State Aviation Journal

Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8
International Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse ceremonially retired its Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft and dedicate its new Boeing 767 at its Airlift Response Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event marks a new era for the ministry’s global aviation operations and advances its ability to help suffering families around the world in Jesus’ Name. For […]
CubCrafters Announces New Dealer for Mid-Atlantic Region
CubCrafters has announced that Ray and Melisa Fowler of Adventure Flying LLC have joined the company’s elite team of Certified Sales Centers (CSC) as representatives for the MidAtlantic region. Ray and Melisa will manage new, used, and kit aircraft sales across six Mid-Atlantic states: Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Ray […]
Oklahoma State University’s Flying Aggies Defend Regional Title
The Oklahoma State University Flying Aggies flight team flew back into town as regional champions for the second year in a row after competing in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Region 4 SAFECON championship. The OSU flight team came out on top — earning 631 points during the four-day competition, which took place Oct. 13-17 […]
KlasJet Employee Breaks Three National Records in Single High-Altitude Jump
Aleksej Zelenkov, a duty manager at KlasJet, has broken three Lithuanian skydiving records in a single jump from 7,620 meters during a specialized high-altitude event in Herning, Denmark this August. The achievement included setting new Lithuanian records for the highest skydive, longest canopy flight duration at approximately 13 minutes, and the highest altitude display of […]

State News

Amid Shutdown, North Dakota’s Air Travel Kept Soaring

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its monthly airline passenger report for the state’s eight commercial service airports. In October 2025, North Dakota’s airports recorded 116,294 passenger boardings, setting a new all-time high for the month of October. This surpasses the previous record of 112,273 boardings set in 2024—a 4% year-over-year increase, representing more than 4,000 additional travelers. Seven of the state’s eight commercial service airports also reported growth compared to October 2024, contributing to North Dakota’s eighteenth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger traffic. The state also remains on pace to finish 2025 with its highest-ever annual passenger total. Federal Shutdown Impacts: The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1st, had minimal impact on North Dakota’s airports during the month of October. Of the nearly 1,800 scheduled airline departures statewide, only one flight was canceled during the entire month. Direct impacts to North Dakota airports began to emerge on November 7th, when the FAA announced that 40 airports nationwide could experience temporary capacity reductions of up to 10% due to air traffic controller staffing constraints. This has recently resulted in some delays and cancellations across North Dakota’s airports, with the full impact to be reported in next month’s passenger boarding release. The 43-day shutdown ended on November 12th, allowing the FAA to scale back these reductions to approximately 6% as airspace operations at affected airports are gradually restored. Some residual delays and cancellations may still occur in the week ahead as the federal workforce fully resumes operations. Travelers can take comfort knowing that air travel operations are expected to return to full capacity before the Thanksgiving travel period begins. As operations return to normal, Passengers are also encouraged to continue monitoring airline updates for any schedule changes or potential impacts to their flights. “In the spirit of gratitude, I want to thank all of our federal employees – including TSA staff and air traffic controllers – who continued to provide essential services throughout this challenging time period,” said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Air travel remains one of the safest and most reliable forms of transportation, and we look forward to operations returning to full capacity in the coming days.” Individual Airport October Passenger Records: Fargo – Hector International Airport set a new October record with 50,846 boardings, surpassing the previous high of 48,627 set in October 2024. This also marks Fargo’s nineteenth consecutive month of all-time monthly highs. Devils Lake Regional Airport reached a new October record with 988 boardings, exceeding the prior October record of 785 in 2024. View the October Airline Boarding Report October 2025 Statewide Airline Passenger Statistics Total Airline Passenger Boardings: 116,294 Available Airline Departure Seats: 142,775 Average Aircraft Load Factor: 82% Number of Successful Airline Departure Flights: 1,792 Number of Airline Departure Flight Cancellations: 1 Airline Departure Flight Cancellation Rate: 0.1%
Civil Air Patrol in New Jersey Offers Fun and Challenging Opportunities on the Ground and in the Air

