State Aviation Journal – Page 848 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin
It was a special date for Lufthansa and a special day for all the employees who have shaped the airline with the crane logo: Exactly 100 years ago on April 6, 1926 – Lufthansa (at that time: “Luft Hansa”) took to the skies on its first flights. On that day, two aircraft took off from […]
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform
Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s […]
SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft
SAS marks the start of its 80th year of operations with a specially painted Airbus A330-300, celebrating eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world. Throughout 2026, the airline will highlight its heritage and continued role in linking people, businesses and societies. The anniversary comes 80 years after SAS’s first intercontinental flight on September 17, […]
Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact
Photo – Factory-new Cessna Skyhawks (Model 172) to take flight as Textron Aviation names five 2026 Top Hawk recipients—helping train the next generation of pilots Textron Aviation Inc., announced Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University, Sterling Flight Training and Victors Aviation as its 2026 Top Hawk program recipients, continuing a […]

State News

K-State Salina Launches Aviation Summer Camp for High School Students

Kansas State University Salina is reintroducing an aviation summer camp experience that will allow high school students to become immersed in the world of flying that provides real piloting opportunities, with the launch of the new K-State Aviation Academy, June 21-27. The weeklong camp is for high school students between 15-17 years of age, and the attendees will experience numerous real-world flight training experiences. During the week of the K-State Aviation Academy, attendees will have mission activities scheduled throughout the program to develop their aviation skills. These activities include working with K‑State’s aviation faculty to learn aerodynamics and flight theory, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, navigation basics and more — learning how to safely operate aircraft in the campus’s flight simulators and gaining an understanding of the maintenance side of aviation that will introduce campers to the essential knowledge and skills needed to fly safely. The experiences don’t stop with the flight instruction. Attendees will also network with industry professionals and participate in daily evening social activities where new friendships can be formed. The camp will culminate on Saturday, June 27, with a cross-country flight to Stearman Field, near Benton, Kansas, where a group lunch will be provided before flying back to the K-State Salina campus. Parents and guardians are invited to a closing ceremony where campers will be honored. By the end of the camp, attendees can gain up to 3 hours of flight time alongside a certified flight instructor, or CFI, in K-State Salina aircraft. The K‑State Salina campus is well-equipped to host the academy, with a large fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft, FRASCA flight simulators and proximity to Salina Regional Airport. Campers will have meals and board provided through the campus’s residence halls and Centennial Dining cafeteria. “If your teenager is even thinking about aviation, I want them here with us this summer,” said Tysen Pina, K-State Salina aviation department head. “This program is a chance to step directly into the world of aviation. They’ll get hands-on with real aircraft, fly our simulators, explore maintenance and learn from instructors who live and love aviation every single day. We’re going to challenge them, inspire them and show them exactly what’s possible in this industry. It’s going to be an incredible experience.” Registration for K-State Aviation Academy is limited to 10 participants, and the deadline to sign up is May 15. The camp’s cost is $2,000. Further camp details — including registration requirements, health and safety considerations and more — is at the K-State Aviation Academy website.
NAHF Selects Tennessee Educator Dan Mills for 2026 A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced that Dan Mills, aviation educator at Elizabethton High School in Elizabethton, Tennessee, has been selected as the 2026 A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year. Dan Mills With more than five decades of aviation experience, Mills has built one of the nation’s most impactful high school aviation programs, combining rigorous technical instruction with a deeply personal commitment to mentorship, integrity, and character development. Since joining the Elizabethton City School System in 2010, Mills has developed six aviation courses, helped write the Tennessee state aviation education standards, and created pathways that allow students to solo aircraft and earn pilot certifications at exceptionally low cost through innovative community partnerships. Mills’ program emphasizes not only aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency, but also personal responsibility and decision‑making. His curriculum challenges students to become individuals of integrity while preparing them to pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam and solo in a Cessna 172 in under 12 hours of flight instruction. Many of his former students have gone on to careers as airline pilots, flight instructors, air traffic controllers, and aircraft mechanics. “This award is incredibly humbling,” said Mills. “Aviation has given me a lifetime of purpose, and to be able to share that passion with young people, helping them believe in themselves, make wise decisions, and pursue their dreams, has been the greatest privilege of my career.” Lt Col Herbert W. (Bill) Powley, USAF (Ret.), President of the FLIGHT Foundation and Crossfield Kid #24, nominated Mills for the award and has worked closely with him for more than a decade. “Dan Mills is far more than an aviation instructor. He is a mentor, role model, and life‑changing influence for his students,” said Powley. “I have never known anyone more committed to helping young people reach their potential, both in the cockpit and in life. His impact will be felt for generations.” Mills’ dedication has earned him widespread recognition, including his induction into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2025 and the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of exemplary service in aviation safety. His classroom innovations include the use of a full‑motion Redbird FMX flight simulator, providing students with advanced, real‑world training experiences typically unavailable at the high school level. “Dan Mills exemplifies the spirit of the Crossfield Award,” said Monica Newman McCluney, NAHF Trustee and Head of U.S. Corporate Social Responsibility & the Embraer Foundation. “His unwavering commitment to education, safety, and character development reflects the highest ideals of aerospace education and demonstrates the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on the future of aviation.” Mills will be honored at the President’s Reception on September 23, 2026, as part of the NAHF 62nd Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Over 600 people— including aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and several returning Enshrinees—are expected to attend two days of events. The events are open to the public by advance registration only. For more information, visit nationalaviation.org or call 937-256-0944 ext.16.

