State Aviation Journal – Page 543 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform
Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s […]
SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft
SAS marks the start of its 80th year of operations with a specially painted Airbus A330-300, celebrating eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world. Throughout 2026, the airline will highlight its heritage and continued role in linking people, businesses and societies. The anniversary comes 80 years after SAS’s first intercontinental flight on September 17, […]
Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact
Photo – Factory-new Cessna Skyhawks (Model 172) to take flight as Textron Aviation names five 2026 Top Hawk recipients—helping train the next generation of pilots Textron Aviation Inc., announced Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University, Sterling Flight Training and Victors Aviation as its 2026 Top Hawk program recipients, continuing a […]
When Wireless Networks Falter, Drones Can Provide Backup Connectivity, According to Stevens Researchers
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a drone-based system designed to provide temporary wireless coverage during network outages or periods of high demand. The system, named AURA-GreeN, deploys a coordinated swarm of aerial vehicles that function as mobile cell towers, intelligently managing spectrum allocation, data routing and energy use in real time. As […]

State News

Iowa DOT Aviation Director Tim McClung Announces Retirement Date

Photo – Tim and Debbie McClung are retiring together in June – and along with Tommy are excited to start a new chapter in their life. By Kim Stevens Tim McClung has announced his upcoming retirement as Aviation Director for the Iowa DOT, concluding a career that spans more than 30 years in aviation. Tim McClung During his tenure, Tim advanced aviation policy, planning, legislative engagement, and air service development, while playing a key role in integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Iowa. After becoming Aviation Director in 2021, he added oversight of aviation funding programs, public-use airport certification, and aircraft registration. “Iowa has a great aviation system and the partnerships with pilots, aviation groups, airports, FAA officials, and decision makers at all levels are what has meant a lot,” said Tim. “During my tenure as director, our team was able to administer $160M of funding on top of normal FAA AIP funds. Add investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and we have witnessed a generational investment in building a safe and functional aviation system that includes major airport terminal enhancements, hangar, fuel system, and airside investment.” Tim was hired to work in aviation at the Iowa DOT in 2003 and never had any desire to do anything at the DOT but that. “It’s hard to believe how fast 23 years can go by. Iowa DOT leadership has always been tremendously supportive so it’s a great place to work for people who are passionate about aviation.” Tammy Nicholson, director of the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau said, “Tim’s passion for aviation has driven improvements in aviation safety, increased funding, and created strong partnerships across the aviation community.” Reflecting on how he got interested in aviation, Tim said his dad was a pilot, and his early years involved flying with him in his Cherokee 235. “At age 16 I started skydiving and eventually made more than 100 jumps before I took an interest in airports and flying, said Tim. “I started flying at age 17. A kind FBO operator allowed me to hang around at the airport and my flight instructor became a mentor and lifelong friend. During college years I decided to start adding ratings and eventually found my way into managing a small airport and FBO. Little did I know that would plant the seed for a long aviation career.” In June, Tim and his wife Debbie are retiring together and excited to start a new chapter in life. “We know that will involve volunteering, helping people, focusing on health, travel, time with family, and spending a lot of time with our family dog, Tommy. Aviation will likely continue to play a role in our lives in some fashion, but strictly at the personal and volunteer level. A few of my bucket list items include snowmobiling around Yellowstone, boating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and skiing the Colorado slopes during the week when the crowds are small. Reflecting on his time at the DOT, Tim shared, “The Iowa DOT’s Aviation Team is strong, knowledgeable, and passionate about their mission. I can’t thank our partners and Iowa’s aviation community enough for making my career so rewarding.” Tim’s last day will be June 19, with a transition from the director role occurring in May.
$7.3 Million in FY26 Airport Improvement Program Grants Announced in New Jersey

The New Jersey Governor’s Office announced the awarding of 11 FY26 Airport Improvement Program grants to 11 airports totaling more than $6.5 million in state funds, and an additional $800,000 in FAA matching grant funds to support airport safety and improvement projects. These grants, which leverage state funding and airport contributions, will support approximately $7.3 million worth of work. “Airport Improvement Program grants provide funding to make safety improvements at New Jersey’s public-use airports and ensure they are well maintained,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said. “General aviation airports serve as key economic engines for local communities by providing transportation opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors.” Grants are awarded through a competitive process, with an emphasis on projects designed to enhance safety, remove obstructions, rehabilitate existing facilities and equipment, and make capital improvements. The projects receiving funds this year include airport master plan development, taxiway design and construction, lighting improvements, obstruction removal, transient apron design & construction and safety improvements at 11 airports in nine counties throughout the state. To see a list of airports receiving grants, click here. The 11 FY26 grants will be funded solely through NJDOT’s Transportation Trust Fund and Airport Safety Fund, with the state providing 90 percent of the eligible cost and the remaining 10 percent covered by the airport owner. In last five years, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has invested more than $31.7 million in New Jersey’s general aviation airports to date, leveraging an additional $38.1 million in federal grants and $5.2 million from airport owners, for a total of $75 million to support New Jersey’s General Aviation Airports and aeronautics infrastructure.

