State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

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 […]
Ontario International Airport Unveils Bold New Monument Sign Celebrating New Era
Photo – Alan Wapner (second from right), President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners, and Curt Hagman, Vice President of the Board, unveil the new monument sign at ONT. Ontario International Airport (ONT) unveiled a striking new monument sign at Archibald Avenue and Airport Drive, marking a powerful visual statement of […]
UrbanLink Selects NOEMI Electric Amphibious Aircraft for Future Seaplane Operations in Florida
Elfly Group, developer of the all-electric amphibious aircraft NOEMI (No Emissions), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UrbanLink, a U.S.-based zero-emission mobility company backed by revered US airline entrepreneur Ed Wegel. The agreement includes a 10+10 soft order for the NOEMI electric amphibious seaplane, representing a potential order value of approximately […]
STARLUX Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Phoenix
STARLUX Airlines, a Taiwan-based luxury carrier, launched nonstop service between Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Jan. 15, marking a milestone that expands the airport’s international connections and is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, STARLUX Airlines Chief Executive Officer Glenn Chai, airport […]

State News

AOPA Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Moves to Advisory Role

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced a leadership transition as President and CEO Darren Pleasance steps out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the Board of Trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader. Over time, it’s become increasingly clear that the AOPA CEO role should be based full-time in Frederick, Maryland, at AOPA’s headquarters. The AOPA Board appreciates the substantial time Darren has spent traveling from his home in Bend, Oregon, to be present in Frederick and with members across the country. Recognizing this, now is the right time to transition leadership in a way that best supports the organization’s long-term needs. “Darren has brought energy, perspective, and a deep commitment to serving pilots and protecting the freedom to fly,” said Jim Hauslein, Chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees. “He has been deeply engaged with our members across the country, taking time to listen to their experiences, understand their challenges, and represent their voices in the work we do every day. We are grateful for his leadership and are pleased he will continue to support AOPA during this transition.” “I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to set in motion at AOPA in a relatively short period of time,” Pleasance said. “In addition, I had the opportunity to meet thousands of members across the country, hear their stories, and work on issues that matter to everyday pilots, which has been deeply meaningful. The most special part of AOPA, though, is the staff. The people here care deeply about pilots and the mission, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them.” Effective immediately, AOPA’s day-to-day operations will be jointly led by Chief Financial Officer Jill Baker and Senior Vice President of Membership Strategy and Growth Katie Pribyl, who will serve as Acting Co-Presidents during this interim period. Both are members of AOPA’s executive leadership team and will lead the organization’s operations, staff, and strategic execution, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making across the association. AOPA’s leadership team and staff remain fully focused on the work pilots rely on every day, including advocacy at all levels of government, advancing aviation safety and training, and delivering trusted member programs and services as the Board conducts a thoughtful search for AOPA’s next leader. The AOPA Board of Trustees will initiate a formal search shortly for the next President and CEO. The process will be designed to be thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with the long-term needs of AOPA’s members and the general aviation community. Earlier this week, AOPA announced GA visionary Dale Klapmeier, co-founder and former CEO of Cirrus Aircraft, has been appointed to the AOPA Board of Trustees. Klapmeier’s decades of leadership in advancing aircraft safety, innovation, and pilot engagement add important industry perspective to the Board. Additional details about his appointment were shared in a separate announcement on Monday.
NDOT Aeronautics Division Strengthens Drone Security Through Approved Drone List

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Aeronautics Division has published a list of approved drones in compliance with the Secure Drone Purchasing Act (LB660). Under this law, NDOT Aeronautics Division must create and maintain the list in order to meet state and federal cybersecurity standards. The list is published and maintained at dot.nebraska.gov/aeronautics/drones. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Nebraska State Agencies are prohibited from purchasing drones that have not been evaluated by the Division and included on the list of approved platforms. Political subdivisions are to comply to the extent practicable. The initial list of approved platforms includes 50 different models from 38 manufacturers. The list will be continuously updated as additional platforms are evaluated at the request of state agencies or political subdivisions. Drones included on the list must meet strict cybersecurity standards, such as data encryption and network security. The Secure Drone Purchasing Act is part of a broader legislative effort to enhance government procurement processes and ensure the security of the state, its businesses, and its residents. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a drone, includes the aircraft and all supporting equipment needed for operation. The Nebraska Department of Transportation utilizes drones to improve safety, efficiency and decision-making across the state’s transportation system by enabling safer data collection, reducing traffic disruptions and limiting staff exposure to hazardous conditions.

