State Aviation Journal – Page 2 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Dassault Aviation Unveils New Top of the Line Falcon 10X
In a dramatic unveiling before more than 400 customers, partners and aviation leaders gathered in a new production hall in Bordeaux-Mérignac, Dassault Aviation rolled out the Falcon 10X—its most ambitious business jet ever. As the drape lifted at 8:00 p.m. CET, the aircraft emerged as a bold new benchmark for the future of long-range business […]
Signature Aviation Debuts State-of-the-Art Private Aviation Terminal in Glasgow
Signature Aviation announced the debut of its newest terminal at Glasgow Airport (GLA) in Scotland. The cutting-edge facility was officially introduced during a grand opening celebration this week, showcasing the enhanced guest experience and spotlighting the terminal’s expansive, thoughtfully designed amenities. The new Signature GLA terminal was designed to enhance the guest experience as a […]
Sling Aircraft North America Partners with Tango Flight to Deliver Sling 2 Aircraft Kits to High Schools Nationwide
Tango Flight has announced a new partnership with Sling Aircraft North America to provide Sling 2 kit aircraft to high schools across the United States, expanding hands-on aviation education opportunities for students and advancing Tango Flight’s mission to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. Through this collaboration, participating schools will build the Sling 2 […]
New Phoenix Airport Museum Installation Showcases the Region’s Legacy of Ingenuity
Travelers moving through Terminal 4 now have a new way to experience Phoenix’s story of growth and problem-solving through a large-scale photo mural. Desert Innovation is a captivating installation of historic and contemporary images along the post-security passenger bridge between the A and D gates at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4. Presented by […]

State News

Soar into Spring at 13th Annual Take Flight 5k and 1mile Race

It’s time to lace up your shoes and prepare for takeoff at the Greenville Downtown Airport’s (GMU) 13th Annual Take Flight 5k and 1mile fundraiser for Runway Park. On Saturday, May 23rd you can join runners, walkers, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages for the best race on a runway at South Carolina’s busiest general aviation airport. This event channels 100% of the donations and net proceeds back to Runway Park ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for playing, learning, and inspiration. Whether you are chasing your personal best on this chip-timed course or your family is strolling with strollers, this race welcomes everyone. Teams, costumes and competition are encouraged but the fun is mandatory. Pets are not allowed and must stay grounded during this flight. This Memorial Day weekend event will start with a short ceremony to honor our nation’s fallen heroes with a POW/MIA ceremony conducted by the Greenville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, a moment of silence, and TAPS reminding us of the freedoms and sacrifices that allow us to enjoy events like these. Over the years, community support has transformed Runway Park from simple green space into a wonderful aviation playground designed to spark curiosity. This year, funds will fuel exciting new additions like a speaker to hear real time communications with the pilots and air traffic controllers The speaker will allow children to not only watch the planes but pretend to fly them as the ATC tower tells the pilot, “You are cleared for takeoff.” GMU will add new playground equipment and swings with money raised from previous races; pending FAA approval. Robert Hoover took this while conducting a field trip in Runway Park. “Since its founding on November 11, 1928, The Greenville Downtown Airport was created to be a pillar of service for our community to foster economic growth and aviation educational outreach,” said James Stephens, Airport Director. “As we approach our centennial anniversary in two years, we are proud to have been able to create a space where families can connect with aviation and inspire the next generations to explore opportunities in this great industry.” Don’t miss your chance to be part of this soaring event. Sign up, rally your team, or bring a friend and let your feet take flight today.
Thrust Flight Expands Presence with New Fort Worth Campus at Spinks Airport