National News

CAN Appoints Aviation Pioneer Joan Sullivan Garrett to Board of Directors

Corporate Angel Network (CAN) has announced the appointment of Joan Sullivan Garrett to its Board of Directors. A pioneering entrepreneur and aviation medical innovator, Garrett is the Founder and Chairman of MedAire, a global leader in integrated medical, travel, and safety services for aviation and maritime industries. Since founding MedAire in 1985, she has been instrumental in developing real-time, ground-based medical support systems for in-flight emergencies—helping establish industry standards that continue to save lives worldwide. Joan Sullivan Garrett Garrett’s work has shaped how the aviation industry approaches passenger and crew health, with MedAire now supporting hundreds of airlines and thousands of aircraft globally. A widely recognized authority in aviation medicine and remote care, she has advised government agencies, testified before Congress, and contributed extensively to advancing health and safety protocols across the industry. “Joan is a true trailblazer whose career has been defined by innovation and a deep commitment to protecting and saving lives,” said Jean Rosanvallon, Chairman of the Corporate Angel Network Board of Directors. “Her unique perspective at the intersection of aviation and healthcare aligns seamlessly with CAN’s mission. We are excited to welcome her insight and leadership as we continue expanding access to life-saving treatment for cancer patients.” Garrett’s distinguished career includes service on numerous aviation and nonprofit boards, as well as numerous awards and honors, including the National Aeronautic Association Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and inductions into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Her longstanding dedication to improving safety, care, and access within aviation brings a powerful dimension to CAN’s work. “I am honored to join the Board of Corporate Angel Network and support its extraordinary mission,” said Garrett. “The ability to remove barriers to care—especially for patients facing serious illness—is both impactful and deeply meaningful. CAN’s work exemplifies how aviation can be used as a force for good, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and reach.” Garrett will be joining other CAN Board members, including: Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets; W.W. (Bill) Boisture, Jr., AE Industrial Partners; Derek DeCross, Signature Aviation; Scott Donnelly, Textron; Dan Drohan, Solairus; Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines; Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications; Patrick Gallagher, NetJets Aviation; Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument; Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; Dawne Hickton, Cumberland Additive; David Hurley, ALOFT Aero Architects; Ève Laurier, Bombardier; Wilson Leach, Aviation International News; Jean Rosanvallon (Chairman), formerly Dassault Falcon Jet; and Dr. Bret Schipper, Hartford HealthCare.
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s commercial operations, expand its domestic manufacturing capacity in Charlotte, and accelerate the rollout of its RaaS offering Lucid Refresh — the company’s full-service subscription platform for exterior cleaning operators. “We’re on an ambitious journey to give software a body to do physically productive work that the world needs and become the USA’s leading supplier of modular drones and robots,” said Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots. “This capital allows us to meet the massive market demand we’re seeing today while expanding our product offerings and accelerating our manufacturing and autonomy goals. The next 18 months will be transformative for our product roadmap and the industry at large.” Watch Video Launch of Lucid Refresh Lucid Bots builds the robots, software, and support infrastructure that professional cleaning operators deploy on their jobs. Where a cleaning company traditionally needs to choose between turning down high-value exterior work or taking on the capital, training, and operational burden of robotics themselves, Lucid Refresh gives them a third option: access to a complete autonomous cleaning capability, including the Sherpa cleaning drone, the newly launched Lavo AI autonomous pressure washing robot, Lucid Command fleet management