State Aviation Journal - Page 2 of 902 - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Electra and VertiPorts by Atlantic Partner to Advance Ultra Short Operations in New York City
Electra and VertiPorts by Atlantic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assess infrastructure opportunities that could bring Ultra Short aircraft operations closer to where people live and work. The two companies will explore how different forms of infrastructure, like barges, piers, or elevated surfaces, could unlock Ultra […]
El Niño 2026–27: Why Humanitarian Airlift Planning Must Start Before the Weather Turns
One of the strongest El Niño events on record could peak towards the end of 2026. Cam Bolton-Wilson, Vice President of Government & Humanitarian – Americas at Chapman Freeborn, explains how severe weather disrupts humanitarian supply routes, what can be planned in advance and why aviation decisions made only after a crisis begins may already […]
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: Perfect Campaign, Phenomenal Soundtrack, Endless Reasons to Keep Flying
By Andrew Stevens – Taking flight in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Last month, I picked up the Deluxe Edition so I could play the campaign early, and I’m so glad I did, because it’s been hard to put down. Let’s take off! I’ve always been interested in the series, but I never got […]
Ponca City Breaks Ground on $14.3 Million Regional Airport
State and local leaders joined the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the City of Ponca City to break ground on a new $14.3 million terminal at Ponca City Regional Airport, marking a significant investment in aviation infrastructure and economic development in north-central Oklahoma. The new 14,000-square-foot terminal will provide modern accommodation for […]

State News

The MAC and Fairview Bring Heart-Lung Life Support to MSP Airport in National First

A unique medical partnership between the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and Fairview’s Minnesota Mobile Resuscitation Consortium is bringing advanced cardiac care closer to passengers, visitors and employees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Courtesy: Minnesota Mobile Resuscitation Consortium. MSP’s public safety teams have partnered with the Minnesota Mobile Resuscitation Consortium, a Fairview program that works with health systems, emergency medical services and the University of Minnesota Medical School, to deploy a mobile cardiac care unit equipped with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology. ECMO can temporarily take over the functions of a patient’s heart and lungs, providing critical support during life-threatening cardiac emergencies. Cardiac arrests occur at airports every year, and although bystander CPR and AEDs are highly effective first-line treatments, some patients need advanced support to survive. These emergencies can happen deep inside secure terminal areas, far from hospital-based care. When a cardiac emergency is reported to the airport’s Emergency Communications Center (911), the ECMO unit will be dispatched from the Edina Fire Department alongside the MSP Airport Fire Department, MSP Airport Police Department and the airport’s contract ambulance service. First responders will provide initial treatment and transport the patient to a predetermined location near the terminals, where the Fairview mobile ECMO team can begin advanced care. “MSP is the first airport in the United States to utilize a mobile cardiac care unit that allows us to bring highly specialized responders and equipment directly to our campus,” said MSP Fire Chief Mark Watczak. “We know early intervention is critical in the chain of survival for cardiac patients. The rapid deployment of the ECMO unit can significantly reduce the time it takes for patients to receive advanced, life-saving treatment.” ECMO-trained clinicians can initiate treatment on-site before transporting the patient to a hospital. In addition, cardiology physicians can provide real-time guidance through virtual technology while the patient is receiving care. For patients in prolonged cardiac arrest, survival is seven to eight times higher with ECMO than without it. By bringing the ECMO team to the airport, critical treatment can begin sooner, dramatically reducing delays when every minute counts. “Building this program has required a shared commitment across hospitals, first responders and community partners,” said Dr. Demetris Yannopoulos, medical director for the Minnesota Mobile Resuscitation Consortium, cardiologist with the University of Minnesota Physicians who cares for patients at Fairview Minneapolis University Hospital and director for the Center for Resuscitation Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “Our partnership with MSP extends that work to one of Minnesota’s busiest gateways, bringing advanced resuscitation directly to patients when every minute matters. Behind all the science and technology is one purpose: giving someone another chance to return home to their family.” Fairview owns and leads the Minnesota Mobile Resuscitation Consortium, supplying clinical personnel for the program along with Lifelink III. Other partners include Regions Hospital and Methodist Hospital (HealthPartners) and North Memorial Health. The consortium was launched in 2019 at the University of Minnesota Medical School with an $18.6 million grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust. Fairview later took ownership of the consortium, and in 2023 the Helmsley Charitable Trust awarded Fairview more than $10 million to expand mobile ECMO across the region.
Asheville Regional Airport Celebrates Lexie Farmer’s Achievement of Accredited Airport Executive Designation

Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) announced that Alexandra “Lexie” Farmer, A.A.E., ACE, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), has earned the prestigious Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Alexandra “Lexie” Farmer The A.A.E. designation is one of the aviation industry’s most respected professional achievements, recognizing airport executives who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, leadership and expertise in airport management. Earning the accreditation requires candidates to complete a rigorous, multi-step process that includes a comprehensive examination, a written requirement and a final interview before a panel of accredited airport executives. Farmer successfully completed the final requirement of the accreditation program on September 27, 2026. “Earning this accreditation is an important professional milestone, and I am incredibly grateful to the many people who have supported and encouraged me throughout this process,” said Farmer. “I want to especially thank my mentor, Jack Christine, as well as my colleagues, fellow airport professionals and the leadership team at AVL for their guidance and encouragement. I am fortunate to work alongside people who are passionate about aviation and committed to excellence, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow and contribute to our industry.” As COO, Farmer provides leadership and oversight of airport operations, helping ensure the safe, efficient and effective operation of AVL as the airport continues to grow and undergo its historic terminal modernization program, AVL Forward. “Lexie has shown a strong commitment to her professional development and to Asheville Regional Airport, and I am proud of her for achieving this milestone,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President & CEO of Asheville Regional Airport. “This achievement reflects the knowledge and experience she brings to her role and the value she adds to our executive team.” The A.A.E. accreditation program was established by AAAE to recognize airport executives who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to effectively lead and manage public-use airports. The designation represents a commitment to professional excellence and continued advancement within the aviation industry.