By Col. Amy Myzie, Commander, New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol Col. Amy Myzie In a time when meaningful extracurricular opportunities for youth seem harder to find, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offers something truly special: a program that is educational, challenging, and fun—and that can open doors to careers in aviation, leadership, science, and service. As the commander of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our cadet program has changed hundreds of young lives.. What I’m most proud of is how we help shape future leaders, and how they are positioned to give back to their communities here in New Jersey, and our nation. . Through structured training, mentorship and unique experiences, our cadets—ages 12 to 18 years—develop confidence, resilience and direction that stays with them for life. Interests in aviation and aerospace are valuable, but not as much as a sense of patriotism, ambition, and service. The Civil Air Patrol, the all-volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force Total Force New Jersey Wing, has approximately 1000 cadet members and almost 700 senior members statewide. The Wing uses seven fuel efficient Cessna aircraft varied support vehicles, and an expanding inventory of high-technology communications and computer hardware to accomplish our missions. These include search and rescue and disaster relief missions, and other support, for many local and Federal agencies — e.g., the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Air Force, New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Air National Guard—and others. CAP’s service to New Jersey communities, as well as the nation at large, this past year reflects our capabilities and training both in the air and on the ground. In 2024, the Wing flew 494 CAP, Air Force ROTC, and Junior ROTC cadet orientation flights. Cadet orientation flights are a novel – and popular– benefit for our young volunteers, where they are introduced to piloting both powered aircraft and gliders under close supervision of certified flight instructors and CAP mentors. Three New Jersey Wing cadets recently traveled to the southern tip of Texas to participate in Civil Air Patrol’s inaugural, and selective, Space & Rocketry National Cadet Special Activity, an intensive five-day aerospace and rocketry immersion program held in Brownsville. The program combined CAP’s aerospace education curriculum with hands-on rocketry engineering, STEM instruction, and military-style leadership training. The cadets built and launched model rockets, took part in flight dynamics exercises and mission simulations, and toured advanced aerospace facilities including an air traffic control tower and National Weather Station. Cadets learned principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, and orbital mechanics—all while sharpening decision-making and teamwork under real-world pressure scenarios Also in 2024, the Wing’s hours of volunteer services to the State and nation were estimated at $6,770,769. Previously, the Wing had been recognized with the Governor’s Jefferson Award – “the Pulitzer Prize of volunteerism” – for community service in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Civil Air Patrol offers numerous programs in fulfillment of its Aerospace Education mission. This includes STEM kits, the K-6th grade Aerospace Connections in Education program, Aerospace Education Excellence curriculum, teacher orientation flights (in CAP aircraft), and more. Nationwide, CAP attracts more than 32,000 youth ages 12-20 years and provides intensive activities in leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character development. Thousands of cadets to are introduced to cyber defense careers through CyberPatriot, the Air and Space Forces Association’s National Youth Cyber Security Competition. CAP cadets can also be inspired to enroll in the nation’s service academies. There are also numerous opportunities to compete for scholarships in f light and academic institutions, furthering professional STEM careers and enhancing the nation’s future workforce. Our cadets don’t just learn to lead—they live it. Whether it’s launching rockets and unmanned aerial systems, flying simulators, or navigating search-and-rescue missions, cadets discover how thrilling learning can be when it’s hands-on and connected to real-world missions. CAP cadets receive orientation flights in powered aircraft as part of their core aerospace curriculum. New Jersey Wing, in partnership with Ocean County Municipal Airport (MJIX) in Bayville, NJ, recently hosted the Falcon Flight Academy which offered cadets from New Jersey and across the nation immersive flight training under the instruction of FAA-certified flight instructors and experienced CAP support staff. Falcon Flight Academy is part of Civil Air Patrol’s mission to provide cadets with aerospace education, leadership training, and opportunities to pursue careers in aviation. The Civil Air Patrol is not a newcomer. In fact, CAP will celebrate its 85th birthday in 2026—and it all started right here in New Jersey. In the early days of World War II, the military was short on manpower. Civilian pilots stepped up, answering the call to protect the Atlantic and Gulf coastlines from enemy submarines. It was at Bader Field in Atlantic City that the first CAP coastal patrol mission was launched. From 1942 to 1943, these volunteers flew a staggering 244,600 hours in privately owned aircraft, protecting our shores and supporting our military efforts. CAP was formally founded on December 1, 1941—just one week before the attack on Pearl Harbor—and has served as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force ever since. More than ever, CAP is a vital resource for our nation and New Jersey. With more than 1,700 members across 24 squadrons in New Jersey, we are proud to say there’s at least one squadron in every county—and probably one within a short drive of your home. Our missions are diverse, but all share a focus on service. Nationally, CAP performs 90 percent of inland search-and-rescue operations as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. We conduct aerial reconnaissance for homeland security, disaster relief photography, and emergency services in support of federal, state and local agencies. Our trained members transport life-saving medical supplies and time-sensitive materials when commercial transport is not an option. And our teams are often among the first to respond after hurricanes, floods and wildfires. One of the most exciting opportunities we offer youth is an actual flight in a Civil Air Patrol READ MORE

