State Aviation Journal

Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8
International Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse ceremonially retired its Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft and dedicate its new Boeing 767 at its Airlift Response Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event marks a new era for the ministry’s global aviation operations and advances its ability to help suffering families around the world in Jesus’ Name. For […]
CubCrafters Announces New Dealer for Mid-Atlantic Region
CubCrafters has announced that Ray and Melisa Fowler of Adventure Flying LLC have joined the company’s elite team of Certified Sales Centers (CSC) as representatives for the MidAtlantic region. Ray and Melisa will manage new, used, and kit aircraft sales across six Mid-Atlantic states: Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Ray […]
Oklahoma State University’s Flying Aggies Defend Regional Title
The Oklahoma State University Flying Aggies flight team flew back into town as regional champions for the second year in a row after competing in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Region 4 SAFECON championship. The OSU flight team came out on top — earning 631 points during the four-day competition, which took place Oct. 13-17 […]
KlasJet Employee Breaks Three National Records in Single High-Altitude Jump
Aleksej Zelenkov, a duty manager at KlasJet, has broken three Lithuanian skydiving records in a single jump from 7,620 meters during a specialized high-altitude event in Herning, Denmark this August. The achievement included setting new Lithuanian records for the highest skydive, longest canopy flight duration at approximately 13 minutes, and the highest altitude display of […]

State News

Hawaiian Airlines Debuts Exclusive Collectibles Available Only Inflight

Guests flying on Hawaiian Airlines can now ask a pilot for one of four exclusive trading cards designed and produced in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). Each card features one of our four aircraft — the Boeing 717, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — and includes fun facts about each plane type, along with a signature field for pilots to autograph. Exclusive inflight collectibles are making a splash across our Hawaiian Airlines fleet — including a new set of pilot trading cards, a first-of-its-kind collectible digital card program. “These cards were designed in collaboration with our pilots and embody ALPA’s mission to promote and champion all aspects of aviation,” says Captain Larry Payne, Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) chair of ALPA and a Boeing 787-9 captain at Hawaiian Airlines. “They’re more than collectibles — they give guests a chance to learn about Hawaiian Airlines aircraft and connect with the pilots who operate them. We’re proud to partner with Hawaiian in sharing our passion for flying and inspiring future aviators.” Printed on rainbow foil board for a Hawaiʻi-inspired shine and finished with a UV gloss laminate, the cards are made to last and stand out. First-of-its-kind digital cards In an industry first, guests can also now collect digital cards representing the 66 Hawaiian Airlines aircraft. Every card design is unique and inspired by the name given to each aircraft before it entered service. The Company’s Boeing 717s are named after native birds, our Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s after stars or constellations used by Polynesian voyagers for celestial navigation, and our Airbus A321neos after native plants and forests. “Today is such an exciting day for us at Hawaiian Airlines. Not only are we introducing something completely new by becoming the first airline to offer a digital card program, but our employees also get an exciting new opportunity to engage with guests, inspire future aviators and share our Islands’ rich culture in a meaningful and memorable way,” said Alisa Onishi, Head of Hawaiʻi marketing, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. For the youngest guests, Hawaiian Airlines also now carries clippable Keiki (Children’s) Wings branded with their logo and the words “Future Crew.” Parents and their little ones can request their pair from a flight attendant while onboard the aircraft.
Virginia Launches Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Systems Test Site Program

