State Aviation Journal – 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

FAA Radar Data Feed Activated in North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven announced last week the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site. Senator Hoeven (center) announces activation. The test site is the first non-federal entity in the nation to have access to the FAA’s unfiltered radar data feed. The enclave establishes North Dakota as the national model for managing UAS traffic in the National Airspace (NAS) and gives three competitive advantages to the state: Enables operators to fly UAS beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) statewide, while also allowing for more frequent BVLOS flights. Provides capabilities needed to address counter-drone and national security concerns. This bolsters efforts like the Point Defense Battle Lab that Hoeven worked to bring to the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The battle lab is focused on protecting domestic military bases against threats arising from the misuse of unmanned aircraft. These capabilities are needed to protect critical infrastructure and high-profile events, like the 2026 World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Creates new opportunities for UAS research and development that are not possible anywhere else in the country. The initiative comes as a result of Hoeven’s efforts to pass the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill that included a requirement that the FAA evaluate how its radar data feeds could help integrate UAS into the national airspace. Following this, Hoeven worked with then-FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker to set up the program in North Dakota and grant the state’s test site access to the FAA’s radar data. Hoeven first announced this agreement between the FAA and the test site at the 2024 UAS Summit. The senator has since been supporting efforts by the FAA, the test site and their partners, including the Thales Group, to install the required technology and validate the system’s security with the relevant federal agencies. Sen. John Hoeven “The Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave cements North Dakota as the most advanced UAS ecosystem in the nation. Federal radar data is one of the most comprehensive sources of airspace awareness available. We recognized that bringing this data feed to our state was essential for raising our UAS and counter-UAS operations to the next level. That’s why we worked to create this initiative through the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill and to set it up in North Dakota,” said Senator Hoeven. “No other state offers this level of capabilities, and it would take years for this type of system to be implemented anywhere else. We appreciate Trevor Woods and his team at the test site, the FAA and the Thales Group and other partners for their efforts to make this initiative a reality.” Gov. Kelly Armstrong “North Dakota is already a top proving ground for UAS technology, and launching the Radar Data Pathfinder program at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site will elevate our position as a hub for UAS innovation to even greater heights,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “This collaboration with the FAA, made possible by the work of Sen. Hoeven and an $11 million investment we approved with the state Legislature last year, will help shape the future of UAS operations in North Dakota and the United States and set the standard for integrating UAS into the national airspace.” “The Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave represents a foundational shift in how we approach shared airspace awareness,” said Trevor Woods, Executive Director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. “What began as infrastructure to enable scalable BVLOS operations has become something more significant—a governed surveillance backbone that supports both aviation innovation and counter-UAS readiness. This positions North Dakota at the forefront of secure airspace integration.” “Vantis is a true testament to the magic that can happen when federal government, states and industry work together to innovate,” said Frank McIntosh, Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer. “This ground-breaking work marks a significant evolution in the FAA’s data-sharing approach and demonstrates our commitment to safe drone integration without disruption to existing airspace users. As we look ahead to expanded BVLOS operations and increased automation, initiatives like this one provide a practical blueprint.” “Transforming the future of U.S. airspace starts right here in America and requires partners like Thales, a global high-tech leader in defense, aerospace, cyber and digital, who deliver innovation without compromising security,” said Alan Pellegrini, CEO of Thales North America. “Thales is proud to be a trusted partner of the State of North Dakota in fundamentally changing the way people experience the airspace. Our work on the statewide UAS integration network demonstrates our expertise in delivering safe, secure and proven systems that protect airspace sovereignty and defend against domestic or foreign interference. Our advanced airspace management technologies and robust cybersecurity measures in North Dakota exceed the most stringent operational and cybersecurity requirements in the world for air traffic management networks.”
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.

