State Aviation Journal – Page 698 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy alongside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office unveiled last week renderings for a landmark transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Backed by a $20+ billion capital investment program, a historic collaboration between USDOT, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and United Airlines will oversee the transformation […]
Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions
Rotortrade is reporting that they have successfully completed 30 Super Puma transactions, the vast majority involving the H225 platform, supporting operators, governments, leasing companies and financial institutions across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. These projects have included aircraft sales and acquisitions, return-to-service programs, heavy maintenance coordination, aircraft repossessions, long-term storage, mission conversions, technical upgrades, […]
Wearing the #26 Florida Panthers “Thunderbirds” Jersey at AirVenture 2026
I’m always up for trying something new and being unique in some way. As some of you know, my day job is working in the video game industry and I love it when games and aviation come together! A couple of years ago I bought a bunch of aviation related video game shirts to wear […]
A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 marked my 17th time attending the world’s greatest aviation celebration. This was also the end of my first full year as an EAA Lifetime Member which I officially signed up for at the end of AirVenture last year. This year I flew down to Raleigh, North Carolina to meet up with […]

State News

$2.85 Million Raised July 23 for Aviation Education and More During The Gathering Hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation

Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for Experimental Aircraft Association programming. “What occurs at The Gathering each year brings together individuals and companies that have benefited from or enjoyed the world of flight in a way to give back, whether that is to youth aviation education or to initiatives that preserve our impressive aviation heritage,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. “This tremendous outpouring of support under this year’s theme of ‘Aerial America’ in honor of America 250 will allow programs to continue that inspire, motivate, and encourage participation in aviation.” Among the special guests during the evening were the Royal Air Force Red Arrows demonstration team, which made its inaugural appearance at AirVenture in 2026; EAA Young Eagles program chairman Jimmy Graham, pilot a former NFL All-Pro tight end, and 10-year-old Hazel Schaefer, who earlier that week flew with Graham to commemorate 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the program’s history; plus notable leaders from the aviation community. Among some of the highlights of the gala were: The Red Arrows auctioning a signed team photo for $25,000, with a second one donated for an equal amount; A Goodyear Blimp experience; Bidding on a restored Piper PA-12 aircraft; Three gifts of $100,000 each, along with matching donation by one benefactor of all individual gifts of up to $2,500; An NFL experience in Paris, France, on October 25 auctioned, featuring the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. EAA programs that will benefit from The Gathering proceeds include Young Eagles, which introduces flight to young people free of charge; EAA’s online AeroEducate aviation education portal; and the Pilot Proficiency Center that enables current and prospective pilots to build skills year-round at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
College Park Aviation Museum and Fig Factor Media to Host Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Sept. 26

Fig Factor Media, in partnership with the College Park Aviation Museum, presents the Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Saturday, Sept. 26, at the museum in College Park, Maryland. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month and free to the public, this family-friendly event recognizes the important contributions Latinas have made to aviation in a variety of career paths, including commercial pilots, students, dispatchers, administrators, engineers and air traffic controllers, who share their personal journeys through the “Latinas in Aviation” book series. The festival will feature a fly-in (weather permitting), meet-and-greet, bilingual activities, live music, and food. “Six years ago, we began the dream of highlighting Latina contributions to this industry and it continues to grow in interest today thanks to our authors and the partnership with College Park Aviation Museum,” said Jacqueline S. Ruiz, CEO of Fig Factor Media. “With this event, we are proud to share new stories every year and hope they become positive examples of perseverance.” This year’s festival also includes several new activities designed to engage young attendees including “Flight Plan For My Future,” an essay contest designed to engage Prince George’s County students grades 6 to 12. Contest winners will be recognized at the festival. Additionally, the College Park Aviation Museum will launch its first children’s book “Sofia and Aero’s Amazing Adventures at the College Park Aviation Museum.” The bilingual book introduces young readers to Sofia and her furry companion, Aero, as they explore the history of College Park Airport from its founding in 1909 to the present day. The festival will also celebrate the launch of “Latinas in Aviation Vol. VI,” published by Fig Factor Media. Each volume invites readers to learn the personal journeys of new writers who describe their paths to successful careers in this field. The 26 authors featured in this volume are: Dalissa Acevedo Eileen M. Velez-Vega Evelyn D. Ronceros Fabiola Sanchez Heather Valdivia Jenifer Castillo Kelianette Casiano Diaz Lucia Tran Luisa Signorini Straceri Mariana Conti Tarifa Marisol Cárcamo Guillén Naomi Rodriguez Otero Nathali Hersame Mendez Nathalie Pereira Nazareth Villarreal Paola Mendonca Sisconetto Raquel Alaniz-Carmichael Sade Ochoa Hernandez Silvana Gomez Thays A. Barreto Valentina Abbott Vásquez Wilmar A. Gálvez Alfonso Xóchitl Ramos Cordova Yessica Y. Camuñas Elizondo Zena Mei Race Sofia Sanchez Lopez College Park Aviation Museum Director Nadine Boksmati-Fattouh, Ph.D., said the museum is honored to host the festival again, calling it a “cherished community event.” “Latinas in Aviation Global Festival provides a space for the community to come together to celebrate Latina trailblazers who are shaping the future of the aviation and aerospace industries and inspire others by their accomplishments,” she said. “Latinas in Aviation Vol. VI” and “Sofia and Aero’s Amazing Adventures at the College Park Aviation Museum” will be available on Amazon and at the College Park Aviation Museum gift shop on Sept. 26. More information about the “Latinas in Aviation” book series is available at this link. This program is partly supported by the Field of Firsts Foundation, Inc.

