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

One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!
As you know, I love my retro aviation games. Anything that was related to aviation and flight was a must play for me growing up and this was absolutely the case with one of my all-time favorite Super Nintendo games, Star Fox! I still own a complete in box (CIB) copy of the SNES version […]
Dassault’s Falcon 10X Makes Maiden Flight
Photo credit: Dassault Aviation – M. Douhaire Dassault Aviation’s all-new Falcon 10X has successfully completed its first flight, demonstrating the program’s maturity and marking the launch of the flight test campaign. “This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill […]
VC-25B Bridge Aircraft Arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Begins Commissioning Flights
The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will commence its initial commissioning flights, marking the successful delivery of a secure, modified executive platform. Fresh from receiving its new red, white, and blue livery and the final government modifications, the aircraft has entered service to provide critical, secure […]
Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji
Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing […]

State News

GAMA Announces 2026 Aviation Design Challenge Winners

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that the team from Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia, is the first-place winner of the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. The team from Corona Del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona, is the second-place winner and the team from Greenville Technical Charter High School in Greenville, South Carolina, is the third-place winner. 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge first-place team from Cambridge High School Porter High School (from left to right: John Friske (teacher) Clark Benner, Christian Seawright, Morgan Smith and Adam Gould). “The 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge participants showcased some very creative and innovative design concepts, and we are proud of all the hard work that the teams put into their submissions. We congratulate Cambridge High School on winning the competition, along with Corona Del Sol High School and Greenville Technical Charter High School for their top finishes. GAMA looks forward to furthering the reach and impact of this valuable program, which provides students with a unique perspective into aircraft design and the science of flight,” said James Viola, GAMA president and CEO. Over 70 high school teams, representing 31 states, entered the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. During the first portion of the challenge, teams used complimentary “Fly to Learn” curriculum to learn the principles of flight and airplane design. During the second portion of the competition, teams applied their knowledge to modify the design of an airplane and complete a fly-off mission using X-Plane software. This year’s mission was to modify a Cessna 208 Caravan to complete a test flight, carrying as much weight as possible, as fast as possible, in the French Alps. The teams needed to design their aircraft to maximize speed and cargo weight to successfully navigate between two remote locations in high altitudes. Judges scored the teams based on test flight performance, a summary explaining design changes, a video submission summarizing what they learned and a checklist describing steps for the test flight. Members of the first-place team from Cambridge High School include Clark Benner, Adam Gould, Morgan Smith, and Christian Seawright. The Cambridge team’s entry went into great detail about their reasonings for design modifications which included determining an optimal wing aspect ratio, adoption of a V-tail configuration, and a larger propeller with remodeled landing gear to compensate for the propeller’s increased diameter. The team’s first-place prize includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience, demonstration flight opportunities and much more. The second-place entry from Corona Del Sol High School included detailed experiments to test variables for their design modifications of a lowered wing with reduced length, increased flap mean chord ratio, changed airfoil type, and the addition of retractable landing gear, with repositioning, and speed brakes. They will receive a two-day Redbird Flight STEM Lab. The third-place entry from Greenville Technical Charter High School included multi-variant development with detailed reasoning for each evolution that culminated in an aircraft with a longer wingspan with a greater aspect ratio, reduced horsepower, a larger propeller, and a T-tail configuration. They will receive one-year ForeFlight Premium subscriptions. This year, to ensure that technology gaps did not hinder a school from participating, the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Foundation established a technology grant program to provide computers and/or flight controls to schools in need. Through the IADA Foundation’s generosity, all the schools that requested technology assistance were supported. “The IADA Foundation is proud that we were able to provide the needed technical assistance for teams to participate in the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. The grant program furthers our dedication to strengthening the future of aviation through education, innovation and opportunity,” said Suzanne Meiners-Levy, Chair of the IADA Foundation and Shareholder at Advocate Consulting Legal Group, PLLC. “We remain committed to investing and supporting the next generation of engineers, pilots and aviation leaders who will carry this industry forward.” The 2024 Aviation Design Challenge sponsoring companies include Bombardier, Cirrus Aircraft, Click Bond Inc., CubCrafters, Embraer, Garmin, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hartzell Propeller, Jeppesen ForeFlight, Jet Aviation, Redbird Flight, Signature Aviation, Textron Aviation and Wipaire. Sponsors provide financial support for the curriculum, software and prizes as well as in-kind donations. “GAMA is grateful to our sponsors, whose strong commitment to youth outreach has helped drive the success and continued growth of the Aviation Design Challenge. We are excited to recognize the hard work of our winning teams through the meaningful experiences made possible by our sponsors. Additionally, we are very appreciative of the generous support from the IADA Foundation to ensure that participating teams had the resources needed to compete in the challenge,” Viola said.
Lone Star Flight Museum Recognizes Long-Time Museum Supporter Ed Noel’s Jet Racer