National News

Planning a Private Hangar: Size It for the Airplane You Will Own Next

Photo – A 60 by 54 foot steel aircraft hangar with 19 foot eave height and transparent wall panels, built for Radost Hangar LLC in Evanston, Wyoming. Photo credit: MBMI Metal Buildings – By Bill Strompf, Vice President, MBMI Metal Buildings – Most private hangar projects start with a single measurement: the wingspan of the airplane sitting on the ramp today. It is the right place to start and the wrong place to stop. A hangar is a building an owner will live with for decades, and in that time the airplane inside it may change more than once. The owners who end up happiest with their hangars are the ones who planned the span, the height and the door around the aircraft they expect to fly next, not only the one they fly now. MBMI has designed and supplied custom steel buildings since 2002, including an aircraft hangar with transparent panels in Evanston, Wyoming, and the same handful of decisions come up on almost every hangar project. Here is how I would walk an owner through them. Start with the wingspan, then add room to work The clear span of the building, the width between the frames with no interior columns, has to cover the wingspan with room to spare. A good rule is roughly 4 to 8 feet of tip room on each side. That space is not wasted. It is what makes it possible to bring the airplane in without holding your breath every time, and it leaves room to walk around the wingtips with a tool cart or a ladder. To put numbers on it, a Cessna 172 has a 36 foot wingspan. With tip room on each side, it fits comfortably in a 50 foot clear span. A rigid frame steel building gives that kind of span without posts in the middle of the floor, which is exactly what an aircraft owner wants. Check the height, and remember the door Height is the measurement owners most often underestimate. Standard practice adds 3 to 5 feet of overhead clearance above the tail height of the aircraft. That margin is there so nobody has to inch a tail under a roof beam. The door opening has to clear the tail as well. On a hangar, the door is not an accessory. It sets the usable opening of the whole building, and the frame has to be engineered around it. Choose the door before the building is engineered There are three common door types for general aviation hangars, and each one has its place. Bi-fold doors are the most common choice for general aviation hangars 40 to 100 feet wide. Hydraulic doors open faster than the alternatives. They cost more up front. Sliding doors are the lowest cost option. The tradeoff is more maintenance on the track over the life of the building. The right answer depends on how often the airplane goes in and out, what the site allows and the budget. What matters most is choosing early. The door is part of the end wall and the framing around the opening, so it needs to be settled before the drawings are finished, not added later. Plan for the next airplane If I could give every hangar owner one piece of advice, it would be this: size the span, the height and the door for the aircraft you expect to own next, not just the one you fly today. An owner flying a light single now may be in a larger airplane in a few years. Adding a few feet of span or height at the design stage costs far less than replacing a door later or living with a hangar that no longer fits. If a step up is anywhere on the horizon, design for it now. Leave room as well for everything that collects in a hangar over the years: a workbench, a tug, a tool chest, maybe a small office or a second airplane someday. Engineer it for where it will stand A steel hangar has to be engineered for the wind, snow and seismic loads of its actual location. A building that is fine in one state can be undersized in another. When comparing suppliers, ask who engineers the building and to what wind, snow and seismic loads for the site’s ZIP code. A low price often means less is included, or lighter design assumptions were used. Two other items belong on the list before ordering. First, confirm fire requirements with the local fire marshal. Second, plan ventilation and a vapor barrier from the start. When humid air inside the building meets steel panels that have cooled to the outdoor temperature, moisture condenses and drips, and no owner wants that landing on a wing or an open cowling. A vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation, sealed seams and penetrations, and ventilation sized to the building go a long way toward keeping the inside dry. Where moisture runs high, add dehumidification and aim to keep relative humidity below 60 percent. A simple humidity gauge on the wall will tell you whether you are getting there. Know what the price includes Instant online prices for steel buildings commonly leave out engineered drawings, permits, the concrete foundation and delivery. Owners should also budget for erection, interior work, electrical and any plumbing. When comparing quotes, put them on the same scope first. Then compare the engineering, the fabrication standard, the written warranty, the service and the supplier’s track record with buildings of that size and use. Read the warranty in writing, too. Paint, weather tightness and roof panel coverage are separate warranties with separate terms, and details matter: on our buildings, for example, fasteners that are not lifetime fasteners will void the warranty. Ask what is covered, for how long and what voids it. It also helps to know who does what. At MBMI we design, engineer and supply the building, made to order. The owner arranges a local concrete contractor for the READ MORE
EAA to Welcome Top Collegiate Aviators to Oshkosh for NIFA National Competition