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) have announced the launch of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility Test Site Program, a new pilot initiative to evaluate and integrate next-generation aviation technologies across Virginia’s transportation and innovation ecosystem. Developed to support the deployment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), urban air mobility solutions, and other advanced aviation platforms, the program will serve as an operational proving ground for new capabilities that align with Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) strategy, public-private priorities, and long-term economic goals. DOAV and VIPC are managing a collaborative effort focused on demonstrating integrated systems, collecting real-world data, and preparing for commercial deployment and regulatory compliance. Under this partnership, DOAV serves as the Commonwealth’s aviation lead and program sponsor, aligning this new initiative with Virginia’s AAM strategic plan and vision, while VIPC serves as the Commonwealth’s innovation lead, bringing its experience and expertise through VIPC’s Unmanned Systems Center to drive infrastructure prototyping and technology development. Five industry partners have been selected to work together to enable a fully integrated AAM demonstration site, with operations designed to align with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. > Aloft brings advanced service supplier (USS) capabilities to the program, contributing to flight information management and airspace coordination. > ANRA Technologies is the only U.S. non-vertically integrated provider authorized by the FAA for UAS Traffic Management and the world’s only company certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for airspace management. > ATA Aviation will lead project management and system integration, focusing on system design and performance evaluation in coordination with Virginia’s Flight Information Exchange (VA-FIX). > DroneUp, a UAS services company, will conduct compliant flight operations to validate airspace awareness infrastructure and generate operational flight data. > OneSky provides key data integration tools to support coordination among diverse UAS operators and service platforms. “Virginia is committed to shaping the future of aviation in a way that is safe, inclusive, and economically sustainable,” said Greg Campbell, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation. “This program puts our strategy into motion and supports communities across the Commonwealth as we transition toward new modes of transportation.” “Virginia is a recognized national leader for Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Aircraft Systems development. Through this new test site program, which is powered by public-private partnership, Virginia is continuing to lead the way in unleashing technology and capabilities to support America’s AAM innovation,” said Joe Benevento, VIPC President and CEO. Virginia’s AAM strategy is underpinned by key principles for developing a resilient and forward-looking AAM industry that will guide ongoing stakeholder engagement and ensure alignment with community interests and national standards. This mission underscores Virginia’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of aviation innovation, providing a collaborative, standards-aligned environment where new aviation technologies can be safely evaluated and transitioned toward commercial viability. The new test site program directly supports Virginia’s AAM strategy to ensure Virginia leads the nation in AAM by aligning infrastructure, investment, and policy with emerging industry and federal priorities. Data collected from the test site will inform future safety frameworks, business models, and sustainment strategies for Virginia’s broader AAM ecosystem.

National News

General Aviation Award Nominations Deadline Extended

The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors announces an updated submission deadline for applications and nominations for the 2026 awards for National Flight Instructors, Aviation Maintenance Technicians, and FAA Safety Team Representatives until midnight on December 19, 2025. Submissions and additional information on the process can be accessed at www.generalaviationawards.com/nominate. The program, a cooperative effort between industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), seeks to recognize individuals for their professionalism and dedication to general aviation (GA). Honorees serve as exemplary models of character and excellence for the broader GA community. GAA encourages flight schools, aviation organizations, universities, FSDOs, and other entities to nominate fellow aviators or submit applications. This year, GAA will recognize every nominee, acknowledging the vital contributions each person makes to their community’s health and safety. The selection process begins following the NEW December 19th deadline at the Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO), where Honorees are chosen at the district level. These winners then proceed to the national level, where a panel of judges composed of industry professionals and past Honorees selects the final Honorees. In addition to national recognition, winners present a live broadcast offering their knowledge and expertise, are awarded a trip to AirVenture, a commemorative plaque, and numerous gifts from industry sponsors. GAA is a not-for-profit corporation run exclusively by volunteers, and it depends on financial support from sponsors and donations to provide these honors.
Former Idaho State Aviation Director Remains Active in Aviation

Photo – Mike teaching his son Sam to fly. Mike Pape, former Aviation Director for the State of Idaho, continues to stay engaged in the aviation industry. Since leaving state service Mike has stayed busy in the private sector, mostly in Part 135 management. “I’m currently working as the Director of Operations with Jetstream Aviation in Boise,” said Pape. “I also stay active as a flight instructor, an officer with our local Commemorative Air Force Wing, and building my consulting business coaching young professional pilots.” Mike Pape When asked about attracting and maintaining a talented workforce, Pape responded, “That’s an interesting question and an honest challenge. My last 15 years of aviation management have been full of hiring, training, mentoring young professionals and if there is one comment my colleagues and I repeat it’s – hard to get and keep good people.” Pape says we can make excuses that aviation is expensive to get into or there are always better opportunities elsewhere, or turnover is just a price to pay, etc., “but I believe attracting and retaining talent comes down to genuine, well-trained leadership.” Simon Sinek preaches that successful leaders focus not on being in a position of authority, but on the well-being of those in one’s charge. The most effective leaders are empethetic, courageous and focused on creating a culture of trust and safety. Those we seek to hire and retain are human beings, not robots. Aviation leaders (often left-brain pilots and mechanics) need to develop proper EQ (emotional quotient) so as to lead, coach and motivate. Employees don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses. For Pape, who also teaches skiing and fly casting, the most enjoyable and gratifying thing he does in aviation is building a new generation of professional pilots. “If you asked me that 30 years ago my answer would be flying some specific airplane or time in some exotic destination. Now, after 40+ years in the business, there is nothing like inheriting a young, ambitious flight instructor and coaching them into becoming a mature, effective crewmember so they have the chance to build their own exciting career. That gets me going every day!” Mike and his Safety Mentor, Robert Sumwalt. Pape, in the last year has received his 6th type rating, crossed the Atlantic, attained his Safety Manager’s certificate, got three of his copilots good jobs, and barrel rolled a T-6! What’s missing? Alaska. “I have a dream to be a pilot/fly fishing guide in Southeast Alaska. When the question of retirement comes up, don’t look for Pape to slow down. “There were just too many people who went out on a limb for me so I could enjoy a fun, challenging, and exciting aviation career, so as long as I’m breathing, I’m at the airport.” Pape served as Administrator for the Idaho Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics from 2007 until 2019.