Photo – Aero L-39C Albatros “American Spirit” jet racer at the “Innovations in Flight” event at the Udvar-Hazy Center. Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Photo credit: LSFM The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) congratulated its long-time supporter and donor, Ed Noel, on the induction of his Aero L-39C Albatros “American Spirit” jet racer into the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the L-39C flew over the “Innovations in Flight” Smithsonian event and was accepted into the museum’s permanent collection. After undergoing the Smithsonian’s selection process, Noel’s plane was chosen based on its historical importance, rarity and cultural significance. His aircraft has racked up numerous awards for speed and world records, which include eight first place and nine top five finishes making it a compelling addition to the Smithsonian collection. The L-39C is a high-performance jet trainer aircraft designed and produced by Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic. The L-39C “American Spirit” was featured as LSFM’s Plane of the Month in November 2024. To honor LSFM, Noel added both the museum’s official logo and Plane of the Month logo to the aircraft’s tail.

National News

GAMA Announces 2026 Aviation Design Challenge Winners

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that the team from Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia, is the first-place winner of the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. The team from Corona Del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona, is the second-place winner and the team from Greenville Technical Charter High School in Greenville, South Carolina, is the third-place winner. 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge first-place team from Cambridge High School Porter High School (from left to right: John Friske (teacher) Clark Benner, Christian Seawright, Morgan Smith and Adam Gould). “The 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge participants showcased some very creative and innovative design concepts, and we are proud of all the hard work that the teams put into their submissions. We congratulate Cambridge High School on winning the competition, along with Corona Del Sol High School and Greenville Technical Charter High School for their top finishes. GAMA looks forward to furthering the reach and impact of this valuable program, which provides students with a unique perspective into aircraft design and the science of flight,” said James Viola, GAMA president and CEO. Over 70 high school teams, representing 31 states, entered the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. During the first portion of the challenge, teams used complimentary “Fly to Learn” curriculum to learn the principles of flight and airplane design. During the second portion of the competition, teams applied their knowledge to modify the design of an airplane and complete a fly-off mission using X-Plane software. This year’s mission was to modify a Cessna 208 Caravan to complete a test flight, carrying as much weight as possible, as fast as possible, in the French Alps. The teams needed to design their aircraft to maximize speed and cargo weight to successfully navigate between two remote locations in high altitudes. Judges scored the teams based on test flight performance, a summary explaining design changes, a video submission summarizing what they learned and a checklist describing steps for the test flight. Members of the first-place team from Cambridge High School include Clark Benner, Adam Gould, Morgan Smith, and Christian Seawright. The Cambridge team’s entry went into great detail about their reasonings for design modifications which included determining an optimal wing aspect ratio, adoption of a V-tail configuration, and a larger propeller with remodeled landing gear to compensate for the propeller’s increased diameter. The team’s first-place prize includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience, demonstration flight opportunities and much more. The second-place entry from Corona Del Sol High School included detailed experiments to test variables for their design modifications of a lowered wing with reduced length, increased flap mean chord ratio, changed airfoil type, and the addition of retractable landing gear, with repositioning, and speed brakes. They will receive a two-day Redbird Flight STEM Lab. The third-place entry from Greenville Technical Charter High School included multi-variant development with detailed reasoning for each evolution that culminated in an aircraft with a longer wingspan with a greater aspect ratio, reduced horsepower, a larger propeller, and a T-tail configuration. They will receive one-year ForeFlight Premium subscriptions. This year, to ensure that technology gaps did not hinder a school from participating, the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Foundation established a technology grant program to provide computers and/or flight controls to schools in need. Through the IADA Foundation’s generosity, all the schools that requested technology assistance were supported. “The IADA Foundation is proud that we were able to provide the needed technical assistance for teams to participate in the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. The grant program furthers our dedication to strengthening the future of aviation through education, innovation and opportunity,” said Suzanne Meiners-Levy, Chair of the IADA Foundation and Shareholder at Advocate Consulting Legal Group, PLLC. “We remain committed to investing and supporting the next generation of engineers, pilots and aviation leaders who will carry this industry forward.” The 2024 Aviation Design Challenge sponsoring companies include Bombardier, Cirrus Aircraft, Click Bond Inc., CubCrafters, Embraer, Garmin, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hartzell Propeller, Jeppesen ForeFlight, Jet Aviation, Redbird Flight, Signature Aviation, Textron Aviation and Wipaire. Sponsors provide financial support for the curriculum, software and prizes as well as in-kind donations. “GAMA is grateful to our sponsors, whose strong commitment to youth outreach has helped drive the success and continued growth of the Aviation Design Challenge. We are excited to recognize the hard work of our winning teams through the meaningful experiences made possible by our sponsors. Additionally, we are very appreciative of the generous support from the IADA Foundation to ensure that participating teams had the resources needed to compete in the challenge,” Viola said.
Airlines for America Announces Marco Sylvester as Senior Vice President, International Affairs

