State Aviation Journal – Page 641 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center
Lufthansa Group recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa with a major ceremony. As part of the event, Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center of Lufthansa Group at Frankfurt Airport, was officially opened. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered the official keynote speech. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group: […]
FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project
The Federal Aviation Administration will host four virtual public workshops in May as part of the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project. The project is led by the FAA and proposes new and updated satellite‑based flight procedures to enhance safety and improve the efficiency of airspace serving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounding airports. The […]
Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin
It was a special date for Lufthansa and a special day for all the employees who have shaped the airline with the crane logo: Exactly 100 years ago on April 6, 1926 – Lufthansa (at that time: “Luft Hansa”) took to the skies on its first flights. On that day, two aircraft took off from […]
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 […]

State News

Return of Seasonal Flights from Muscle Shoals to Pensacola Announced by Contour Airlines

Contour Airlines has announced the return of its seasonal nonstop service from Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Pensacola, Florida, starting May 6, 2026. The summer seasonal service will provide travelers with convenient, nonstop access to the Florida Gulf Coast, just in time for peak vacation season. This returning route reinforces Contour’s commitment to connecting regional communities with sought-after leisure destinations while delivering a comfortable and reliable travel experience. Flights will be operated on Contour’s 30-seat regional jet, featuring extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, and one free checked bag with every fare. “We’re pleased to bring back our seasonal Pensacola service for travelers in the Shoals area,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “This route offers a simple, stress-free way to reach one of the Gulf Coast’s most popular beach destinations without the need to drive to a larger airport.” Highlighting the value of the returning service for the local community, airport leadership expressed strong support for the route. “Contour Airlines beach service is back, offering flights from Northwest Alabama Regional Airport to Pensacola for passengers ready to enjoy sun, sea, and smiles,” said Barry Griffith, Airport Director for Northwest Alabama Regional Airport. “We are excited to restart this seasonal flight and look forward to its continued success.” Leaders in Pensacola also emphasized the importance of the continued partnership and regional connectivity. Flight Schedule: RouteDeparture TimeArrival TimeFrequencyMSL à PNS12:50 PM2:15 PMWednesdays & SaturdaysPNS à MSL3:00 PM4:25 PMWednesdays & Saturdays “We’re excited to welcome back Contour Airlines’ nonstop service to Muscle Shoals for a second year,” said Pensacola International Airport’s Executive Director, Matt Coughlin. “This route strengthens connectivity between two vibrant regions and reflects the continued demand for convenient, regional air service. Our partnership with Contour has been instrumental in expanding travel options for our passengers, and we’re proud to see this service return as we continue building a more connected future for Pensacola and the surrounding communities.”
Recalling Our Trip to AirVenture and Camping at the Aviation Exploration Base

By Titus Drye Arriving at the Hickory Regional Airport early one Saturday morning, three cars get packed with camping equipment and excited, if slightly drowsy Aviation Explorers from EAA chapter 731. We settle in for the long first leg of the trip with pillows, snacks and eager expectation. This is the beginning of an experience we have been looking forward to all year. Titus Drye EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh Wisconsin, the largest airshow and aviation convention, is an annual event that attracts pilots and aviation enthusiasts from around the world, including myself, my brother and sister who can’t wait to catch up with old friends, make new ones and explore the world of flight from a unique perspective. Waking up in a tent to the sound of jet engines, we look forward to assisting other excited travelers. This includes helping many incredible attendees and pilots safely navigate the grounds and getting front row seats to watch some of the most impressive airshows in the world. AirVenture is definitely an experience like no other that even a week of campground showers can’t discourage. We have been attending for the past three years, and it never disappoints. There is always something new to see or experience, such as new technologies, hardware, aircraft designs and individual construction projects. However, it doesn’t have to be brand new and shiny to be interesting. Lilliana Drye and brother. The Aviation Exploration Base (AEB) is located near the Warbirds area. This is arguably ours, and many others, favorite place. All the historic aircraft seem larger than life and walking amongst them is like taking a step back in time. It’s more than just looking; it’s more about learning. The event itself is amazing, but a large part of why we keep coming back is the people we meet. Our first year, everyone in the AEB was extremely helpful in “showing us the ropes”, as it were. Now, we are able to help newcomers in the same way. We have become well acquainted with many in and outside of the base camp. We look forward to seeing everyone each year, which adds to the already growing excitement and anticipation. As in the past, 2025 was a great year for us at the AEB and for AirVenture. We hope to see you there in 2026!