International News

WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2026 Emerging Leaders Courses

Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and conducted by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE). In 2026, WAI will expand the program to offer both an on-campus experience as well as two virtual programs. Applications for all three programs will open November 15, and close on January 15, 2026. The on-campus course takes place May 13, 14, and 15, 2026, on Harvard University’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A fourth day of training will be held virtually on June 18, 2026. The spring virtual program will be June 3-5, 2026, and a fall virtual program from November 4-6, 2026. Qualified WAI members can select one of the three programs to apply for. This intensive leadership program draws on curriculum from Harvard’s DCE Professional Development department and is tailored to address the unique challenges women face in the aviation and aerospace industry. Topics include executive communication techniques, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills. WAI’s goal is to help high-potential leaders master core business concepts, build key leadership skills, and develop their leadership style to support career growth. The program is intended for high-performing women who are members of Women in Aviation International, have demonstrated leadership skills, and are looking to further advance their careers. “We know that WAI alumnae who have completed the course during the past three years have developed strong networks with their classmates and have reported career advancement as a direct result of their experience at Harvard,” says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “Next year, we’re expanding the program to include two virtual offerings, encouraging international members and those with travel restrictions to apply. The leadership skills taught through Harvard’s program are a vital step toward developing the next generation of women who will one day lead our industry.” Participants will earn a certificate awarded by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education to add to their professional resumes. Partial funding for the course was provided through a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. For the on-campus session, no more than 30 WAI members will be chosen to receive funding support that will include program tuition, hotel (checking in on Monday, May 12 and departing Friday, May 16), and meals for the three days of the course. Selected participants are responsible for their own travel costs, including airfare and ground transportation. Those selected must commit to attending all three days of the on-campus course, as well as the online virtual coaching day. For each virtual session, no more than 45 WAI members will be selected and must commit to attending all three days of the virtual program on June 3-5, 2026, or November 4-6, 2026. Recipients are encouraged to take this time away from work to focus on learning. All applicants must be current members of Women in Aviation International with at least seven years of career experience. To apply, go to www.WAI.org/scholarships. Applicants will be notified no later than February 15, 2026. Questions? Email scholarships@wai.org. Apply Here
Stevens Researchers Bring Hypersonic Flight One Step Closer to Take Off

