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

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

State News

Oregon Department of Aviation Releases White Paper on Impacts of Federal UAS Restrictions on State Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a white paper outlining the operational and financial impacts of recent federal restrictions affecting certain foreign made uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) used by state transportation and aviation agencies. The report examines the effects of Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-26-02, related guidance from the Federal Highway Administration, and Covered List determinations by the Federal Communications Commission. While these federal actions are intended to address national security concerns, state agencies report significant disruption to established UAS-enabled operations. Uncrewed aircraft systems are essential tools used to support engineering and surveying, construction inspection, emergency response, infrastructure documentation, and public communications. Based on responses from more than 20 states, the white paper documents grounded fleets, deferred projects, increased costs, and operational uncertainty. In Oregon, approximately 95 percent of ODAV’s UAS fleet, representing 21 airframes, could be impacted under current interpretations of federal guidance. This represents more than $250,000 in estimated investment exposure. At this time, Oregon does not have a dedicated budget to replace impacted aircraft with compliant systems. The report identifies several operational impacts experienced by states, including: Reduced ability to collect high-resolution mapping and engineering data Limitations on UAS use for federally funded construction projects Impaired rapid damage assessment during wildfire and disaster response Decreased ability to provide visual project updates and emergency communications to the public The white paper also provides order-of-magnitude cost modeling. Nationally, estimated replacement exposure for state agencies ranges from approximately $10 million to $50 million, with a plausible upper bound approaching $70 million depending on how broadly restrictions are applied. When local transportation agencies are considered, combined state and local replacement exposure could range from approximately $35 million to $105 million, not including secondary transition costs such as retraining, software migration, and workflow redevelopment. While recognizing the national security objectives underlying federal policy, the report emphasizes the need for clear and consistent guidance, transitional allowances for legacy systems, and funding mechanisms to support mandated fleet replacement. ODAV will continue working with federal partners, state agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure aviation and transportation programs can operate safely and efficiently while aligning with federal policy requirements. The full white paper is available on our website: HERE.
Florida Legislature Recognizes ERU for 100 Years of Aviation and Aerospace Excellence

Photo – Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler, students and guests are recognized at the Florida State Capitol. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle) Legislators in Tallahassee have honored Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERU) Centennial by adopting a resolution recognizing the university’s outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in the state of Florida, across the nation and around the world. The resolution, which declared Feb 11, 2026, as “Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University Day at the Capitol,” was presented by Sen. Tom Leek, Rep. Chase Tramont and Sen. Tom Wright, whose districts include parts of Volusia County, home to Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. The congressmen announced the resolution in their respective chambers, recognizing Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., and other guests, including students who are part of the university’s Student Government Association. Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler with Florida State Rep. Chase Tramont. “This is a momentous occasion for the university in its centennial year,” Butler said. “We are honored to receive this recognition from our great state officials, and we thank Senator Leek, Representative Tramont and Senator Wright for this distinguished tribute. We could not be more proud as our faculty, partners and especially our students chart a bold course into the next century as the newest generation of leaders and explorers.” Mori Hosseini, chairman of the Embry‑Riddle Board of Trustees, expressed his deep appreciation to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for this honor and recognition. “Over the past 100 years, Embry‑Riddle has transformed into a dynamic institution where academia, technology, industry and the future of aviation and aerospace development meet,” Hosseini said. “The support of the state of Florida has been essential in strengthening Embry‑Riddle’s role as the global leader in aviation and aerospace education, ensuring that our university is uniquely positioned to serve our students, our community and our great state as a leader in higher education, technological progress and economic growth.” The resolution notes Embry‑Riddle’s “transformative impact on the aerospace and aviation industries, and its unwavering dedication to excellence in education, research and innovation.” Leek offered his recognition for the tremendous influence of Embry‑Riddle and the institution’s 100 years of leadership in advancing aviation and aerospace technology for the state, nation and the world. “The university’s longstanding commitment to academia, along with their contributions to the economic growth of state of Florida, have ensured that thousands of alumni have opportunities to live, work and thrive here,” Leek said. “We applaud Embry‑Riddle’s vital support in attracting international partners to our region and look forward their ongoing impact to innovation in the state for generations to come.” The resolution details Embry‑Riddle’s history and accomplishments over the past 100 years, from its founding in 1926 and move to the Daytona Beach Campus in 1965 to offering more than 100-degree programs, ranging from associate to doctoral levels. Other notable successes include its record-breaking enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year and the university’s more than $2.2 billion annual impact on the state’s economy, including the creation of more than 220 high-wage jobs and the attraction of $146 million in grants and equity investments since 2017. The resolution also highlights that Embry‑Riddle counts more than 160,000 alumni, including 10 astronauts and 12 four-star generals and admirals. Florida State Sen. Tom Wright (center) stands with students who are part of Embry‑Riddle’s Student Government Association. “Embry‑Riddle has educated generations of technicians, pilots and controllers who keep airline passengers safe, and it has guided the trajectory of our space program at Cape Canaveral and around the world,” Tramont said. “The university has inspired scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs who fuel industries while partnering with the state of Florida to create high-paying jobs and strengthen our role as the global leader in the aviation and aerospace economy. The work underway at Embry‑Riddle is transformational, and we commend the university for a century of contributions to the community, region and to our great state.” Additionally, the resolution lauds Embry‑Riddle’s expanding Research Park, including the opening of the Boeing Engineering Center in the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology and the debut of the first U.S. facility for French aircraft designer AURA AERO. It also notes that Embry‑Riddle is making space history, with EagleCam becoming the first student-led project to land on the moon and the LLAMAS camera capturing images of Polaris Dawn crew before the world’s first commercial spacewalk. “With a century of aviation and aerospace experience, Embry‑Riddle is poised to reimagine the future of our skies,” said Wright. “This includes positioning the state as a leader in advanced air mobility aircraft and drone technology, strengthening aviation and aerospace cybersecurity, developing instruments bound for new frontiers, and furthering an innovation ecosystem at its Research Park, which attracts partners from cutting-edge start-ups to global industry leaders. I have no doubt Embry‑Riddle’s next century of breakthroughs and graduates will position Florida — and the nation — at the forefront of this new era for aviation and space exploration.”

