State Aviation Journal – Page 56 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]
Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway
Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]
Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”
Hawaiian Airlines recently unveiled a special aircraft livery celebrating its membership in the oneworld® alliance with a design that honors ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, with the phrase “Aloha a puni ka honua,” or “Aloha all around the world.” Hawaiian’s widebody Airbus A330 carrying the oneworld mark will continue to feature the airline’s iconic Pualani […]
CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT
CubCrafters has announced the new Carbon Cub ULT, an innovative turboprop-powered evolution of the company’s popular Carbon Cub UL platform. Designed to combine the simplicity and efficiency of modern sport aviation with the smooth power and reliability of turbine technology, the Carbon Cub ULT represents a major step forward in lightweight backcountry aircraft design. The […]

State News

Monache Meadows Restored: RAF Continues to Expand the Map

Photo Credit: The RAF, Monache Meadows, CA “It’s hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service unofficially closed it in the 1970s citing the Wilderness Act, although the strip is not in a Wilderness area; it lies between the Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses. The RAF has announced that Monache Meadows is officially charted as L80, and has been brought back into safe operation after many years of neglect. It is open for public access, thanks to years of effort and support by RAF volunteers and donors. RAF California Liaison Rick Lach first learned of the airstrip in the 80s on a Jeep excursion planting trout in the High Sierras. Lach became an RAF Liaison in 2011, and determined ways to approach the appropriate land managers about restoring the airstrip for use after being abandoned. Persevering for 15 years with respectful communications with a series of District Rangers, he finally delivered a breakthrough in 2024 when the Forest Service agreed to include Monache Meadows in its scope of work, allocating some funds in cooperation with RAF volunteer efforts. “After years of patience and persistence, I am glad to announce that we have restored Monache Meadows back to safe operation to be enjoyed by pilots once again,” said Lach. Both Lach and Barilov organized repeated work parties, seeing as many as 20 volunteers making the arduous drive to help. A Monache resident and RAF supporter donated the windsock. The remote area is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing, and up until now was only accessible seasonally by a rough and rocky road, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The road becomes soft and impassable during wet conditions and closes due to snow. Barilov said, “We appreciate everyone’s help. The strip ended up nearly 2,400 feet in length, is very flat, and is covered with grass. Frankly, it looks like one of the best grass airstrips I have ever landed on.” The airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,874, so those wishing to access it must consider density altitude, and that it seasonally gets heavy snows. The RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative is a nationwide effort focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. Learn more about Monache Meadows Airstrip and how the RAF is Expanding The Map. We have dedicated a new section of our website to highlight the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find a wealth of information about Monache Meadows and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here. Monache Meadows now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide, an important resource where pilots find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings.
MassDOT Aeronautics Division Receives Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing today that the MassDOT Aeronautics Division is being awarded the Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award for its innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to support transportation operations across the state. The award will be presented at the ESRI User Conference on July 14, 2026, in San Diego, California. The award is part of Esri’s annual Special Achievement in GIS Awards category, recognizing organizations globally that are using GIS technology in innovative, intelligent, and impactful ways. MassDOT Aeronautics was selected in the Department of Transportation category for its end-to-end imagery and data management ecosystem. The MassDOT Aeronautics Division has developed a comprehensive Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program that supports a wide range of agency requirements. The UAS program collects and manages a wide range of aerial-related data including flight requests, imagery processing, storage, analytics, and secure sharing. The technology is then able to quickly disseminate high-quality image and related data across MassDOT as needed. “This award is a tremendous recognition of the innovation and collaboration happening across MassDOT,” said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “The Aeronautics Division has built a unique, scalable program that serves as a model for how transportation agencies nationally can collect and manage data. The data helps our teams make faster, more informed decisions on safety, reliability, resiliency, and efficient project delivery. This recognition is a testament to the innovative spirit that the Healey-Driscoll administration has championed since day one. By using leading-edge technology to gather better information and share it across divisions, MassDOT is strengthening the way we serve communities throughout Massachusetts.” “We are honored to receive this recognition from Esri, which reflects the hard work of our Aeronautics team and the strong partnerships we have built across MassDOT,” said Aeronautics Division Administrator Denise Garcia. “Our goal has been to create a secure, scalable, and practical system that allows aerial imagery and data to be collected consistently, processed efficiently, and shared in ways that support operational needs. This award recognizes the progress we have made and the continued opportunity to use UAS and GIS technology to support MassDOT’s mission.” MassDOT’s Aeronautics Division continues to expand its use of UAS technology and geospatial data tools to meet widening transportation planning, operations, asset management, emergency response, and project delivery needs. Through its ArcGIS-based Aeronautics Data Hub, MassDOT has standardized data capture, metadata, and processing workflows to transform raw imagery, LiDAR, and 3D products into authoritative information layers. The platform supports a range of critical operational applications, including infrastructure inspection, construction monitoring, environmental assessment, emergency response, and can adapt to future advancements in artificial intelligence, digital delivery, and intelligent data automation. As background, the company presenting the award, Esri, is a global provider of geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping technology. Founded in 1969, the company’s software is used by organizations to analyze location-based data, support decision-making, and improve operational outcomes. Esri’s technology helps users apply geospatial analysis to a wide range of complex planning, infrastructure, environmental, and business challenges.