The National Intercollegiate Flight Association (NIFA) SAFECON flight competition is returning to Oshkosh on May 6-15, 2027, with the premier collegiate flight competition highlighting over 500 competitors from more than 30 schools. Young pilots from across the country will compete for awards in a variety of aviation skills including landing, navigation, preflight, flight planning, crew-based simulations, safety, sportsmanship and more. The entirety of the competition will be hosted on the EAA grounds, utilizing both the convention grounds and the museum including the EAA Education Center. All ground, spot landing, and flying events will be based at Wittman Regional Airport except for the cross country competition, which will start in Oshkosh and briefly leave the area. While the SAFECON activities are not organized spectator events, the event will make Wittman Regional Airport a very active place beginning with sanctioned practice activities on May 6 and competition on May 10. “This competition brings together the nation’s top collegiate pilots to showcase their flying skills,” said Ren Scott, EAA’s vice president of business development, sales, and events. “It’s especially exciting to have these young aviators return to the community in 2027, as we celebrate the centennial of Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight and the 100th anniversary of Wittman Regional Airport here in Oshkosh.” The airport, the annual home of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, is well-suited for hosting the national collegiate competition. The facility was founded in 1927 as the Oshkosh municipal airport and was acquired by Winnebago County in 1940. The airport was renamed in honor of National Aviation Hall of Fame member Steve Wittman in 1970, the same year the EAA fly-in convention came to the facility. “Wittman’s airfield configuration and our experience with large events makes us a great venue for SAFECON,” said Jim Schell, Wittman Regional Airport Director. “Hosting the nation’s top collegiate aviators for the third time in 2027 is a fantastic addition to our yearlong centennial celebration of this airport, which is a tremendous asset within our community’s transportation infrastructure.” Thanks to the establishment of NIFA, these SAFECON competitions have made their way from being held exclusively at Ivy League schools in the 1920s and early ‘30s, to making its first appearance the EAA grounds in Oshkosh in 2023 and again in 2025. Teams arrive a few days prior to the competition, bringing economic impact to Oshkosh and the surrounding area. “Bringing SAFECON to Oshkosh in 2027 is always a little like a homecoming for many of our competitors, as dozens of them are EAA members, previously attended AirVenture, or got their start in aviation through an EAA Young Eagles flight,” said Andrew Ross, NIFA Executive Director. “The passion for aviation among these future aviation leaders is evident during the competitions in the air or the classroom.”

International News

Liberty University and the DC-8 Overlook Project

Photo – The DC-8 landed its final flight at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Simon Barbre) – By Scotty Malta – Samaritan’s Purse retired the last flying U.S. registered Douglas DC-8 and donated it to longtime partner, Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. The DC-8 made one final flight to its new home at the Lynchburg Regional Airport (KLYH) in Virginia on December 7, 2025. The North Carolina-based Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian relief organization, had operated the venerable DC-8 as its primary heavy-lift aircraft since 2015. Over its years of service to Samaritan’s Purse, the DC-8 flew 219 missions, while transporting more than 9.2 million pounds of lifesaving cargo to 42 countries affected by disasters on six different continents. On Friday, December 5th, the DC-8 embarked on its final mission—carrying 9,200 shoebox gifts to Jamaica. These Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were packed with toys, school supplies, and personal care items and were distributed to children devastated by Hurricane Melissa. These gifts reminded the children that God loves them, and they are not forgotten. The mission to Jamaica was the DC-8’s 219th mission and its final flight before it was given to Liberty University, where it will remain on display in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University has one of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America, and this historic aircraft will continue to remind students how God can use aviation as a tool for the Gospel. “For a decade, the DC-8 has helped us reach more people around the world for the Gospel—getting the right supplies and people to places devastated by disasters and crises. As the DC-8 prepares to complete its final mission, we praise God for how He has used this plane to change lives,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Aviation plays a critical role in our work, and we replaced this 1968 DC-8, which has reached the end of its service life, with a 767, allowing us to transport even more supplies to people in need in Jesus’ Name.” The majority of shoebox gifts on-board the DC-8 were packed by Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA and Liberty University students, faculty and staff—some of whom had the opportunity to fly on the DC-8 to personally deliver shoebox gifts to boys and girls in Jamaica. Edward Graham, joined by Jonathan Falwell and other Liberty University Leadership and students, helps distribute Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in Black River as families continue recovering from Hurricane Melissa, reminding them that God loves them and has not forgotten them. (Photo by Samaritan’s Purse) Liberty University alumna Cassie Straub, then president of Liberty’s Operation Christmas Child Club, was also on the trip to Jamaica. For many years, this club has been active on campus promoting and coordinating the collection of shoebox gifts and hosting packing parties. She said witnessing the end result was heartwarming. “Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces and knowing how much this gift means to them, it was a cool experience to see and interact with the kids. It was really cool to see how Samaritan’s Purse ties in the Gospel to the box and talks about how Jesus is the greatest gift. He is a free gift we receive, just like these shoeboxes.” “We are deeply grateful to Franklin Graham, the Graham family, and Samaritan’s Purse for their friendship in the faith and their partnership in the Gospel,” said Liberty University Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “For generations, they have shared the love of Jesus and served people in crisis around the world. This DC-8 is not only a remarkable gift — the first of its kind to Liberty — but a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to reach the world with the life-changing message of the Gospel while meeting urgent humanitarian needs. As Liberty trains the next generation of Champions for Christ, this aircraft will remind us of God’s faithfulness and inspire our students to carry the Gospel to the nations.” —————————————– The following is an unpublished interview (March 18, 2026) by the author (Malta) with Jim “Vech” Vechery and Dr. Steven Brinly, in their own words (lightly edited): Jim Vechery, the Director of Mission Aviation Services in Greensboro for Samaritan’s Purse – “I was given the task of retiring the DC-8 by the 31st of December last year (2025) to bring on board the replacement, which is our 767-300 ER freighter. So, in the process of doing that, one of our tasks was to figure out where the final home for the DC-8 was going to be. Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. And you might be aware; there is a great affinity for that particular aircraft. We call it “The Mighty DC-8”. And what I didn’t realize is how many people appreciate that aircraft. We had people calling us when the aircraft was stuck in Bangkok for a week, asking what had happened to the DC-8. We also had people wanting to come by and see the aircraft because they knew it was the last year it would operate. We were able to take it to AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (pictured above – SAJ photo) last year in this retirement year where we got to tour over 6000 people in 3 days through the aircraft. So, it became clear to me that this plane had a follow-on mission. And my task was to figure out what that was. And I would say up to the 14th of November [2025], I was failing at the task. I was not able to find, despite having some really good leads and some really good opportunities, what the follow-on was going to be. And we had thought of the vision being turning the aircraft into some sort of museum to be able to continue to tell the story of what that airplane had done. It flew for us for 10 years, starting in 2015, its first mission was in August of 2016 down to READ MORE
Aviation Associations, NBAA, Salute the Visionary Leadership and Service of CEO Ed Bolen