National News

Air Care Alliance Welcomes Shakeel Mozaffar as New Director

The Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nonprofit public service organization representing a nationwide network of volunteer pilot groups that deliver impactful and inspiring service through aviation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shakeel Mozaffar to its Board of Directors. Shakeel Mozaffar “Our Board of Directors is composed of a dedicated team of leaders committed to fostering and enhancing charitable aviation,” said Mark Hanson, President of Air Care Alliance. “We are excited to leverage Shakeel’s diverse experience and enthusiasm for public benefit flying to not only further our mission, but expand our reach and the possibilities of general aviation doing even more in the communities that we work, live and fly within.” With a long history in business and philanthropy, Shakeel Mozaffar is a global executive with extensive leadership experience across finance, international relations, technology, and global supply-chain management. Former CEO of the Altruism Research Institute, Corp., he presently devotes full-time to philanthropic pursuits. Throughout his corporate career, he has held senior executive roles including Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Head of New Product Development, Sales and Marketing at Polaroid Corporation, as well as Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Chief Technology Officer at ICI Plc. in London. “I am honored to join the Air Care Alliance board,” said Shakeel Mozaffar. “I am a firm believer that every public benefit flight represents an opportunity to make a profound difference – whether it be to provide a person who cannot access medical care because of distance with free air transportation; enable a Veteran to access care and support; assist in the transportation of animals to start a new life or become a service animal; educate students with STEM Flights to promote a career in aerospace or support a community in times of natural disaster crisis with supplies that are not accessible. In those moments, Air Care Alliance along with the volunteer pilot organizations throughout the United States turn compassion into motion and hope quite literally takes flight.” A committed humanitarian, Shakeel serves as a Volunteer Mission Pilot with Angel Flight NE, an Air Care Alliance member, and was honored with the 2023 National Endeavor Award for Philanthropy in Aviation. He has not only flown patients so they can access medical care, but he has also flown many long-distance disaster relief flights, most recently the flooding in the Carolinas, bringing much needed supplies to those affected by this natural disaster. He lives in Lincolnville, Maine with his wife Joan. With more than 13,000 volunteer pilots across the United States, these compassionate humanitarians are leveraging their talents and resources to assist those in need whether it be patients who need to travel long distances to access healthcare; an animal that requires relocation to enhance its adoption possibilities or to be a service animal for someone in need; educate students with STEM flights and for other compelling needs, an activity commonly known as “public benefit flying”. However, the power of general aviation and volunteerism within it is not very well known and for this reason Air Care Alliance is committed to educating the community about its benefits; encouraging more pilots to volunteer and continuing to expand its organizational network of volunteer pilot organizations (VPOs).
AOPA Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Moves to Advisory Role

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced a leadership transition as President and CEO Darren Pleasance steps out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the Board of Trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader. Over time, it’s become increasingly clear that the AOPA CEO role should be based full-time in Frederick, Maryland, at AOPA’s headquarters. The AOPA Board appreciates the substantial time Darren has spent traveling from his home in Bend, Oregon, to be present in Frederick and with members across the country. Recognizing this, now is the right time to transition leadership in a way that best supports the organization’s long-term needs. “Darren has brought energy, perspective, and a deep commitment to serving pilots and protecting the freedom to fly,” said Jim Hauslein, Chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees. “He has been deeply engaged with our members across the country, taking time to listen to their experiences, understand their challenges, and represent their voices in the work we do every day. We are grateful for his leadership and are pleased he will continue to support AOPA during this transition.” “I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to set in motion at AOPA in a relatively short period of time,” Pleasance said. “In addition, I had the opportunity to meet thousands of members across the country, hear their stories, and work on issues that matter to everyday pilots, which has been deeply meaningful. The most special part of AOPA, though, is the staff. The people here care deeply about pilots and the mission, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them.” Effective immediately, AOPA’s day-to-day operations will be jointly led by Chief Financial Officer Jill Baker and Senior Vice President of Membership Strategy and Growth Katie Pribyl, who will serve as Acting Co-Presidents during this interim period. Both are members of AOPA’s executive leadership team and will lead the organization’s operations, staff, and strategic execution, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making across the association. AOPA’s leadership team and staff remain fully focused on the work pilots rely on every day, including advocacy at all levels of government, advancing aviation safety and training, and delivering trusted member programs and services as the Board conducts a thoughtful search for AOPA’s next leader. The AOPA Board of Trustees will initiate a formal search shortly for the next President and CEO. The process will be designed to be thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with the long-term needs of AOPA’s members and the general aviation community. Earlier this week, AOPA announced GA visionary Dale Klapmeier, co-founder and former CEO of Cirrus Aircraft, has been appointed to the AOPA Board of Trustees. Klapmeier’s decades of leadership in advancing aircraft safety, innovation, and pilot engagement add important industry perspective to the Board. Additional details about his appointment were shared in a separate announcement on Monday.

International News

Drone Survey Results: Citizens in Europe Welcome Drones in Life-saving Operations

Photo above – Sakari Röyskö | Forum Virium Helsinki A series of surveys reveals that citizens in six European cities strongly favor drone usage for emergency services and environmental monitoring. In Helsinki, citizens worry about criminal activity and invasion of privacy. In six cities, Helsinki, Hamburg, Stockholm, Gdansk, Riga, and Tartu, more than 8 000 people answered the surveys concerning drones and drone usage. The trend was clear: emergency and medical use cases consistently ranked as the most acceptable. Respondents prioritized safety and noise control, particularly when flights occur near private residences. Across all participating cities, higher knowledge levels about drones directly correlated with increased trust and overall acceptance. Drone acceptance in Helsinki The survey round of the autumn 2025 highlighted that Helsinki residents are most receptive to drone applications that provide clear public benefits. The finding reinforces a long-term trend in Helsinki’s drone attitude development. Comparing these results to the 2022, 2023 and 2024 surveys, emergency response remains the primary driver for public approval. The surveys have had 500 to 800 answerers per survey round. The ones done in 2024 and 2025 are part of a series of surveys conducted in six cities around Europe. The format has been created as part of an EU funded urban air mobility project called CITYAM. The partnering cities were Helsinki, Hamburg, Stockholm, Gdansk, Riga and Tartu. All the cities have also conducted surveys. “The survey results give cities vital information about their attitudes and expectations. The results should be taken into account when making policies and planning urban infrastructure for urban air mobility,” says Renske Martijnse-Hartikka, a senior project manager from Helsinki’s innovation company Forum Virium Helsinki. Martijnse-Hartikka has coordinated drone projects in Europe for several years. Citizens prioritize safety and emergency services While 2025 results showed 64% find emergency drones “very acceptable,” previous data revealed an even more striking consensus: 91% of residents would welcome a drone near their home specifically in a life-saving situation. In autumn 2025, environmental monitoring also saw high approval at 53%, signaling that citizens value technology that protects nature. This consistent support for “drones for good” contrasts with commercial or private use, where residents remain more negative. Despite this, commercial deliveries by drone are on the rise in several European cities. Cities should therefore continue to measure acceptance and also draw consequences from the results. “We can see, however, that the anxiety about drones and associations with war are quite strong. This should be taken into account in the communication strategy of cities, when they start deploying drone services on a larger scale”, Martijnse-Hartikka says. In addition to the survey, an interview study was conducted in the autumn of 2025. Out of 350 respondents, slightly more than ten percent specifically mentioned concerns related to drones. Five percent of those interviewed directly associated drones with war. Concerns about privacy and criminal activity Despite the overall positive outlook, concerns remain. The most significant worries include criminal activity (27.3% is “very worried”), invasion of privacy, and misuse of data. Interestingly, noise pollution ranked lower than safety and security issues, placing 6th out of 12 listed concerns. Residents emphasized the need for clear regulations and transparent communication to ensure that drones are operated responsibly by the City. Furthermore, concerns regarding privacy and safety have remained the top priorities for citizens since the first surveys in 2022, though the latest data shows a slight shift as residents become more familiar with the technology and specifically demand better-defined landing infrastructure. Helsinki’s path forward: Listening to citizens Helsinki residents are clear about where they want to see drones. Industrial areas and the rooftops of commercial buildings are the most favored locations for take-off and landing. Conversely, street infrastructure like public transport stops and residential sidewalks were deemed “not suitable at all” by a large majority. This indicates a strong preference for keeping drone operations away from densely populated areas to minimize disruption and perceived risks. The results will be used by the City of Helsinki to shape future drone policies and urban airspace regulations. Forum Virium Helsinki will continue to engage residents through demonstrations and informative campaigns to ensure that urban air mobility develops in a socially responsible way. The City of Helsinki has taken the public acceptance toolkit which with the surveys were done and they aim to continue measuring acceptance.
AeroTime Appoints Julius Norkunas as New CEO