software, operator training, job intelligence, and an equipment loaner guarantee, as a single ongoing subscription. The operator brings the contract, and Lucid delivers everything needed to fulfill it. “Our customers are running cleaning businesses,” said Vic Pellicano, President and Chief Platform Officer of Lucid Bots. “They don’t need a robot — they need a way to take on jobs they couldn’t do before, execute them better than the competition, and do it without betting their company on a capital purchase. That’s what we built. It’s less like buying equipment and more like adding a robotics division to your business that you can deploy on any job, any time.” A Platform Built on Operator Success Lucid Bots’ operator network has generated more than $75 million in exterior cleaning revenue using Lucid systems — a figure that reflects the core thesis behind the company’s model: that Lucid wins when its operators win. The Sherpa drone platform reduces job completion time by 2–5x, and operators report payback periods of less than two months. With approaching 1,000 robots now in active operator hands, and 93% of new business originating from inbound interest, the company generated as much revenue in 2025 as it did in its first seven years combined. The company’s customer base spans independent operators to enterprise-scale accounts including Disney, Sunbelt Rentals, and commercial facilities managers across the country. The Data Advantage No Competitor Can Close The Series B accelerates Lucid’s two flagship product lines. The Sherpa drone continues to expand its autonomous capabilities, and Lucid Bots recently launched Lavo AI, a fully autonomous pressure washing robot designed for unattended operation, complete with its own mobile app and proprietary cloud data layer. What makes both platforms genuinely different is not the hardware. It is the data behind them. Lucid Bots’ systems have now logged hundreds of thousands of hours of real-world exterior cleaning across building types, surface materials, weather conditions, and job configurations that no competitor can replicate. That operational dataset trains the AI systems embedded in every Lucid robot and improves with every job completed. The result is cleaning performance that compounds over time: Lucid robots clean more precisely, adapt more intelligently to job conditions, and produce more consistent results than any service relying on human judgment or a thinner data foundation ever could. Every new deployment makes the system smarter. Every hour logged extends a lead that started years ago and widens by the day. Both platforms are manufactured at the company’s 25,000-square-foot facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, a domestic manufacturing footprint that provides compliance advantages under federal mandates for US-built robotic systems and positions Lucid to serve the growing number of commercial and government customers who require it. “At Cubit Capital, we invest in companies with courageous leadership confronting meaningful societal challenges, and Lucid Bots represents exactly that,” said Philip Carson, Partner at Cubit Capital. “The labor crisis in industrial work is real, and Lucid has achieved genuine innovation with technology that empowers workers and creates safer workplaces. Their traction speaks for itself, and we’re excited to support a team that’s striving for redemptive outcomes by empowering workers rather than replacing them.” “What excites us about Lucid Bots is that this isn’t a single-product company. It’s a platform defining a new category,” said Lister Delgado, Managing Partner at Idea Fund Partners. “By building AI systems trained on more real-world cleaning data than anyone else in the industry, they’re creating a compounding advantage that will be difficult to replicate. When you pair that with US-based manufacturing and strong unit economics, Lucid is poised to become a defining leader in the next generation of industrial automation.” “The Lucid Sherpa drone has elevated our business to new heights opening doors and differentiating ourselves from the competition,” said Ryan Godwin, Owner of Godwin Facility Services. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without adding the Lucid Sherpa to our business.” Lucid Bots is a member of the NVIDIA Inception Program and is actively developing its AI and autonomy capabilities in partnership with NVIDIA.

