State Aviation Journal

Bristell B23 Receives FAA Type Certification
BRM AERO, manufacturer of Bristell Aircraft, has announced that the two-seat Bristell B23 has received Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 23 regulations, marking the first certified variant in the company’s B23 series and opening new opportunities in the rapidly expanding U.S. pilot training market. The certification addresses critical industry needs […]
FAA Grants Self-Examining Authority to Epic Flight Academy
Photo – Logan Dochtermann (left) became Epic’s first in-house pass when he earned his instrument rating in August 2025. He is pictured with his instructor, Breyton Jackson. The FAA has granted Epic Flight Academy self-examining authority to conduct in-house checkrides, a privilege that provides benefits to both the school and the students. Shane Williams, Director […]
ODAA and Bartlesville Municipal Airport Celebrate Taxiway Project Completion, Break Ground on New Hangar Construction
Photo – Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Executive Director Grayson Ardies led the Bartlesville Municipal Airport’s ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the airport’s taxiway on Monday, Sept. 8. The airport also broke ground on the future 20,000-square-foot hangar project anticipated to be completed by summer 2026. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace […]
“Yellow Rose” Stops at Centennial
The “Yellow Rose”, the christened name of the vintage B-25J Mitchell WWII bomber, is once again touring the American skies. The bomber is completely restored to its wartime capabilities and is operated by the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing. Photographer Griffey Bostock took advantage of the aircraft’s recent stop at Centennial Airport in Englewood, […]

State News

Kent State University Receives Federal Grant for Airport Improvements

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Kent State University $4,106,553 for upgrades to its airport, including the reconstruction of 1,500 square yards of the existing Compass Calibration Pad Apron pavement and 3,700 feet of existing paved Taxiway A pavement. The grant funds the final phase of these projects. The airport is the longest-surviving public-use airport in Ohio and celebrated its centennial in 2020. U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) provided a letter in support to help bolster the grant application. “The Kent State University Airport plays a pivotal role in our community, ensuring that the next generation of aviators can receive the best education, right here in Northeast Ohio. These funds will help ensure that we are continuously repairing and making upgrades to the airport, so it can serve generations to come,” said Rep. Sykes. “Kent State University is grateful for this investment in our airport and in Ohio’s largest collegiate flight training program. The reconstruction of the Compass Calibration Pad Apron will ensure that our students and faculty continue to train in a safe, modern environment while preparing the next generation of professional pilots. Since the 1960s, Kent State has been advancing aviation education and meeting Ohio’s workforce needs, and today we proudly offer seven professional pilot pathway programs that connect students directly to careers,” said Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., Dean, Kent State University College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
South Grand Lake Regional Airport Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Terminal, Hangar, and Taxiway

Photo – Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, led the groundbreaking ceremony for upgrades at the South Grand Lake Regional Airport in northeastern Oklahoma. The improvements include a new terminal, a hangar, and a parallel taxiway. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and South Grand Lake Regional Airport (SGLRA) celebrated the next steps for several much-anticipated improvement projects with a recent groundbreaking ceremony. On the slate for upgrades at the northeastern Oklahoma airport are a new terminal, a hangar, and a parallel taxiway. South Grand Lake Regional Airport Board Members (left to right): Bob Sullivan, Board Secretary; Jimmy Kuykendall, Vice Chair; Preston Kelley; Mike Vaughn; Derrick Schimdt; Brent Howard, Chairman Emeritus; Dave Wolfard, Treasurer; Jim Brown, Chairman. Members not pictured are John Nail and Gary Wilkins. SGLRA’s improvements are part of a multi-phase effort over the next five years to upgrade the Craig County-based airport. The projects are programmed and funded by the ODAA Airport Construction Program (ACP), a five-year revolving program plan that has been a long-standing practice of the agency, but was codified in state law during the 2025 legislative session. The purpose of the evolving ACP is to enhance air transportation project planning for the state, the FAA, and airport sponsors. This programming process aims to anticipate airport funding needs and schedules through multi-year planning. This is the process by which the department fulfills its mandate to create a system of airports that meets the business, transportation, and commercial needs of communities across the state. The cost for all three projects totals about $12.3 million. The construction of the terminal and hangar will cost just over $6 million and will be primarily funded by legislatively directed funds through ODAA. The taxiway project is planned to cost about $6.3 million, with the majority being funded with $6 million from the FAA, and about $314,000 in matching funds being split between ODAA and the local airport sponsor.

