State Aviation Journal – Page 76 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector
Driven by the strong momentum of the global aeronautics industry, the discreet Toulouse-based Satys Group is consolidating its growth, recovering its pre-Covid profitability ratios, and entering 2026 with solid development ambitions across its six markets: commercial aviation, regional aviation, business aviation, helicopters, defense, and aircraft repainting. “This favorable environment contrasts sharply with the extreme difficulties […]
Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology
Daher unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family – the TBM 980 – which integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort. The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by […]
Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet
Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era […]
Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition
A new, immersive exhibition at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is casting a light on passengers and inviting them to explore its spiritual and transformative qualities through a wide range of media. Spectral Alchemy, curated by the Phoenix Airport Museum, features works by 15 Arizona artists and transforms the Terminal 4, Level 3 Museum Gallery […]

State News

City of Riverside Partners with Education Institutions to Explore Job and Economic Growth Through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT)

The City of Riverside is working with two local school districts and several local colleges to explore ways to create additional jobs and long-term growth in the aviation, aerospace, and related technology sectors through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT). “This will ensure Riverside remains proactive, not reactive, about aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs,” said City Councilmember Steven Robillard, who proposed the idea. “This is an opportunity to explore partnerships and have a dialogue about what we can bring to our city.” The cooperative effort includes the City, Riverside Unified School District, Alvord Unified School District, Riverside City College, California Baptist University and UC Riverside. It will allow the organizations to work together to evaluate how existing educational offerings, industry needs, and regional assets could be improved over time to generate more career awareness, improve skills development, and build a more skilled workforce. “We are excited to be working with each other and with industry to keep talent in the Inland Empire,” said Eric Bishop, Interim President, Riverside City College. The organizations recently memorialized in a memorandum of understanding the intention to combine their shared assets to examine the role of technology within aviation, aerospace, and related fields. The effort will create a shared awareness of emerging trends and potential applications, and how career readiness can be enhanced through focused education, training, and workforce development. One option includes examining how Riverside Airport can be leveraged as part of this effort. The Airport is the busiest FAA Federal Contract Tower airport in California, ranking 116th nationwide in operations, including emergency services, air ambulance flights, and firefighting missions. The Airport is part of Southern California’s rich aviation legacy, providing training and general aviation opportunities for current and future aviators. The Airport already is home to flight schools and FAA STEM initiatives. “We are laying the foundation tonight,” Robillard said. “This positions Riverside to compete and keep our job pipelines local.” The effort to enhance the skills and educational opportunities of local students comes amid significant employment opportunities in several aviation fields. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration projects a need for 8,900 new air traffic controllers and a 10 to 20 percent shortage of aviation technicians and mechanics by 2028, and a shortage of 24,000 pilots by 2026. “Providing opportunities like this for our students is really what makes a difference in our lives,” said Krista Fairley, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services at Alvord Unified School District.
Daytona Beach International Airport Sets Record for Most Passengers Screened in a Single Day

The day after the Daytona 500 has long been the busiest travel day of the year at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), as race fans head home following The Great American Race. This year marked a new milestone, with a record 3,534 passengers screened through the TSA checkpoint, the highest single-day total since record keeping began. The peak hour occurred at 10 a.m., when 492 passengers were processed. The average wait time was only 14.31 minutes with a maximum wait time of just 48 minutes. For the Daytona 500 weekend, Delta Air Lines added nonstop flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Detroit’s Metro Airport and American Airlines added nonstop flights from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX and Washington, D.C. Both airlines also added flights to/from their hubs in Atlanta and Charlotte; American also brought in larger planes. Other nonstop flights on Monday, February 16 included New York City and Boston on JetBlue; New Haven, CT and Philadelphia/Wilmington, DE on Avelo; and Providence, RI on Breeze. In total, the airport handled 22 departing and 21 arriving flights. The record-setting day was made possible through extensive coordination and preparation. “All of our airport partners really went above and beyond to make our busiest day of the year as smooth as possible for our passengers,” said Cyrus Callum, director of Aviation & Economic Resources with Volusia County Government. “TSA staffed additional officers and on-site technical support, the food concessionaire added team members and an extra ordering station, our janitorial company deployed additional cleaning staff, the airlines collaborated to avoid gate conflicts, and airport personnel were positioned throughout the terminal to ensure smooth operations,” said Callum.

National News

AeroDefense Launches No-Cost Drone Detection Access Program for Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

AeroDefense has announced a new initiative that enables AirWarden® Essentials customers to share system access with public safety partners—including State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement, DHS, and the FBI—at no additional cost to any party. As unauthorized and unsafe drone activity continues to increase around critical infrastructure, campuses, public venues, and corporate sites, rapid coordination between site security teams and responding officers has become essential. By providing agencies with real-time and historical visibility into drone and pilot location data, AeroDefense helps accelerate investigations, improve situational awareness, and support safer outcomes for the public. “Law enforcement plays a critical role in protecting communities, and we stand alongside them,” said Linda Ziemba, Founding CEO of AeroDefense. “This program is about removing barriers so agencies—from local police to federal partners like the DHS and FBI—have the visibility and support they need to respond confidently and work in step with the organizations they serve.” Through this initiative, AirWarden Essentials customers can securely share airspace awareness with SLTT and federal jurisdictions, creating a common operating picture for both real-time response and ongoing analysis. Authorized officers can: View real-time drone and pilot locations Access reporting and flight-path history to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies Support incident response, investigations, and evidence collection Coordinate directly with on-site security teams using the same airspace data AirWarden Essentials is AeroDefense’s wide-area drone detection solution designed to provide cost-effective, scalable airspace awareness. Launched in January 2025, the system is deployed across critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, stadiums and event venues, campuses, and other sensitive locations. It supports organizations monitoring single sites as well as large, distributed portfolios, allowing teams to view drone activity across multiple locations from a single interface. This centralized visibility enables faster response, shared reporting, and secure collaboration with authorized stakeholders, including law enforcement. The program reflects AeroDefense’s long-standing commitment to public safety and collaboration, building on its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the U.S. Air Force to develop a Collaborative Drone Detection Network (CoDDN) designed to enable shared airspace awareness across organizations and jurisdictions. AirWarden Essentials customers can begin enabling law enforcement access immediately.
AAR Appoints Dylan Wolin as Chief Financial Officer

AAR CORP. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Dylan Wolin as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective February 23, 2026. Wolin’s responsibilities will include finance, accounting, tax, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development. Dylan Wolin Wolin will rejoin AAR from Federal Signal Corporation, where he served as President of Elgin, Trackless, and Vactor, the company’s primarily municipal-focused specialty vehicle businesses, from 2024 to 2026. From 2017 to 2024, Wolin led AAR’s strategic and corporate development, treasury, and investor relations functions. He helped lead the Company’s portfolio repositioning, capital markets activities, and strategic planning, including the acquisitions of Trax and Triumph Product Support. Before joining AAR and Federal Signal, Wolin was a Director in Boeing’s Corporate Development group, where he was responsible for merger, acquisition, and joint venture transactions. Prior to Boeing, he served as a Vice President in Deutsche Bank’s Global Industrials Group within its investment banking division. Earlier in his career, Wolin was an Associate at McManus & Miles, a boutique investment bank specializing in financial advisory and private placements. Wolin earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Tufts University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “I worked very closely with Dylan during his seven years at AAR. He was instrumental in developing the strategy we are executing today. I am thrilled he is rejoining our senior leadership team, bringing valuable additional operational and strategic experience,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO. “I would also like to thank Sarah Flanagan for her service as our Interim CFO. Sarah is a deeply valued member of our team, and I am looking forward to her continued leadership in our finance organization.” “AAR’s strong team, unique customer value proposition, and exciting additional growth opportunities underscore the Company’s compelling future,” said Wolin. “I am eager to partner with John and the rest of the AAR team to drive continued execution of AAR’s growth strategy.” Sarah Flanagan, the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, will return to her previous role as Vice President, Financial Operations, effective February 23, 2026. AAR reaffirms its guidance for the third fiscal quarter and full fiscal year issued on January 6, 2026.

International News

Canadians Celebrate Canada’s National Aviation Day

On February 23rd, Canadians celebrated Canada’s National Aviation Day commemorating the past, celebrating the present and advancing the future of aviation in Canada. Canada has one of the safest air transportation systems in the world, according to Canadian Government statistics. During the last decade, the accident rate has continually declined. In 2000, this rate was nearly eight accidents per 100,000 hours flown; today, this rate is fewer than four accidents a year per 100,000 hours flown. That’s a 29% drop. In fact, in 2018, Canada saw the total number of accidents decline to the lowest recorded rate over the previous 10-year period. National Aviation Day is a celebration of excellence in aviation; an occasion to recognize Canada’s world-class reputation for aviation safety. “On National Aviation Day, we celebrate Canada’s proud aviation history and the vital role air transportation plays in connecting our vast country and linking Canadians to the world, said the Honorable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “From the first powered flight in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, more than a century ago, to the development of world-class aircraft manufacturing and aerospace expertise, Canada has long been a leader in aviation.” The nation celebrates air operators, aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance engineers, pilots, flight attendants, airport personnel, air traffic controllers, air operations specialists, Transport Canada employees, and all those in the aviation community who share the credit for Canada’s aviation safety, strength and success. “Aviation remains essential to the daily lives of Canadians,” stated MacKinnon. “Our air transportation system enables millions of passengers and vast quantities of goods to move safely and efficiently each year. It connects families, supports tourism, strengthens supply chains, and ensures that communities–particularly in rural, remote, and northern regions–have access to critical services and economic opportunities.” Innovation and technology will play an increasingly important role in shaping the next chapter of Canadian aviation. From cleaner fuels and quieter aircraft to digital systems that improve efficiency and environmental performance, these innovations are helping to reduce environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and position Canada as a leader in the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector. “On National Aviation Day, we recognize the achievements of the past, the strength of the present, and the promise of the future,” said MacKinnon. “Together, we will continue to build an aviation system that serves Canadians, drives innovation, and helps our country thrive.”
USTDA Advances U.S. Leadership in the Pacific Islands through Palau Airport Project

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is advancing American leadership in the Pacific Islands by supporting upgrades to critical aviation infrastructure at Palau International Airport (ROR). Last week, USTDA announced the award of technical assistance funding to the Palau National Aviation Administration (PNAA) to increase the island nation’s aviation capacity and safety in support of stronger bilateral ties. (L-R) Front Row: USTDA Deputy Director Tom Hardy and PNAA Administrator Lebuu Littler. Back Row: U.S. Embassy Koror Economic Officer Marston Morgan, USTDA Regional Manager Kevin Toohers, U.S. Embassy Koror Deputy Chief of Mission Shankar Rao, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Palau Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, and PNAA Deputy Administrator Richard Alonz. “Our support to strengthen Palau’s aviation infrastructure using high-quality U.S. solutions deepens our steadfast partnership on matters of mutual strategic interest,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “USTDA’s work helps strengthen the sovereignty of partner countries like Palau, while enhancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region more broadly.” USTDA’s funding will bring American expertise to support improvements to ROR, Palau’s primary airport and its only international entry point for commercial airlines. The technical assistance will update the airport’s master plan to help it prepare for long-term growth, including analysis of how to extend the existing runway to accommodate larger planes, and will provide guidance on determining the specifics of airport development needs across the country. It will also generate opportunities for U.S. companies to export their solutions to the project’s construction. Pacific Island countries like Palau are among the world’s most air-dependent economies due to their remote location. Airline connectivity is critical for driving tourism, as well as education, employment opportunities, healthcare access, and the delivery of goods and services. Improved and expanded ROR infrastructure will facilitate economic development, including by ending logistical constraints limiting the size of aircraft that can use ROR and by developing other airstrips in the country. Palau’s officials emphasized how this initiative will support the country’s long-term growth and connectivity goals. Minister Charles Obichang, Palau Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industry said: “Palau’s future depends on safe, reliable and sustainable air connectivity for our people and visitors alike, and this partnership helps us take a major step in that direction. USTDA’s support is truly catalytic for our island nation, because it gives us the high-quality planning and technical expertise we need up front to unlock larger investments in our aviation infrastructure. By working with American innovators and experts, we are strengthening our airport and economy, we are also deepening our long-standing partnership with the United States and contributing to a more secure and open Pacific region that benefits our people and the world.”