National News

CAN Appoints Aviation Pioneer Joan Sullivan Garrett to Board of Directors

Corporate Angel Network (CAN) has announced the appointment of Joan Sullivan Garrett to its Board of Directors. A pioneering entrepreneur and aviation medical innovator, Garrett is the Founder and Chairman of MedAire, a global leader in integrated medical, travel, and safety services for aviation and maritime industries. Since founding MedAire in 1985, she has been instrumental in developing real-time, ground-based medical support systems for in-flight emergencies—helping establish industry standards that continue to save lives worldwide. Joan Sullivan Garrett Garrett’s work has shaped how the aviation industry approaches passenger and crew health, with MedAire now supporting hundreds of airlines and thousands of aircraft globally. A widely recognized authority in aviation medicine and remote care, she has advised government agencies, testified before Congress, and contributed extensively to advancing health and safety protocols across the industry. “Joan is a true trailblazer whose career has been defined by innovation and a deep commitment to protecting and saving lives,” said Jean Rosanvallon, Chairman of the Corporate Angel Network Board of Directors. “Her unique perspective at the intersection of aviation and healthcare aligns seamlessly with CAN’s mission. We are excited to welcome her insight and leadership as we continue expanding access to life-saving treatment for cancer patients.” Garrett’s distinguished career includes service on numerous aviation and nonprofit boards, as well as numerous awards and honors, including the National Aeronautic Association Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and inductions into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Her longstanding dedication to improving safety, care, and access within aviation brings a powerful dimension to CAN’s work. “I am honored to join the Board of Corporate Angel Network and support its extraordinary mission,” said Garrett. “The ability to remove barriers to care—especially for patients facing serious illness—is both impactful and deeply meaningful. CAN’s work exemplifies how aviation can be used as a force for good, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and reach.” Garrett will be joining other CAN Board members, including: Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets; W.W. (Bill) Boisture, Jr., AE Industrial Partners; Derek DeCross, Signature Aviation; Scott Donnelly, Textron; Dan Drohan, Solairus; Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines; Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications; Patrick Gallagher, NetJets Aviation; Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument; Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; Dawne Hickton, Cumberland Additive; David Hurley, ALOFT Aero Architects; Ève Laurier, Bombardier; Wilson Leach, Aviation International News; Jean Rosanvallon (Chairman), formerly Dassault Falcon Jet; and Dr. Bret Schipper, Hartford HealthCare.
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s commercial operations, expand its domestic manufacturing capacity in Charlotte, and accelerate the rollout of its RaaS offering Lucid Refresh — the company’s full-service subscription platform for exterior cleaning operators. “We’re on an ambitious journey to give software a body to do physically productive work that the world needs and become the USA’s leading supplier of modular drones and robots,” said Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots. “This capital allows us to meet the massive market demand we’re seeing today while expanding our product offerings and accelerating our manufacturing and autonomy goals. The next 18 months will be transformative for our product roadmap and the industry at large.” Watch Video Launch of Lucid Refresh Lucid Bots builds the robots, software, and support infrastructure that professional cleaning operators deploy on their jobs. Where a cleaning company traditionally needs to choose between turning down high-value exterior work or taking on the capital, training, and operational burden of robotics themselves, Lucid Refresh gives them a third option: access to a complete autonomous cleaning capability, including the Sherpa cleaning drone, the newly launched Lavo AI autonomous pressure washing robot, Lucid Command fleet management