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

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. Photos courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse For more than a decade, the Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 served as the organization’s primary heavy-lift aircraft—airlifting more than 9.2 million pounds of life-saving cargo on 217 missions worldwide. First acquired in 2015, the aircraft became an indispensable tool for delivering emergency supplies to people suffering after natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises. It is now the last U.S. registered DC-8 still flying. Now, that legacy continues with the newly commissioned Boeing 767—a modern cargo aircraft that expands the ministry’s capacity to respond rapidly and efficiently wherever disaster strikes. “Aviation is an incredible tool for Samaritan’s Purse. Every one of our cargo planes says ‘Helping in Jesus’ Name’ right across the nose of the aircraft. After a disaster strikes, we want people to know why we are bringing life-saving supplies. We want them to know that God loves them and they’re not forgotten,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “God has used this DC-8 cargo plane to impact hundreds of thousands of lives—and He is using it right up to the very end of its service life. As we retire the DC-8, we are grateful to God for the 767 taking its place. It will allow us to transport far more supplies—faster and more effectively—and will continue the work of bringing the hope of the Gospel to people around the world.” The 767 completed its inaugural mission on Oct. 24, carrying more than 290,000 packets of supplementary food for suffering women and children in Gaza, along with blankets, solar lights, and other critical relief items. Just weeks later, the aircraft was deployed again—this time to Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever to strike the island. To date, Samaritan’s Purse has completed seven airlifts to Jamaica, utilizing its DC-8, 767 and 757. One of the 767 airlifts carried the organization’s Emergency Field Hospital equipped with an operating room, intensive care unit, emergency room, obstetric ward, laboratory, pharmacy, and blood bank. This flight to Jamaica marked the first time, Samaritan’s Purse transported a large Emergency Field Hospital on a single flight. Previously, such a deployment required multiple airlifts, but the 767’s size and range made it possible. Samaritan’s Purse Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft was ceremonially retired. Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse.
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 and Melisa are available to offer demo flights in both the Carbon Cub UL, featuring the new Rotax 916iS engine, and the XCub, CubCrafters’ FAA-certified flagship model. Meet Ray and Melisa Fowler Both Ray and Melisa are A320 Airbus pilots with Delta Air Lines and Certified Flight instructors (CFII). Together, they bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to CubCrafters’ growing community. They are deeply involved in the aviation world, from instructing new tailwheel pilots to flying WWII-era fighters and bombers at airshows and museums around the country. Melisa and Ray Fowler — Both Airline Pilots for Delta, Both CFIIs, and Both Backcountry Adventure Addicts. CubCrafters is also recognizing Ray “Hollywood” Fowler for 28 years of service in the United States military. Ray recently completed his final flight as an F35 Lightning II pilot in the Air National Guard. From his early years flying F-16s on combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to commanding the most advanced fighter jet on earth, Ray’s career exemplifies courage, discipline, and leadership. In addition to his airline and military service, Ray also serves the FAA as a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Specialty Aircraft Examiner (SAE), helping warbird owners and aspiring aviators achieve advanced certifications. “Ray can make anything with wings dance through the air,” said Brad Damm, Vice President of CubCrafters. “Whether it’s a warbird, a fighter jet, or a Carbon Cub, his precision and passion for aviation are unmatched. We’re thrilled to have the Fowler team representing CubCrafters.” Adventure Awaits “Our Dealers are charged with building strong backcountry user communities while providing best-of-class support for our customers, and we are confident that Ray and Melisa Fowler can do both. Their professionalism and experience are befitting of both the CubCrafters brand and our customer expectations.” Says, Pat Horgan, CubCrafters President. “Whether you’re new to tailwheel flying or a seasoned Cub pilot, Adventure Flying would love to help you find your next flying adventure,” said the Fowlers. “We’re excited to bring CubCrafters’ legendary backcountry performance and craftsmanship to the Mid-Atlantic region.”