National News

NBAA Announces Promotion of Aviator, NAS Expert Heidi Williams to Association Vice President

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has named Heidi Williams vice president, air traffic services and infrastructure, expanding her role in overseeing the association’s policies and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), state and local officials. Heidi Williams “Heidi has been instrumental in advocating for business aviation at the highest levels of government, helping to ensure that our members retain equitable access to airports and airspace across the National Airspace System (NAS),” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Her technical expertise and experience in air traffic system operations has helped ensure that business aviation is well understood by regulators and other policymakers.” Williams and other NBAA Air Traffic Services staff represent business aircraft operators on the floor of the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), a coordination hub from which government and industry collaborate on a daily basis regarding aviation system management and decision-making. Other industry segments represented at the center include the passenger, cargo, low-cost and international carriers. Williams also leads the association’s emerging technologies initiatives and airspace and air traffic modernization efforts, including notice to airmen (NOTAM) modernization. She recently served as the industry chair on the NOTAMs Task Force. Prior to joining NBAA in 2016 as director, air traffic services, Williams held roles at Lockheed Martin and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). A 25-year veteran of the aviation industry, Williams is a commercial pilot and flight instructor. She received her bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Justin Wortman Joins RS&H to Support Firm’s National Aviation Architecture Services

Employee-owned, national architecture, engineering and consulting firm RS&H welcomes Justin Wortman as an Associate Vice President, Senior Project Director, Aviation. With two decades of experience leading large-scale airport programs, Wortman will help further strengthen RS&H’s ability to deliver transformative solutions for aviation clients nationwide. His expertise spans planning, design management and program leadership for major projects at airports across the country, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Wortman’s knowledge and skills have supported clients on large-scale efforts such as the LAX Delta Sky Way program and program design for the development of LAX Terminal 9. Justin Wortman Known for his data-driven approach and collaborative leadership, Wortman has worked closely with airport authorities and airline stakeholders to enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and deliver high-value programs. His ability to synthesize complex problems and distill the options into a series of well-defined scenarios empowers clients to make quick decisions with confidence. “Justin is a great addition to our growing team,” said Dennis Iskra, CM, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President and Senior Principal Architect at RS&H. “His incredible passion and experience in the aviation industry are a great addition to the RS&H team and will be instrumental in delivering integrated solutions to our clients. We are incredibly excited to have him join during such a pivotal time in our company’s growth.” “I am excited to join such a dynamic team capable of supporting the full spectrum of planning, design, and construction management services at airports across the country,” said Wortman. Wortman received his Bachelor’s of Environmental Design in architecture from North Carolina State University and his Master’s of architecture from the University of Southern California.

International News

GAMA Second Quarter Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report Shows Increase in Overall Value

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the Second Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first six months of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, show increased shipments in the business jet and piston airplane sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments. Aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 5.1% with 810 units, turboprops decrease 4.3% with 268 airplanes, and business jets increase 9.9% with 354 airplanes. The value of airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2025 was $12.3 billion, an increase of 9.9%. Helicopter shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston helicopters decrease by one unit to 106, and turbine helicopters decrease 2.3% with 302 units. The value of civil-commercial helicopter deliveries was $2.0 billion. Six Month Aircraft Shipment & Billing Aircraft Type20242025% ChangePiston Airplanes771810+5.1%Turboprops280268-4.3%Business Jets322354+9.9%Total Airplanes1,3731,432+4.3%Total Airplane Billings$11.2B12.3B+9.9%Piston Helicopters107106-0.9%Turbine Helicopters309302-2.3%Total Helicopters416408-1.9%Total Helicopter Billings$1.7B$2.0B+20.3% GAMA’s complete 2025 second quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
Bristell B23 Receives FAA Type Certification