International News

IAMA Holds 55th Annual Conference on the Liberty University Campus

By Scotty Malta Kerrick Tweedy, CEO of IAMA. All photos by Scotty Malta. Liberty University, specifically the School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, VA played host to the 55th annual conference of the International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA), March 17-19. More than 200 missionary aviation professionals representing more than 60 organizations gathered to share information and learn from one another, fellowship and give Liberty aviation students opportunities to get valuable information to use in guiding their future aviation careers. According to Kerrick Tweedy, CEO of IAMA, “This year is the largest conference we’ve ever had, so bringing that many people together is amazing.” “We know that being good stewards of what we have but also working well together is very important. It’s really good to be with Liberty and other programs that have a heart for missions and the Gospel and to get in front of students and faculty. It’s very powerful to be here.” He further noted that the last time the conference was at Liberty University was in 2018. Dr. Jolene Erlacher The three-day conference included presentations by many people and organizations such as: Jon Egeler from Mission Safety International (MSI); Jeremy Boddington from Mercy Air; Chuck Daily for Jungle Aviation and Relay Services (JAARS) and FlightSpan; along with several presentations by Liberty University School of Aeronautics staff as well as several panel discussions and introductions of first-time attendees/businesses. Samuel Spear, CEO of Reach Aviation intrigued the conference attendees by giving a sneak peak at an aircraft they are developing specifically for mission aviation among other potential users… more on that in time. Dr. Steven Brinly Dr. Steven Brinly, School of Aeronautics Dean, provided an update on the university aeronautics program and said the conference was a huge benefit for the students who attended (during the Spring Break). He was excited and pleased with the opportunities, networking and collaboration on issues facing the missions aviation community. One of the main benefits to Liberty hosting this event, according to Brinly was the opportunity provided to the students, faculty and staff to engage in this realm of aviation they normally don’t have a chance to. Anyone that has attended aviation business conferences over the years has undoubtedly heard many presentations regarding the “next generation” of workers. Dr. Jolene Erlacher was very engaging and intuitive in her presentation “A Clear Patchway: Making Next Steps Intuitive for the Next Generation” … namely Gen Z. Her presentation was one of the best on this topic. John and Martha King John and Martha King, pioneers in aviation education during the last 50 years discussed the importance of prioritizing aviation safety and in this case, specifically relating to missions aviation work. The Kings were captivating and very informative in their presentation (key parts of which are presented below with their permission). A final note on the Kings. They have offered scholarships and training resources in their collaboration with the Liberty School of Aeronautics who use the Kings’ curriculum in parts of its program. The final event of the conference was a dinner hosted at the Liberty School of Aeronautics Maintenance Technician Program hangar adjacent to the Lynchburg Regional Airport. Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer, Samaritan’s Purse gave the keynote address during the dinner. He talked of some of the missions the Samaritan’s Purse aircraft and operations have done around the world responding to disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Edward Graham, COO of Samaritan’s Purse. He briefly mentioned the last US-registered and flying DC-8 aircraft, a real workhorse, that they retired from flying due to its age. The last mission of the aircraft culminated recently in a landing at the Lynchburg Regional Airport and being gifted to Liberty University. Plans are underway to create a missions aviation museum centered on and in the DC-8 (more on that in a future article). Graham’s address related some of his experiences and lessons learned while serving as a US Army Ranger. He talked of times flying with his father, Samaritan’s Purse President and CEO Franklin Graham who asked Edward to join him. Leaving the military after 16 years was difficult since he had become comfortable there in his role. He talked of the story of the Apostle Peter stepping out of the boat (his comfort zone) in the middle of a storm to meet Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). Graham challenged those assembled, “If you want to be part of a miracle, you got to get out of the boat. So, what is your boat?” He encouraged people not to be afraid of discomfort but to look ahead for “what’s next” in their area, ministry or department. Graham concluded with, “One of the great assets and capabilities that the Lord has given ministry, is aviation. It can cover and span the world quickly. It can bring hope to a dying world. It can bring relief to places that no one else wants to go. You represent organizations that have been flying to places no one’s even heard of, and I’m thankful for it.” The 2027 56th Annual IAMA Conference will be hosted by Samaritan’s Purse in Greensboro, NC… Dates TBD. For more information on IAMA, click on iama.team.
SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft

SAS marks the start of its 80th year of operations with a specially painted Airbus A330-300, celebrating eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world. Throughout 2026, the airline will highlight its heritage and continued role in linking people, businesses and societies. The anniversary comes 80 years after SAS’s first intercontinental flight on September 17, 1946, when a route from Stockholm to New York brought Scandinavia closer to the world. Today, SAS links Scandinavia with destinations across Europe, North America and Asia, using Copenhagen as its primary international gateway. To mark the milestone, SAS has introduced a dedicated livery on one of its Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The aircraft is part of the airline’s long-haul fleet, which includes eight Airbus A330-300s, each with 266 seats, complemented by the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, serving SAS’s intercontinental network. The livery features SAS blue across the entire aircraft for the first time, building on one of the airline’s most recognizable design elements. The Scandinavian flag has been reinterpreted as a reference to the classic 1980s livery, alongside a new anniversary symbol inspired by the aircraft’s engines and fuselage. “For 80 years, Scandinavian Airlines has driven innovation and brought Scandinavia closer to the world through safe and reliable operations,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS. “From our first transatlantic flight to today’s global network, that purpose remains unchanged. This aircraft is a symbol of our heritage, and of the role we play every day for our customers and the societies we serve.” Its first flight is scheduled between Copenhagen and New York, echoing the historic route that defined SAS’s early international expansion.

Unmanned Systems

Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s READ MORE
When Wireless Networks Falter, Drones Can Provide Backup Connectivity, According to Stevens Researchers

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a drone-based system designed to provide temporary wireless coverage during network outages or periods of high demand. The system, named AURA-GreeN, deploys a coordinated swarm of aerial vehicles that function as mobile cell towers, intelligently managing spectrum allocation, data routing and energy use in real time. As READ MORE

Aviation Education

CAP’s New Jersey Wing Assists U.S. Air Force with Critical Blood Processing Mission

Members of Civil Air Patrol’s New Jersey Wing recently mobilized to assist the U.S. Air Force in processing blood products destined for deployed service members. This effort expands the reach of Operation Pulse Lift, CAP’s ongoing humanitarian blood collection mission, and supports the need for blood for U.S. forces overseas. Civil Air Patrol’s Maj Megan READ MORE
Innovation Soars at State Capitol as Leaders Celebrate Oklahoma’s $44 Billion Aerospace Economy

Photo – The crowd of aerospace industry stakeholders, military members, educators and students filled the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol for the 2026 AERO Oklahoma Day. The event brought together more than 1,000 attendees to advocate for the state’s $44 billion aerospace and defense industry. The second floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State READ MORE

Airspace Challenges Part of 2018 Western Regional Partnership Principals’ Meeting Held in New Mexico

December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 Kim Stevens

Senior leaders from state, federal and tribal agencies gathered November 14-15 for the 2018 Western Regional Partnership’s (WRP) Principals’ Meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A Plenary Session on Airspace Challenges and Opportunities was presented and covered the mix of civil, military and unmanned aerial systems in the national airspace. WRP Co-Chairs Mr. Mike Mower, […]

NASAO Announces New Online Training Program for State Aviation Officials and Airport Managers, Staff, and Commission Members

December 11, 2018 Kim Stevens

The National Association of State of Aviation Officials (NASAO) recently announced the launch of the NASAO-sponsored Training Program.Â Over the past year, NASAO has collaborated with state aviation departments of transportation, aviation industry partners, and the Federal Aviation Administration to design online courses to educate state aviation employees and airport stakeholders on the aviation industry, […]

Secretary of the Army visits Yuma Proving Grounds

December 11, 2018 Kim Stevens

By Mark Schauer Escorted by YPG Commander Col. Ross Poppenberger, Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark Esper visited the proving ground on November 29, seeing a variety of YPG assets that support six of the Army Futures Command’s Cross Functional Teams building the Army’s future force. His visit was particularly focused on observing a test […]

San Antonio Aviation & Aerospace Hall of Fame Announces 2019 Honorees

December 11, 2018December 17, 2018 Kim Stevens

The Dee Howard Foundation Chairman and President, Wayne I. Fagan, announced the 2019 San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame honorees. The Class of 2019 consists of brothers Earl and Tom Slick, Lt. Col. Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, and Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III. “The mission of The Dee Howard Foundation is to […]

Mesa Air Group Announces New Vice President of Maintenance

December 11, 2018 Kim Stevens

Mesa Air Group, Inc. recently announced Douglas “Doug” Shockey as its Vice President of Maintenance. An A&P mechanic himself, Shockey brings over 30 years of airline experience to Mesa, with more than 25 years in senior airline management roles. Doug has been an important figure in the airline industry for many years, and has held […]

Mente Group Promotes Dan Dunn to EVP, Transactions

December 11, 2018 Kim Stevens

Mente Group, a leading global business aircraft brokerage and consulting company, has promoted 23-year business aviation executive Dan Dunn to Executive Vice President, Transactions. He was previously Vice President, Transactions. Specializing in aircraft transactions including sales, acquisitions and leasing, Dunn also has a strong discipline in transaction structure, finance, leasing and management. He leads the […]

AIA Welcomes Federal STEM Education 5-Year Strategic Plan

December 10, 2018 Kim Stevens

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) issued a statement on the recent release of the White House Federal STEM Education 5-Year Strategic Plan. AIA noted that the plan recognizes the importance of a diverse STEM workforce and underscores that we must work together to improve STEM education in the United States for all Americans. America is […]

Deborah McElroy to Retire from ACI-NA

December 8, 2018 Kim Stevens

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) announced that longtime Executive Vice President Deborah C. McElroy will retire from the organization, effective December 31, 2018.Â Following her retirement, McElroy will continue to serve ACI-NA in an advisory capacity for special projects. “Everyone at ACI-NA – including me – has greatly benefited from Debby’s guidance on […]

FAA Targets UAS Violators for Enforcement

December 4, 2018December 4, 2018 Kim Stevens

Pilots of unmanned aircraft (“drones”) who interfere with fighting wildfires, law enforcement efforts, or other first responders, such as medical flights, now are more likely to face serious civil penalties, even for first-time offenses. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided guidance (PDF) for agency personnel who handle possible drone violations to refer all cases […]

FAA Announces Key Appointments for Executive Directors of Aircraft Certification and UAS Integration

December 4, 2018 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced Earl Lawrence’s promotion to the Agency’s Executive Director for Aircraft Certification. Lawrence was previously Executive Director for the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office. He succeeds Dorenda Baker, who retired Nov. 30 after a distinguished aviation safety career. Jay Merkle, Deputy Vice President […]

Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft

Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact

When Wireless Networks Falter, Drones Can Provide Backup Connectivity, According to Stevens Researchers