National News

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.
AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Celebrates 75 Years of Making Aviation Safer

Seventy-five years ago on November 10, 1950, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) began life as the AOPA Foundation. Over the decades, it has gone through several incarnations, but its mission has remained the same: to help pilots make better decisions and to bring down the general aviation accident rate. ASI is now the largest provider of free general aviation safety content in the world and is supported by the AOPA Foundation and individual donors. Its data analysis and research reports are among the most comprehensive and widely used in the industry, and its engaging and insightful educational materials—including the signature video series “Early Analysis,” “Real Pilot Stories,” and “Accident Case Studies”—attract millions of views each year. In addition, ASI’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course helps thousands of flight instructors renew their certificates each year, and provides innovative, safety-critical course modules that promote a strong safety culture among the flight instruction industry. “Since 1950, ASI has made a name for itself as a leading source of aviation safety information and analysis,” AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance said. “Since then, the general aviation accident rate has dropped to its lowest level ever.” The general aviation fatal accident rate has declined more than 80 percent—from 4 per 100,000 hours flown in 1950 to 0.77 per 100,000 hours flown in 2022, the last year for which full data is available. “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects better technology—both inside and outside the cockpit—improved training, and a stronger safety culture built by organizations like ASI,” Pleasance said. “I’m proud of the ASI team for continuing to produce high-quality content from which pilots can learn. Aviation is currently under a microscope, and ASI has a long tradition and legacy of offering pilots opportunities to improve their knowledge and sharpen their skills. That ongoing work is more important than ever.” Pilots can explore ASI’s full library of safety courses, videos, and reports at airsafetyinstitute.org.

International News

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. Photos courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse For more than a decade, the Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 served as the organization’s primary heavy-lift aircraft—airlifting more than 9.2 million pounds of life-saving cargo on 217 missions worldwide. First acquired in 2015, the aircraft became an indispensable tool for delivering emergency supplies to people suffering after natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises. It is now the last U.S. registered DC-8 still flying. Now, that legacy continues with the newly commissioned Boeing 767—a modern cargo aircraft that expands the ministry’s capacity to respond rapidly and efficiently wherever disaster strikes. “Aviation is an incredible tool for Samaritan’s Purse. Every one of our cargo planes says ‘Helping in Jesus’ Name’ right across the nose of the aircraft. After a disaster strikes, we want people to know why we are bringing life-saving supplies. We want them to know that God loves them and they’re not forgotten,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “God has used this DC-8 cargo plane to impact hundreds of thousands of lives—and He is using it right up to the very end of its service life. As we retire the DC-8, we are grateful to God for the 767 taking its place. It will allow us to transport far more supplies—faster and more effectively—and will continue the work of bringing the hope of the Gospel to people around the world.” The 767 completed its inaugural mission on Oct. 24, carrying more than 290,000 packets of supplementary food for suffering women and children in Gaza, along with blankets, solar lights, and other critical relief items. Just weeks later, the aircraft was deployed again—this time to Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever to strike the island. To date, Samaritan’s Purse has completed seven airlifts to Jamaica, utilizing its DC-8, 767 and 757. One of the 767 airlifts carried the organization’s Emergency Field Hospital equipped with an operating room, intensive care unit, emergency room, obstetric ward, laboratory, pharmacy, and blood bank. This flight to Jamaica marked the first time, Samaritan’s Purse transported a large Emergency Field Hospital on a single flight. Previously, such a deployment required multiple airlifts, but the 767’s size and range made it possible. Samaritan’s Purse Douglas DC-8 cargo aircraft was ceremonially retired. Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse.
Girls in Aviation Day Continues to Expand Reaching Over 42,000 Participants

Photo – Phoenix Chapter Girls around the world participated in the 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) organized by Women in Aviation International (WAI) on September 20. Through unique local events hosted by WAI chapters and corporate members, the number of GIAD participants grew to over 42,000 youth attendees this year with 200 events held across the globe. Of these events, 64 were in international locations representing 34 countries, and 136 were in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Watch GIAD2025 Wrap-Up Video! Nigerian Chapter Girls in Aviation Day is part of a multi-faceted international youth program designed by Women in Aviation International to inspire girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. GIAD events took place at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Girls were introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace by meeting female role models, listening to career panels, and exploring airplanes and airports. In addition, girls participated in a wide array of hands-on, educational activities ranging from sectional chart treasure hunts, first flights on simulators, learning about aircraft engines, avionics, and exploring weather systems and space. “Our Girls in Aviation Day events continue to inspire and spark curiosity among young participants as they discover the world of aviation,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “We sincerely thank our chapter members, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for their dedication and generosity that made this international event possible. Together, we are not only nurturing dreams but also creating a more inclusive and stronger future for aviation.”

