State Aviation Journal – Page 214 – 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

ODAV Announces State Airports 2026 Construction Outlook

ODAV is hard at work preparing for yet another busy construction season in 2026. This year they are looking forward to the following projects: Runway Reconstruction – Oakridge State Airport Waterline Improvements and Hangar Construction – Mulino State Airport Pavement Maintenance (Surface Seal) and Markings Chiloquin State Airport Condon State Airport Joseph State Airport Lebanon State Airport Mulino State Airport Master Plan – Condon State Airport AWOS Replacement – Joseph State Airport PAPI Replacement – Independence State Airport Obstruction Removal – Appraisals and Easement Acquisition Aurora State Airport Chiloquin State Airport Joseph State Airport Mulino State Airport Final Runway Markings Application (1-day closure) – Aurora State Airport ODAV says that while several of these projects are going out to bid now, they won’t have details on operational impacts such as start dates and project durations until they award each contract. Project specific details will be sent as soon as more information is available. To make sure you’ll receive the latest on these projects and other state airport information, be sure to subscribe to each state airport contact group that you’re interested in!
Textron Aviation to Feature Broad Range of Industry Leading Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel Aircraft at SUN ’n FUN

Textron Aviation announced that it will showcase a broad lineup of its legendary turboprop and piston aircraft at the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, April 14 through 19, in Lakeland, Florida. This marks the first time that Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel products will be displayed together under the Textron Aviation banner, giving attendees a unified look at the company’s expanded portfolio of aircraft. Additionally, the Crimson Edition of the Beechcraft King Air 360 is expected to make its debut at the show, showcasing a special edition design developed to commemorate six decades of the King Air family’s legendary service as the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. Announced in 2024, the aircraft features a refined custom interior and a bold exterior paint scheme, including the iconic Beechcraft “B” on the tail. Legendary lineup on display Beechcraft King Air 360 With more than 85,000 piston aircraft and more than 11,000 turbine aircraft operating in the United States, Textron Aviation offers aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic aircraft in the world at SUN ‘n FUN. Aircraft expected to be at the Textron Aviation static display during SUN ‘n FUN include: Pipistrel Alpha Trainer Pipistrel Sinus Pipistrel Panthera Cessna Skyhawk Cessna Skylane Cessna Turbo Stationair HD Cessna Caravan Beechcraft King Air 360 (special Crimson Edition) All Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft on display will feature McCauley Propeller products, and McCauley representatives will be on site at the show.

National News

Textron Aviation to Feature Broad Range of Industry Leading Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel Aircraft at SUN ’n FUN

Textron Aviation announced that it will showcase a broad lineup of its legendary turboprop and piston aircraft at the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, April 14 through 19, in Lakeland, Florida. This marks the first time that Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel products will be displayed together under the Textron Aviation banner, giving attendees a unified look at the company’s expanded portfolio of aircraft. Additionally, the Crimson Edition of the Beechcraft King Air 360 is expected to make its debut at the show, showcasing a special edition design developed to commemorate six decades of the King Air family’s legendary service as the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. Announced in 2024, the aircraft features a refined custom interior and a bold exterior paint scheme, including the iconic Beechcraft “B” on the tail. Legendary lineup on display Beechcraft King Air 360 With more than 85,000 piston aircraft and more than 11,000 turbine aircraft operating in the United States, Textron Aviation offers aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic aircraft in the world at SUN ‘n FUN. Aircraft expected to be at the Textron Aviation static display during SUN ‘n FUN include: Pipistrel Alpha Trainer Pipistrel Sinus Pipistrel Panthera Cessna Skyhawk Cessna Skylane Cessna Turbo Stationair HD Cessna Caravan Beechcraft King Air 360 (special Crimson Edition) All Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft on display will feature McCauley Propeller products, and McCauley representatives will be on site at the show.
Firefly Aerospace Selected for the 2025 Robert J. Collier Trophy