National News

David Cummins Confirmed as New TSA Administrator

David Cummins was sworn in as the eighth Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. In May 2026, President Trump nominated Cummins to head TSA and lead a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees and the security operations at more than 430 airports across the United States. Under the direction of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Cummins also has federal responsibility for the security of the nation’s surface transportation including rail, mass transit systems, highways, pipelines and maritime. David Cummins Cummins looks forward to carrying on TSA’s strong 25-year tradition of playing a critical role in protecting American travelers while further enhancing the passenger experience and taking the agency to the next level with the continued implementation of advanced technology. “TSA will deliver on its role to secure the Golden Age of Travel the Trump administration has ushered in,” said Cummins. “We do not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, or an elevated experience. In fact, our mission demands that we achieve all three at once. That is President Trump’s and Secretary Mullin’s vision for the TSA, and it’s what the American people, rightfully, expect of this agency.” Cummins identified his key priorities to further advance TSA, which include: Focusing on the TSA workforce and improving morale Rolling out new technology at TSA checkpoints Providing travelers with the information they need to further reduce wait times and get through security faster Hardening transportation networks against drone and cyber threats Cummins brings a wealth of transportation experience from the private sector, where he directed partnerships with federal, state and local governments across the U.S. and globally. He has overseen strategy and acquisitions for transportation systems across 30 countries, leading cutting-edge business initiatives to improve efficiency and customer experience across multiple industries. He led numerous innovation projects and has been co-awarded 12 patents. As the Director of Operations Management for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he earned the International Project of the Year Award from the Project Management Institute. Cummins holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School, an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a BA in Political Science from Messiah University.
SWAAAE Announces Board of Directors Election Results and Annual Awards