Thrust Flight announced the opening of its Fort Worth campus at Spinks Airport (KFWS). The new campus serves students across Fort Worth, Burleson, Mansfield and surrounding communities, providing fast-track professional pilot training and hands-on aircraft maintenance programs in modern facilities. “Students in the Fort Worth area have been asking for a location closer to home, and now we can finally give it to them,” said Patrick Arnzen, CEO of Thrust Flight. “Our Spinks campus makes it easier for aspiring pilots and aircraft mechanics to get started on their careers without the long commute, and they’ll get the same hands-on, professional training we’re known for.” Thrust Flight Fort Worth offers the full Zero Time to Airline® curriculum, an accelerated FAA-approved Part 141 training program, along with the Thrust Finish Line program. Students can earn all required certificates and ratings – including private, commercial, multi-engine, CFI and CFII – in as little as 12 months. With additional flight instructor experience, graduates can meet airline hiring minimums in roughly 18 months. The Spinks campus features Examining Authority, allowing students to complete checkrides on-site and avoid long waits, potentially reducing training time by up to 18 weeks. Full financing options are available to cover tuition and living expenses, making it easier for students to start their aviation careers without delay. The campus also houses Thrust Institute of Maintenance, the area’s newest Aircraft Mechanic school. The 10-month FAA-approved program trains students from no experience to licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) technicians, offering hands-on instruction with real aircraft, engines and avionics. Graduates are prepared for careers with commercial airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, aerospace manufacturers and maintenance facilities. Thrust Flight students train in new Piper Archer TX aircraft with Garmin G1000 avionics and air conditioning, as well as Piper Seminole twins for multi-engine instruction. The campus provides real-world airspace experience, including Class D tower operations, and proximity to Class B and C airspace at DFW International and Fort Worth Meacham. Thrust Flight maintains strong partnerships with major regional airlines including SkyWest, Envoy Air, Republic Airways, Spirit, Air Wisconsin and Avelo Airlines, giving students a competitive advantage when entering the airline workforce. “Our focus is on giving students real-world experience and the skills they need to succeed in aviation,” Arnzen said. “From day one, they’re training in modern aircraft, working with instructors who know the industry and gaining the confidence to take flight in the next step of their careers.”

National News

RAF Renews MOU With Bureau of Land Management

Photo Credit: Ben Carlson, Mineral Canyon, UT The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has announced the successful renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management, establishing a framework of cooperation between the two entities. “This renewal has been years in the making,” said RAF Chairman John McKenna, who signed the document on February 26. “It is a huge stride toward fulfilling the RAF mission and ensuring our continued successful cooperation with this major federal land manager,” he added. The original MOU was negotiated in great part by RAF Arizona Liaison Mark Spencer, and was mutually signed by the RAF and BLM in February, 2015. In brief, the MOU outlines BLM/RAF collaboration to preserve, maintain, and improve existing backcountry airstrips on BLM-managed lands, and mutual efforts to support safe and responsible recreational aviation. According to Cory Roegner, Bureau of Land Management Deputy Division Chief, Recreation and Visitor Services, “This renewed MOU marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing collaboration, and we look forward to the continued great work we’ll accomplish together.” Key persons in executing the MOU are RAF State Liaisons, who will be included in the early planning stages whenever aviation access might be affected, and to initiate appropriate airstrip maintenance and improvement projects. This agreement is in effect for the next five years and is renewable upon mutual consent.
Support Grows for Bills Banning ADS-B Misuse

Support is growing to prohibit the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to collect fees from pilots—in Congress, where the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) is gaining cosponsors, in state capitols across the country, and among top aviation safety officials. “ADS-B data should never be used for accessing a pilot’s personal information or for being used as a cash register. It should be used for its intended purpose—to give pilots situational awareness to help avoid mid-air collisions and for controllers to create airspace efficiencies. When the nation’s leading transportation safety expert, state legislatures, airports, companies, and hundreds of thousands of pilots all support PAPA, it’s time to address this situation,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. “It’s also important to point out that none of these bills—at the federal or state level—would prevent an airport from charging ‘necessary and appropriate’ landing fees. Anyone claiming that is just spreading misinformation. They simply block the use of this safety-enhancing tool to collect them,” added Coon. “In light of the DCA accident last year, Congress is debating an ADS-B mandate. That safety goal is undermined as long as this safety tool is being used for collecting fees and not enhancing safety.” Support is also growing at the state level. The Florida House of Representatives passed a similar bill—SB 422—yesterday, sending it to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk. Montana was the first state to ban the collection of ADS-B-based fees from most general aviation pilots in May 2025. Lawmakers in more than a dozen other states, including Arizona, Oklahoma, and Minnesota, have introduced or are considering introducing similar bills. “We are grateful to state lawmakers across the country who recognize the importance of this issue, and its impact on aviation safety. Despite the state-level momentum, a patchwork solution isn’t enough to make the skies safer for all of us—only Congress can fully resolve this problem with a uniform law for all states,” said Coon. Airports in a number of states—including Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, California, and Ohio, among others—have also endorsed PAPA. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the practice “should be prohibited” at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on February 12. “ADS-B is a safety tool, and it should be used for safety, not as a revenue generator to charge general aviation pilots ramp fees or landing fees,” said Homendy, adding that ADS-B-derived fees could discourage pilots from installing or using the technology. “There is no question that ADS-B has been a gamechanger for general aviation pilots,” said AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter. “While we’re in one of the safest periods for general aviation in our nation’s history, there is a lot of concern out there that the continued use of ADS-B to charge fees would reverse that trend.”

International News

Dassault Aviation Unveils New Top of the Line Falcon 10X

In a dramatic unveiling before more than 400 customers, partners and aviation leaders gathered in a new production hall in Bordeaux-Mérignac, Dassault Aviation rolled out the Falcon 10X—its most ambitious business jet ever. As the drape lifted at 8:00 p.m. CET, the aircraft emerged as a bold new benchmark for the future of long-range business aviation. The Falcon 10X introduces the largest, most comfortable, and most versatile cabin ever designed in a purpose-built business jet—redefining what passengers can expect from time spent in the air. “The objective,” says Dassault President & CEO Eric Trappier, “is to allow passengers to experience time on board the aircraft as just another part of their everyday life, not as a long interval between origin and destination. So they arrive feeling refreshed and at their very best.” The aircraft’s spacious interior is eight inches wider and two inches taller than its nearest competitor, enabling owners to design interiors that feel less like a traditional aircraft cabin and more like a modern living or working environment. A New Benchmark in Business Aviation Delivering that level of comfort while maintaining the efficiency and operational flexibility that define Falcon aircraft, required innovation across nearly every aspect of the airplane. Engineers applied expertise drawn from the company’s cutting-edge military aircraft programs to advance aerodynamics, materials, avionics and flight controls. Dassault remains the only manufacturer in the world designing and building both advanced fighter jets and business aircraft—a cross disciplinary advantage now reflected in the Falcon 10X. The Falcon 10X will cruise at speeds approaching the sound barrier with a top speed of .925 Mach and has a maximum range of 7,500 nm, allowing it to easily connect the world most popular city pairs such as New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Sydney, São Paulo to Dubai or Beijing to Paris. Passenger comfort was engineered with equal ambition. At a cruising altitude of 41,000 feet, cabin pressure will be maintained at an exceptionally low 3,000 feet, complemented by 100 percent fresh air continuously renewed throughout the cabin and individually adjustable temperature zones. The 10X’s entirely new fuselage comes with 38 extra-large windows—nearly 50 percent larger than those on the Falcon 8X—flood the cabin with natural light, making it the brightest cabin in business aviation. Measuring 9 feet, 1 inch wide (2.77 m) and 6-feet, 8 inches tall (2.03 m), the cabin is larger than some regional jets. Customers can configure three- or four-zone interiors including expansive dining areas, Falcon Privacy Suites, full-size bedrooms, and even optional shower installations. A Wing Built for the Future At the heart of the Falcon 10X is business aviation’s first all-composite wing. The advanced structure combines traditional Dassault high-lift devices—slats and flaps—with a next generation composite architecture that improves aerodynamic efficiency while reducing weight. The result is a wing that supports the aircraft’s large cabin while maintaining the agility and runway flexibility that Falcon aircraft are known for. “Dassault Falcons have always been at the vanguard of business aviation,” noted Trappier, “and the 10X is no exception, embodying the very best technology available today. From the user perspective, the equation is simple: an objectively better experience.” A Flight Deck that Thinks Ahead The Falcon 10X introduces the NeXus flight deck, the most advanced cockpit ever installed in a business jet. Miles O’brien and Hayley Edmonds, ceremony hosts, with Dirk Geisinger, CEO of Rolls-Royce. Designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness—especially during demanding phases of flight—the NeXus cockpit integrates large touch-screen displays with new automation tools that help crews manage complex missions with greater confidence. A standard dual FalconEye Enhanced Vision System adds further safety and capability in low visibility, with new features that aid in the most complex maneuvers, such as night circling approaches. The Falcon 10X also introduces the third generation of Dassault’s digital flight-control system in a business aircraft. Integrated with a Smart Throttle, inspired by the controls of the Rafale fighter, the system automatically manages both engines through a single control while assisting pilots with functions such as noise-abatement climbs and stabilized go-arounds. These combined digital capabilities make possible the first automatic recovery mode in a large business jet, further extending the safety envelope. Dassault pioneered fly-by-wire flight controls in business aviation with the Falcon 7X in 2007— technology that prevents overspeeding, overstressing or stalling the aircraft while delivering the smooth flying qualities that Falcon owners value. More Power and a greater flying level of efficiency The new Pearl 10X engine features the Advance2 engine core, the most efficient core available across the business aviation sector, and combines it with a high-performance low-pressure system, resulting in a superior thrust of more than 18,000 lb. The Pearl 10X offers a step-change in power and efficiency, while delivering outstanding low noise and emissions performance. This combination will enable operators to have premium airport accessibility and fly ultra-long-range connections, whilst also being able to travel close to the speed of sound. “Today is a very special day for Rolls-Royce and the team. We are excited and proud to deliver the thrust for this extraordinary aircraft and I would like to congratulate the Dassault family as well as the Falcon team on this special occasion,” said Dr Dirk Geisinger, Director, Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce. Looking Ahead With the unveiling complete, the Falcon 10X program now moves toward its next big milestone: flight testing. Once airborne, the aircraft will begin an extensive evaluation campaign designed to validate its performance and bring the most advanced Falcon ever built into service.
Signature Aviation Debuts State-of-the-Art Private Aviation Terminal in Glasgow

Signature Aviation announced the debut of its newest terminal at Glasgow Airport (GLA) in Scotland. The cutting-edge facility was officially introduced during a grand opening celebration this week, showcasing the enhanced guest experience and spotlighting the terminal’s expansive, thoughtfully designed amenities. The new Signature GLA terminal was designed to enhance the guest experience as a gateway to one of the most culturally rich and historic cities in Scotland and greater Europe. The new facility provides 433 square meters of total space (nearly 5,000 square feet), highlighted by several new amenities for world travelers, including an expansive new lounge space, a large meeting room for business use, a VIP lounge, showers, and a dedicated screening room. “The opening of our new terminal in Glasgow reflects both our continued investment in key international markets and our commitment to delivering a truly elevated, hospitality-driven experience for our guests,” said Tony Lefebvre, chief executive officer, Signature Aviation. “As we continue to modernize and strengthen our global network, we are focused on creating thoughtfully designed spaces that support the operational needs of our guests with the comfort, privacy, and seamless service that Signature is known for. This new facility brings that Signature experience to life in Glasgow.” Gavin Birch-Williams, Managing Director at Glasgow Airport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Signature Aviation’s new facility at Glasgow Airport. This investment represents a strong vote of confidence in the region and further strengthens our position as a key gateway for Scotland’s business and leisure aviation sectors. We look forward to continuing our long‑standing partnership with Signature Aviation and to seeing the benefits this enhanced offering will bring to our customers and the wider airport community.” The grand opening event on March 16 gathered leadership from Signature Aviation, the Glasgow Airport, as well as several key attendees from the region and local media. The celebration provided Signature guests a first-look tour of the new facilities and amenities on-site, as well as a community dedication and words from key leadership. As part of the week’s events, SIgnature will be contributing additional donations to both Glasgow Women’s Aid, which supports local women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse, as well as St. Vincent’s Hospice, which provides care for patients and families who have been impacted with a life limiting illness. The new terminal in Glasgow is Signature’s latest facility update in 2026, with additional unveilings of terminals planned throughout the year, including new spaces in Westhampton Beach and Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Unmanned Systems

Kaizen Aerospace and Uzbekistan Ministry of Agriculture Sign Memorandum to Advance Agricultural Drone Collaboration

Kaizen Aerospace, Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the State Scientific-Design Institute “Oʻzdavyerloyiha” to explore the development and implementation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector. The memorandum outlines a framework for collaboration focused on modernizing agricultural practices through drone-based READ MORE
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Partners with OAIRE to Propel Drone Innovation in High School Classrooms

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in partnership with OAIRE, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, hosted a professional development event and drone build for Oklahoma aerospace teachers on Feb. 27-28. The event, held at Oklahoma State University, highlighted the state’s commitment to “pushing the boundaries of flight.” Oklahoma aviation teachers READ MORE