National News

EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

The 2025-26 cycle of EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships gave 127 students a financial boost toward pursuing their aviation goals. With the support of the foundation’s donors, the scholarships total more than $800,000 in value. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing flight training or post-secondary education. For flight training, this can cover costs associated with a glider license, Private Pilot’s License (PPL), sport pilot license, flight ratings, and endorsements. Post-secondary scholarships can be applied to tuition costs at colleges, universities, or trade schools, for majors such as aviation management, aerospace engineering, airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance, and more. “Over the past three years, the EAA Aviation Foundation has tripled the number of scholarships we are able to award to students,” said Rebecca Greskoviak, Scholarship and Fund Stewardship Coordinator. “We are grateful for our donors who contribute to our goal of helping more students achieve their aviation dreams.” In addition to these scholarships, EAA will also be awarding more than 50 camperships to students attending EAA’s Air Academy Camp this summer. These scholarships offset the tuition cost for the multi-day camps in Oshkosh that feature hands-on activities and unique aviation experiences.
A Century of Possibility: American Airlines Celebrates 100 Years Moving Forever Forward

On April 15, 1926, a DH-4 biplane took off from Chicago bound for St. Louis. This flight, carrying only mail, operated under Robertson Aircraft Corporation. Driven by the possibilities aviation could unlock for the country and the world, this flight set into motion the creation of one of the world’s most iconic airlines: American Airlines. Watch video One hundred years later, American is commemorating this milestone anniversary in the skies with a similar excitement and passion for all that lies ahead. Hear from Robert Isom, American’s CEO, about what this milestone means for American. Celebrating our customers and team members American’s story is a result of the dedication of our customers and team members. From the first passenger flights on the Douglas DC-3 between Chicago and New York, to the dawn of the Jet Age with the introduction of the Boeing 707, the establishment of major hub-and-spoke carriers, and more, customers have had choices when they fly. Taken together, the moments where travelers chose American were instrumental in crafting the airline’s century of progress, innovation and global reach. This century of achievement is also the result of the team members who drove our progress and success through every era of change. The past 100 years have included every kind of experience — spanning from immense challenges to great successes — and at every moment, American’s team members rose to the occasion and cared for people on life’s journey. American will be celebrating this milestone with both customers and team members across the country. In Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX) and Washington, D.C. (DCA), customers traveling on the 100th scheduled departure of the day will enjoy a celebration of our history with a glimpse into our future. Together with various partners, travelers will enjoy an elevated celebration with keepsakes to show our appreciation before being welcomed on board to the future of travel. Throughout the month, customers at all of our Flagship® and Admirals Club® lounges can enjoy themed cocktails and hand-passed light bites to celebrate a taste of the culinary trends that have shaped the last century. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), customers will enjoy a similar celebration with a surprise and delight with a special twist. Flight 100 to London (LHR) will operate with N735AT bearing the “Flagship DFW” special livery, while American’s centennial-themed livery will aptly operate Flight 1926 from ORD to STL and back. Throughout the year, American is sharing stories and celebrations about its rich history at aa.com/american100. With details about special liveries, team member stories and a timeline of key events in the airline’s history, American’s story is one of triumph, progress and continued connections with customers.