Airlines for America (A4A) announced that Marco Sylvester has joined the organization as Senior Vice President of International Affairs. Marco Sylvester In this role, Sylvester will lead A4A’s international policy strategy and engagement, working with global stakeholders to advance the priorities of U.S. airlines and promote a safe, competitive and sustainable international aviation system. “Marco brings a deep understanding of both transportation policy and international affairs at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said A4A President and CEO Gov. Chris Sununu. “His experience across government and the private sector will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for policies that further strengthens U.S. aviation leadership around the world.” Sylvester most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where he led international aviation negotiations and worked closely with foreign governments to advance U.S. transportation interests. Previously, he was a Senior Policy Advisor at Venable LLP, advising clients across the transportation sector, including airlines and emerging transportation technology companies. Earlier in his career, Sylvester served as Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation at the U.S. Department of Transportation and as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Robert Pittenger, where he managed the transportation and foreign affairs portfolio. Sylvester is originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern University.

International News

Avianca Adds Temporary Flights Between Bogotá and Valencia, Venezuela

As part of its efforts to support travel for those affected by the emergency in Venezuela, including their friends, relatives and rescue organizations, Avianca has temporarily opened bookings for flights between Bogotá and Valencia. The flights will initially operate through July 10 and are available at special fares. Service may be extended depending on how the situation develops. This measure will help maintain air connectivity between Colombia and Venezuela while operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía are restored. It will also enable the continued transportation of rescue workers, medical personnel, emergency response teams and humanitarian aid to support rescue and relief efforts, in coordination with Avianca’s social impact partners, including the Colombian Red Cross, Ruta Animal, ABACO and the Colombian Civil Air Patrol. Avianca will operate two daily flights using Airbus A320 aircraft, with schedules similar to those of its Bogotá-Caracas route. The flights will help accommodate passengers with existing tickets while providing additional travel options for those who need to fly during the emergency. Bogotá-Valencia-Bogotá Flight Schedule Route FrequencyDeparture timeArrival timeBogotá-Valencia Daily 7:35 a.m.10:35 a.m.Valencia-Bogotá Daily 12:27 p.m.1:10 p.m.Bogotá-Valencia Daily 11:20 p.m.2:20 a.m. the following dayValencia-Bogotá Daily 4:17 a.m.5:00 a.m. “We continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and everyone who needs to travel to or from the country. This daily service to Valencia builds on the efforts carried out in coordination with authorities, governments and social impact partners to transport rescue teams and humanitarian aid in support of the emergency response,” said Gabriel Oliva, Avianca’s president. Tickets are available at special fares to facilitate passenger travel and can be purchased through avianca.com, the Avianca mobile app, the Contact Center and travel agencies. Other Passenger Protection Measures Currently in Effect: To provide passengers with as many alternatives as possible, Avianca will maintain the travel protection measures announced for customers with tickets dated between June 24 and July 15, 2026. Eligible passengers may choose from the following options at no additional cost: Travel date change: Passengers may reschedule their flights for travel through Aug. 31, 2026, without change fees or fare differences, subject to availability. Route change: Passengers may travel to or from Valencia, Cúcuta or Riohacha at no additional cost, subject to availability. Changes must be arranged through Avianca’s Contact Center. Refund: Passengers may request a full refund for any unused flight segments. For tickets purchased through Avianca’s direct channels, avianca.com, the Contact Center or retail locations, refund requests may be submitted through those same channels. For tickets purchased through a travel agency, refund requests must be submitted directly through that agency. Avianca recommends that customers monitor the airline’s official communication channels and the email address associated with their reservation for further updates as the situation in Venezuela develops.
Airtask Group Introduces the Modern Tecnam P2012 Traveller to Elevate Regional Lifeline Services