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

Everdrone Launches Next-Generation Medical Drone for Emergency Medical Transport

The Swedish company Everdrone is launching a new medical transport drone, E3. The drone is fully developed by Everdrone and features increased capacity to carry multiple types of medical equipment, significantly improving its performance compared to previous versions. “The new drone is faster, safer, and can carry heavier payloads. This will save lives,” says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone. Everdrone, headquartered in Gothenburg, develops drone services for emergency medical purposes. The previous generation, E2, was a development platform based on commercial components. Everdrone is now launching the next generation, E3, which has been entirely developed in-house. The drone’s performance has been substantially improved. “Our initial focus was on developing software for drone services, but we realized that there were no commercially available drones that matched the needs of emergency medical care. Therefore, we chose to develop our own,” says Mats Sällström. E3 drone The E3 drone is developed using both OEM products and proprietary components. For example, it includes parts from suppliers such as Ligpower and Aston Harald Composite, giving the drone four rotor pairs with eight blades. The drone measures 90 × 75 × 55 cm, excluding propellers, and weighs 24 kg. Proprietary damping creates a vibration-free cruising speed of over 80 km/h. The battery capacity provides a solid margin for multiple types of deployments, and the choice of battery supplier is continuously evaluated to further improve performance and endurance. The E3 is flown autonomously and monitored by a drone operator. The predecessor, E2, was capable of carrying a 2 kg payload consisting of a defibrillator. The new drone, E3, can carry up to 4.5 kg. The payload module has a flexible design that allows it to transport both defibrillators and other types of medical equipment, such as adrenaline for anaphylactic reactions, antidotes for opioid overdoses, as well as bandages and tourniquets to stop life-threatening bleeding. “Allowing drones to transport emergency medical equipment significantly reduces transport time. On average in Sweden, it takes ten minutes for an ambulance to arrive at an emergency scene. While waiting for an ambulance, Everdrone’s new drone can be on site in under three minutes, making it a complement to emergency medical services that saves lives,” says Mats Sällström.
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.”

Unmanned Systems

Everdrone Launches Next-Generation Medical Drone for Emergency Medical Transport

The Swedish company Everdrone is launching a new medical transport drone, E3. The drone is fully developed by Everdrone and features increased capacity to carry multiple types of medical equipment, significantly improving its performance compared to previous versions. “The new drone is faster, safer, and can carry heavier payloads. This will save lives,” says Mats READ MORE
FAA Radar Data Feed Activated in North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven announced last week the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site. Senator Hoeven (center) announces activation. The test site is the first non-federal entity 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

Everdrone Launches Next-Generation Medical Drone for Emergency Medical Transport

March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Swedish company Everdrone is launching a new medical transport drone, E3. The drone is fully developed by Everdrone and features increased capacity to carry multiple types of medical equipment, significantly improving its performance compared to previous versions. “The new drone is faster, safer, and can carry heavier payloads. This will save lives,” says Mats […]

FAA Radar Data Feed Activated in North Dakota

March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

Senator John Hoeven announced last week the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site. “The Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave cements North Dakota as the most advanced […]

Canadians Celebrate Canada’s National Aviation Day

February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

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

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

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,” […]

Daytona Beach International Airport Sets Record for Most Passengers Screened in a Single Day

February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Economic Impact Study Shows MEM Supports 67,550 Jobs and $10.7B in Economic Output

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Tennessee Association of Air Carrier Airports (TAACA), representing the state’s five primary commercial service airports in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities, released the findings of its 2025 Economic Impact Study – based on calendar year 2024 data. The study affirms the aviation industry’s significant and expanding role as a driver of economic […]

USTDA Advances U.S. Leadership in the Pacific Islands through Palau Airport Project

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Pryor Field Set to Acquire Privately Owned Hangar and Grow Operations

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Pryor Field Airport Authority has approved the acquisition of a privately owned 12,000-square-foot hangar at Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) that is currently on a long-term ground lease with the Authority. The acquisition ensures the hangar remains an active aviation asset and positions the airport for continued expansion in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul […]

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

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

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) […]

Long-time Airport Director Brian Weiler Announces Retirement

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

Brian Weiler, who has been director of the Springfield-Branson National Airport since 2011, informed the Airport Board of his intention to retire summer 2026 during their Feb. 19 regular meeting. “It has been the honor and privilege of my professional career to lead the airport during this period of strong growth and change,” he told […]

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