Photo – Ed Bolen with aviation association leaders during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2013. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), along with a number of national aviation associations including NASAO, GAMA, NATA, AOPA and EAA, hailed the pioneering legacy of Ed Bolen, an industry trailblazer who is retiring after nearly a quarter century as NBAA’s president and CEO. A tireless and singularly effective advocate for business aviation since joining NBAA in 2004, Bolen has been one of the industry’s most inspiring champions for more than 40 years, leading on key priorities including safety, airport and airspace access, workforce development and air traffic control modernization. 2019 Photo of Ed Bolen with Peggy Chabrian (WAI) during AirVenture Oshkosh. SAJ Photo by Kim Stevens. “It is the privilege of a lifetime to have served NBAA and the aviation community. I am incredibly proud of everything NBAA is, and of what we have accomplished together over the years,” Bolen said. “I regret having to step down because of my health, and I have been touched by the outpouring of your support. Business aviation is at its best when we come together, and I have never been more confident in NBAA’s brilliant future.” Today’s announcement follows the recent news that Bolen was taking medical leave for cancer treatment. “The nation’s state aviation leaders salute Ed Bolen as he announces his retirement from the NBAA,” said Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “Ed’s career as a leader in the aviation industry is unsurpassed. Throughout his time on Capitol Hill, at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and now at NBAA, he has provided thoughtful, dedicated, and passionate leadership to the industry. In recent years, Ed has been aviation’s preeminent spokesman and exemplified the best of our industry. We thank him for his service, his friendship to NASAO and state aviation agencies, and wish him the best.” Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), said, “Ed Bolen’s impact and influence on the aviation community can be measured in so many ways, yet is immeasurable in so many others. Ed has championed important causes that have advanced aviation, from safety, airport and airspace access to air traffic control modernization. He has also been a leader in seeking consensus within the aviation community on key issues. I am proud to call Ed an esteemed colleague as well as a friend and we are keeping him in our thoughts as he steps into retirement.” The NBAA Board of Directors affirmed Dan Hubbard will continue overseeing day-to-day operations and named Hubbard Acting CEO and SVP, Communications. The Board also announced that a special executive search committee will begin a search for a new CEO. The committee will be chaired by Matt Byrd, vice chair of NBAA’s Board and president and CEO of Hillwood Aviation. “Business aviation is an immeasurably stronger, safer, more dynamic industry because of Ed’s unwavering commitment,” said John Witzig, chair of NBAA’s Board of Directors. “We have all soared higher and gone farther, driven by the power of his vision.” 2013 photo of Ed Bolen with Stacy Howard and Bob Quinn at EAA AirVenture. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president and CEO, James Viola, noted that, “for decades, Ed Bolen has been a champion and stalwart for the general and business aviation industry. His dedication for the welfare and growth of the industry is truly remarkable. GAMA is forever grateful for Ed’s leadership at both NBAA and GAMA; he always stressed the importance of working together for the betterment of the industry. On behalf of GAMA and its membership, we thank Ed for his service, passion and devotion to our industry and wish him nothing but the best during this difficult time.” A private pilot and native Kansan, Bolen was introduced to flying by his father, who served on the board of the Salina Regional Airport in Kansas. Bolen’s groundbreaking work as a general aviation champion traces to his days as a Senate legislative aide for Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, in the 1990s. He played a central role in passing the historic General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994. The legislation revived American aircraft manufacturing and preserved thousands of jobs. Bolen later advised presidents of both parties, working across party lines to bring people together to get things done. He was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate to serve as a member of the Management Advisory Council to the Federal Aviation Administration, which he chaired from 2000 to 2004. In 2001, Bolen was appointed by President Bush to serve as a member of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. Bolen is also a former chair of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics. Ed Bolen In 2021, he was inducted as a Living Legend into the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s International Air & Space Hall of Fame, in recognition of his decades of contributions to the aviation and aerospace industry. This year, he will be honored by his home state and inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. “The aviation community cannot thank Ed Bolen enough for his service and leadership,” said Elizabeth Dornak, NBAA’s Board of Directors chair emeritus. “His service to aviation is unmatched over a sterling career, and so many of us are fortunate to count him as a partner and a friend.” The search for Bolen’s replacement will move forward as NBAA continues its advocacy work and rolls out a strong lineup of early 2027 events.

Unmanned Systems

University of North Dakota Joins Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Signing Agreement to Advance Counter-Drone Technologies

The University of North Dakota and Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (NPUASTS) were part of a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on Oct. 14, joining forces with the U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401). UND President Andrew Armacost (left), U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (center) and Col. Jason Idleman display READ MORE
MassDOT Aeronautics Division Receives 2026 Aerial Achievement Award for Program Excellence

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the MassDOT Aeronautics Division has been selected to receive the 2026 Aerial Achievement Award for Program Excellence, recognizing its innovative use of uncrewed aircraft systems to support the management and preservation of public infrastructure. The Aerial Achievement Awards are presented annually by drone manufacturer Skydio, Inc. to READ MORE

Aviation Education

Liberty University and the DC-8 Overlook Project

Photo – The DC-8 landed its final flight at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Simon Barbre) – By Scotty Malta – Samaritan’s Purse retired the last flying U.S. registered Douglas DC-8 and donated it to longtime partner, Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. The DC-8 made one final flight to its new home READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Awards $135,000 in Scholarships to 16 Students

Epic Flight Academy has announced its 2026 Aviation Scholarship Award winners, awarding a total of $135,000 in scholarships to 16 high school students. Epic awarded both pilot and aircraft mechanic scholarships across campuses. King Air Nation Foundation also contributed a $5,000 pilot scholarship. Epic student and staff advocate Phyllis Cunniffe organized the team of judges READ MORE

El Niño 2026–27: Why Humanitarian Airlift Planning Must Start Before the Weather Turns

