State Aviation Journal – Page 851 – 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

Agencies Participate in Triennial Emergency Exercise at Kapalua Airport

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) was joined by emergency responders and volunteers in a triennial emergency exercise at Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui on Friday, April 17. The drill simulated response to a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan having its nose gear collapse upon landing. The aircraft was simulated with a tractor. Volunteer actors and manikin served as the wounded. Participants were: Kapalua Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Kapalua and Kahului Airport personnel, Maui Fire Department, Maui Police Department, American Medical Response, and community volunteers. The exercise is a mandatory certification requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration which tests airfield disaster preparedness and response by simulating a full-scale aircraft emergency disaster. The drill evaluates the operational capacity and readiness of emergency response in a stressful environment. The exercise did not impact operations at the airport.
First U.S. ‘Runway-to-Space’ Challenge for Spaceplane Payload Test Flights, Flying from Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport

The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), in partnership with Dawn Aerospace, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Runway-to-Space Spaceplane Challenge. This first-of-its-kind U.S. competition invites researchers to fly payloads aboard Dawn’s Aurora suborbital uncrewed spaceplane operating out of the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport (formerly Oklahoma Air and Space Port). The program will allocate up to 25 flights, offering selected teams an opportunity to test, iterate, and re-fly experiments. Unlike traditional suborbital missions that are usually single-use and spaced months apart, the Aurora is designed for rapid, runway-based operations with turnaround times measured in hours. This shift brings spaceflight closer to an aviation-like model, enabling new mission profiles ranging from step-by-step microgravity research to high-speed atmospheric testing. “This partnership underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to being a leader in the aerospace industry,” said Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA. “By utilizing the unique capabilities of the Aurora Spaceplane, we are providing our universities and research centers with a rapid-response platform to accelerate American innovation in space.” The Next Era of Space Testing The Aurora has completed more than 60 operational missions, focusing on routine, scalable, and responsive access to the edge of space. “Meaningful access to microgravity typically means going to orbit, which is expensive, slow, and often out of reach for early-stage ideas,” said Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace. “Aurora changes that by giving teams a fast, lower-cost way to access microgravity and iterate within months. It’s not a substitute for long-duration missions, but it enables experiments that would otherwise never leave the ground, turning ideas that might never have flown into viable missions that can ultimately progress to orbit.” Jim Bridenstine, managing partner of The Artemis Group and former NASA administrator, added: “This competition is about capturing the imagination of scientists, engineers, and researchers, while also enabling a new way of working, where research can move faster, iterate more frequently, and strengthen U.S. leadership in space-enabled science and industry.” Competition Details: Eligibility: As an Oklahoma-funded challenge, the program is designed to foster collaboration led by Oklahoma institutions. Applications must be submitted by an Oklahoma-based university or research institution. Out-of-state universities and research institutions are encouraged to join as partners, contributing alongside an Oklahoma-based lead. Key Dates: Applications open April 16, 2026 and close 5 PM CT Sept. 25, 2026. Payload Capacity: Capacity for up to 15 kg (33 lbs). Flight Profile: Altitudes approaching 100 km, speeds exceeding Mach 3.5, and up to 127 seconds of microgravity. Timeline: Flights are scheduled to begin in mid- to late-2027, allowing teams about 12 months to prepare payloads. Strategic Growth at Infinity One The competition coincides with critical improvements to infrastructure and utilities at the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport. The ongoing $30+ million worth of upgrades and renovations to the facility will prepare Infinity One for future growth and success. In addition, OSIDA has also invested in the 2025 deployment of an automated detect-and-avoid system for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and will soon start construction on a dedicated space operations complex for the Aurora spaceplane that will arrive in 2027.

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

First U.S. ‘Runway-to-Space’ Challenge for Spaceplane Payload Test Flights, Flying from Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport

The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), in partnership with Dawn Aerospace, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Runway-to-Space Spaceplane Challenge. This first-of-its-kind U.S. competition invites researchers to fly payloads aboard Dawn’s Aurora suborbital uncrewed spaceplane operating out of the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport (formerly Oklahoma Air and Space Port). The program will allocate up to 25 flights, offering selected teams an opportunity to test, iterate, and re-fly experiments. Unlike traditional suborbital missions that are usually single-use and spaced months apart, the Aurora is designed for rapid, runway-based operations with turnaround times measured in hours. This shift brings spaceflight closer to an aviation-like model, enabling new mission profiles ranging from step-by-step microgravity research to high-speed atmospheric testing. “This partnership underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to being a leader in the aerospace industry,” said Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA. “By utilizing the unique capabilities of the Aurora Spaceplane, we are providing our universities and research centers with a rapid-response platform to accelerate American innovation in space.” The Next Era of Space Testing The Aurora has completed more than 60 operational missions, focusing on routine, scalable, and responsive access to the edge of space. “Meaningful access to microgravity typically means going to orbit, which is expensive, slow, and often out of reach for early-stage ideas,” said Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace. “Aurora changes that by giving teams a fast, lower-cost way to access microgravity and iterate within months. It’s not a substitute for long-duration missions, but it enables experiments that would otherwise never leave the ground, turning ideas that might never have flown into viable missions that can ultimately progress to orbit.” Jim Bridenstine, managing partner of The Artemis Group and former NASA administrator, added: “This competition is about capturing the imagination of scientists, engineers, and researchers, while also enabling a new way of working, where research can move faster, iterate more frequently, and strengthen U.S. leadership in space-enabled science and industry.” Competition Details: Eligibility: As an Oklahoma-funded challenge, the program is designed to foster collaboration led by Oklahoma institutions. Applications must be submitted by an Oklahoma-based university or research institution. Out-of-state universities and research institutions are encouraged to join as partners, contributing alongside an Oklahoma-based lead. Key Dates: Applications open April 16, 2026 and close 5 PM CT Sept. 25, 2026. Payload Capacity: Capacity for up to 15 kg (33 lbs). Flight Profile: Altitudes approaching 100 km, speeds exceeding Mach 3.5, and up to 127 seconds of microgravity. Timeline: Flights are scheduled to begin in mid- to late-2027, allowing teams about 12 months to prepare payloads. Strategic Growth at Infinity One The competition coincides with critical improvements to infrastructure and utilities at the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport. The ongoing $30+ million worth of upgrades and renovations to the facility will prepare Infinity One for future growth and success. In addition, OSIDA has also invested in the 2025 deployment of an automated detect-and-avoid system for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and will soon start construction on a dedicated space operations complex for the Aurora spaceplane that will arrive in 2027.
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.”

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

AOPA and States Strengthen Relationship at NASAO Washington Conference

April 7, 2009 Kim Stevens

There has been a long standing relationship between the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials, but perhaps the recent appearance of Craig Fuller (pictured right), AOPA’s new President at NASAO’s Washington Conference last week, along with 19 AOPA staff members and regional representatives, might suggest a strengthening […]

AOPA and States Strengthen Relationship at NASAO Washington Conference

April 6, 2009 Kim Stevens

There has been a long standing relationship between the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials, but perhaps the recent appearance of Craig Fuller, AOPA’s new President, at NASAO’s Washington Conference last week, along with 19 AOPA staff members and regional representatives, might suggest a strengthening of that […]

Aviation Activity to Resume Growth as Economy Returns Forecast Reflects Current Downturn; Long-Term Prospects Sound

April 5, 2009 Kim Stevens

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) annual aviation forecast released today predicts a return to growth for air travel in the long term, underscoring the need for vital aviation infrastructure and environmental improvements contained in the FAA’s comprehensive Next Generation Air Transportation System plan. “A vibrant, efficient and green aviation system will play a […]

Goodyear Aviation Celebrates 100th Anniversary

April 4, 2009 Kim Stevens

AKRON, Ohio, March 30 /PRNewswire/ — Back in 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with their first successful flight in a self-powered airplane at Kitty Hawk, N.C. In the years that followed, they made great progress in the air, but getting back on the ground was still challenging. Their sled-runner style of landing gear – […]

LaHood Addresses International Aviation Symposium in Phoenix

March 30, 2009 Kim Stevens

(Pictured above at the Arizona Biltmore) A Thursday afternoon panel addresses “Financing the new fleet, are we looking at a bumpy financial ride ahead?" U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, spoke to attendees of the 18th Annual Phoenix Sky Harbor International Aviation Symposium on March 26th saying, "We will do the best […]

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces More Than $28 Million for Arizona Airports Under Economic Recovery Act

March 30, 2009 Kim Stevens

PHOENIX – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced more than $28 million for Arizona airports under the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), including a $10.5 million grant for taxiway rehabilitation at the heavily traveled Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “This Administration is committed to getting the U.S. economy […]

Panther International Promotes John Kwon to Director of Programming Services

March 25, 2009 Kim Stevens

Tampa, FL – (March 25, 2009) – Panther International, LLC announced the appointment of John Kwon to the position of Director of Programming Services. Mr. Kwon will be responsible for production team scheduling, staff supervision, quality control, and all aspects of the application programming department. “John’s expertise, talent, and leadership within the programming staff have […]

Williams Retires from NCDOT Aviation Post

March 23, 2009 Kim Stevens

William H. “Bill” Williams Jr., Director of the Division of Aviation for the North Carolina Department of Transportation retired on Friday, March 20th having served in that role since September 1998. Williams, prior to joining NCDOT, was a senior FAA official for 28 years serving most recently with Aviation System Standards, where he served […]

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Airport Projects

March 23, 2009 Kim Stevens

The FAA provided the graphic above that shows airport improvement grants for development projects that enhance capacity, safety, and security, as well as for aircraft noise compatibility planning and programs. Recovery funding will be used to issue discretionary grants to airports, with priority given to those projects that can be completed within two years.

Two New FAA Regional Administrators Appointed

March 23, 2009 Kim Stevens

March 16, 2009 –Focus FAA Joe Miniace (pictured) and Kathryn Vernon have been named administrators for the Central Region and Northwest Mountain Region, respectively. Miniace will take over the Central Region on May 4, following the retirement of Chris Blum. Miniace is deputy assistant administrator for human resource management and strategic labor relations, a position […]

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