Tecnam and Airtask Group have announced the successful introduction of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller (registration G-CMCY) onto the Stornoway to Benbecula Public Service Obligation (PSO) route. Leased to Airtask Group, the aircraft officially entered active service in April 2026, marking a new era of reliability and enhanced passenger experience for the Scottish communities relying on this vital link. Transitioning regional services to the Tecnam P2012 Traveller represents a massive leap forward for Airtask Group’s operational footprint. The P2012’s modern design provides the perfect combination of efficiency for short, high-frequency routes and the rugged resilience required for remote operations. This fleet upgrade allows Airtask Group to do what it does best: keeping communities connected while providing passengers with a vastly improved travel experience. Prior to entering service, the P2012 successfully completed its proving flight with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and was formally registered on Airtask Group’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). Since commencing daily operations, the aircraft has performed exceptionally well. Early customer feedback has been extremely enthusiastic, reinforcing Airtask’s commitment to modernizing its network, elevating the standard of its regional lifeline services, and validating the choice of this modern platform for critical routes. “We are thrilled that the Tecnam P2012 Traveller is now officially on our AOC and integrated into our network,” said Rachel Ford, Director of Operations at Airtask Group. “By introducing this aircraft into active service, we are ensuring that essential links are backed by modern reliability, enhanced passenger comfort, and a steadfast commitment to the communities we are proud to serve. The P2012 is perfectly suited for the demanding environments we operate in, and we are delighted to see our passengers already enjoying an improved travel experience.” Francesco Sferra, P2012 Sales and Business Development Manager at Tecnam, highlighted the strategic importance of the route: “We are extremely proud to see the P2012 Traveller serving such a vital lifeline route in the UK. The Stornoway to Benbecula PSO route demands exactly what the P2012 was designed to deliver: uncompromising reliability, efficiency in high-frequency short sectors, and the ruggedness to operate in challenging environments. Partnering with Airtask Group to keep these remote communities connected is a true testament to the aircraft’s capabilities, and we are thrilled to support their mission.” James Cracroft, Senior Sales Manager at Oriens Aviation, the official Tecnam dealer for the UK, stated: “As the official representative for Tecnam in the UK, Oriens Aviation is absolutely delighted to have supported Airtask Group in bringing the P2012 Traveller to the Scottish network. This aircraft is an exceptional fit for the UK’s regional and island routes, offering unparalleled reliability in challenging weather conditions alongside a significant upgrade in passenger comfort. We look forward to continuing our support for Airtask as they modernize their fleet and deliver these critical lifeline services.”