International News

U.S. Pacific Air Forces to Highlight Aircraft, Personnel at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

U.S. Pacific Air Forces will take center stage as the featured service component at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, coming July 20-26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “As we aim to highlight a specific Air Force command every year at Oshkosh, the incredible work of Pacific Air Forces’ mission is more critical than ever, and its strategic location makes it the center of gravity for security in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This command will add a distinct highlight to the activities at AirVenture 2026, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.” Headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, PACAF and its Commander, Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, lead the charge in strengthening alliances and deterring aggression across half the globe. The command’s mission includes everything from large-scale joint exercises with partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region and bomber task force missions, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. “It’s an honor to share the story of Pacific Air Forces with the Oshkosh community. In the Indo-Pacific, a region vital to global stability, PACAF stands as a steadfast and lethal force, ready to defend the United States and our allies,” Gen. Schneider said. “Our strength lies not only in our advanced aircraft and skilled Airmen but also in our deep and abiding partnerships. We are committed to our Homeland Defense and deterrence,’ working seamlessly with our joint force and international partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. “We are focused on readiness, innovation, and the lethality of our force to deter aggression, and are excited to share that legacy and commitment with Oshkosh. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the advanced capabilities and professionalism that our Airmen bring. It is this readiness and cutting-edge airpower that allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners, reinforcing our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.” Pacific Air Forces is a major command of the U.S. Air Force and the air component of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. PACAF’s primary mission is to provide ready air power to promote U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Honoring more than 80 years of history and spanning 36 nations, PACAF’s area of responsibility covers more than 100 million square miles. Its airmen are on the front lines of defending American interests. Immediate news is available on the official PACAF website and social media channels. “The display of airpower scheduled for this summer will be a powerful showcase of the professionalism, lethality, and readiness of the aviators, maintainers and support staff who secure our nation at home and abroad,” Schneider said. To commemorate 20 years of “Global Reach in the Pacific,” the command will also showcase a C-17 Globemaster III static display from the Hawaii Air National Guard. A symbol of Total Force Integration and readiness between the 15th Airlift Wing and the 154th Wing, 2026 marks 20 years since the C-17’s arrival in Hawaii, transforming air mobility for the state and the Indo-Pacific. Two decades later, the C-17 continues to deliver global mobility, humanitarian support and joint operational excellence across 14 time zones — a lasting legacy of service, partnership and aloha. The C-17 and additional aircraft will be based on AirVenture’s showcase Boeing Plaza. Additional details on aircraft and programming at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be announced as it is finalized.
Public Benefit Flying Returns as Feature at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Organizations that provide humanitarian relief and more through aviation will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 as the popular Public Benefit Flying area will be part of the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in. July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The aircraft, crews, and organizations that supply aid to victims of natural disasters, war, famine, and other emergencies around the globe will be part of the presentations, along with aircraft on and near Boeing Plaza at the center of the AirVenture grounds. The display will also feature a pavilion that allows current pilots to explore volunteer possibilities and register to help any one of the many organizations represented. “In 2025, more than 1,500 pilots registered at Oshkosh to become part of public benefit flying, whether that is bringing relief supplies to disaster-stricken areas, flying cancer patients to their appointments, or even moving rescue animals across the country,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This groundswell showed the great spirit of the general aviation community to be there when needed in any possible way benefit those in need.” The Air Care Alliance will again coordinate the participating organizations at Oshkosh, as it represents more than 50 groups dedicated to delivering impactful and inspiring service through aviation. It will again welcome all pilots to learn more about the nationwide opportunities available to serve others by using their aviation skills. Non-pilots are also welcome to visit during AirVenture to discover more about the multitude of ways that aviation uses local airports and benefits local communities. More details on participating aircraft and organizations will be announced as they are finalized.

Unmanned Systems

DSLR Pros Joins GeoCue Distribution Network

GeoCue has welcomed DSLR Pros to its growing distribution network, expanding nationwide access to TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 point cloud processing software for geospatial professionals across the United States. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, DSLR Pros has spent more than a decade pioneering commercial drone technology and tailored solutions for customers in geospatial, READ MORE
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

Aviation Education

EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

The 2025-26 cycle of EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships gave 127 students a financial boost toward pursuing their aviation goals. With the support of the foundation’s donors, the scholarships total more than $800,000 in value. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing flight training or post-secondary education. For flight training, this can cover costs associated with a READ MORE
K-State Salina Launches Aviation Summer Camp for High School Students

Kansas State University Salina is reintroducing an aviation summer camp experience that will allow high school students to become immersed in the world of flying that provides real piloting opportunities, with the launch of the new K-State Aviation Academy, June 21-27. The weeklong camp is for high school students between 15-17 years of age, and READ MORE

FAA Awards $33.7 Million in Environmental Grants to Airports

November 6, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on Friday announced the recent award of $33.7 million in FAA grants to nine airports around the country to reduce emissions and improve air quality through the FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) and Zero Emissions Airport Vehicle (ZEV) programs. “These grants represent the U.S. Department of Transportation’s continued commitment […]

FAA Awards $90 Million in Infrastructure Grants to Airports

November 6, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced on Friday more than$90 million in FAA grants to six airports in Alabama, Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, and Wyoming for airport runway, taxiway, and apron projects. “A safe and efficient air transportation system for the traveling public requires building and maintaining the airport infrastructure at our nation’s […]

EAA, Sporty’s Open Doors to Aviation for More Than 40,000 Young People

November 6, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Sporty’s Pilot Shop are doing their part to ensure the next generation of aviation thrives, as more than 40,000 young people have now enrolled in the Sporty’s Learn to Fly online course as a follow-up to their flights in the EAA Young Eagles program, which introduces youth to aviation […]

Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet Achieves FAA Certification

November 6, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

Cirrus Aircraft recently announced the arrival of a new era in personal transportation as the Cirrus Vision® Jet – the world’s first single engine Personal Jet – achieved FAA certification. With this milestone accomplishment, the Vision Jet ushers in a new category of aircraft that delivers an unrivaled pilot, passenger and operator experience, and certification […]

Light-Sport CTLS Solidifies Rrepresentation in U.S. Market

November 5, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

Since the beginning of Light-Sport Aircraft in 2004, the CT series, now led by the CTLS model, has been the best-selling model in the United States. After experiencing difficulties in mid-2016, Flight Design GmbH came to agreements with AeroJones Aviation and the company is in the final stages of acquiring all assets and technological rights […]

2nd Annual AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium Coming to Seattle

October 29, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will host the second annual AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, November 6 and 7. Nearly 200 aviation educators and administrators from around the country who are dedicated to building and strengthening aviation STEM programs in high schools will attend […]

AOPA ASI Collaborates with Arkansas Department of Aeronautics to Provide Flight Instructor Training

October 29, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

The AOPA Air Safety Institute (ASI) has been selected by the Arkansas State Department of Aeronautics to provide FAA required recurrent training for many of Arkansas’ Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs). The Air Safety Institute will provide an in-person Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) to approximately 125 CFIs during the two-day event. The course will be […]

Flying Musicians Will Land in DeLand

October 29, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

The Flying Musicians Association will unite music lovers and musicians in aviation and the community at the first DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase in Florida, November 3-5, at KDED, the DeLand Municipal Airport. When Jana and Gary Filip (Sport Aviation Administrator and Field Director, respectively) told us “there will be a stage for FMA,” how could […]

OAC Says Safety Area Likely Saves Pilot and Passenger During Oklahoma Crash

October 29, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

During a touch and go exercise this month at McAlester Regional Airport a single-engine aircraft lost power and crashed off the end of the runway in what is known to aviators across the country as the safety area. It is likely this smooth area of ground off the end of the runway saved the lives […]

FAA Issues Part 107 Waivers, Airspace Authorizations

October 29, 2016February 18, 2017 Jenine Johnson

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began issuing Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations to drone operators starting August 29, 2016, the effective date of the new rule. As of October 24, 2016, the agency has approved 81 authorizations for flights in Class D and E airspace, and has issued 36 waivers of Part 107 provisions […]

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center

FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin

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