The 2026-28 Board of Directors election was held in late July in conjunction with the 80th Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference in Palm Desert, CA. Below are the results of the election, as well as Board member advancements: Andrew J. Swanson, C.A.E., of Palo Alto Airport advanced from 1st Vice President to President Alex Smith, A.A.E., C.A.E., of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority advanced from 2nd Vice President to 1st Vice President Cole T. Hartfiel, C.M., ACE, of Sacramento County Department of Airports was elected to 2nd Vice President Gladys D. Brown, C.A.E., C.M., of Yuma International Airport & Rolle Airfield advanced from President to Immediate Past President and President of the SWAAAE Foundation Brett J. Godown, A.A.E., C.A.E., of County of San Bernardino Department of Airports was appointed to Director to represent Southern California for a one-year term Benjamin Westergren, C.M., of Santa Barbara Municipal Airport continues his term as Director to represent Southern California James Cullison, C.M., of Sacramento County Department of Airports was elected as Director to represent Northern California Francisco Partida, C.M., C.A.E., USAP, of City of Fresno, Airports Department continues his term as Director to represent Northern California Graham Ritz, A.A.E., C.A.E., ACE, of Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority continues his term as Director to represent Nevada Sarah Demory, A.A.E., ACE, of City of Phoenix Aviation Department was re-elected as Director to represent Arizona Tim O’Keeffe, C.M., ACE, of San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport continues his term as Director At-Large Stephanie Sampson of Accenture was elected as Corporate Director Brett Shank of RS&H continues his term as Corporate Director Chad Makovsky, A.A.E., C.A.E., of City of Phoenix Aviation Department continues his term as AAAE Director Mark Witsoe, A.A.E., C.A.E., of Napa County Airport continues his term as AAAE Director Andrew Solsvig, A.A.E., of City of Redding Airports continues to serve as the Chapter’s AAAE Board of Examiners Representative Jennifer Maples, A.A.E., C.A.E., ACE, of City of Phoenix Aviation Department continues to serve as the Chapter’s AAAE Nominating Committee Representative SAJ Joins SWAAAE in Congratulating Their 2026 Chapter Award Winners and SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship Recipients SWAAAE was pleased to recognize the recipients of their Chapter Annual Awards. During the President’s Banquet on Tuesday, July 21, they proudly honored the following individuals with this year’s awards: Lifetime Achievement – The Wanamaker Award: Michael D. Hill, DBIA, CPC, LEED AP, Sundt Construction Aviation Excellence Award: Katherine Bales, C.M., ACE GA, C.A.E., Napa County Airport Airport Executive of the Year: Charlene Reynolds, John Wayne Airport President’s Award: Anita Cobb, MBA, Mead & Hunt President’s Award: ZØØ Visual & Audio Production Committee Award of Distinction: Alice Bimrose, A.A.E., ACE, C.A.E., PSM² Outstanding Committee Service Award: Erica Ledesma, C.A.E., City of Livermore Mentorship & Leadership Award: Lisa Watada,WSP Volunteer of the Year: Katherine Bales, C.M., ACE GA, C.A.E., Napa County Airport SWAAAE Member of the Year: Whitney Robare, C.A.E., Monterey Regional Airport Emerging Leader: James Bui, City of Palo Alto Operational Excellence and Community Spirit: Loriann Chace, C.M., ACE, ASC, Sacramento County Department of Airports Aviation Partner Award: KCA Association and Event Management New Certified Airport Executive Chapter Members SWAAAE is pleased to announce Erica Ledesma, Property Manager for Livermore Municipal Airport, T.J. Chen, PE, CM, Senior Program Manager at AtkinsRealis, and Donald Williams Jr., Operations Manager of Monterey Regional Airport District, were recently awarded the SWAAAE designation of Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.). This designation is a testament to expertise and commitment to excellence in airport management. SWAAAE also congratulates the following SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship recipients: 2026 Summer Conference Scholarship Recipient: Andrew Solsvig 2026 Summer Conference Scholarship Recipient: Max Bloom 2026 Summer Conference Scholarship Recipient: Purdina Guerra Academic Scholarship Recipient: Mst Nahar Accreditation Scholarship Recipient: Mohammed Jaweed For more information regarding the awards, please visit: Chapter Annual Awards — https://swaaae.org/Awards Certified Airport Executive — https://swaaae.org/Certification SWAAAE Foundation Scholarship — https://swaaae.org/Scholarships

International News

$2.85 Million Raised July 23 for Aviation Education and More During The Gathering Hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation

Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for Experimental Aircraft Association programming. “What occurs at The Gathering each year brings together individuals and companies that have benefited from or enjoyed the world of flight in a way to give back, whether that is to youth aviation education or to initiatives that preserve our impressive aviation heritage,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. “This tremendous outpouring of support under this year’s theme of ‘Aerial America’ in honor of America 250 will allow programs to continue that inspire, motivate, and encourage participation in aviation.” Among the special guests during the evening were the Royal Air Force Red Arrows demonstration team, which made its inaugural appearance at AirVenture in 2026; EAA Young Eagles program chairman Jimmy Graham, pilot a former NFL All-Pro tight end, and 10-year-old Hazel Schaefer, who earlier that week flew with Graham to commemorate 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the program’s history; plus notable leaders from the aviation community. Among some of the highlights of the gala were: The Red Arrows auctioning a signed team photo for $25,000, with a second one donated for an equal amount; A Goodyear Blimp experience; Bidding on a restored Piper PA-12 aircraft; Three gifts of $100,000 each, along with matching donation by one benefactor of all individual gifts of up to $2,500; An NFL experience in Paris, France, on October 25 auctioned, featuring the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. EAA programs that will benefit from The Gathering proceeds include Young Eagles, which introduces flight to young people free of charge; EAA’s online AeroEducate aviation education portal; and the Pilot Proficiency Center that enables current and prospective pilots to build skills year-round at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
Drone-Delivered AED Used in Life-Saving Cardiac Arrest Response in Sweden

