AIA Endorses FAA Funding in FY2026 Proposal

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) praised the FY2026 budget estimate for the FAA, calling it a critical investment in safety and modernization, but emphasized that additional funding will be required to meet long-term goals.

Proposing $22 billion for the FAA, the FY2026 President’s Budget Request names safety as the agency’s top priority. The budget supports expanded hiring and training for air traffic controllers, increased aviation safety oversight, and targeted improvements to cybersecurity infrastructure. Funding is also allocated to accelerate modernization of the agency’s core systems, including telecommunications infrastructure.

To rebuild the pipeline of certified professional controllers, the FAA has requested $97.3 million to support hiring and training up to 2,500 controller trainees in FY 2026 as part of a continuing surge effort that began in the previous fiscal year. The budget also proposes $9.7 million and 91 new positions to enhance oversight of aircraft production and maintenance operations, alongside $35 million for cybersecurity enhancements.

Major infrastructure investments are proposed under Project LIFT, a $1 billion initiative to transition the FAA’s legacy telecommunications to modern internet protocol (IP) systems. The effort includes the acquisition of new voice switches and IP radios. Additionally, $450 million is requested to launch a multi-year radar replacement program aimed at improving situational awareness, operational resilience, and the integration of emerging technologies such as drones and advanced air mobility platforms.

FAA Official: ‘Don’t Over-engineer’ SMS

With the May 2027 safety management system (SMS) deadline looming for aircraft manufacturers, air tours, and charter operators, the FAA is finding that a lack of understanding is still prevalent on how to develop and implement SMS, according to Tim Adams, acting director of the FAA’s Office of Safety Standards.

Participating in a fireside chat at the recent NATA Air Charter Summit in Washington, D.C., Adams cited the misunderstanding over implementation as one of the biggest stumbling blocks surrounding SMS.

Another, he noted, surrounds the inspector workforce. “We have to realize that the majority of our inspector workforce were once commercial aviators and transitioning them from an aviator to a regulator is a journey, so be patient,” he advised attendees at the summit. Adams noted that if there is a disagreement or misunderstanding, operators can initiate the agency’s Consistency and Standardization Initiative (CSI) process that elevates the questions.

“I think the third [stumbling block]—and there’s nothing to support this other than just a gut feeling—is the ability for a service provider to actually conform in a well-practiced manner to its own safety policy,” Adams added.

Along those lines, he provided advice on developing an SMS. “Don’t over-engineer it. Also, don’t try to use someone else’s, because it’s not going to fit what your organization does. And then, conduct a gap analysis of the things you already do.”

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

Melbourne, Florida-based Southeast Aerospace (SEA) has received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its mission equipment installation on the Cessna 208 Caravan and 208B Grand Caravan. The installation features a modular mission console and a universal side-mounted sensor turret system, designed to support law enforcement and surveillance operations that require intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technology.

The camera mount supports payloads of up to 200 pounds, including sensors such as the Wescam MX-20, MX-15, and FLIR 380HD. It also includes provisions for a connector stowage assembly and an optional cover plug when the mount is removed. This allows operators to return the aircraft to its standard configuration when ISR equipment is not in use.

SEA’s design offers multiple configurations, including left- and right-hand console layouts for integration of displays, radios, and other mission avionics. Both slimline and universal console variants are seat-rail mounted, supporting installation flexibility while minimizing impact to the existing cabin layout. The STC applies to all Cessna 208 and 208B aircraft, regardless of whether the cargo pod is installed.

Four Caravans and one Kodiak 100 currently flying with U.S. law enforcement customers already have the system installed. SEA also noted plans for a future integration on a Pilatus PC-12, signaling broader adoption of its modular ISR system.

PAG To Distribute Honeywell RDR-7000 Radar in Asia

Precision Aviation Group Australia (PAG) has established an exclusive distribution agreement with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies for the IntuVue RDR-7000 weather radar system targeted specifically for AW139 commercial helicopters. Effective until March 31, 2028, the agreement positions PAG as the authorized distributor providing sales and support services to Honeywell’s channel partners throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The arrangement focuses on expanding market access to Honeywell’s weather radar technology in a region characterized by challenging meteorological conditions frequently impacting rotorcraft operations. Under the terms of the agreement, PAG will leverage its regional presence to facilitate integration of the RDR-7000 into AW139 fleets operating in diverse environments across Asia-Pacific.

“The RDR-7000’s automated hazard detection and ease of integration make it a smart choice for both retrofit and forward-fit applications," said Jordan Webber, v-p of component services for PAG. "We’re excited to support our customers in upgrading their situational awareness and overall mission safety.”