National News

Former Idaho State Aviation Director Remains Active in Aviation

Photo – Mike teaching his son Sam to fly. Mike Pape, former Aviation Director for the State of Idaho, continues to stay engaged in the aviation industry. Since leaving state service Mike has stayed busy in the private sector, mostly in Part 135 management. “I’m currently working as the Director of Operations with Jetstream Aviation in Boise,” said Pape. “I also stay active as a flight instructor, an officer with our local Commemorative Air Force Wing, and building my consulting business coaching young professional pilots.” Mike Pape When asked about attracting and maintaining a talented workforce, Pape responded, “That’s an interesting question and an honest challenge. My last 15 years of aviation management have been full of hiring, training, mentoring young professionals and if there is one comment my colleagues and I repeat it’s – hard to get and keep good people.” Pape says we can make excuses that aviation is expensive to get into or there are always better opportunities elsewhere, or turnover is just a price to pay, etc., “but I believe attracting and retaining talent comes down to genuine, well-trained leadership.” Simon Sinek preaches that successful leaders focus not on being in a position of authority, but on the well-being of those in one’s charge. The most effective leaders are empethetic, courageous and focused on creating a culture of trust and safety. Those we seek to hire and retain are human beings, not robots. Aviation leaders (often left-brain pilots and mechanics) need to develop proper EQ (emotional quotient) so as to lead, coach and motivate. Employees don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses. For Pape, who also teaches skiing and fly casting, the most enjoyable and gratifying thing he does in aviation is building a new generation of professional pilots. “If you asked me that 30 years ago my answer would be flying some specific airplane or time in some exotic destination. Now, after 40+ years in the business, there is nothing like inheriting a young, ambitious flight instructor and coaching them into becoming a mature, effective crewmember so they have the chance to build their own exciting career. That gets me going every day!” Mike and his Safety Mentor, Robert Sumwalt. Pape, in the last year has received his 6th type rating, crossed the Atlantic, attained his Safety Manager’s certificate, got three of his copilots good jobs, and barrel rolled a T-6! What’s missing? Alaska. “I have a dream to be a pilot/fly fishing guide in Southeast Alaska. When the question of retirement comes up, don’t look for Pape to slow down. “There were just too many people who went out on a limb for me so I could enjoy a fun, challenging, and exciting aviation career, so as long as I’m breathing, I’m at the airport.” Pape served as Administrator for the Idaho Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics from 2007 until 2019.
AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Celebrates 75 Years of Making Aviation Safer

Seventy-five years ago on November 10, 1950, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) began life as the AOPA Foundation. Over the decades, it has gone through several incarnations, but its mission has remained the same: to help pilots make better decisions and to bring down the general aviation accident rate. ASI is now the largest provider of free general aviation safety content in the world and is supported by the AOPA Foundation and individual donors. Its data analysis and research reports are among the most comprehensive and widely used in the industry, and its engaging and insightful educational materials—including the signature video series “Early Analysis,” “Real Pilot Stories,” and “Accident Case Studies”—attract millions of views each year. In addition, ASI’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course helps thousands of flight instructors renew their certificates each year, and provides innovative, safety-critical course modules that promote a strong safety culture among the flight instruction industry. “Since 1950, ASI has made a name for itself as a leading source of aviation safety information and analysis,” AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance said. “Since then, the general aviation accident rate has dropped to its lowest level ever.” The general aviation fatal accident rate has declined more than 80 percent—from 4 per 100,000 hours flown in 1950 to 0.77 per 100,000 hours flown in 2022, the last year for which full data is available. “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects better technology—both inside and outside the cockpit—improved training, and a stronger safety culture built by organizations like ASI,” Pleasance said. “I’m proud of the ASI team for continuing to produce high-quality content from which pilots can learn. Aviation is currently under a microscope, and ASI has a long tradition and legacy of offering pilots opportunities to improve their knowledge and sharpen their skills. That ongoing work is more important than ever.” Pilots can explore ASI’s full library of safety courses, videos, and reports at airsafetyinstitute.org.