software, operator training, job intelligence, and an equipment loaner guarantee, as a single ongoing subscription. The operator brings the contract, and Lucid delivers everything needed to fulfill it. “Our customers are running cleaning businesses,” said Vic Pellicano, President and Chief Platform Officer of Lucid Bots. “They don’t need a robot — they need a way to take on jobs they couldn’t do before, execute them better than the competition, and do it without betting their company on a capital purchase. That’s what we built. It’s less like buying equipment and more like adding a robotics division to your business that you can deploy on any job, any time.” A Platform Built on Operator Success Lucid Bots’ operator network has generated more than $75 million in exterior cleaning revenue using Lucid systems — a figure that reflects the core thesis behind the company’s model: that Lucid wins when its operators win. The Sherpa drone platform reduces job completion time by 2–5x, and operators report payback periods of less than two months. With approaching 1,000 robots now in active operator hands, and 93% of new business originating from inbound interest, the company generated as much revenue in 2025 as it did in its first seven years combined. The company’s customer base spans independent operators to enterprise-scale accounts including Disney, Sunbelt Rentals, and commercial facilities managers across the country. The Data Advantage No Competitor Can Close The Series B accelerates Lucid’s two flagship product lines. The Sherpa drone continues to expand its autonomous capabilities, and Lucid Bots recently launched Lavo AI, a fully autonomous pressure washing robot designed for unattended operation, complete with its own mobile app and proprietary cloud data layer. What makes both platforms genuinely different is not the hardware. It is the data behind them. Lucid Bots’ systems have now logged hundreds of thousands of hours of real-world exterior cleaning across building types, surface materials, weather conditions, and job configurations that no competitor can replicate. That operational dataset trains the AI systems embedded in every Lucid robot and improves with every job completed. The result is cleaning performance that compounds over time: Lucid robots clean more precisely, adapt more intelligently to job conditions, and produce more consistent results than any service relying on human judgment or a thinner data foundation ever could. Every new deployment makes the system smarter. Every hour logged extends a lead that started years ago and widens by the day. Both platforms are manufactured at the company’s 25,000-square-foot facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, a domestic manufacturing footprint that provides compliance advantages under federal mandates for US-built robotic systems and positions Lucid to serve the growing number of commercial and government customers who require it. “At Cubit Capital, we invest in companies with courageous leadership confronting meaningful societal challenges, and Lucid Bots represents exactly that,” said Philip Carson, Partner at Cubit Capital. “The labor crisis in industrial work is real, and Lucid has achieved genuine innovation with technology that empowers workers and creates safer workplaces. Their traction speaks for itself, and we’re excited to support a team that’s striving for redemptive outcomes by empowering workers rather than replacing them.” “What excites us about Lucid Bots is that this isn’t a single-product company. It’s a platform defining a new category,” said Lister Delgado, Managing Partner at Idea Fund Partners. “By building AI systems trained on more real-world cleaning data than anyone else in the industry, they’re creating a compounding advantage that will be difficult to replicate. When you pair that with US-based manufacturing and strong unit economics, Lucid is poised to become a defining leader in the next generation of industrial automation.” “The Lucid Sherpa drone has elevated our business to new heights opening doors and differentiating ourselves from the competition,” said Ryan Godwin, Owner of Godwin Facility Services. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without adding the Lucid Sherpa to our business.” Lucid Bots is a member of the NVIDIA Inception Program and is actively developing its AI and autonomy capabilities in partnership with NVIDIA.

