Developed to support the deployment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), urban air mobility solutions, and other advanced aviation platforms, the program will serve as an operational proving ground for new capabilities that align with Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) strategy, public-private priorities, and long-term economic goals, according to state aviation officials.
News
Guardian combines legacy avionics with cutting edge technology
The customizable and expandable avionics systems consolidates multiple sources of flight data, such as obstacles, flight environment, traffic, weather, terrain, satellite imagery, and more, displaying it in a high-resolution 3D view on programmable touchscreen displays.
GA accidents down, flight hours up
Key takeaways from the latest report from the Air Safety Institute show that in 2023 there were 1,097 general aviation accidents in the United States, including 186 that were fatal. The overall accident rate fell to 3.86 per 100,000 flight hours, down from 4.3 in 2022, and the fatal accident rate declined to 0.65 from 0.68 the year before.
Sheltair founder flies west
Jerry Holland, who grew Sheltair Aviation from a single FBO to a company spanning across four states, died Nov. 18, 2025, at the age of 90.
Federal Amelia Earhart records released
Beginning Nov. 14, 2025, records related to Earhart and her disappearance will be released on a rolling basis at Archives.gov/AmeliaEarhart.
FlightSimExpo expands
For the first time, FlightSimExpo 2026 will feature a Friday exhibit hall. The event will also offer new single-day ticket options for flight simmers who can’t attend the full, three-day event.
McFarlane acquires P. Ponk Aviation STCs
McFarlane Aviation has acquired several Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) from P. Ponk Aviation, a developer of high-performance upgrades for legacy Cessna aircraft, including the Cessna 170, 180, 182, 185, and 206.
Lawmakers introduce bill to protect ATC from government shutdowns
Lawmakers on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House of Representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that, during any future government shutdowns, air traffic controllers will continue to get paid.
8GK upgraded with $1 million fueling system
“This new fuel system is a runway to opportunity for Gallatin County,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “By enhancing refueling services, we strengthen the airport’s role in supporting business aviation, flight training activities, and increased connectivity in general aviation across northern Kentucky.”