National News

AeroDefense Launches No-Cost Drone Detection Access Program for Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

AeroDefense has announced a new initiative that enables AirWarden® Essentials customers to share system access with public safety partners—including State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement, DHS, and the FBI—at no additional cost to any party. As unauthorized and unsafe drone activity continues to increase around critical infrastructure, campuses, public venues, and corporate sites, rapid coordination between site security teams and responding officers has become essential. By providing agencies with real-time and historical visibility into drone and pilot location data, AeroDefense helps accelerate investigations, improve situational awareness, and support safer outcomes for the public. “Law enforcement plays a critical role in protecting communities, and we stand alongside them,” said Linda Ziemba, Founding CEO of AeroDefense. “This program is about removing barriers so agencies—from local police to federal partners like the DHS and FBI—have the visibility and support they need to respond confidently and work in step with the organizations they serve.” Through this initiative, AirWarden Essentials customers can securely share airspace awareness with SLTT and federal jurisdictions, creating a common operating picture for both real-time response and ongoing analysis. Authorized officers can: View real-time drone and pilot locations Access reporting and flight-path history to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies Support incident response, investigations, and evidence collection Coordinate directly with on-site security teams using the same airspace data AirWarden Essentials is AeroDefense’s wide-area drone detection solution designed to provide cost-effective, scalable airspace awareness. Launched in January 2025, the system is deployed across critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, stadiums and event venues, campuses, and other sensitive locations. It supports organizations monitoring single sites as well as large, distributed portfolios, allowing teams to view drone activity across multiple locations from a single interface. This centralized visibility enables faster response, shared reporting, and secure collaboration with authorized stakeholders, including law enforcement. The program reflects AeroDefense’s long-standing commitment to public safety and collaboration, building on its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the U.S. Air Force to develop a Collaborative Drone Detection Network (CoDDN) designed to enable shared airspace awareness across organizations and jurisdictions. AirWarden Essentials customers can begin enabling law enforcement access immediately.
AAR Appoints Dylan Wolin as Chief Financial Officer

AAR CORP. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Dylan Wolin as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective February 23, 2026. Wolin’s responsibilities will include finance, accounting, tax, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development. Dylan Wolin Wolin will rejoin AAR from Federal Signal Corporation, where he served as President of Elgin, Trackless, and Vactor, the company’s primarily municipal-focused specialty vehicle businesses, from 2024 to 2026. From 2017 to 2024, Wolin led AAR’s strategic and corporate development, treasury, and investor relations functions. He helped lead the Company’s portfolio repositioning, capital markets activities, and strategic planning, including the acquisitions of Trax and Triumph Product Support. Before joining AAR and Federal Signal, Wolin was a Director in Boeing’s Corporate Development group, where he was responsible for merger, acquisition, and joint venture transactions. Prior to Boeing, he served as a Vice President in Deutsche Bank’s Global Industrials Group within its investment banking division. Earlier in his career, Wolin was an Associate at McManus & Miles, a boutique investment bank specializing in financial advisory and private placements. Wolin earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Tufts University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “I worked very closely with Dylan during his seven years at AAR. He was instrumental in developing the strategy we are executing today. I am thrilled he is rejoining our senior leadership team, bringing valuable additional operational and strategic experience,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO. “I would also like to thank Sarah Flanagan for her service as our Interim CFO. Sarah is a deeply valued member of our team, and I am looking forward to her continued leadership in our finance organization.” “AAR’s strong team, unique customer value proposition, and exciting additional growth opportunities underscore the Company’s compelling future,” said Wolin. “I am eager to partner with John and the rest of the AAR team to drive continued execution of AAR’s growth strategy.” Sarah Flanagan, the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, will return to her previous role as Vice President, Financial Operations, effective February 23, 2026. AAR reaffirms its guidance for the third fiscal quarter and full fiscal year issued on January 6, 2026.

International News

GAMA Releases 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference last week. Overall, when compared to 2024, the business jet and piston airplane segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $35.7 billion, an increase of 14.6%. “The state of the general aviation manufacturing industry remains steadfast. We continue to see robust numbers of total aircraft delivered as well as annual billings eclipsing $35 billion, the highest it has ever been. While some segments are seeing marginal declines in deliveries, they are all still above 2019 levels. As manufacturers work hard to meet the challenges and demand of today, they remain focused on advancing safety and innovation for the future of the entire aviation industry,” said James Viola, GAMA President and CEO. Airplane shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston airplanes increase by ten units to 1,782, turboprops decline slightly by 5.1% with 594 units, and business jets increase 11.8% with 854 units. The value of airplane deliveries for 2025 was $31.0 billion, an increase of 16.1%. Helicopter shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston helicopters at 206 units, and preliminary turbine helicopters at 732 units, a decrease of four and fourteen units respectively. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2025 was $4.7 billion, an increase of approximately 5.5%. Year-End Aircraft Shipment and Billing Aircraft Type20242025% ChangePiston Airplanes1,7721,782+0.6%Turboprop Airplanes626594-5.1%Business Jets764854+11.8Total Airplanes3,1623,230+2.2%Total Airplane Billings$26.7B$31.0B+16.1%Piston Helicopters210206-1.9%Turbine Helicopters (*)746732-1.9%Total Helicopters956938-1.9%Total Helicopters Billings (*)$4.5B$4.7B+5.5% (*) Leonardo Helicopters fourth quarter data was not available at the time of publication. Leonardo Helicopters will release year-end results next week. GAMA excluded 2024 fourth quarter data for Leonardo in the comparison table. GAMA’s complete 2025 year-end report can be found at gama.aero.
American Airlines Named First-Ever Official Airline of Women in Aviation International’s Annual Conference

As American Airlines celebrates 100 years of connecting people and places around the world, the airline announced its partnership with global nonprofit Women in Aviation International (WAI). As a strategic partner for 2026, American will serve as the first-ever Official Airline for the 37th Women in Aviation International Conference to be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, March 19-21. WAI is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women in aviation and aerospace. With more than 20,000 members in 120 countries, WAI envisions a world where the sky is open to all, and aviation and aerospace dreams are possible without barriers. The organization focuses on investing in the current and future workforce, building a strong and informed talent pipeline and inspiring women and girls to pursue careers across all sectors of aviation and aerospace. “At American, we believe building a culture where women and girls are represented, empowered and able to thrive as leaders is vital to the future of our industry,” said Cole Brown, American’s Chief People Officer. “As we celebrate our centennial year, we’re proud to partner with WAI — and welcome its supporters to our hometown of Dallas-Fort Worth — to honor our legacy of innovation and reinforce our commitment to developing the future of the aviation workforce. We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals for generations to come.” WAI2026 is a three-day event that unites aviation and aerospace professionals, students and industry leaders across the globe for keynote sessions, hands-on learning, career development and networking. As part of this milestone collaboration, American Airlines will play an active role throughout the conference — including awarding eight scholarships during the event, participating in panel discussions, attending networking events and sponsoring both the Pioneer Hall of Fame dinner as well as the Career Panel for Girls in Aviation Day Dallas on March 21. “We appreciate and value American’s year-round support of Women in Aviation International as a 2026 strategic partner,” said Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “As the Official Airline of this year’s annual conference, American has an important role in welcoming our estimated 5,000 WAI2026 attendees to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.”

Unmanned Systems

AeroDefense Launches No-Cost Drone Detection Access Program for Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

AeroDefense has announced a new initiative that enables AirWarden® Essentials customers to share system access with public safety partners—including State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement, DHS, and the FBI—at no additional cost to any party. As unauthorized and unsafe drone activity continues to increase around critical infrastructure, campuses, public venues, and corporate sites, READ MORE
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases White Paper on Impacts of Federal UAS Restrictions on State Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a white paper outlining the operational and financial impacts of recent federal restrictions affecting certain foreign made uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) used by state transportation and aviation agencies. The report examines the effects of Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-26-02, related guidance from the Federal Highway READ MORE

Aviation Education

Florida Legislature Recognizes ERU for 100 Years of Aviation and Aerospace Excellence

Photo – Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler, students and guests are recognized at the Florida State Capitol. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle) Legislators in Tallahassee have honored Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERU) Centennial by adopting a resolution recognizing the university’s outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in the state of Florida, across the nation and around the world. The READ MORE
Fly to Save Lives Theme Inspires 2026 Aviation Art Contest Winner

Artwork above – First place winner of the Senior Division: Soyoon Kim The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has announced the winners of the 2026 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest, an annual competition designed to inspire and engage young people in aviation through artistic expression. 2nd Place in the Intermediate level – Artist READ MORE

Aims Community College Earns FAA Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Designation

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Aims Community College has reached a historic milestone in aviation education, officially earning designation as an Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) institution through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Following a successful FAA on-site evaluation in January, Aims is now one of several collegiate institutions nationwide approved under the Enhanced AT-CTI program. Aims is […]

Honolulu Airport Adds Electric Trams to Wiki Wiki Shuttle Service

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is adding three new electric transit trams to its Wiki Wiki Shuttle service at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The new trams, which will transport domestic passengers between gates and terminals, will augment the airport’s free Wiki Wiki bus service. “The Wiki Wiki Shuttle is a vital part […]

High Flying Hangars Secures RFFP Approval from City Council for Development at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

High Flying Hangars has secured approval from the Manassas City Council for development of a new hangar project at the Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF) in Prince William County, Virginia with the approval of a Request for Franchise Proposal (RFFP). The vote took place last month at the city council meeting. The design plan currently includes […]

K-State Salina Selected for Delta Air Lines’ Propel Program

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Successful K-State Salina applicants in the Delta Air Lines Career Pathway Program now have a direct pathway to Endeavor Air and a streamlined, guaranteed route to a Delta pilot career. By Jeremy Bohn Kansas State University Salina professional pilot program students now have a specialized opportunity for early-career success with Delta Air Lines. K-State […]

Students Explore New Early-Career Aviation Maintenance Program

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

A cohort of ten students from Campbell, Kapolei, and Waipahu high schools is piloting the state’s first aviation maintenance technology program in collaboration with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM). The program provides early-career training starting a student’s junior year. The goal is to prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, enabling them to […]

West Woodward Airport Unveils New Terminal and Major Infrastructure Upgrades to Fuel Regional Economic Growth

February 14, 2026February 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and West Woodward Airport officially marked the completion of a multi-million dollar transformation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Feb.13, 2026. The event celebrated the opening of a new terminal building and several vital upgrades engineered to position Woodward as a prime hub for business and general aviation […]

Tri-State Steuben County Airport Accepting Applications for Airport Manager

February 14, 2026February 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Tri-State Steuben County Airport in Indiana is now accepting applications for Airport Manager. The person in this position oversees airport operations, including grounds and service on airplanes; Supervises assigned staff, including interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions, providing orientation and training, planning, and controlling work assignments, establishing specific work goals, recommending promotions, transfers, […]

Airports as Economic Engines: Managing a High-Value Public Asset

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Kim Stevens

Airports generate hundreds of billions of dollars in direct and indirect economic activity annually in the United States, supporting millions of jobs and serving as critical gateways for commerce, tourism, emergency response, and national security. For states and local communities, an airport is often the single largest economic asset they own. Each airport plays a unique role based […]

Garmin Opens Aviation Facility at Mesa Gateway Airport

February 10, 2026February 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

Garmin has announced that it has acquired a hangar and office complex at the Mesa Gateway airport in Mesa, Arizona (KIWA). This new facility space will expand the company’s capacity for its aircraft certification and flight test organizations. “We are excited to add another aviation facility to our business,” said Phil Straub, Garmin Executive Vice […]

Ontario International Congratulates China Airlines on Welcoming its 1 Millionth Passenger through ONT

February 10, 2026February 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – From left, China Airlines flight attendant; James Kessler, Senior Vice President of Operations and Maintenance; Jack (Chih-Chao) Chih, China Airlines’ Vice President of Americas; Mr. Cheng; and Eren Cello, ONT Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. Ontario International Airport (ONT) congratulated China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, on achieving an extraordinary milestone: the […]

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

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

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