International News

Tennessee Valley Authority Selects Tecnam P2012 SMP to Safeguard Power Grid for 10 Million People

Tecnam is proud to announce that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is successfully operating the Tecnam P2012 “Sentinel” Special Mission Platform (SMP) to protect and maintain its vast electricity grid. Equipped with cutting-edge Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and high-resolution multispectral cameras, the P2012 SMP is transforming how TVA evaluates threats to transmission lines across its network. LiDAR system – Credit : Megan Plotka The primary threat to the region’s power system—the backbone that allows local utility companies to provide electricity—comes from large trees and vegetation. To mitigate these risks, especially ahead of severe weather seasons, TVA utilizes the P2012 SMP to conduct an annual survey of its infrastructure. The advanced onboard systems create precise 3-D models of the earth’s surface and comprehensive topographical maps. The aerial program, fully implemented in 2025 following five years of research, has yielded staggering efficiency gains. While traditional ground crews can survey up to five miles of transmission corridors a day, a two-pilot crew in the P2012 SMP surveys approximately 450 miles a day—a 90-fold increase in productivity. Flying at 120 mph, the P2012 SMP captures data at an astonishing rate of three and a half acres per second. The system’s resolution is so powerful that it can zoom in on a single leaf, giving TVA unparalleled situational awareness to identify vegetation growing into the right-of-way before it causes an outage. Out of the TVA’s 16,500 miles of transmission lines, more than 5,000 miles are part of this critical vegetation management cycle. Pilot and operator at the console – Credit: Megan Plotka Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 – Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager, commented on the success of the program: “The P2012 SMP was engineered exactly for this kind of demanding, high-endurance aerial work. Seeing the TVA utilize the aircraft’s exceptional payload capacity, stability, and twin-engine reliability to seamlessly integrate complex LiDAR and camera systems is a true testament to the platform’s versatility. We are incredibly proud that Tecnam aircraft are playing a vital role in keeping the lights on for 10 million people while significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of TVA’s operations.” The program not only protects critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes from outages, but it also significantly reduces maintenance costs, allowing TVA to reinvest in infrastructure for fast-growing regions. “We’re able to inspect much faster, much safer, with a great level of detail,” added Will Sanders, TVA Right of Way Program Manager. “We really support our people so that they’re able to get out there and make decisions on what is a real threat.”
Aviation MRO Under Siege: How the Industry Is Defending Against Rising Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important issue for both individuals and businesses. It is estimated that, on average, global organizations face nearly two thousand cyberattacks each week. Last year, the costs to businesses totaled $10.5 trillion, and this figure is projected to reach $15.63 trillion by 2029. Cyberattacks impact nearly every industry, including aviation. According to Thales’ report, the number of such threats increased by 600% between 2024 and 2025. With ransomware attackers targeting aircraft MRO as a primary focus, companies are stepping up and investing heavily in their cybersecurity tools. Attempts to investigate and control the IT infrastructure of aircraft MRO companies are on the rise. Unsurprisingly, the global aviation cybersecurity market grew to $11.3B in 2025 and is projected to reach $29.4B by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 11.2%. Aviation maintenance organizations are especially appealing to malicious actors due to the high level of operational decision-making and process complexity. By breaking into their security systems, attackers threaten to stop critical processes and disrupt the entire operations chain. The frequency of such attacks is further driven by AI-based social engineering, as reported AI-enabled cyber attacks increased by 47% worldwide in 2025. Lina Vaskelė “In aviation MRO, all systems are deeply interconnected. Various maintenance records, airworthiness data, supply chains, and operational schedules all influence each other. A single cyberattack doesn’t just target a single isolated point; it can spread throughout the entire infrastructure. If one part of the system fails, the risk quickly spreads to related processes and can cause consequences far beyond the initial target of the attack,” says Lina Vaskelė, Chief Risk and Security Officer at FL Technics, a global independent aircraft MRO service provider. The road to unified cybersecurity policy The international aircraft MRO community is working to establish consistent minimum standards across the industry. This is a crucial step for an industry that has historically had wide variation in cybersecurity maturity and has never implemented a unified cybersecurity policy. In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking outlining required cybersecurity measures for aircraft, engines, and propellers. Similar initiatives are being undertaken in Europe as well. In February, the EASA directive Part-IS took effect, requiring organizations not only to have documented policies but also to demonstrate their effective implementation and readiness for oversight. There are also international efforts. The governing body of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recently updated its Cybersecurity Action Plan, which urges member states to incorporate cyber risk management into their safety oversight frameworks. “Such a unified regulatory step was unavoidable. As digitalization progresses, the impact of IT systems on aviation MRO safety is becoming too significant to be viewed solely as a technological concern. The industry has had to recognize that the line between the digital and physical realms, between software vulnerabilities and flight safety risks, has effectively vanished,” says Ms. Vaskelė She notes that the most common cyber risks come from gaps in identity management systems, insecure external digital tools, and the human factor. In recent years, FL Technics has invested in various security measures, focusing mainly on strengthening protections, deploying advanced detection and monitoring systems, and enhancing access control and incident management. The main aim is to create multi-layered protection where human vigilance and technological controls work together as an integrated, complementary system. “Employee training is undoubtedly the most important aspect. You can have the most advanced security tools, multi-layered protection, and state-of-the-art detection systems, but the truth is that the final decision always rests with a human. That is why personal awareness remains the very first and most crucial line of cyber defense,” says Ms. Vaskelė.