Photo – Blue Ghost Mission 1 Team Earns Top Aerospace Award for Executing First Successful Commercial Lunar Landing and Redefining Cislunar Access The National Aeronautic Association announced that Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 Team is the recipient of the 2025 Robert J. Collier Trophy. This award honors the team’s achievement in completing the first fully successful commercial lunar landing and operating several NASA payloads, marking a significant advancement in the economics and accessibility of space between Earth and the Moon. The NAA has awarded the Robert J. Collier Trophy annually since 1911 for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year. “In a year defined by transformative leaps in autonomy, Blue Ghost Mission 1 stood out,” said Jim Albaugh, NAA Board Chair. “By successfully delivering and operating critical science on the lunar surface, they have proven that the commercial sector is ready to lead the way in our return to the Moon. This achievement is a bedrock for the future of human and robotic presence in deep space.” As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, Firefly Aerospace successfully landed Blue Ghost Mission 1 in the Moon’s Mare Crisium, a large basin several hundred miles from the “Sea of Tranquility” in which the Apollo 11 lander touched down. The mission provided essential data on the Moon’s surface materials, heat flow, and magnetic field, demonstrating that commercial partners can achieve high-value scientific results with safety and technical discipline previously associated with government programs. “Earning the Robert J. Collier Trophy is a true honor and a pivotal milestone for Firefly,” said Jason Kim, Firefly Aerospace CEO. “Our Blue Ghost Mission 1 team not only completed a successful Moon landing and operations, they inspired the next generation of space innovators and ignited a renewed interest in the Moon across the globe. Standing on the shoulders of giants, the Firefly team further proved that commercial space can achieve what was once only accomplished by nation-states. We are incredibly proud to join the NAA’s elite lineage of innovators who have moved the needle for American aerospace.” Past recipients of the Collier Trophy include Orville Wright (1913), the Apollo 11 Crew (1969), the Cessna Citation (1985), the Gulfstream G650 (2014), and the James Webb Space Telescope Team (2022). “At the NAA, our role is to foster and validate the breakthroughs that move the entire aerospace ecosystem forward,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “Firefly Aerospace didn’t just land on the Moon; they demonstrated a repeatable model for lunar logistics. This mission establishes the safety and performance benchmarks required for the next century of space exploration, which is a massive milestone accomplishment.” The 2025 Robert J. Collier Selection Committee is: Ivon Aheart*, Legal Affairs Analyst, Office of General Counsel, Airlines4America Jim Albaugh*, NAA Board Chair/Former CEO, The Boeing Company Jason Ambrosi, President, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Bobby Braun, Collier Recipient/Head, Space Exploration Sector, Johns Hopkins APL Tom Bush, Senior Director, Government Relations, Airbus Americas Leda Chong*, Senior VP, Government Programs & Sales, Gulfstream Aerospace Nick Daniels, President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Jamie Darcy*, Founder and Principal, Darcy Strategic Ted Ellett*, NAA General Counsel/Senior Counsel/Partner, Hogan Lovells Xyla Foxlin, Engineer, Entrepreneur & Influencer Art Greenfield*, NAA SVP Contest & Records Sierra Grimes*, Director, Federal Affairs, Southwest Airlines Thom Howe, Manager, Aviation Safety, Embraer Jason Hopkins*, Director, Exploration Business Development & Exploration, Lockheed Martin Lance Kwasniewski*, CEO, RH Aero Systems John Langford*, Founder & CEO, Electra Kathleen Loyd, Senior Manager, Strategy, Blue Origin Sam Magill*, NAA Board Vice-Chair/Manager, Strategic Comms. & Partnership, NASA Eric Maxeiner, VP, Business Development, Rolls-Royce Chris Milligan*, VP, Pre-owned Aircraft & Flight Operations, Bombardier Steve Morrissey *, VP, Regulatory & Policy, United Airlines/Aero Club Washington Pete Muntean, CNN Correspondent Mary Claire Murphy* VP, External Relations, Textron Mark Ofsthun*, Senior Manager, Methods F&DT, HondaJet Jon Ostrower, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Air Current Martin Palmaz*, Air Sport & Nonprofit Professional Greg Principato, President, Federation Aeronautique Internationale Cassie Redmyer*, Director, Philanthropy, Pensacola State Foundation Rod Skarr, NAA C&R Board President Amy Spowart*, NAA President & CEO Ben Squires*, Head, Government Affairs, Howmet Aerospace Katie Thomson*, Secretary of Transportation, State of Maryland/Former FAA Deputy Admin. Laurence Vigeant-Langlois, Partner, AE Industrial Tizz Weber*, VP, Communications, Pratt & Whitney (RTX) Shannon Weidencamp, Founder and CEO, Equus Flight Natalie Yoallen, Director, Third Party Engagement, Boeing * -NAA Board Director The formal presentation of the 2025 Collier Trophy, which will mark the 115th recipient, will take place in Washington, D.C., this June. For more information regarding the Collier Trophy presentation and the NAA, please visit naa.aero.

International News

Everdrone raises SEK 36 million – Enters Commercial Phase for Drone Services in Emergency Healthcare

Everdrone currently operates the world’s first operational drone service integrated into the emergency response chain for cardiac arrest in the Västra Götaland Region, Sweden. The company has now raised SEK 36 million in a funding round to validate methodology and system integration for drone support in emergency healthcare, as well as to further develop its technology platform for additional service offerings. Mats Sällström, Everdrone CEO. “This funding gives us stronger conditions to continue building the company and expanding our services into more markets across Europe”, says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone. Everdrone develops autonomous drone services for time-critical medical interventions, enabling rapid delivery of defibrillators and other essential emergency medical equipment while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. “Our autonomous drones are integrated into the emergency response chain and dispatched in parallel with ambulances. We are seeing growing interest in these types of solutions within emergency healthcare and other rescue services”, says Mats Sällström. Since its founding, Everdrone has developed its technology in close collaboration with healthcare providers and has conducted operational flights within emergency healthcare since 2020. The service is currently operational in the Västra Götaland Region and has also been procured by Region Stockholm and the Normandy Region in France. “Interest in drone-based solutions in emergency healthcare is increasing as regions look for new ways to reduce response times and improve coverage in both urban and rural areas”, says Mats Sällström. The recently completed funding round was led by the investment firm Sciety, which selected Everdrone based on its advanced technology and clear application within emergency healthcare. “Everdrone addresses a clear and well-documented need in emergency healthcare and has already established partnerships with several regions in Sweden and France. As a long-term capital partner, we look forward to supporting Everdrone in its continued commercialization”, says Andreas Lindblom, Managing Partner at Sciety. “Sciety contributes not only capital but also industry expertise, the right network, and increased visibility, making them a valuable partner in the company’s continued development”, says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone.
Applications Open Earlier for IADA Foundation Business Aviation Scholarships

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Foundation has opened the application process for its annual Business Aviation Scholarships earlier than in previous years, giving students more time to apply while they are still actively engaged in their academic programs. The scholarships, administered through the IADA Foundation, are designed to help cultivate the next generation of professionals entering the global business aviation industry. Applications are now being accepted through July 15 via the IADA Foundation section of the IADA website. “The earlier application timeline is designed to make it easier for students to learn about the program and apply while they are still on campus and engaged with their aviation studies,” said Lou Seno, executive director of IADA. “Developing the next generation of ethical, well-educated professionals is essential to the long-term health of the business aircraft resale market and the broader business aviation community.” Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are available worldwide to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies related to careers in business aviation. Eligible fields include Aviation Business Law, Aviation Business Administration, Aviation Maintenance/A&P license, Business/Administration, Data Analytics, Finance, Cyber Security, Marketing and other aviation-related disciplines tied to aircraft sales, marketing, management and operations. The IADA Foundation’s scholarship initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline. Earlier this year, the foundation announced it had awarded recent scholarships and grants to 21 students and young professionals, representing approximately $100,000 in total support for business aviation career development. Through a continuing relationship with Alpha Eta Rho, the collegiate aviation fraternity founded in 1929, the IADA Foundation has expanded its list of approved educational aviation institutions to 85 colleges and universities worldwide. Students from other accredited institutions with relevant aviation coursework are also encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants must be graduate or full-time undergraduate students (freshman through senior, minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students may apply directly online through the IADA Foundation section of the IADA website at iada.aero, which also provides additional details on eligibility requirements and participating schools.

Unmanned Systems

Everdrone raises SEK 36 million – Enters Commercial Phase for Drone Services in Emergency Healthcare

Everdrone currently operates the world’s first operational drone service integrated into the emergency response chain for cardiac arrest in the Västra Götaland Region, Sweden. The company has now raised SEK 36 million in a funding round to validate methodology and system integration for drone support in emergency healthcare, as well as to further develop its READ MORE
Oregon Department of Aviation Signs MOU with Cellen H2 to Explore Hydrogen-Powered Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Photograph provided by Cellen H2 The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cellen H2, Inc. (Cellen) to explore the use of hydrogen fuel cellpowered Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System for commercial and civil operations across Oregon. The READ MORE

Aviation Education

Applications Open Earlier for IADA Foundation Business Aviation Scholarships

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Foundation has opened the application process for its annual Business Aviation Scholarships earlier than in previous years, giving students more time to apply while they are still actively engaged in their academic programs. The scholarships, administered through the IADA Foundation, are designed to help cultivate the next generation of READ MORE
Frontiers of Flight Museum Hosts Dallas Cowboys Legend, Aviator Chad Hennings for Caroline Rose Hunt Lecture Series

The Frontiers of Flight Museum has announced the second installment of its Caroline Rose Hunt Lecture series, celebrating the legacy of the devoted patron of aviation, a passionate supporter of Dallas and a champion for education. Chad Hennings On Thursday, April 30, the lecture series will feature legendary Dallas Cowboys star and fighter pilot Chad READ MORE

NASAO Recognizes North Carolina Division of Aviation Director Bobby Walston

March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 Kim Stevens

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) recognized Bobby Walston, Director, North Carolina DOT Division of Aviation with the Exemplary Service Award during its annual Washington Conference. Walston was recognized for his 30+ years of service to the state as well as his service to NASAO. He will be retiring from North Carolina DOT […]

Second Aeronautical Equipment Certificate Issued for REVAL ATS Digital Tower System

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 Kim Stevens

Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel) and Estonian Air Navigation Services (EANS) have confirmed a new milestone for REVAL. The REVAL ATS digital tower system, deployed at Tartu Airport in Estonia, received the aeronautical equipment certificate from the Estonian Transport Administration. The system was developed by Adacel in close collaboration with EANS with the goal of transitioning […]

Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport and Watford City Municipal Recognized

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Pictured from left to right is Kyle Wanner (Executive Director, ND Aeronautics Commission), Channing Wagner (DIK Airport Operations & Maintenance Manager), Laurie Kasian (DIK Airport Administrative Officer), and Ryan Riesinger (President of the North Dakota Airport Association) Two North Dakota airports were recently recognized during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference […]

Greg Principato to Retire from the National Aeronautic Association

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 Kim Stevens

Following a long career of public service, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that President and CEO, Greg Principato, will retire from the association effective on September 15, 2023. Principato has served the NAA since 2016. “On behalf of the Board of Directors I want to thank Greg for all he has done for the […]

Bill Eves Appointed Airport Engineering Bureau Chief for State

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Kim Stevens

Clayton Stambaugh, Illinois Division of Aeronautics Deputy Director, announced recently that effective March 1st, 2023, Mr. Bill Eves was appointed as the Bureau Chief of Airport Engineering in the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation/Division of Aeronautics at the Illinois Department of Transportation. Eves most recently served as the Engineer of Airport Construction and Materials in […]

FAA Awards AOPA Foundation with Significant Grant to Further the Work of Its You Can Fly High School Aviation STEM Initiative

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Kim Stevens

Recognizing its efforts to bring high-quality STEM-based aviation education to thousands of high school students across the country, the AOPA Foundation has been awarded a grant by the Federal Aviation Administration to enrich and broaden its free high school curriculum aimed at building the pipeline of pilots, aviation technicians, and other aviation professionals.Â Twenty-three education […]

Love for Industry and Working Together Inspires Dreiling Aviation Duo

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – the Dreiling family. For Kenton and Lindsey Dreiling, starting their own aviation business in Salina, Kansas didn’t take much deliberation. It was more of a feeling of “we cannot miss this opportunity,” said Kenton. “This is something we have always wanted to do, and the timing just felt right.” Lindsey agreed, sharing […]

Vintage FG-1D Corsair Gets New Paint Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Kim Stevens

A World War II-era Corsair fighter based at Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia in Peachtree City has a new coat of navy-blue paint, courtesy of PPG and employee volunteers at the Delta Air Lines Technical Operations Center in Atlanta. Recently featured in the movie, “Devotion,” the FG-1D Corsair was carefully stripped to bare metal […]

BRAA Receives Corporate Community Service Award for Its Commitment to Local Education

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – L-R: Georgia Williams, Scott Kohut – Deputy Director Boca Raton Airport Authority, Clara Bennett – Executive Director Boca Raton Airport Authority, Lisa Kaufman – Vice-Chair of the Board of the George Snow Scholarship Fund, and Tim Snow – President of the George Snow Scholarship Fund. The Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) has […]

Neste Collaboration Achieves First Helicopter Flight Using SAF in Australia

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Airbus helicopter landing at Moorabbin Airport, Australia. Neste, Airbus, Safran Engines and Microflite, a leading Australian helicopter operator, have jointly operated Australia’s first helicopter flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). On this demonstration flight, an Airbus H130 helicopter powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine used blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied […]

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