National News

BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States. BRINC Skybeam Spotlight in action. The capital will be used to expand BRINC’s domestic manufacturing capability, bring new products to market, and scale go-to-market operations. By the end of the year, BRINC will move into a new facility three times the size of its current factory, expanding its production capacity to meet surging demand from public safety agencies. “Every second matters in an emergency,” says Blake Resnick, Founder & CEO of BRINC. “Our 911 response drones put eyes on scene before first responders arrive, giving dispatchers and officers the situational awareness they need to act decisively and keep people safe. This investment enables our organization to build more products, expand our manufacturing capacity, and put a drone on the roof of every police and fire station in America.” Guardian’s Industry Leading Camera. The round comes at a moment of significant commercial momentum. BRINC more than tripled revenue in 2025 and quintupled monthly production capacity. This year, the company has signed nearly four times as many 911 response drone contracts as it did over the same period in 2025, with agencies including the Los Angeles Fire Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and hundreds of others across the country. BRINC builds drones for every mission. Lemur 2 is the most capable indoor drone. Responder leads the market in time on scene. Guardian is the 911 response drone built to replace helicopters. And because BRINC has deep, exclusive integrations with Motorola Solutions, every product in the fleet is just a button-press away. Agencies looking to learn more can reach out to their local BRINC representative or get in touch at brincdrones.com/contact.
National Aeronautic Association Names Kathryn Hughes as Recipient of the 2026 Stinson Award

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Col. (Ret.) Kathryn Hughes, MD, MPH, DAvMed, USAF, has been named the recipient of the NAA Stinson Award. Kathryn Hughes The Stinson Award honors the legacy of sisters Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, pioneering aviators of the early 20th century. Among the first women to earn pilot’s licenses, they founded the Stinson School of Flying and made significant contributions to early aviation, exhibition flying, and military flight training. The NAA Stinson Award recognizes a living U.S. citizen, group, or organization that has made a lasting impact on advancing women in aerospace through mentorship, advocacy, or pioneering efforts that have expanded opportunities for women in the field. “It takes immense tenacity to be a pioneer, and it takes a rare, fearless individuality to forge a path entirely your own,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kathy has never been afraid to step away from the crowd and do what others simply wouldn’t. She reflects the very essence of the Stinson sisters’ daring spirit and excellence. From the flight deck to her clinic, Kathy shines brightly on her own terms, and her true gift is empowering other women to find the confidence to do the exact same.” Dr. Hughes attended the United States Air Force Academy and, during her 26 years in service, logged over 3,000 military flying hours in multiple aircraft, including the T-38, RC-135, A-10, and Royal Air Force Hawk. While still serving as a pilot, she completed medical school and became the first female Pilot-Physician in the U.S. Air Force. She specialized in acceleration protection and life support equipment testing and evaluation. Her combined aviation and medical expertise enables her to advance human factors research, human systems integration, and enhanced pilot safety. After retiring from the military in 2016, Dr. Hughes has worked as a physician specializing in occupational and aviation medicine and is an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. She is a consultant for Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, the leading manufacturer of ejection and crashworthy seats that have saved over 7,800 lives worldwide. She serves in leadership roles in the Aerospace Medical Association and its Foundation Board. She remains an active general aviation pilot, manages her local airport, and volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Ninety-Nines, mentoring fellow women aviators. “It is a profound honor to have been selected for the prestigious NAA Stinson Award. I have long admired the audacity of Katherine and Marjorie Stinson and what they dared to accomplish,” said Hughes. “Throughout my own career in aviation and aerospace medicine, my goal has been to turn my opportunities into open doors for others. This recognition strengthens my commitment to mentoring and advocating for the next generation of those who strive for careers in aerospace.” Details about the Stinson Award presentation will be announced soon. For more information about the award or to view previous recipients, please visit naa.aero.