An automated external defibrillator (AED) delivered by Everdrone’s drone system was used in response to a confirmed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest involving a man in his 60s in Borås, Sweden, on 19 July 2026. The drone was dispatched as part of Västra Götaland Region’s (VGR) standard emergency response and delivered the AED to the scene of the incident prior to ambulance arrival. The man regained a pulse at the scene and was subsequently treated in hospital. “In cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are critical. Everdrone’s drone system helps healthcare providers get an AED to the scene as early as possible, giving the patient the best possible chance of survival,” says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone. The drone flies autonomously to the emergency location and delivers the AED by lowering it on a winch from an altitude of approximately 30 metres. In suspected cardiac arrest cases, the drone is dispatched automatically in parallel with the ambulance. Photo: Everdrone AB Following an emergency call to SOS Alarm, the drone was dispatched from its local base in Borås and delivered the AED directly to the scene prior to ambulance arrival. Bystanders immediately started CPR and attached the AED with guidance and support from the emergency dispatcher. The AED analysed the patient’s heart rhythm, and a defibrillation shock was delivered. The subsequent medical response was provided by the ambulance service and the other emergency responders. “Every time our drone system is used in a real emergency, it reinforces the value of integrating drones into emergency medical services. The drone complements ambulances and other emergency resources by delivering life-saving equipment during the most critical minutes,” says Mats Sällström. The response was part of Västra Götaland Region’s emergency drone programme, under which drones are automatically dispatched alongside ambulances to suspected cardiac arrests. Mats Sällström “Our system, Drone Emergency Medical Services (DEMS), is unique and currently operates in Sweden and France. This incident further demonstrates its potential to help save more lives, and we hope it will raise greater awareness of drones as a valuable complement to emergency medical services,” says Mats Sällström. The service is operated jointly by Västra Götaland Region and Everdrone. Six operational drone bases provide coverage for more than 300,000 residents in the region as part of a long-term initiative to reduce the time before life-saving treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The incident in Borås demonstrates how drone technology can be integrated into routine emergency medical services. Facts about Everdrone’s drone system in Västra Götaland Region New operational system in Västra Götaland Region since spring/summer 2026 Research programme ongoing since 2019 as a collaboration with VGR, Karolinska Institutet and Everdrone Six operational drone bases Covers more than 300,000 residents Delivers: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and aerial situational awareness Purpose: To reduce the time to AED delivery in suspected cardiac arrests and provide early situational awareness at emergency scenes Additional deployments: France (operational) and Stockholm Region (launching autumn 2026)

Unmanned Systems

Drone-Delivered AED Used in Life-Saving Cardiac Arrest Response in Sweden

An automated external defibrillator (AED) delivered by Everdrone’s drone system was used in response to a confirmed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest involving a man in his 60s in Borås, Sweden, on 19 July 2026. The drone was dispatched as part of Västra Götaland Region’s (VGR) standard emergency response and delivered the AED to the scene of READ MORE
GeoComm and SkyfireAI Bring Actionable Location Intelligence to Drone as First Responder Operations

GeoComm and SkyfireAI announced the use of GeoComm DFR Routing within SkyfireAI’s Drone as First Responder operations. The collaboration helps public safety agencies direct drones to emergency incidents with greater location certainty and a clearer operational picture. The announcement advances the companies’ partnership around a critical operational challenge: connecting emergency incident information to autonomous drone READ MORE

Aviation Education

College Park Aviation Museum and Fig Factor Media to Host Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Sept. 26

Fig Factor Media, in partnership with the College Park Aviation Museum, presents the Sixth Annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival Saturday, Sept. 26, at the museum in College Park, Maryland. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month and free to the public, this family-friendly event recognizes the important contributions Latinas have made to aviation in a variety READ MORE
Five New Jersey Cadets Advance Aviation Dreams at Civil Air Patrol’s Falcon Flight Academy