Unmanned Systems

Oregon to Host Aviation Delegation from South Korea to Advance International Collaboration and Innovation

The State of Oregon will host a high-level South Korean aviation delegation July 26–30, 2026, to explore investment, research, and commercial partnership opportunities across the aviation, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), and advanced air mobility (AAM) sectors. The delegation, approximately 25 government, industry, and research representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT), the READ MORE
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases UAS Operations and Policy Manual Template for State and Local Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations and Policy Manual template to help Oregon state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and other public bodies develop safe and consistent drone programs. The template is designed as a practical starting point for agencies that use, or are considering the use READ MORE

Aviation Education

GAMA Announces 2026 Aviation Design Challenge Winners

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that the team from Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia, is the first-place winner of the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. The team from Corona Del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona, is the second-place winner and the team from Greenville Technical Charter High School in Greenville, South READ MORE
ACIT Aviation Program Launches Student into Prestigious Air Force Flight Academy Scholarship

From classroom to cockpit, Atlantic County Institute of Technology’s (ACIT) Aviation Studies program is launching junior student Andrew Merlock into the prestigious Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy. Merlock will continue to train for and earn his private pilot certification over the summer break. His selection highlights ACIT’s expanding role in preparing students for READ MORE

North Dakota Airports Post Second-Highest May Passenger Total

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its May 2026 airline passenger statistics for the state’s eight commercial service airports. North Dakota’s commercial service airports recorded 104,951 passenger boardings during May 2026, making it the second-highest May passenger total in state history. The total was just 2.4 percent below the record-setting May 2025 level, […]

Oregon to Host Aviation Delegation from South Korea to Advance International Collaboration and Innovation

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

The State of Oregon will host a high-level South Korean aviation delegation July 26–30, 2026, to explore investment, research, and commercial partnership opportunities across the aviation, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), and advanced air mobility (AAM) sectors. The delegation, approximately 25 government, industry, and research representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT), the […]

Phoenix Airport System Participates in Nationwide Recognition of Airport Workers

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is among airports throughout North America that will recognize workers on Airport Workers Day, June 25. Airport Workers Day shows appreciation for the people who help keep airports operational, passengers and cargo moving, and the economy of the state running. Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airports make up […]

Louisiana Governor Signs ADS-B Billing Ban

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed HB 730 into law, joining the growing number of states moving to stop the use of ADS-B—a safety technology—to collect fees from pilots. AOPA views this action as an important recognition that ADS-B, a technology used by pilots and air traffic controllers to prevent mid-air collisions, should not be used […]

Colorado Division of Aeronautics Announces 2026 Recognition Program Honorees

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

Every year, the Colorado Division of Aeronautics honors the outstanding individuals and organizations shaping the future of their state’s aviation system. This year’s awards were presented at the 2026 Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Spring Conference, held June 10–12 in Pueblo, Colorado. The Division was thrilled to celebrate excellence across the state by presenting four […]

ACIT Aviation Program Launches Student into Prestigious Air Force Flight Academy Scholarship

June 22, 2026June 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

From classroom to cockpit, Atlantic County Institute of Technology’s (ACIT) Aviation Studies program is launching junior student Andrew Merlock into the prestigious Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) Flight Academy. Merlock will continue to train for and earn his private pilot certification over the summer break. His selection highlights ACIT’s expanding role in preparing students for […]

Oregon Department of Aviation Releases UAS Operations and Policy Manual Template for State and Local Agencies

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations and Policy Manual template to help Oregon state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and other public bodies develop safe and consistent drone programs. The template is designed as a practical starting point for agencies that use, or are considering the use […]

The National Aeronautic Association Names Robert Sumwalt 2026 Recipient of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Robert Sumwalt, former Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and world-renowned aviation safety champion, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. The Wright Trophy is awarded annually to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to […]

UBCP Helps RAF Reopen Taylor Flat and “Expand the Map”

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: Cory Wolf, Taylor Flat, UT Taylor Flat Airstrip, just a stone’s throw from the wild and scenic Green River as it carves through spectacular Utah canyons, is officially reopened. Thanks to a cooperative effort between the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), Taylor Flat Airstrip, TF9, is one more recreational destination pilots […]

US Aviation Academy Partners with Texas State University to Expand Aviation Science Degree and Flight Training to Four New Locations

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

US Aviation Academy has announced a partnership with Texas State University (TXST) to expand the university’s Aviation Science degree program to New Braunfels and Denton, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Kansas City, Kansas. The collaboration pairs an accredited college degree with the professional flight training and certifications students need to launch careers as commercial and airline […]

One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!

Dassault’s Falcon 10X Makes Maiden Flight

VC-25B Bridge Aircraft Arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Begins Commissioning Flights

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji