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

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 […]
Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]

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

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. Photo credit: Dassault Aviation – V. Almansa “This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill of our engineering, production, and flight teams, and also the quality of our global network of partners. All of us are excited to see this day as we launch into a new phase for the 10X.” Test Pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac took off from runway 23 at Bordeaux-Mérignac at 11.10 a.m. for a two-hour and 30-minute flight. The pilots evaluated handling qualities and systems at 15,000 feet, then retracted the landing gear and all movable surfaces before climbing to 40,000 feet, where they accelerated to Mach 0.82. They returned to Bordeaux-Mérignac for a smooth landing at 1.40 p.m. Dassault Aviation – A. Pecchi “Today’s flight was the culmination of years of work by thousands of Dassault employees and partners,” commented de Dinechin. “It paid off in a flight that went as planned and was a delight to fly”. The first aircraft will be soon followed into the air by a second test aircraft nearing completion, and by a third, that is being outfitted with a full interior and will be used mainly for systems and cabin functional and reliability testing. Dassault Aviation is the only aircraft manufacturer in the world to have a completely new aircraft in flight in 2026. Dassault’s dual expertise—in civil and defense—is a long-term strength for the company.
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 the broader population of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, this project represents an important step in the modernization of air traffic management services within the Fiji Domestic Airspace. It will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen safety, and support more resilient aviation operations across the region. The project forms part of Fiji’s government-led investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure under the World Bank-financed Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu. Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in collaboration with Fiji Airports and other implementing partners, the program supports coordinated investments to strengthen regional connectivity, improve essential infrastructure and services, and enable sustainable tourism development across Vanua Levu and Taveuni. “Fiji Airports’ selection of Adacel to deliver this remote tower program reflects a shared commitment to advancing aviation capabilities in the region,” said Daniel Verret, Chief Executive Officer of Adacel. “Our REVAL remote tower solution is a certified, operational, and field-proven platform that delivers enhanced situational awareness and operational resilience, providing a scalable approach to modernizing aerodrome services while enabling customers to expand capabilities over time and maintain long term efficiency and sustainability.” Mesake Seavula Nawari, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports said, “This project marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Fiji’s air traffic management services and reflects our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and resilient aviation operations for the people of Vanua Levu.” He continued, “By introducing remote tower technology at Labasa Airport, we are strengthening the reliability and sustainability of air services, improving connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors, and supporting the continued growth of tourism and economic opportunities across the Northern Division. As the first remote tower installation in the Pacific Islands, this project also positions Fiji at the forefront of aviation innovation in the region and demonstrates our commitment to investing in smart, future-ready infrastructure that will serve our communities for generations to come.” Delivering a modern remote tower solution Under the contract, Adacel will deploy its REVAL digital tower system in a remote tower configuration, consisting of a Remote Tower Module (RTM) installed at Labasa Airport and a Remote Tower Centre (RTC) located at the Nadi Operations Centre. This architecture enables real-time operational visibility and control from a centralized facility, supporting safe and efficient remote service delivery. The solution will deliver high-resolution out-the-window views through an advanced camera system, combined with intelligent video processing and augmentation capabilities. These features provide enhanced situational awareness, supporting safe and effective operations in a wide range of operational conditions.

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

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 22, 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 […]

Aviation/Airspace Needs Plenary Session Panel Highlighted at WRP Principals’ Meeting

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Aviation panel members from left are, Gary Harter, Mark Bontrager, Arjuna “Tuna” Fields and Matthew Maass. Senior leaders from state, federal and Tribal agencies gathered May 28-29 for the 2026 Western Regional Partnership (WRP) Principals’ Meeting in Deer Valley, Utah. Before the meeting officially kicked-off, separate meetings were held among Department of War, […]

NATA Congratulates Caitlin Locke on FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Appointment

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) congratulated Caitlin Locke on being named Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. Locke, who has spent nearly 18 years at the FAA, moves into the agency’s top civilian safety role after serving as Executive Director of the Aircraft Certification Service within the Aviation Safety organization. The […]

MAMA Members Brief Key State Lawmakers on Beacon Hill

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Members of the Massachusetts Airport Managers Association (MAMA) Legislative Committee travelled to Beacon Hill on June 17 to brief lawmakers on key aviation issues and thank them for their support of Massachusetts’ 37 public use airports through the MassDOT Aeronautics Division. The briefings were conducted in the offices of Senator Jamie Edlridge, Senate Chair of […]

JetZero Breaks Ground on First Aircraft Factory in Greensboro, North Carolina

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

JetZero today broke ground on its first manufacturing and final assembly campus, an 8 million square foot factory on more than 600 acres in Greensboro, North Carolina. The project, supported by the largest ever State-level incentive package for any startup of any industry, will be home to production of JetZero’s next-generation aircraft and will create […]

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

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home