November 9, 2026November 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

One of the strongest El Niño events on record could peak towards the end of 2026. Cam Bolton-Wilson, Vice President of Government & Humanitarian – Americas at Chapman Freeborn, explains how severe weather disrupts humanitarian supply routes, what can be planned in advance and why aviation decisions made only after a crisis begins may already […]

ALDOT Awards Over $12 Million for Airport Grants

November 9, 2026November 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

ALDOT has awarded $12,099,563 in state grants through the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program. The projects receiving funding total $73,071,980, including $53,635,243 in federal funding and $7,337,174 in airport contributions. These funds will support improvement projects at public-use airports across the state. The Alabama Department of Transportation’s funding combines state investment with airport contributions and […]

Epic Flight Academy Awards $135,000 in Scholarships to 16 Students

November 8, 2026November 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy has announced its 2026 Aviation Scholarship Award winners, awarding a total of $135,000 in scholarships to 16 high school students. Epic awarded both pilot and aircraft mechanic scholarships across campuses. King Air Nation Foundation also contributed a $5,000 pilot scholarship. Epic student and staff advocate Phyllis Cunniffe organized the team of judges […]

Aviation Is Hiring: AOPA Launches Career Expo in Phoenix

November 8, 2026November 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will host its first Aviation Career Expo on November 13 and 14 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, connecting job seekers with airlines, manufacturers, flight schools, and aviation service providers. The two-day recruiting and networking event, presented by ATP Flight School, covers careers in and out of the cockpit, […]

FAA Deploys First Digital Air Traffic Control Towers in Florida and Alaska

November 8, 2026November 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the nation’s first digital towers are operational at airports in Florida and Alaska. The new technology gives air traffic controllers better tools to do their jobs by providing greater visibility of airport activity to help them monitor traffic. Controllers are still managing the airspace but now have modern […]

Still Time to Nominate Someone for 2027 GA Awards

November 8, 2026November 8, 2026 Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors continues to accept applications and nominations for the 2027 awards, with the deadline at midnight on November 30, 2026. Submissions and additional information about the process are available at www.generalaviationawards.com/nominate. The program, a cooperative effort between industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), seeks to recognize individuals […]

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: Perfect Campaign, Phenomenal Soundtrack, Endless Reasons to Keep Flying

November 3, 2026November 3, 2026 Andrew Stevens

By Andrew Stevens – Taking flight in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Last month, I picked up the Deluxe Edition so I could play the campaign early, and I’m so glad I did, because it’s been hard to put down. Let’s take off! I’ve always been interested in the series, but I never got […]

SAJ Contributor, Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Earns Silver Medal

November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) awarded the local history book, Grand County published by Arcadia Publishing Images of America, a silver medal for the 2026 Book Awards Season. MWSA member and author and State Aviation Journal contributor, Penny Rafferty Hamilton, used her academic research skills and extensive knowledge of local history to write […]

Shreveport Regional Airport Named 2026 Commercial Service Airport of the Year

November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The City of Shreveport announced that Shreveport Regional Airport has been named the 2026 Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The prestigious award recognizes Shreveport Regional Airport for its outstanding performance and contributions to aviation in Louisiana. In addition to the airport’s recognition, Stacy Kuba, Deputy […]

Tennessee Department of Transportation Announces 2026 Aviation Economic Impact Study Findings

November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has completed the 2026 Aviation Economic Impact Study (AEIS), detailing how aviation drives economic growth across Tennessee. Using the most recent available data, the AEIS quantifies the economic contributions from Tennessee’s 76 public-use airports and off-airport air cargo to communities statewide. The findings show aviation generates $53.8 billion in […]

Electra and VertiPorts by Atlantic Partner to Advance Ultra Short Operations in New York City

El Niño 2026–27: Why Humanitarian Airlift Planning Must Start Before the Weather Turns

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: Perfect Campaign, Phenomenal Soundtrack, Endless Reasons to Keep Flying

Ponca City Breaks Ground on $14.3 Million Regional Airport