BRM AERO, manufacturer of Bristell Aircraft, has announced that the two-seat Bristell B23 has received Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 23 regulations, marking the first certified variant in the company’s B23 series and opening new opportunities in the rapidly expanding U.S. pilot training market. The certification addresses critical industry needs as flight schools struggle with aging fleets and rising costs amid unprecedented pilot demand. The B23 platform already holds EASA CS-23 certification in Europe, where over 1,100 Bristell aircraft have been delivered since 2009, establishing proven performance in commercial training operations. Nearly 100 Bristell aircraft are already operating in the United States today, popular among both flight schools and private pilots for cross-country flying, providing a foundation of real-world experience for the company’s certified aircraft expansion. Strategic Market Entry “This first FAA certification enables us to address the pilot shortage crisis with modern training solutions,” said Martin Bříštěla, CEO and Co-founder of Bristell Aircraft. “Flight schools need alternatives to aging fleets with 40-year-old designs. Additional B23 variants will follow this initial certification as we expand our certified portfolio.” B23 Interior The company plans to grow its North American dealer network by 50% within 18 months while pursuing certification for the complete B23 lineup, including Rotax 912iS, 915iS, 916iS, and IFR variants, providing comprehensive solutions for diverse aviation needs from basic training to advanced cross-country flying. Modern Training Economics The certified B23 delivers compelling economics with its 100 HP Rotax 912S3 engine featuring 2,000-hour TBO intervals and 4.5 gallons per hour fuel consumption, certified for both 100LL AVGAS and unleaded automotive fuel. “Training organizations save up to 35% on operational costs compared to traditional alternatives,” said David Copeland, Vice President of Sales. “For private pilots, the 700-nautical-mile range and spacious cockpit make it ideal for comfortable cross-country adventures, while the BRS parachute system provides an additional layer of safety that gives both pilots and passengers peace of mind.” Bristell Manufacturing Facility Czech Republic Advanced safety features include all-metal construction with rigid cockpit design. Key specifications: 1,654 lbs MTOW, 662 lbs useful load, and the widest cockpit in class at 51 inches for enhanced pilot comfort during extended flights. Market Availability Deliveries of the FAA-certified B23-912 begin Q4 2025 through Bristell’s North American dealer network. Sales inquiries and customer support available 24/7 worldwide through Bristell Direct at +1-316-215-8651.

Unmanned Systems

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace’s K1000ULE Becomes Longest-Endurance UAS on DoD’s Blue UAS Cleared and Blue UAS Select Lists

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace announced that its fully electric K1000ULE UAS has been added to both the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Cleared List and the Blue UAS Select List, the government’s trusted rosters of drones validated as secure, NDAA-compliant, ready for immediate procurement. The K1000ULE is the longest-endurance, longest-range aircraft in READ MORE
AgEagle Aerial Systems MicaSense Series RedEdge-P Multispectral Camera Available Now on Ascent’s SPIRIT™ and SPARTAN™ UAV Platforms

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. announced the successful integration and availability of its MicaSense RedEdge-P™ multispectral camera on Ascent AeroSystems’ rugged SPIRIT™ and SPARTAN™ coaxial UAV platforms. This fully integrated solution, now available for order, delivers unparalleled agricultural and environmental intelligence in a seamless, quick-connect package. The MicaSense RedEdge-P is an industry-leading multispectral and panchromatic sensor, READ MORE

Aviation Education

ATP Flight School Begins Training First Class of American Airlines Cadet Academy Students

ATP Flight School began training its inaugural class of four American Airlines cadets at its Charlotte-Concord training center. This milestone marks the first group of cadets to enroll in the American Airlines Cadet Academy pathway through ATP, following ATP’s selection as an official partner school earlier this year. ATP Flight School welcomed its inaugural class READ MORE
Legacy Flight Training Celebrates 15 Years in Vero Beach and 10 Years in Scottsdale

Legacy Flight Training marks two major milestones in 2025: 15 years of operations at its headquarters at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida (KVRB), and 10 years at its Scottsdale, Arizona (KSDL) training center. The anniversaries highlight the company’s role as the trusted provider of professional, standardized training for Piper PA-46 pilots worldwide. From the READ MORE

Pam Keidel-Adams Joins Kimley Horm

August 7, 2013 Kim Stevens

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Backcountry Pilots Applaud Monument Court Decision

August 5, 2013 Kim Stevens

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is pleased to announce today’s decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that largely upholds the backcountry airstrip designations on Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The RAF and Montana Pilots’ Association mobilized early on in the Bureau of Land Management planning process to retain the airstrips. "This is the vital […]

Aeronautics Commission Selects New Officers for 2013-2014

July 27, 2013 Kim Stevens

Blackwell Oklahoma’s Joe Harris (shown at right) has been selected chairman of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission for fiscal year 2014. He succeeds Dr. David Conway of Durant whose term as chairman recently ended. Harris, who previously served as chairman in 2008-09, will lead the seven-member board that is responsible for encouraging, fostering and assisting in the development of aviation […]

New Recommendations Seek to Improve Safety and Reduce GA Certification Costs

July 27, 2013 Kim Stevens

An Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), convened by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), today recommended a broad range of policy and regulatory changes that it believes could significantly improve the safety of general aviation aircraft while simultaneously reducing certification and modification costs for those aircraft. The committee, made up of international industry […]

Sam Jantzen Named Marketing VP at Blackhawk Modifications

July 23, 2013 Kim Stevens

Blackhawk Modifications, Inc. has appointed Sam Jantzen as the company’s Vice President of Marketing. In his new role, Jantzen will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s marketing, from strategy to execution. Jantzen and other members of the Blackhawk team will be available during AirVenture Oshkosh, July 29-Aug. 4 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. "Sam’s experience, relationships and marketing savvy […]

Mauiva Landing at Virginia’s Manassas Regional Airport

July 21, 2013 Kim Stevens

On Tuesday, July 16, Mauiva AirCruise landed at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia, on their inaugural flight into the area. Mauiva is bringing international visitors to the City of Manassas on their journey around the East Coast. Mauiva selected Manassas Regional Airport as a regular stopping point for their AirCruise tour because of the airport’s […]

WOMEN AVIATORS INVITED TO DAY OF FUN AND EMPOWERMENT AT EAA’S WOMENVENTURE

July 14, 2013 Kim Stevens

Hundreds of female aviation enthusiasts will be empowered through aviation at this year’s WomenVenture on Friday, Aug. 2, during EAA AirVenture 2013. Female aviators can attend a networking breakfast and a power lunch, and hear from special guest speakers. The day begins with the Women in Aviation International Networking Breakfast and is followed by the annual WomenVenture […]

Agricultural flight demonstration highlights benefits, economic impact of unmanned aircraft

July 7, 2013 Kim Stevens

Unmanned aircraft systems will have a significant impact on Kansas’ precision agriculture industry and overall economy, according to elected officials, academics and industry leaders speaking at a UAS flight demonstration at Crisis City in Salina, July 2. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined leaders at Kansas State University and Michael Toscano, president and CEO of the […]

DAYTON FOUNDATION TRANSFERS WRIGHT BROTHERS’ HOME

July 7, 2013 Kim Stevens

The Dayton Foundation announced today that it is transferring ownership of Hawthorn Hill, the historic 1914 Oakwood, Ohio, home built for aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright, to Dayton History. Additionally, a $1 million combined gift was contributed by multiple donors to establish the Friends of Hawthorn Hill Fund of The Dayton Foundation for the […]

SAM LS receives formal recognition from Transport Canada, ready for prime time

July 7, 2013 Kim Stevens

SAM Aircraft has received formal recognition from Transport Canada, stating the SAM LS is approved in the Advanced Ultralight class. Flying at a slightly lower weight in Canada than the US-spec SLSA (the aircraft is the same; only the gross weight differs), flight characteristics for both weights have now been determined by months of flight […]

Bristell B23 Receives FAA Type Certification

FAA Grants Self-Examining Authority to Epic Flight Academy

ODAA and Bartlesville Municipal Airport Celebrate Taxiway Project Completion, Break Ground on New Hangar Construction

“Yellow Rose” Stops at Centennial