Five New Jersey Civil Air Patrol cadets are taking significant steps toward earning their private pilot certificates as students at a Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, held July 10-19. Flight Academy Student Cadet Maj. Adrian Chaberek performs a preflight inspection before departing on a training flight during Falcon Flight Academy. Hosted by Civil Air READ MORE

Great Lakes Airlines Selected for Salina, KS EAS Flights

February 13, 2016 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected Great Lakes Airlines to provide Essential Air Service Program flights from the Salina Regional Airport to the Denver International Airport. Great Lakes will provide Salina area residents and businesses with nonstop service in 30 seat Embraer Brasilia regional airliner. The new flights are scheduled to start on April […]

AVIATION GROUPS OPPOSE BILL LIMITING FLIGHT TRAINING FOR VETERANS

February 13, 2016 Kim Stevens

General aviation groups including AOPA, HAI and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), sent a joint letter to House leaders opposing legislation that would make it harder for veterans to pursue aviation careers. H.R. 3016, the Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act, would cap flight training tuition and fee benefits at $20,235, […]

AOPA FILES PART 16 COMPLAINT AGAINST THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA

February 13, 2016 Kim Stevens

The City of Santa Monica has diverted airport funds, charged excessive and unreasonable landing fees, and denied leases on airport property, according to a new Part 16 complaint filed by a group that includes AOPA, NBAA, and airport businesses and tenants. “With this filing we are working to protect Santa Monica Airport’s 1,500 jobs from […]

Mooney Rolls Out Significantly Redesigned Acclaim for 2016

February 12, 2016 Kim Stevens

In a special evening event, Mooney International Corporation unveiled the latest generation of its legendary M20 aircraft for 2016. The aircraft has been designated the M20V Acclaim Ultra. The new Acclaim Ultra features detail improvements to the overall fuselage – including a first-ever pilot door and composite-wrapped cabin, a clean-sheet interior design, and instrument panel […]

Phoenix Sky Harbor Sets New Passenger Record

February 12, 2016 Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport set a new for total passengers in 2015, serving more than 44 million travelers. Year-end numbers have been released and show a 4.5 percent increase in total passengers compared to 2014. The previous record for annual passengers at America’s Friendliest Airport had been set in 2007 when Sky Harbor served […]

Two Nebraskans Receive Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

February 7, 2016 Kim Stevens

Joe Huffman, Sr., an FAA Certification Engineer with Duncan Aviation, and Bernard Michael, a former long-time technician with Duncan Aviation, were recently honored as recipients of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. The Nebraska Aviation Mechanics Seminar committee and the Federal Aviation Administration presented them with the awards at a banquet on the evening of […]

American Airlines to Honor Tuskegee Airmen in Recognition of Black History Month

February 7, 2016 Kim Stevens

American Airlines is marking Black History Month by paying tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen with an exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary “The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero” at the company’s C.R. Smith Museum. (Photo – American Airlines Capt. Eugene Richardson, III, and his father, Tuskegee Airman Eugene J. Richardson, Jr.) “The […]

Conklin & De Decker to Present ‘Managing Aircraft Operating Costs’ Seminar in Mexico

February 7, 2016 Kim Stevens

Conklin & de Decker recently announced its Managing Aircraft Operating Costs Seminar will be held March 14th in Toluca, Mexico. The inaugural program will be hosted by EOLO, at their Toluca Airport FBO, and co-sponsored by Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI). The Managing Aircraft Operating Costs Seminar is designed for aviation professionals who own, operate […]

Federal Grant Assurances and the Airport Sponsor

February 7, 2016 Kim Stevens

When airport owners/ sponsors, planning agencies, or other organizations accept funds from FAA-administered airport financial assistance programs, they enter into a contract which includes certain obligations. These obligations, also called grant assurances, require the recipients of Federal funds to maintain and operate their facilities safely and efficiently and in accordance with the conditions included in […]

Boeing Delivers First 787 Dreamliner to Saudia

February 7, 2016 Kim Stevens

Boeing and Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, last week celebrated the triple delivery of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and a 777-300ER (Extended Range). A third Dreamliner will be delivered to Saudia within the next week. The airline ordered eight 787-9s in 2010. Saudia is no stranger to such large deliveries. In December 1999, Boeing delivered […]

Plans Unveiled to Transform Washington Dulles International Airport

Rotortrade Completes 30 Super Puma Transactions

Wearing the #26 Florida Panthers “Thunderbirds” Jersey at AirVenture 2026

A Good Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026