International News

Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Johan Landin as Sales Director. In this role, Landin will lead the commercial growth, customer engagement and global market development of the D328eco and D328MR (Multi-Role) aircraft programs. With an extensive background in aerospace, defense and international business development, Landin joins Deutsche Aircraft from the Saab Group in Sweden, where he has held senior commercial and leadership positions over more than 15 years. His experience includes roles as Campaign Director for the Gripen fighter aircraft, Head of Marketing & Sales for Air Traffic Management, and most recently, Country Manager, overseeing the full breadth of Saab’s product portfolio. Throughout his career, Landin has consistently delivered innovative technology solutions, identified new business opportunities and led strategic development activities across complex international markets. With a track record in navigating regulatory environments, coordinating international stakeholders and guiding customers through transformational journeys, Landin offers a unique perspective on cultivating long-term customer relationships and delivering value-driven solutions in both commercial and multi-role sectors. As a commercial pilot who has flown regional turboprop aircraft and operated his own pilot recruitment agency, Landin also brings invaluable firsthand insight to the role. This real-world experience, combined with his corporate leadership skills, reflects his passion and expertise in aviation. “I am excited to join the team at such an interesting time,” said Johan Landin, Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft. “I look forward to contributing my experience to drive the commercial growth of the revolutionary D328eco aircraft and support the next phase of regional aviation.” Anastasija Visnakova, Chief Commercial Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, welcomed the appointment. “Johan brings a unique combination of experience, from international sales in the aerospace industry to firsthand operational expertise as a commercial pilot,” she said. “His leadership will be instrumental as we expand our global footprint and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.” “Johan’s experience across aerospace, multi-role and commercial aviation makes him an excellent addition to our sales team,” added Nils Heuer, Director Global Sales at Deutsche Aircraft. “His customer-centric mindset, background as a pilot, and international business expertise will strengthen our engagement with operators and partners as we scale the market presence of the D328eco program.” With Landin on board, the team is strengthening its commercial capabilities across both civilian and defense sectors for the D328eco and D328 Multi-Role (MR) aircraft programs. Landin holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and will be based in Stockholm, Sweden, reinforcing Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence close to key customers and partners.
Chapman Freeborn Group Supports Complex Movement of 121 Mongolian Horses

Chapman Freeborn Group has supported a specialist live animal charter operation moving 121 Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi, delivered through close collaboration between Chapman Freeborn’s Asia Pacific team and Intradco Global, its specialist live animal transport brand. The operation involved three back-to-back B757F charter flights within a 38-hour window, moving 51 horses outbound, 20 horses home and a further 50 horses outbound as part of a single coordinated rotation. The project required detailed planning, bilateral coordination and specialist equine transport expertise to ensure every stage of the movement was managed with animal welfare, timing and operational precision at its center. Live animal movements are among the most specialist areas of air charter. Unlike standard cargo, each movement must be planned around the needs of the animals, with careful consideration given to aircraft suitability, loading arrangements, documentation, welfare requirements and coordination between teams at origin, destination and throughout the journey. “This was a very special movement and a strong example of what can be achieved when specialist teams work closely together across the group,” said Latha Narayan, President APAC at Chapman Freeborn. “Projects of this nature require more than aircraft capacity alone. They rely on trust, detailed planning, specialist knowledge and continuous coordination to make sure every stage of the operation is handled with care. For our Asia Pacific team, this operation also reflects the importance of combining regional market understanding with global specialist capabilities. By working closely with Intradco Global, we were able to support a complex live animal movement with the care, agility and expertise required.” The movement carried added significance as part of a wider bilateral initiative, with some of the horses returning after several years and new horses travelling onward as part of the rotation. The operation also reunited members of the animal care team involved in the original movement, bringing continuity and experience to a highly sensitive project. “Horse movements are among the most sensitive live animal transport projects, and every detail matters,” said Charlie McMullen, CEO – Intradco Global. “From preparation to loading and arrival, our priority is always the welfare of the animals and the smooth delivery of the operation. We are pleased to have contributed our specialist live animal logistics experience to this complex movement.” The operation highlights Chapman Freeborn Group’s ability to combine global air charter capabilities with Intradco Global’s dedicated live animal transport expertise, supporting complex and sensitive movements where safety, welfare and operational precision are critical.