AeroTime, a leading aviation news and media outlet, has appointed Julius Norkunas as its new Chief Executive Officer to support the company’s international growth and further strengthen the quality and reach of its aviation coverage. Julius Norkunas Norkunas brings nearly five years of experience in the aviation industry, alongside a background in technology, digital products, and scaling international businesses. He steps into the role after working closely with AeroTime’s leadership and board since 2021. “AeroTime has grown into one of the most influential aviation media platforms globally,” says Julius. “With more than three million readers each month, our content is referenced by major international media outlets and relied upon by industry professionals across the aviation ecosystem.” Norkunas joined Avia Solutions Group in 2021 and currently leads several digital aviation businesses within the Group. His experience spans building and scaling technology-driven products, as well as overseeing international teams and operations. Having been closely involved in AeroTime’s strategic direction for several years, Norkunas says the opportunity to take on the CEO role came naturally. “I’ve seen the platform evolve from close range,” he says. “One of the key challenges – and opportunities – is ensuring that a strong media platform continues to operate effectively while scaling sustainably.” Under his leadership, AeroTime will focus on expanding its presence in key markets, including the United States, Australia, Western Europe, and Canada, while continuing to strengthen the quality and depth of its editorial output. “Our readers are looking for insight and context, not just headlines,” Norkunas adds. “Being part of an aviation group gives us a deeper understanding of how the industry works in practice, and that’s something we want to reflect even more clearly in our content.” Further priorities include growing AeroTime’s newsletter audience, which currently exceeds 120,000 subscribers, and continuing to develop its global digital reach, which includes more than three million monthly readers and over two million followers across social media platforms. AeroTime operates with an international team spanning offices in Vilnius and contributors based in locations including Singapore, London, Barcelona and New York, delivering global aviation coverage to a worldwide audience.

Unmanned Systems

Drone Survey Results: Citizens in Europe Welcome Drones in Life-saving Operations

Photo above – Sakari Röyskö | Forum Virium Helsinki A series of surveys reveals that citizens in six European cities strongly favor drone usage for emergency services and environmental monitoring. In Helsinki, citizens worry about criminal activity and invasion of privacy. In six cities, Helsinki, Hamburg, Stockholm, Gdansk, Riga, and Tartu, more than 8 000 READ MORE
NDOT Aeronautics Division Strengthens Drone Security Through Approved Drone List

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Aeronautics Division has published a list of approved drones in compliance with the Secure Drone Purchasing Act (LB660). Under this law, NDOT Aeronautics Division must create and maintain the list in order to meet state and federal cybersecurity standards. The list is published and maintained at dot.nebraska.gov/aeronautics/drones. Starting Jan. READ MORE

Aviation Education

Pilot Training Market 2025: Ab Initio Growth Contrasts with Type Rating Slowdown

The global flight training market in 2025 was largely defined by contrasts. Initial pilot (ab initio) and MPL (Multi-crew Pilot License) training expanded as airlines invested in future pilot pipelines. Type rating activity, on the other hand, faced headwinds from aircraft delivery delays and market adjustments. For training organizations, 2025 required balancing immediate constraints with READ MORE
Enid High School Aviation Program Reaches New Heights with Inaugural Flight of Student-Built Aircraft

Several Garfield County community members were on hand to see Enid High School’s aviation students’ hard work take to the skies Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2026 at Woodring Regional Airport. Enid celebrated the inaugural flight of its student-built RV-12iS Light Sport Aircraft as part of the Tango Flight (TFI) aircraft construction program. Enid High School celebrated READ MORE

Air Care Alliance Welcomes Shakeel Mozaffar as New Director

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nonprofit public service organization representing a nationwide network of volunteer pilot groups that deliver impactful and inspiring service through aviation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shakeel Mozaffar to its Board of Directors. “Our Board of Directors is composed of a dedicated team of leaders committed to fostering […]

AOPA Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Moves to Advisory Role

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) today announced a leadership transition as President and CEO Darren Pleasance steps out of the day-to-day CEO role and into an advisory capacity to support AOPA and the Board of Trustees during the search for AOPA’s next leader. Over time, it’s become increasingly clear that the AOPA CEO […]

Drone Survey Results: Citizens in Europe Welcome Drones in Life-saving Operations

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Sakari Röyskö | Forum Virium Helsinki A series of surveys reveals that citizens in six European cities strongly favor drone usage for emergency services and environmental monitoring. In Helsinki, citizens worry about criminal activity and invasion of privacy. In six cities, Helsinki, Hamburg, Stockholm, Gdansk, Riga, and Tartu, more than 8 000 […]

AeroTime Appoints Julius Norkunas as New CEO

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

AeroTime, a leading aviation news and media outlet, has appointed Julius Norkunas as its new Chief Executive Officer to support the company’s international growth and further strengthen the quality and reach of its aviation coverage. Norkunas brings nearly five years of experience in the aviation industry, alongside a background in technology, digital products, and scaling […]

Baron Weather Advances Global Aviation Weather Data and Expertise

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Baron Weather, a global provider of aviation weather intelligence, today announced advancement of its worldwide aviation services. Backed by decades of aviation experience and 24/7 operational meteorology, Baron provides aviation weather and information services that drive operational decision-making. As part of this advancement, Baron has appointed Dave Hubner to lead its aviation services and deepen […]

NDOT Aeronautics Division Strengthens Drone Security Through Approved Drone List

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Aeronautics Division has published a list of approved drones in compliance with the Secure Drone Purchasing Act (LB660). Under this law, NDOT Aeronautics Division must create and maintain the list in order to meet state and federal cybersecurity standards. The list is published and maintained at dot.nebraska.gov/aeronautics/drones. Starting Jan. […]

Lee County Port Authority Welcomes New Deputy Executive Director and Chief Development Officer

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Steven Cornell, PE, has joined the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Development Officer. In this role, Cornell will lead the Development Division and is responsible for overseeing engineering & construction, planning & environmental compliance and capital programming at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort […]

National Aeronautic Association Honors Boeing’s Stephanie Pope

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) presented the 2025 Clifford Henderson Trophy to Stephanie Pope, Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company and President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, earlier this month. The ceremony, held before an audience of aviation pioneers, government officials, and industry leaders in the nation’s capital, celebrated Pope’s transformative leadership and […]

Combined F-16 and F-35 Training Reinforces Combat Readiness, Lethality and Interoperability

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Story and photo by Richard McManus F-16 Fighting Falcons from Holloman Air Force Base and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Luke Air Force Base have started week-long joint training missions designed to strengthen interoperability and reinforce the Air Force’s ability to execute complex, forward-deployed combat operations. The training brings together Airmen from multiple specialties to […]

ACI World Releases Global Airport Traffic Forecasts as Long-Term Demand Growth Continues to Reshape Aviation

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Airports Council International (ACI) World released its World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2025–2054, the industry’s most comprehensive and authoritative outlook on global airport traffic. Key highlights Sustained growth outlook holds The long-term outlook is firmly positive. Global passenger traffic demand is projected to double by the mid-2040s, driven primarily by emerging and developing markets. However, this […]

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

Ontario International Airport Unveils Bold New Monument Sign Celebrating New Era

UrbanLink Selects NOEMI Electric Amphibious Aircraft for Future Seaplane Operations in Florida

STARLUX Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Phoenix