Aviation Education

Thrust Flight Expands Presence with New Fort Worth Campus at Spinks Airport

Thrust Flight announced the opening of its Fort Worth campus at Spinks Airport (KFWS). The new campus serves students across Fort Worth, Burleson, Mansfield and surrounding communities, providing fast-track professional pilot training and hands-on aircraft maintenance programs in modern facilities. “Students in the Fort Worth area have been asking for a location closer to home, READ MORE
New Jersey Cadets Showcase Civil Air Patrol’s Impact at National Legislative Day

Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members from New Jersey recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Civil Air Patrol’s missions and demonstrate the organization’s measurable impact on communities across the state and nation. “Our members represented New Jersey with exceptional professionalism and confidence,” said CAP Col. Amy Myzie, commander of the New Jersey READ MORE

RAF Renews MOU With Bureau of Land Management

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: Ben Carlson, Mineral Canyon, UT The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has announced the successful renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management, establishing a framework of cooperation between the two entities. “This renewal has been years in the making,” said RAF Chairman John McKenna, who signed the document on […]

Utah Takes Flight as National Testbed for the Next Generation of Aviation

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

47G | Utah Aerospace and Defense announced that the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in close collaboration with a coalition of public and private partners, has been selected to participate in a national initiative to safely integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies into the national airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Utah as […]

Support Grows for Bills Banning ADS-B Misuse

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Support is growing to prohibit the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to collect fees from pilots—in Congress, where the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) is gaining cosponsors, in state capitols across the country, and among top aviation safety officials. “ADS-B data should never be used for accessing a pilot’s personal information or […]

Minot International and New Town Municipal Receive North Dakota 2025 Airport of the Year Awards

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Minot International Airport has been named North Dakota’s 2025 Commercial Service Airport of the Year, while the New Town Municipal Airport has been recognized as the 2025 General Aviation Airport of the Year. These awards were presented during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet, held in Minot on March 10th, 2025. […]

Pilots Complete “Fly North Dakota Airports” Passport Program

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Multiple pilots were recently presented with awards for participating in the “Fly North Dakota Airports” Passport Program. This program began in North Dakota in 2011 and it rewards pilots who fly to North Dakota’s publicly owned airports, attend FAA safety seminars, and visit North Dakota’s aviation museums. This program promotes safety, continuing education, and encourages […]

South Carolina Aviation Association Releases Executive Committee and Board of Directors Election Results

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – top left to bottom right: James Stephens, Frank Murray, Chris Birkmeyer, Brad Beadles, Andy Busbee, Barbara Clark, Katie Eleam, Steven Gould, Stephen Parry, Charles Taylor, Jim Taylor, and Nathan Yokoyama. The South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) announced the 2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors election results, reinforcing the association’s commitment to advancing […]

New Jersey Cadets Showcase Civil Air Patrol’s Impact at National Legislative Day

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members from New Jersey recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Civil Air Patrol’s missions and demonstrate the organization’s measurable impact on communities across the state and nation. “Our members represented New Jersey with exceptional professionalism and confidence,” said CAP Col. Amy Myzie, commander of the New Jersey […]

Electra Named as Inaugural Participant in Department of Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility Program

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Virginia-based Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is the premier private company participant in the Trump Administration’s inaugural Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) alongside state partners. The program calls for the formation of public-private partnerships with […]

FAA Unveils Eight Selections for Pilot Program Testing Next-Gen Aircraft in America’s Skies

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced eight proposals were selected as part of the brand-new Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). eVTOLs are futuristic aircraft that have the potential to generate new jobs, connect communities, and strengthen American leadership […]

Lee County Port Authority Names New Deputy Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) has named Jesse Flint as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Flint is responsible for managing and optimizing revenue-generating activities, encompassing aeronautical and non-aeronautical growth and business development, at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers; including oversight of concessions, […]

Dassault Aviation Unveils New Top of the Line Falcon 10X

Signature Aviation Debuts State-of-the-Art Private Aviation Terminal in Glasgow

Sling Aircraft North America Partners with Tango Flight to Deliver Sling 2 Aircraft Kits to High Schools Nationwide

New Phoenix Airport Museum Installation Showcases the Region’s Legacy of Ingenuity