Unmanned Systems

BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations READ MORE
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases New Drone Training and Testing Template for Oregon Public Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new training and testing companion to its public agency drone policy template, giving Oregon public bodies a clearer path for training, evaluating, and documenting the people who fly drones for public work. The earlier ODAV template helped agencies answer an important question: What rules should guide READ MORE

Aviation Education

AOPA Foundation to Expand High School Aviation Education with Maintenance and Manufacturing Curriculum

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced today that it will add a maintenance and manufacturing pathway to its High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, the free, nationally recognized program that has reached more than 130,000 students since it launched in 2016. The new curriculum, which is made possible by a donation from Gregory READ MORE
Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and READ MORE

Ohio Businesses, Pilots, and Schools Unite to Oppose Request to Close Burke Lakefront Airport

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has joined the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP), a coalition made up of local businesses, aviation organizations, and schools—to oppose Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s misguided effort to permanently close Burke Lakefront Airport. Last month, Mayor Bibb asked the federal government to relieve the city of Cleveland of its […]

Kansas City – Lee’s Summit Regional Airport Holds Hangar 2 Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The City of Lee’s Summit hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13 to celebrate the completion of Hangar 2, a state-of-the-art facility at the Kansas City – Lee’s Summit Regional Airport (LXT). Hangar 2 represents a major investment in the City’s growing regional airport and supports Lee’s Summit’s commitment to expanding aviation opportunities, workforce development […]

McFarland Johnson Welcomes Jason Kantak, PE As Regional Engineering Manager

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

McFarland Johnson (MJ) has announced Jason Kantak as Regional Engineering Manager in its Civil Engineering Services Division. Based in Syracuse, New York, Kantak will focus on expanding all MJ’s Divisions within the Central New York region, with an emphasis on Civil, Transportation, Aviation, and Environmental Services. As Regional Engineering Manager, Kantak oversees the Civil Engineering […]

Pape-Dawson Expands Airport Planning Practice with Acquisition of Coffman Associates

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Pape-Dawson has acquired Coffman Associates, a nationally recognized airport planning firm with offices in Kansas and Arizona, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s expanding aviation practice. Founded in 1979, Coffman Associates specializes in airport planning and associated environmental and noise/land use studies. The firm’s unmatched experience includes more than 600 airport master plans, 450 […]

Hooker Municipal Airport, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Fuel Future Growth with $1M Upgrade

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – Hooker Municipal Airport and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics celebrated a $1,000,000 upgrade to the airport’s fuel system on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The improvement replaced outdated and unreliable fuel tanks. Hooker Municipal Airport, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), officially celebrated a major infrastructure upgrade […]

Guymon Municipal Airport, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Kick Off Key Hangar Project Construction in Panhandle

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and Guymon Municipal Airport held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The new hangar is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The Guymon Municipal Airport and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) marked the start of construction on a new 120-foot […]

Osage LLC Hosts Osage Nation Congress for Tour and Presentation of Future Skyway Range Plans

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

Osage LLC welcomed members of the Osage Nation Congress for an in-depth tour and lunch briefing at Skyway Range, offering a first look at an ambitious vision to transform the area into a leading center for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) innovation, testing, and economic growth. The visit provided Osage leaders with a comprehensive overview of […]

Tail Section of Legendary Lockheed Super Star Successfully Assembled at Lufthansa Group Hangar One

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The next important milestone has been reached at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport: the tail unit has now been mounted on the Lockheed L-1649A Super Star. The three-part rudder is characteristic of this particular aircraft series. It has a wingspan of over 15 meters […]

NBAA Welcomes Senate Bills to Protect Pilot and Controller Safety, Support Mental Health

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the introduction of the Mental Health in Aviation Act and the Aviation Medication Transparency Act, which will improve transparency surrounding medication guidelines and increase access to mental health resources, while reducing the stigma surrounding such needs and protecting the livelihood of controllers and pilots. Both bills were introduced […]

Oregon Department of Aviation Welcomes New Airport Programs Specialist

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 Kim Stevens

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has welcomed Christian Berge as the agency’s new Airport Programs Specialist. Berge brings a wealth of experience in aviation, law enforcement, and public service, strengthening ODAV’s mission to ensure a safe and efficient aviation system for Oregon. Berge began his aviation career as an Aviation Operations Specialist in the […]

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Livery Aircraft Featuring “Aloha All Around the World”

CubCrafters Introduces the New Carbon Cub ULT