Unmanned Systems

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
Oklahoma High Schoolers Compete in First Annual Drone Search and Rescue Championship

Thirty Oklahoma high school teams showcased their drone-powered search and rescue skills at the inaugural “Fly Forward: Search and Rescue State Championship” on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Lake Carl Blackwell in Stillwater. The day-long event was hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education READ MORE

Aviation Education

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 READ MORE
Girls in Aviation Day Continues to Expand Reaching Over 42,000 Participants

Photo – Phoenix Chapter Girls around the world participated in the 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) organized by Women in Aviation International (WAI) on September 20. Through unique local events hosted by WAI chapters and corporate members, the number of GIAD participants grew to over 42,000 youth attendees this year with 200 events READ MORE

American Airlines Unveils Special Flagship Livery Ahead of Centennial Year

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – American will start flying a special Flagship livery on a Boeing 777-300 next month. With just six months to go until American Airlines officially celebrates its centennial, the airline is unveiling a special livery that will begin flying in November on a Boeing 777-300 registered as N735AT. This special Flagship® livery blends one […]

The Window Seat

October 19, 2025October 20, 2025 Kim Stevens

To see the world through the window of 13F or any window seat is truly amazing! The perspective from thousands of feet in the air is quite a gift. A perfect example was the tug I saw pushing a string of barges upriver. I was watching the landscape drift by as I flew to Phoenix […]

Dassault Aviation Celebrates Grand Opening of Melbourne, Florida Facility

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 Kim Stevens

Dassault Falcon Jet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, marked the opening of a major new maintenance facility at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (KMLB). This facility represents a significant expansion of Dassault’s presence in the Americas and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to customer support, operational excellence, and regional investment. It is one of the […]

Cynthia Guidry Earns NATA’s 2025 Airport Executive Partnership Award for Collaborative Leadership at Long Beach Airport

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 Kim Stevens

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has announced that Cynthia Guidry, Director of Long Beach Airport (LGB), has been named the recipient of the Association’s 2025 Airport Executive Partnership Award. The honor recognizes an airport leader for outstanding efforts to nurture strong relationships between airport operators, aviation businesses, and the surrounding community. Guidry leads one […]

Skyways Powers Historic Cargo Deliveries to Offshore Windfarm

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 Kim Stevens

Skyways has demonstrated the unmatched ability of its technology to deliver time-critical supplies in one of the world’s toughest operating environments. In partnership with RWE and Skyports Drone Services, Skyways successfully completed historic beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries to Arkona Offshore Windfarm, operated by RWE and located off the coast of […]

Transformational Project at Sullivan County International Airport Completed

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 Kim Stevens

The transformation of the Sullivan County International Airport into a modern, state-of-the-art facility has been completed, heralding continued economic growth and tourism in the Catskill Region of New York. The project, which started in May 2023, was awarded $18.5 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, with the funding […]

Jackson County Airport Completes Critical Runway 4/22 Reconstruction Project

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 Kim Stevens

Jackson County Airport (33V) in Walden, Colorado, announced the completion of the full reconstruction of the airport’s runway 4/22. The project ensures long-term safety and efficiency for aviation users across Colorado’s North Park region and enhances critical emergency access to the area. Located one mile north of Walden, Jackson County Airport serves as a vital […]

NBAA Board Taps Witzig for Second Term as Chair, Names Byrd New Vice Chair

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Kim Stevens

The voting members of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have reelected two individuals to the association’s board of directors during an annual meeting held during NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). Additionally, the board of directors announced that John Witzig, of Pfizer, will serve a second term as board chair, and Matt Byrd, […]

Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority Awards More Than $160,000 to Space Education Programs

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo – More than $160,000 in space education grants were awarded to 33 STEM-related programs throughout Oklahoma at the October 8, 2025 OSIDA board meeting. The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) Board approved more than $160,000 in aerospace education funding on Oct. 8, 2025, to prepare students for the state’s growing space workforce. The […]

NBAA Announces 15 Scholarships Awarded at 2025 NBAA-BACE

October 12, 2025October 12, 2025 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), through NBAA Charities, offers a wide range of scholarships that support young people seeking careers in business aviation. At the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) 15 students will be receiving the following awards: William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship Named in honor of retired NBAA staff member […]

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