Unmanned Systems

DSLR Pros Joins GeoCue Distribution Network

GeoCue has welcomed DSLR Pros to its growing distribution network, expanding nationwide access to TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 point cloud processing software for geospatial professionals across the United States. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, DSLR Pros has spent more than a decade pioneering commercial drone technology and tailored solutions for customers in geospatial, READ MORE
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s READ MORE

Aviation Education

K-State Salina Launches Aviation Summer Camp for High School Students

Kansas State University Salina is reintroducing an aviation summer camp experience that will allow high school students to become immersed in the world of flying that provides real piloting opportunities, with the launch of the new K-State Aviation Academy, June 21-27. The weeklong camp is for high school students between 15-17 years of age, and READ MORE
NAHF Selects Tennessee Educator Dan Mills for 2026 A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced that Dan Mills, aviation educator at Elizabethton High School in Elizabethton, Tennessee, has been selected as the 2026 A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year. Dan Mills With more than five decades of aviation experience, Mills has built one of the nation’s most impactful high READ MORE

Colorado Airport to Close for Reconstruction Project

June 20, 2009 Kim Stevens

Closure of the Granby Airport Granby Airport for phase II of a reconstruction project will begin June 29, 2009 and last through October 26, 2009. During project construction only those employees associated with Armstrong Engineering, Grand County, Pavetec Inc. and its subs will be allowed on the airport. After hours and Sundays when construction is […]

Inspector General Releases Special Report on TSA’s Role in General Aviation Security

June 18, 2009 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General recently released a special report entitled TSA’s Role in General Aviation Security. This is one of a series of audit, inspection, and special reports prepared as part of the Department’s oversight responsibilities to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within the department. The report was […]

Inspector General Releases Special Report on General Aviation Security

June 18, 2009 Kim Stevens

PANTHER INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY

June 16, 2009 Kim Stevens

Reflects on past and present while preparing for the future Tampa, FL – (June 15, 2009) – Panther International, an innovator in grant and loan management solutions as well as custom software applications and Internet solutions for commercial and government clients, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year as they continue to expand into new markets. […]

States Vary on Importance of Airport Investment

June 8, 2009

SAJ Editorial It’s an intriguing dynamic seeing the difference in attitudes across the country concerning airport infrastructure investment during these times of tight state budgets. It’s been interesting to note that while some governors have been quick to back the value of such an investment and the potential return on that investment, others have not. […]

Musings of a 5010 Inspector

June 8, 2009 Kim Stevens

By Jim Bildilli I hate to admit it, but my association with the 5010 Airport Master Record program probably dates back to the mid 1970’s. At that time, the Federal Aviation Administration was responsible for updating the forms; but because of staffing and budget issues the program had “slipped” in priority. As such, several of […]

Alliance Expresses Strong Support for Mica Amendment

June 7, 2009 Kim Stevens

June 3, 2009 The Honorable John Mica 2313 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Ranking Member Mica: We are writing to express our strong support for your proposed amendment to H.R 2200, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act, which would more clearly delineate the basis upon which TSA can issue regulations and […]

Jet Truck Wows at Airshow in Janesville

June 2, 2009 Kim Stevens

Tom Thomas provided this photo taken over the weekend at an Airshow in Janesville, WI. The Jet Truck was warming up before it raced some 300+mph down Runway 4. The wind was out of the north, which is the direction the camera is pointing, and so the clouds of exhaust had an interesting billowing affect. […]

Memorial Day, May 25, 2009

May 22, 2009 Kim Stevens

Heritage Flight…P-51 and F-22 at AirVenture 2008 Photo by Kim Stevens

Memorial Day, May 25, 2009

May 22, 2009 Kim Stevens

Heritage Flight…P-51 and F-22 at AirVenture 2008 Photo by Kim Stevens

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin

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

SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft

Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact