State Aviation Journal – Page 777 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird
Photo Credit floridapanthers.com By Andrew Stevens I always love it when different worlds we appreciate come together for an experience. I’m a big hockey fan and obviously this is the best time of the year with the Stanley Cup Playoffs ongoing (Go Ducks!). My hockey journey is a bit wild, but that’s not the story […]
B-29 ‘Doc” Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress Doc will be back this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, supporting the America 250 theme and more than a century of American aviation innovation. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. “As AirVenture is the world’s largest […]
VertiPorts by Atlantic Hosts Electric Air Taxi Demonstration by Joby Aviation at New York City’s East 34th Street Heliport
VertiPorts by Atlantic, a subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation and the operator of the East 34th Street Heliport (6N5), hosted a successful demonstration flight of Joby Aviation’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of advanced air mobility in New York City. Conducted on Friday, May 1, at one […]
Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education
Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing […]

State News

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird

Photo Credit floridapanthers.com By Andrew Stevens I always love it when different worlds we appreciate come together for an experience. I’m a big hockey fan and obviously this is the best time of the year with the Stanley Cup Playoffs ongoing (Go Ducks!). My hockey journey is a bit wild, but that’s not the story here today. However, I will note that one of my favorite players growing up was Keith Tkachuk. I absolutely loved the way he played the game – a big physical presence that absolutely owned the ice every time he got out there. Keith now has two kids playing in the NHL (how am I this old…) and I’m also a big fan of theirs now too. Both Matthew and Brady Tkachuk brought home the Gold medal in the Olympics this year for the United States which is amazing! However, I quickly became a fan of Matthew during his early years in Calgary and then started following almost every game of his since his trade to Florida. It’s been a heck of a ride since that time with two Stanley Cup victories and three appearances in the finals over the past three seasons for the Panthers. https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2052885330018083211 Unfortunately, Florida didn’t make the playoffs this season. However, that didn’t stop Matthew from having an incredible experience at this time of year! This weekend is the Fort Lauderdale airshow in Florida and Matthew was given the opportunity to fly as a civilian passenger with the Thunderbirds. Two Stanley Cups, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a ride in an F-16 (all in two years) – talk about living the dream! So yeah, it’s always fun when worlds we love come together – this time the aviation and hockey world for me. Also, I totally want a #26 “Thunderbirds” Florida Panthers hockey jersey! I would absolutely wear that at Oshkosh this year! You can read more about one of Matthew Tkachuk’s greatest experiences of his life on the NHL.com: https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/tkachuk-has-one-of-the-greatest-experiences-of-my-life-flying-with-u-s-air-force-thunderbirds https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2052826541000712385 https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/2052868470941851855
Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day Brings Together a Wide Coalition to Promote The Commonwealth’s Industry

By Eric Blinderman Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Photos by Eric Blinderman, Narrative Aviation Industry leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators and students came together to connect, collaborate and share at the 3rd annual Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The event emphasizes the high-wage jobs and economic impact of the Commonwealth’s aerospace sector. Lt. Governor Austin Davis, who also serves as chair of the Aerospace States Association, kicked off the event, which featured industry exhibits, policy hearings, and networking to showcase Pennsylvania’s growing aerospace economy. “While Florida and Texas may get much of the attention for having big NASA centers, it’s important for young people in Pennsylvania to know that they can pursue their aerospace dreams right here in the Commonwealth,” Davis said. The event, attended by hundreds, was organized by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Keystone Space Collaborative, and Aerium. Glenn Ponus of Aerium with NASA astronaut Mike Fincke (who ranks fourth among U.S. astronauts with 549 days in space). “We’re proud to bring together middle and high school students, industry leaders, NASA astronauts, and Pennsylvania legislators to show the next generation that aerospace careers are real, they’re here, and they’re coming fast,” said Glenn Ponus, Executive Director of Aerium, a nonprofit that fosters collaborative economic and workforce development partnerships to ensure Pennsylvania leads in marketing cutting-edge technologies. Talent development took center stage at a PA Chamber–led panel, “Aligning Workforce Development with Aerospace and Aviation Needs,” exploring how the next generation of workers can become better prepared for careers in the industry. “Pennsylvania’s aerospace and aviation story is one of momentum—powered by the talent coming out of our world-class universities, driven by innovation from companies investing here, and strengthened by policy reforms that are delivering real results,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. With an eye on the future, the event also highlighted progress and impact being made today. “We are building an integrated, statewide system for next-generation aviation — on the ground and in the air, not just words on a slide dec,” Ponus added. “That means electric-powered aircraft, drones, advanced air mobility, and autonomous flight.”

National News

Aviation Workforce Crisis Meets Action: I Hart Flying Foundation Launches $20,000+ National Scholarship Initiative

As the aviation industry faces ongoing workforce shortages and increasing demand for skilled talent, the I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) has announced the launch of its 2026 national scholarship cycle, delivering more than $20,000 in flight training funding, pilot equipment and industry-supported resources. The initiative, “Access Granted: Runway to Rise,” marks the first phase of IHFF’s multi-year HART-LED: Cleared for Takeoff campaign, focused on a critical gap in aviation: ensuring aspiring pilots not only begin training, but complete it. Through its HART-LED: Approach, a structured, investable model, the organization provides support across three critical phases: Access, Advancement, and Completion. Eliminating funding gaps and sustaining momentum so women can progress seamlessly from their first flight to professional aviation careers. Women represent less than 6% of pilots globally and less than 3% of aircraft maintenance technicians, highlighting the need for a stronger, more robust aviation workforce pipeline. While many industry efforts focus on recruitment, IHFF is addressing a deeper challenge: training disruption caused by financial barriers at the earliest stages of flight training. “It’s not a capability problem. It’s a continuity problem,” said Rachelle Spector, Founder and CEO of I Hart Flying Foundation. “We’re ensuring women don’t just gain access to aviation, but have the support to advance, complete, and lead.” The Runway to Rise scholarship series supports women at the earliest and most vulnerable stage of flight training, where financial interruption most often occurs. This cycle provides direct funding, essential pilot supplies, and structured mentorship aligned with key certification milestones, helping scholars maintain momentum from their first flight through career progression. A Structured Model Delivering Measurable Results IHFF’s scholarship model is milestone-based and designed for accountability, aligning funding with key training phases, supported by mentorship and a national Selection Committee using a structured, blind review process. The approach is already demonstrating strong outcomes. To date, IHFF has: ● Awarded nearly $400,000 in flight training scholarships and in-kind support ● Supported approximately 50 HART Scholars across North America ● Achieved a 98% advancement rate to the next certification level ● Maintained a 100% completion rate among advancing scholars The Selection Committee includes aviation leaders such as Captain Beth Powell, Lisa Holland, and Glendon Fraser, among others across the industry. Aviation leaders across the industry are aligning behind this structured approach to workforce development. “Strengthening the aviation workforce requires intentional investment in both entry and long-term career pathways,” said Paul Floreck, Board Member of IHFF and Senior Vice President of Sales, US and Canada at Dassault Falcon Jet. “IHFF is creating a clear, structured path for women to not only enter aviation, but successfully advance within it.” “Partnering with I Hart Flying Foundation gives us direct visibility into the next generation of aviation talent,” said Lisa Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Sheltair Aviation. “We’ve seen HART Scholars progress firsthand at national industry events, and the impact is real.” The 2026 scholarship cycle is supported by a growing network of industry partners, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Dassault Falcon Jet, Clay Lacy Aviation, Solairus Aviation, Sheltair Aviation, and Enterprise Mobility Foundation, along with in-kind contributions from King Schools, Bose Aviation, and Starbucks. Beyond funding, IHFF connects scholars with industry leaders through national aviation events and mentorship opportunities, providing early exposure to career pathways and professional networks. Applications for the Access Granted: Runway to Rise scholarship cycle open April 21 and remain open through May 25. As IHFF approaches its 10-year milestone, the organization continues to scale a model focused on one outcome: ensuring women in aviation have a clear, continuous path to advance, complete, and lead.
Kinexis Consulting Welcomes Lorena de Rodriguez as Business Development Manager

Kinexis Consulting continues to expand its expert airport advisory team by adding Lorena de Rodriguez as its business development manager. With more than thirty years of experience across airport and airline operations, safety, security, and workforce development, Lorena brings deep expertise and experience supporting TSA programs, training initiatives, and industry-wide efforts through ACI World – Airports Council International, ACRP, and Safe Skies PARAS. Lorena de Rodriguez “I am pleased to welcome Lorena to Kinexis Consulting. Lorena’s strategic mindset and results-driven approach align perfectly with our vision as we continue to grow and innovate in the aviation sector,” said Saurabh Pethe, Kinexis President. Lorena told the State Aviation Journal that she is excited to be a part of the Kinexis team. “I joined Kinexis because I believe airport management deserves consultants who lead with experience. The Kinexis Airport Advisory Team is built around professionals who understand the full scope of airport operations. A team that knows security systems, compliance, and airfield safety and who bring genuine empathy to every engagement,” said Lorena. “That combination of depth and dedication is rare, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.” Lorena, who previously led the team at Safety & Security Instruction (SSi, Inc) for more than twenty years, will be based in Arizona.

International News

NBAA Names Recipients of Hilsmann Memorial Scholarships

The Maintenance Committee of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the recipients of the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship. The two recipients will be able to attend model-specific training courses to advance their careers as business aviation maintenance technicians. Douglas Stevenson, student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Jackie Wilson, student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University The NBAA Maintenance Committee and NBAA Charities, in coordination with Dassault Falcon Jet and Dassault’s authorized training providers CAE and Flight Safety International, offer the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship to current and aspiring aviation maintenance technicians and military personnel transitioning to business aviation. The scholarship was created to honor the memory of Hilsmann, whose strength of character inspired a high standard of caring in the business aviation community. In his most recent position as a field representative with Dassault Falcon Jet, as well as in his previous positions as an aviation mechanic and pilot, Hilsmann was known for his integrity and pride in his work. Applications for the 2027 Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship will be available in Fall 2026. Learn more about the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship. In addition to the Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship, NBAA Charities offers several other scholarships and programs to promote professional development and business aviation careers. For more information, visit nbaa.org/scholarships.
B-29 ‘Doc” Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress Doc will be back this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026, supporting the America 250 theme and more than a century of American aviation innovation. The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. B-29 ‘Doc’ photos by Kim Stevens “As AirVenture is the world’s largest annual gathering of warbirds, we are happy to be welcoming the B-29 Doc back to Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This B-29 is always a big favorite on Boeing Plaza when it appears in Oshkosh, especially as it is one of only two flying examples in the world of the legendary aircraft.” As currently scheduled, Doc will take centerstage for display on Boeing Plaza on July 24-26. When not on display at Boeing Plaza, flight experiences on Doc will be available July 20-23, based at Appleton International Airport, approximately 20 miles north. Doc was built in 1944 and for many years was part of a squadron known as the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in upstate New York at Griffiss Air Force Base (hence, the name Doc). The airplane was retired in 1956 as the jet bomber age began and sat as a target for Navy training missions in China Lake, California, until 1998. A restoration group took possession of the airplane from the U.S. government and hauled it back to Wichita, Kansas, in pieces in 2000. After 16 years and more than 450,000 volunteer hours, Doc made its first flight after restoration in July 2016, 60 years after it had been retired. Flight experience information for Doc at Oshkosh is available at https://www.b29doc.com/rides/. Doc is owned and operated by Doc’s Friends, Inc., a non-profit based in Wichita.

Unmanned Systems

Palm Springs Police Department Expands Drone Responder Program with MatrixSpace Radar Network

MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, has enabled the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) to expand its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone READ MORE
Pyka’s Autonomous DropShip Completes First Flight

Pyka has announced the successful first flight of DropShip, its next-generation heavy-lift autonomous aircraft built for contested logistics and multi-mission operations. From concept to flight in just six months, this program sets a new benchmark for rapid development of advanced autonomous systems, delivering the mission-critical capabilities required today. It is engineered to extend reach, resilience, READ MORE

Aviation Education

Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day Brings Together a Wide Coalition to Promote The Commonwealth’s Industry

By Eric Blinderman Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Photos by Eric Blinderman, Narrative Aviation Industry leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators and students came together to connect, collaborate and share at the 3rd annual Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The event emphasizes the high-wage jobs and economic impact of the Commonwealth’s READ MORE
Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education

Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing READ MORE

Dan Burkhart, Regional Rep for NBAA Set to Retire

June 30, 2012 Kim Stevens

Business aviation veteran Dan Burkhart, who joined the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in 1998 to create NBAA’s Regional Program, will retire from his post as the director of regional representatives for the organization, effective July 6. In addition to building the national program, Burkhart has represented the NBAA Western Region that includes Alaska, Arizona, […]

PHX Sky Train™ First to Ride High over Taxiway

June 29, 2012 Kim Stevens

The PHX Sky Train™ at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, became the first transit system in the world to cross an active taxiway. This is yet another major milestone for the PHX Sky Train™ project as it took its first official ride on the bridge over Phoenix Sky Harbor’s taxiway “R” while aircraft […]

Tucson Airport Hires Bewley as Director of Operations

June 26, 2012June 18, 2016 Kim Stevens

The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) in Tucson, Arizona, announced last week that Danette Bewley has joined TAA as director of operations, a position that was newly created. Bewley’s 23-year airport management career has taken her around the nation. She recently served as assistant director of airport economic development for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. Bewley, […]

Changes Urged to California Bills that Divert Aviation Taxes to General Fund

June 24, 2012 Kim Stevens

Aviation advocates including the national Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) are urging California legislators to reject changes in two bills that would transfer the excise taxes on aviation fuels from the aeronautics account to the general fund in the next three fiscal years. SB 1005 and AB 1465 were amended on June 14. The […]

State Aviation Journal to Sponsor State Aviation Newsletter Award

June 24, 2012 Kim Stevens

The State Aviation Journal in coordination with the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) will be sponsoring an annual state aviation newsletter award in an effort to recognize the fine work that state aviation offices do throughout the country in creating, writing and distributing newsletters to their customers. The award, which will be […]

Air Race Classic Takes Off from Lake Havasu City

June 20, 2012 Kim Stevens

Mercedes Eulitt, left and Pamela Flesher on the ramp with Li’l Red, a Grumman AA-5. (Photo by Kim Stevens) Women pilots from around the country took off from Lake Havasu City, Arizona on Tuesday, for the first leg of the 36th Annual Air Race Classic 2012. With more than fifty teams registered the pilots began […]

Jack Ferns Receives FAA New England Leadership Award

June 20, 2012 Kim Stevens

Jack Ferns was this year’s recipient of the 2012 New England Regional Administrator’s Aviation and Space Education Leadership Award. (Photo – Left to right are Michael Huerta, FAA Acting Administrator, Ferns and Corbett.) Ferns was cited for his exemplary service with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation in which he engaged in countless STEM-AVSED activities. […]

GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES AT Nebraska’s Beatrice Airport

June 17, 2012 Kim Stevens

There have been three first solo flights in three days at the Beatrice, Nebraska airport recently. Joel Weber of Weber and Sons (shown below left), flew a Cessna 152 by himself the first time on June 4th. Joel plans to use his pilot’s license as part of his cattle feeding business west of Dorchester, NE […]

AOPA Offers Three Flight Training Scholarships

June 16, 2012 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is now accepting applications for three $5,000 flight training scholarships to be awarded at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Palm Springs Oct. 11-13, 2012. Student pilots working toward an initial sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate may apply online for the ASA Flight Training Scholarship, Jeppesen Flight Training Scholarship, […]

North Dakota Airlines Boardings Up in May

June 16, 2012 Kim Stevens

Larry Taborsky, director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reported that 84,000 people boarded planes at the state’s eight commercial and regional airports last month. Taborsky said airports at Bismarck, Dickinson and Williston had all-time record boardings in May while Grand Forks and Minot set boarding records for the month. More than 10,800 travelers boarded […]

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird

B-29 ‘Doc” Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

VertiPorts by Atlantic Hosts Electric Air Taxi Demonstration by Joby Aviation at New York City’s East 34th Street Heliport

Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education