International News

Ireland’s Business Aviation Association Joins CLIMBING. FAST., Expanding Campaign’s International Reach

The CLIMBING. FAST. campaign welcomed the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) as a new partner in the continuing effort to communicate business aviation’s significant economic and societal benefits, track record of innovation and continued progress on sustainability. The partnership was announced during IBGAA’s 2025 International Business Aviation Conference being held in Kildare, Ireland. CLIMBING. FAST. is an advocacy and education campaign aimed at informing policymakers and opinion leaders about the essential contributions of business aviation, including the industry’s role in creating jobs, supporting economic development, connecting communities, advancing humanitarian missions, empowering businesses to succeed and driving sustainable aviation through innovation on the ground and in the air. IBGAA is the 16th organization to join CLIMBING. FAST., and the latest international association to do so. The British Business and General Aviation Association joined in May. The Canadian Business Aviation Association and the European Business Aviation Association became part of the coalition last year. The addition of IBGAA will enhance CLIMBING. FAST.’s international collaboration on regulatory issues and outreach to stakeholders. IBGAA was founded in 2020 and said it looks forward to contributing to the campaign. “We are excited to join CLIMBING. FAST. as partners,” said IBGAA Founding Chairman Josh Stewart. “It is critical that we work together with one global voice to make clear business aviation’s leadership in sustainability, and as a key driver of economic growth and investment, here in Ireland and around the globe.” “NBAA is delighted that IBGAA is joining us as a CLIMBING. FAST. partner as we collectively work to share the value and critical role of business aviation – now and in the future,” said National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. CLIMBING. FAST. partners also include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Aircraft Electronics Association, Alpha Eta Rho Aviation Fraternity, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, International Aircraft Dealers Association, International Business Aviation Council, National Aircraft Finance Association, National Air Transportation Association, Vertical Aviation International and Women in Corporate Aviation.
Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8

International Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse ceremonially retired its Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft and dedicate its new Boeing 767 at its Airlift Response Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event marks a new era for the ministry’s global aviation operations and advances its ability to help suffering families around the world in Jesus’ Name. Photos courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse For more than a decade, the Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 served as the organization’s primary heavy-lift aircraft—airlifting more than 9.2 million pounds of life-saving cargo on 217 missions worldwide. First acquired in 2015, the aircraft became an indispensable tool for delivering emergency supplies to people suffering after natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises. It is now the last U.S. registered DC-8 still flying. Now, that legacy continues with the newly commissioned Boeing 767—a modern cargo aircraft that expands the ministry’s capacity to respond rapidly and efficiently wherever disaster strikes. “Aviation is an incredible tool for Samaritan’s Purse. Every one of our cargo planes says ‘Helping in Jesus’ Name’ right across the nose of the aircraft. After a disaster strikes, we want people to know why we are bringing life-saving supplies. We want them to know that God loves them and they’re not forgotten,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “God has used this DC-8 cargo plane to impact hundreds of thousands of lives—and He is using it right up to the very end of its service life. As we retire the DC-8, we are grateful to God for the 767 taking its place. It will allow us to transport far more supplies—faster and more effectively—and will continue the work of bringing the hope of the Gospel to people around the world.” The 767 completed its inaugural mission on Oct. 24, carrying more than 290,000 packets of supplementary food for suffering women and children in Gaza, along with blankets, solar lights, and other critical relief items. Just weeks later, the aircraft was deployed again—this time to Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever to strike the island. To date, Samaritan’s Purse has completed seven airlifts to Jamaica, utilizing its DC-8, 767 and 757. One of the 767 airlifts carried the organization’s Emergency Field Hospital equipped with an operating room, intensive care unit, emergency room, obstetric ward, laboratory, pharmacy, and blood bank. This flight to Jamaica marked the first time, Samaritan’s Purse transported a large Emergency Field Hospital on a single flight. Previously, such a deployment required multiple airlifts, but the 767’s size and range made it possible. Samaritan’s Purse Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft was ceremonially retired. Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse.

