Jet Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system has received type certificate approval from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil. Safe Return Emergency Autoland is a revolutionary system, enabled by Garmin’s Collier award-winning autoland technology, that allows passengers to autonomously land the Vision […]

Check Out the Latest Aviation Trends in Iowa

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Iowa Department of Transportation provided an update on aviation trends in the state at the recent Iowa Aviation Conference. The analysis concluded aviation is healthy and that there are positive things happening. See Informational Slides

Cassandra Bosco: Trailblazing Industry Leader

April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Over her 35+-year career, Cassandra Bosco has experienced many opportunities to enjoy the spirit of flight. Here Cassandra flies in the Goodyear Blimp relishing the view from the right seat. (Courtesy photograph).Â Â by Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D. Harken back to the late 1980s when Cheers (Where everybody knows your name) and […]

Horizon Aircraft Completes Wind Tunnel Transition Flight Testing

April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 Kim Stevens

Horizon Aircraft announced that it has successfully completed initial transition flight testing of its “Cavorite X5” 50% scale eVTOL prototype in the world class ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel. “Aircraft performance exceeded our expectation,” said Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft. “We explored forward speeds of up to almost 100 km/h, measuring aerodynamic forces, control authority, […]

Massachusetts Awarded $4 Million in U.S. DOT SMART Grants

April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced it has received $4 million total from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program. The money will support the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Aeronautics and Rail and Transit Division’s clean energy grid and climate-related initiatives. The MassDOT Aeronautics Division received a […]

James Webb Space Telescope Team Earns the 2022 Robert J. Collier Trophy

April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that the James Webb Space Telescope Team has earned the 2022 Robert J. Collier Award. “The James Webb Space Telescope is one of the greatest achievements in aerospace history. In a matter of months, Webb has changed our understanding of the universe, and many more discoveries lie ahead,” […]

‘Airports Leading the Way In Economic Development,’ Theme of NCAA Annual Conference in Pinehurst

April 10, 2023April 11, 2023 Kim Stevens

By Scotty Malta The beautiful Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC was the venue of the 2023 annual North Carolina Airports Association (NCAA) Conference. The sold-out event with 473 delegates, 41 exhibitors, and 56 sponsors was themed “Airports – Leading the Way in Economic Development”. The conference committee, led by Conference Chair Edwin (Eddie) H. Madden, […]

Base Operations at Page Field Voted Among the Best FBOs in the Americas

April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 Kim Stevens

Base Operations at Page Field has been ranked in the top 10 percent of fixed-base operators in an international survey conducted by Aviation International News (AIN). This is the 11th consecutive year Base Operations at Page Field has been named a top fixed-base operator by AIN. Base Operations ranked first in the Fort Myers/Naples area, […]

Tucson Airport Authority Hires Kim Allison as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

April 8, 2023April 8, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) is proud to announce the hiring of Kim Allison as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As Vice President, Allison will join the TAA’s Executive Team in leading the oversight and administration of Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN). In her role as CFO, Allison will oversee […]

Inaugural Oklahoma Student Pilot Day Held in Tulsa

April 8, 2023April 8, 2023 Kim Stevens

At the American Airlines Hangar 80 situated at Tulsa International Airport, over 400 aviation students and educators made the journey to attend the first-ever Oklahoma Student Pilot Day on April 6. Students gathered at the event presented by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in partnership with American Airlines, Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Oklahoma Air […]

Bristell B23 Receives FAA Type Certification

FAA Grants Self-Examining Authority to Epic Flight Academy

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

“Yellow Rose” Stops at Centennial