If it were to become a reality, hypersonic flight, long the realm of science fiction, could revolutionize global travel, transforming day-long international flights into brief commutes no longer than a feature length movie. The duration of a long-haul route, such as Sydney to Los Angeles, might drop from 15 hours to just one. Nicholaus Parziale “It really shrinks the planet,” says Professor Nicholaus Parziale, whose research focuses on making such hypersonic flight a reality, and who is a recent recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for his research into the fluid mechanics that affects high-speed flight. “It will make travel faster, easier and more enjoyable.” Crossing half the planet in an hour may sound untenable, but such planes may be closer to reality than you think. Military planes already fly at double and triple the speed of sound, which engineers refer to as Mach 2 or Mach 3, where Mach 1 stands for the speed of sound or 760 miles per hour. To cover the distance from Los Angeles to Sydney in an hour the planes would need to fly at Mach 10 — ten times the speed of sound. What’s standing in the way of such ultra-fast planes becoming reality is the turbulence and heat they generate as they fly. There’s a difference in how the air behaves around the aircraft at low speeds versus high speeds. Aerospace engineers have special terms for this phenomenon: incompressible and compressible flow. In incompressible flow, which occurs at low speeds (below about Mach 0.3 or 225 miles per hour), air density remains nearly constant, which simplifies airplane design. However, at higher speeds, especially above the speed of sound, it switches to compressible flow. “That’s because a gas can ‘squish,’” explains Parziale, or, to put it in scientific terms, compress. Compressing means that air density changes significantly due to variations in pressure and temperature, which affects how an aircraft flies. “Compressibility affects how the airflow goes around the body and that can change things like lift, drag, and thrust required to take off or stay airborne.” All of which is important for plane design. Aerospace engineers have a pretty good idea how such airflow works with planes that fly below or close to the speed of sound — also known as “low Mach” numbers. To build hypersonic planes, they must understand how airflow works at greater Mach numbers — like five or ten times the speed of sound. And that remains a bit of an enigma, save for the so-called Morkovin’s hypothesis. Formulated by Mark Morkovin in mid-20th century, the hypothesis postulates that when air moves at Mach 5 or Mach 6, the turbulence behavior doesn’t change all that much from slower speeds. Although air density and temperature change more in faster flows, the hypothesis states that the basic “choppy” motion of turbulence stays mostly the same. “Basically, the Morkovin’s hypothesis means that the way the turbulent air moves at low and high speeds isn’t that different,” says Parziale. “If the hypothesis is correct, it means that we don’t need a whole new way to understand turbulence at these higher speeds. We can use the same concepts we use for the slower flows.” That also means that hypersonic planes don’t need a significantly different design approach. Yet, so far no one has been able to provide sufficient experimental evidence to support Morkovin’s hypothesis. That became the subject of Parziale’s new study, titled Hypersonic Turbulent Quantities in Support of Morkovin’s Hypothesis, which was published in Nature Communications, on November 12, 2025. In the study, Parziale’s team used lasers to ionize a gas called krypton which is seeded into the air flowing inside a wind tunnel. That temporarily made krypton atoms form an initially-straight, glowing line. Then researchers used ultra high-resolution cameras to take pictures of how that fluorescent krypton line moves, bends, and twists through the wind tunnel’s air — akin to how a leaf swirls through the little eddies in a river. “As that line moves with the gas, you can see crinkles and structure in the flow, and from that, we can learn a lot about turbulence,” says Parziale, adding that he spent 11 years building that clever setup. “And what we found was that at Mach 6, the turbulence behavior is pretty close to the incompressible flow.” Early on, Parziale’s group was supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) in 2016 and Office of Naval Research (ONR) YIP in 2020, with the current work being supported by ONR. Although the hypothesis isn’t fully confirmed yet, the study brings us one step closer to hypersonic flight because it suggests that planes don’t need an entirely new design to fly at hypersonic speeds. And that simplifies things. “Today, we must use computers to design an airplane, and the computational resources to design a plane that will fly at Mach 6, simulating all the tiny, fine, little details would be impossible,” says Parziale. “The Morkovin’s hypothesis allows us to make simplifying assumptions so that the computational demands to design hypersonic vehicles can become more doable.” The study findings also hold promise for changing how space transportation is done, Parziale explains. “If we can build planes that fly at hypersonic speed, we can also fly them into space, rather than launching rockets, which would make transportation to and from low Earth orbit easier,” he says. “It will be a game-changer for transportation not only on earth, but also in low orbit.”

Unmanned Systems

Virginia Launches Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Systems Test Site Program

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) have announced the launch of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility Test Site Program, a new pilot initiative to evaluate and integrate next-generation aviation technologies across Virginia’s transportation and innovation ecosystem. Developed to support the deployment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), READ MORE
Drones Transport Medical Supplies to Healthcare Station in Helsinki

Helsinki is currently exploring how drones could assist with transport during exceptional circumstances. The flights in November will cover a distance of around seven kilometers and will be flown several times per weekday. In early November, the City of Helsinki is piloting drone transports for healthcare supplies on an approximately seven-kilometer route from Kyläsaari to READ MORE

Aviation Education

InstructAir and Skyfarer Academy Finalize Acquisition, Uniting Two Aviation Training Innovators

Skyfarer Academy has announced the completion of its acquisition of InstructAir, a leading platform connecting flight instructors and pilots across the United States. This strategic acquisition brings together two pioneering forces in aviation education to create the most comprehensive digital ecosystem for student pilots, flight instructors, schools, and aviation enthusiasts nationwide. A Unified Platform for READ MORE
WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2026 Emerging Leaders Courses

Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and conducted by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE). In 2026, WAI will expand the program to offer both an on-campus READ MORE

NCDOT Division of Aviation Announces Recipients of State’s First Advanced Air Mobility Planning Grants

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Kim Stevens

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has announced the recipients of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Planning Grants. Five municipalities and regional planning organizations have been awarded funding to develop or enhance community-focused plans that incorporate cutting-edge AAM technologies through a partnership with NCDOT Aviation: “These planning projects are about helping communities take […]

Green Taxi Solutions and StandardAero Partner to Certify First Electric Aircraft Taxiing (eTaxi) System

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Kim Stevens

StandardAero has announced a strategic partnership with Green Taxi Solutions (GTS), under which StandardAero will lead certification of GTS’s Zero Engine Taxi™ fully electric aircraft taxiing solution. Backed by a newly awarded $5.6 million U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program grant, the collaboration will fast-track development of the […]

Blade Participates in First Electric Passenger Flight in the U.S.

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Kim Stevens

Blade Air Mobility, Inc. participated in the historic first passenger-carrying flight of an electric aircraft in the U.S. BETA Technologies’ ALIA conventional take-off and landing (“CTOL”) aircraft flew from East Hampton Airport in New York into John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The flight marked a major milestone in the advancement of […]

Aviation Education and Workforce Development Funding Call for Projects

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Kim Stevens

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Aeronautics (Aero) has announced an Aviation Education and Workforce Development Funding Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The aviation industry in Michigan is facing a workforce shortage with the demand for pilots, aircraft mechanics and other aviation professionals outpacing supply. Addressing this shortage is critical for ensuring […]

Aquagga, Inc. Demonstrates Successful PFAS Destruction with DoD-Funded Project

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Kim Stevens

Aquagga, Inc. has successfully completed a PFAS destruction demonstration for the Department of Defense (DoD) Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy. The goal of this project is to evaluate and validate emerging PFAS treatment technologies at scale. As one […]

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes uAvionix CEO Jon Damush to its Board of Directors

June 8, 2025June 9, 2025 Kim Stevens

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced the appointment of Jon Damush, uAvionix CEO, to its Board of Directors. The CDA is governed by a Board of Directors who act on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Damush brings decades of experience in aviation technology, autonomy, and regulatory strategy […]

$81.6 Million Awarded for Airport Infrastructure Grants in North Dakota

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo above – The ND Aeronautics Commission held its annual public grant meeting on June 5th in the Bismarck Airport commercial terminal. Pictured above are members of the Aeronautics Commission, staff members, and commercial service airport managers who were in attendance at the meeting. The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has finalized and approved $81.6 million […]

MSU Hosts Nation’s First S.A.F.E. Training Exclusively Focused on Spray Drones

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Participants of Mississippi State’s Self-Regulated Application and Flight Efficiency (S.A.F.E.) pose with certificates. The five-day training at MSU’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute was the nation’s first of its kind. (Photo by Amber Lynn Moore) Mississippi State University is making agricultural aviation history this week by hosting the nation’s first Self-Regulating Application and Flight […]

Important Procedure Updates for Pilots Flying to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

June 2, 2025June 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

There are several important Federal Aviation Administration-approved updates in the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 Notice (commonly referred to as the Oshkosh NOTAM), featuring arrival and departure procedures for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 72nd fly-in convention on July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. These changes are based on pilot feedback and FAA review of […]

Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight Honors Veterans as Part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 Activities

June 2, 2025June 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

One of the most emotional and touching moments of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year will return in 2025 as 100 Vietnam War vets will take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 25 as part of AirVenture’s annual salute to veterans. The 72nd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 21-27 […]

Samaritan’s Purse Dedicates New Boeing 767, Retires Historic DC-8

CubCrafters Announces New Dealer for Mid-Atlantic Region

Oklahoma State University’s Flying Aggies Defend Regional Title

KlasJet Employee Breaks Three National Records in Single High-Altitude Jump