Unmanned Systems

Drones Transport Medical Supplies to Healthcare Station in Helsinki

Helsinki is currently exploring how drones could assist with transport during exceptional circumstances. The flights in November will cover a distance of around seven kilometers and will be flown several times per weekday. In early November, the City of Helsinki is piloting drone transports for healthcare supplies on an approximately seven-kilometer route from Kyläsaari to READ MORE
Oklahoma High Schoolers Compete in First Annual Drone Search and Rescue Championship

Thirty Oklahoma high school teams showcased their drone-powered search and rescue skills at the inaugural “Fly Forward: Search and Rescue State Championship” on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Lake Carl Blackwell in Stillwater. The day-long event was hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education READ MORE

Aviation Education

Civil Air Patrol in New Jersey Offers Fun and Challenging Opportunities on the Ground and in the Air

By Col. Amy Myzie, Commander, New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol Col. Amy Myzie In a time when meaningful extracurricular opportunities for youth seem harder to find, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offers something truly special: a program that is educational, challenging, and fun—and that can open doors to careers in aviation, leadership, science, and READ MORE
Oklahoma State University’s Flying Aggies Defend Regional Title

The Oklahoma State University Flying Aggies flight team flew back into town as regional champions for the second year in a row after competing in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Region 4 SAFECON championship. The OSU flight team came out on top — earning 631 points during the four-day competition, which took place Oct. 13-17 READ MORE

Celebrating 20 Years of the Airport Cooperative Research Program

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 Kim Stevens

The airport industry relies upon unbiased research to address today’s evolving challenges. Established in 2005, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) serves as a trusted partner to airport professionals nationwide, offering free research-based solutions, including case studies, guidance and tools for the airport industry. This year ACRP is celebrating its 20th anniversary, recognizing the partnerships, […]

Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware September 27th

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 Kim Stevens

Aviation Influence (AVi) has announced that Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware. Hosted by Atlantic Aviation and supported by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the event will take place Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Wilmington Airport (ILG). This free, family-friendly youth aviation and STEAM event expects over 1,200 attendees. “We are proud to […]

Young, Aspiring Aviators Now Receive Support Through EAA’s Young Eagles Connect Portal

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 Kim Stevens

Young people who are pursuing an interest in flight through the EAA Young Eagles program now have additional free support as they learn, thanks to the Young Eagles Connect portal that connects them with mentors who can offer encouragement and guidance. The support is available to all EAA Young Eagles who enroll in the complimentary […]

First Dreamliner with Lufthansa Allegris Lands in Frankfurt

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Receives Approval for $55 Million of Aviation Infrastructure Projects, Sets $2 Million Framework for Aerospace Education Funding

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 Kim Stevens

Several of Oklahoma’s general aviation airports will see important safety and infrastructure updates after the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ (ODAA) August 21st meeting where Aerospace and Aeronautics Commissioners approved 18 projects across the state. In addition, Commissioners approved the aerospace education funding framework which staff will utilize throughout the next fiscal year. Notable […]

The Rush to Discontinue the Use of Leaded Aviation Fuel Thwarted by the Court and the FAA

August 31, 2025August 31, 2025 saj_admin

By Ronnie R. Gipson Jr. In the first six months of 2025, two significant legal decisions occurred which signal that opponents to the use of leaded aviation fuel must throttle back on their attempts to prematurely eliminate the use of leaded aviation fuel. The first significant decision was the Federal Aviation Administration’s March 24, 2025 […]

New Amelia Earhart Terminal Opens at Purdue University Airport

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo above – The Purdue University Fire Department provides a water cannon salute Friday (Aug. 8) as a plane taxis at a ceremony marking the opening of the new Amelia Earhart Terminal at the Purdue University Airport. (Purdue University photo/Kelsey Lefever) History took flight August 8th with a special ceremony marking the opening of the […]

Future of South Carolina Aviation on the Rise

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Gary Siegfried, Executive Director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. Aviation is having a tremendous impact on the state of South Carolina. Events such as Aviation Week bring together airports, industry leaders, educators, and public officials to highlight the value of aviation to communities throughout the state, and the South Carolina Aeronautics […]

Thrust Flight Launches Phoenix Flight School Amid Soaring Demand for Airline Pilots

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025 Kim Stevens

Thrust Flight has officially opened its newest flight school at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, responding to a surge in demand for professional pilots across the Southwest. Marking its fourth location and first outside of Texas, Thrust Flight is expanding its proven model of accelerated, professional pilot training into one of the most aviation-friendly […]

Aims Celebrates New Aircraft Maintenance Training Center

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8

CubCrafters Announces New Dealer for Mid-Atlantic Region

Oklahoma State University’s Flying Aggies Defend Regional Title

KlasJet Employee Breaks Three National Records in Single High-Altitude Jump