The RDR-7000 features fully automated 3D volumetric scanning capabilities and is designed to enhance situational awareness through predictive hazard identification, offering operators improved detection of weather phenomena that could impact flight safety.

According to Honeywell, the system’s architecture makes it suitable for retrofit installations on existing aircraft and forward-fit integration into new helicopter deliveries. The radar provides comprehensive volumetric scanning that delivers three-dimensional weather mapping, enabling flight crews to visualize weather patterns at various altitudes simultaneously.

Opul Builds Charter Fleet with Quinta Jets Acquisition

Aircraft management and charter group Opul Jets has acquired Portuguese operator Quinta Jets. The takeover, for an undisclosed amount, adds a pair of six- to eight-seat Bombardier Learjet 45s to the UK-based group’s combined fleet, plus a Learjet 40.

Quinta Jets, which has had a partnership with Omni Aviation group, is based at Faro International Airport (LPFR), near the high-end resort community of Quinta do Lago in southern Portugal. It operates flights across Europe, also offering concierge services, ground transfers, and VIP airport assistance.

In March, Opul Jets added another three Learjets to its operation when it acquired Zenith Aviation, which is based at London Biggin Hill Airport. That deal was concluded within weeks of the acquisition of aircraft management and sales group Wallcourt Aviation and gave Opul direct access to its own air operator certificate (AOC).

Opul Jets manages a number of aircraft for private owners, including a Bombardier Global Express and a Learjet 40. It has offered some of these for charter bookings flown under the AOCs of its UK partners Saxon Air Charter and Malta-based Av8Jet.

UAS Trip Support Rolls Out Concierge Program

UAS International Trip Support has unveiled a charter concierge program that can be adapted to customers' travel needs. The UAS Charter Air Concierge program will provide priority access to aircraft and 24/7 personalized support with a dedicated key account manager who will arrange all details of a trip.

Other benefits include paying only for time airborne, from takeoff to landing. The air charter program does not include taxi time in assessing charges. In addition, there are no extra fees for last-minute booking requests, and friends and family can have access to member hours and services.

UAS is offering a range of packages to best align with a client’s flight frequency and provide for a more personalized experience. “Whether it’s business or leisure flying, occasional flights over a few months, or a long-term tailored solution, we offer flexible membership packages that provide priority access, cost efficiency, and seamless travel experiences,” said UAS charter director Philip du Preez.

CAE Names Northrop Grumman Executive as New CEO

Montreal-based simulation and training provider CAE has selected Matthew Bromberg, currently heading global operations at Northrop Grumman, as its next president and CEO. The appointment will take effect on August 13, following CAE’s annual shareholder meeting.

Bromberg, 55, brings extensive aerospace and defense experience to the role, having overseen major operational transformations at some of the industry’s largest companies. At Northrop Grumman since 2022, he has led enterprise-wide cost reduction initiatives through enhanced program execution and supply-chain restructuring.

His background includes five years as president of military engines at RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) from 2017 to 2022, where he managed one of the world’s largest military propulsion portfolios. Previously, Bromberg served as president of commercial aftermarket operations at Pratt & Whitney.

The leadership transition follows the previously announced departure of Marc Parent, who has served as CAE’s president and CEO for 16 years. Under Parent’s leadership, the company evolved from primarily manufacturing industrial products to becoming a dominant force in aviation training solutions globally.

“Matthew Bromberg is a proven leader with deep experience in both aerospace and defense, involving large-scale international operations,” said Calin Rovinescu, who will assume the role of executive chairman. Rovinescu, the former Air Canada CEO, joined CAE’s board in February 2025. The executive restructuring also includes the appointment of Sophie Brochu as lead independent director.

AVIATION SAFETY QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is the lowest visibility forecast in the reported period and caused by which weather phenomena in the following TAF? VIDP 071100Z 0712/0818 14008KT 4000 HZ FEW100 BECMG 0718/0720 07004KT 3500 HZ FEW035 SCT090 BECMG 0800/0802 3000 HZ BECMG 0804/0806 11005KT 4000 HZ FEW035 SCT090 TEMPO 0808/0812 11010G20KT 2000 DS -TSRA SCT030 FEW035CB BKN090 BECMG 0815/0817 21005KT 3000 HZ -RA SCT030 BKN090

A. 2,000 meters, dust storm.
B. 3,000 meters, haze.
C. 3,500 meters, haze.
D. 4,000 meters, haze.

Take The Quiz

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