Unmanned Systems

Ohio Advances Nation’s First Statewide Drone First Responder Program with Selection of Nine Public Safety Agencies

Ohio continues to lead the nation in modernizing emergency response with the selection of nine public safety agencies to participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expand rapid aerial response capabilities across communities of all sizes. The program, led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) READ MORE
$2 Million Federal Appropriation to Expand Drone Research and Teaching at UTEP Aerospace Center

Photo – U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales on the UTEP campus on Feb. 13, 2026, to announce a $2 million appropriation from the federal government to expand drone testing and operations infrastructure at the University’s remote facilities in Fabens and Tornillo, Texas. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso. Officials at The University of Texas READ MORE

Aviation Education

City of Riverside Partners with Education Institutions to Explore Job and Economic Growth Through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT)

The City of Riverside is working with two local school districts and several local colleges to explore ways to create additional jobs and long-term growth in the aviation, aerospace, and related technology sectors through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT). “This will ensure Riverside remains proactive, not reactive, about aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs,” READ MORE
Westmoore High School Wins Inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship

In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa. Westmoore High School placed first among 12 teams at READ MORE

MDOT Announces Award Winners for Outstanding Achievements in Michigan Aviation

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award: Back row (left to right): Autumn MacClaren, director of Air Service Development and Marketing; Wayne Schmidt, board member; Steve Plamondon, board chair; Bob Nelesen, airport engineer; Kevin Klein, chief executive officer; Brian Budds, MDOT Office of Aeronautics director; and Dan Saal, chief operating officer. Front […]

New Airport General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Appointed

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

Mayor Andre Dickens announced Ricky Smith as the new General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport beginning April 2, 2025. Mr. Smith most recently served as Executive Director and CEO of Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) where he was responsible for the management and operations of Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and […]

Scottsdale Airport’s Future Is Taking Shape

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

Scottsdale Airport is shaping its future through an ongoing Airport Master Plan Update. With two key chapters drafted, Inventory of Existing Conditions and Aviation Activity Forecast, the public is invited to learn more about the airport’s current assets and anticipated aviation demand at an upcoming public workshop. The workshop takes place from 5 to 6:30 […]

2025 Virginia Aviation Art Contest Winners Announced

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

Artwork above – 1st Place, Intermediate Category – Ivan Li Out of nearly 70 submissions, nine students were selected as the winners of Virginia’s Aviation Art Contest. This year’s theme, “Women with Wings,” guided their creativity to meld aviation and art for the original pieces. Their work will now go on to be judged against […]

Colorado Airports Contribute $68.9 Billion Annually to State’s Economy

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics announced the results of the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS). This comprehensive study aims to quantify the economic contributions of airports across the state, updating the previous analysis conducted in 2020. “The aeronautics industry in Colorado creates jobs, boosts economic growth, and contributes to […]

2025 National General Aviation Awards Honorees Announced

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Awards board of directors announced the 2025 National Honorees. Awards for National Flight Instructor, Aviation Technician, and FAASTeam Rep of the year will be presented by the FAA at AirVenture. Since 1962, the General Aviation Awards (GAA) program and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have recognized aviation professionals for their contributions to […]

South Carolina Aviation Association Hosts Successful 2025 Annual Conference

March 2, 2025March 3, 2025 Kim Stevens

The South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) successfully hosted its 2025 SCAA Annual Conference from February 12-14, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Greenville, bringing together aviation professionals from across the state to explore the latest in aviation technology, management practices, and policy updates. This year’s conference, themed “The New Aviation Economy: Connecting People, Goods, and Ideas,” […]

South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame Inducts Three New Members at 2025 SCAA Annual Conference

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

The South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame proudly inducted three remarkable individuals at the 2025 Annual Conference held in Greenville, SC, on February 13, 2025. The event was highlighted by a unique theatrical performance inspired by the Wright Brothers, presented by Hardin and his son, Tucker, setting the stage for the evening’s honors. Families of […]

NCDOT 2025 Aviation Art Contest Winners Announced

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

Artwork above – First place winner of the Senior Division: Catherine Park The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has announced the winners of the 2025 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest, an annual competition designed to inspire and engage young people in aviation through artistic expression. This year’s contest, themed “Women With Wings,” encouraged […]

Professional Aviation Fraternity Bestows Highest Honor to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen for Industry Leadership

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Kim Stevens

The professional collegiate aviation fraternity Alpha Eta Rho (AHP) has awarded its namesake honor to National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen for his decades of service to the aviation industry and his commitment to engaging and educating its future leaders. “We are pleased to present Ed with our highest award in […]

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition