Short Takes Page 5

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Aviation Short Takes

Aviation Short Takes is designed as a Comment & News area. The opinions and news about important aviation matters developing today can be read here. 

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This page (Page 5) was added on 06/05/2026.  To view prior commentary, see "Short Takes Page 4." 

Let's Begin

07/15/2026   Swift 100R Approved for 1,200 Engines, 1,600 Airframes - From AvBrief.com - "Swift Fuels announced Tuesday that the approved model list for STCs for its 100R unleaded avgas has been expanded to about 1,200 engines and 1,600 airframes on the U.S. registry. This includes engine STCs for over 1,200 piston engine models from over 80 piston engine OEMs including Lycoming (~395 models), Continental (~195 models), Curtis Wright (95 models), Pratt & Whitney (95 models) and many more, the company said in a news release. GAMI’s G100 UL is approved for virtually all certified aircraft engines and airframes (except helicopters) but Swift says 100R “complies with an ASTM International approved “Production Specification” (D8603).” Swift says the list represents the aircraft that now use 56% of 100LL and is the first phase of the approval."  More info Here.

(Photo by Gene Blevins, Daily News Contributing Photographer)

07/14/2026   LA County approves new contract for water-dropping Super Scoopers, returning for fall fire season - From Daily News - "For 33 years, LA County Fire has used giant planes that scoop water out of the sea for dousing wildfires. They renewed contract today for Super Scoopers with Canada. -  Board of Supervisors OK's $41.25 million, five-year lease for the Canadian planes that are crucial for battling LA County wildfires -They resemble giant mechanical birds, swooping into the Pacific Ocean, scooping 1,600 gallons of water into each of their holding tanks and quickly dropping their wet loads onto local wildfire hotspots. - The world-famous Super Scoopers and their pilots were booked for five more years, under the $41.25 million multi-year contract approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 14. -  Though the unique firefighting aircraft have become well-known during decades of fire seasons in Los Angeles County, the county does not own them. They are on loan from the Quebec government through a lease agreement between the Canadian province and Los Angeles County."  They hangar at VNY.  - Read More Here.

07/11/2026   World’s First Commercial Vertiport Certified For Joby Ops In Dubai - From Aviation Week - "Dubai has taken another step toward launching urban air mobility services after the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft received regulatory certification. - The move paves the way for Joby Aviation to launch air taxi services. In 2024 the U.S. company secured exclusive rights with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to operate eVTOL air taxi services in the emirate for six years.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Skyports Infrastructure announced the certification of the facility, known as VDX, on July 6. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, described the certification as a “historic” achievement for the United Arab Emirates and a “defining moment” for the future of aviation. - “It reflects the vision of our leadership, the maturity of our regulatory system and our national capability to enable innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety,” he said. - VDX will serve as the primary hub of Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network,..." Read More

Published  July 8, 2026

07/11/2026    Whiteman Closure: For Safety or Profit? - Commentary by Matthew Stone - "The San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol’s reporting on Whiteman Airport invites follow-up."

"Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez has pounced on a contained runway incident to again fearmonger about Whiteman, calling for its closure. Likewise, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath has demanded federal authorities cease all operations at Whiteman. - Overwhelmingly, Angelenos mock both officials, ridiculing the logic for closure.

 “Safety Advocates” Blocking Safety Improvements

Ironically, Whiteman opponents have sabotaged airport safety improvement efforts since at least 2011. Having blocked safety upgrades, these same airport detractors now demand action, hypocritically complaining improvements had not been implemented.

07/09/2026   MOSAIC Brings Big Changes to Aircraft Maintenance - From General Aviation News - "While maintenance on traditionally certificated aircraft is still done under the regulatory oversight of 14 CFR Part 43, many manufacturers now produce aircraft under the ASTM International Consensus standards. This puts the manufacturer in the driver’s seat when determining methods and materials to be used for major alterations and repairs. But in an effort to reduce the burden on owners for minor repairs and alterations, the well-established Part 43 standards can be employed without approval from the manufacturer. - That liberty opens up a great many options for aircraft owners and aircraft mechanics working on Light-Sport Category Aircraft in the modern age. No longer limited to 1,320 pounds, legacy aircraft that fit the old Light-Sport Aircraft definition, as well as those that fit into the new Light-Sport Category Aircraft basket, can be maintained with confidence with fewer limitations than were previously in place. - Often these repairmen work for an air carrier or a repair station. Their privileges are quite limited, but they are professionals who are generally well paid for their work."  Learn more Here.

07/08/2026   Sustainable Aviation Fuel at a Crossroads: Why Energy Security and Decarbonization Have Become the Same Conversation - Opinion - Morgan Lewis - "Iran, USA - Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have once again exposed one of the aviation industry's most enduring vulnerabilities: its dependence on conventional jet fuel. Although airlines have long operated in an environment characterized by fluctuating oil prices, the latest instability in the Middle East serves as a reminder that the mere prospect of disruptions to global energy supplies can send shockwaves through fuel markets. For an industry in which fuel routinely represents one of the largest operating expenses, price volatility is more than a financial inconvenience—it is a strategic risk.

Historically, airlines have responded to fuel price uncertainty through a combination of fuel hedging, operational efficiencies, and disciplined capacity management. These strategies have helped mitigate the immediate financial consequences of volatile energy markets. However, commercial aviation remains dependent on petroleum-based jet fuel, leaving airlines exposed to geopolitical events over which they have little control.

Fuel price volatility is only one of the challenges confronting the aviation industry. At the very moment operators are once again navigating uncertainty in conventional fuel markets, they are also preparing for increasingly ambitious international climate obligations. The implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), together with the European Union's expanding climate framework—including the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative and the continued evolution of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)—signals a fundamental shift in the economics of commercial aviation."  Finish reading Here.

07/08/2026   Sustainable aviation fuel tax credit fails the climate test  -  Opinion - CAPITOL WEEKLY, DANIEL A. LASHOF: “Aviation is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonize. The world will need cleaner fuels, more efficient aircraft, operational improvements and eventually new technologies to reduce aviation’s climate impact. - Sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, will likely play a role in that transition. But not every policy designed to promote SAF will deliver meaningful environmental benefits.”  Read it Here.

07/03/2026   Drones and National Security: What to Expect from Congress and Federal Agencies - From  Holland & Knight LLP  -  "Highlights:

• The fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act and Defense Appropriations bills, currently working their way through the U.S. Congress, contain numerous counter-unmanned aircraft systems provisions, as well as drone security measures.
• The Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Department of Justice have been actively engaged with implementing measures to mitigate risks caused by those seeking to do harm in the U.S. using drones.
• Stakeholders should be aware that unauthorized drone operations that occur over or near upcoming large-scale activities - such as the ongoing FIFA World Cup matches, America 250 celebrations and similar events - will face stiff penalties.

Federal agencies and the U.S. Congress are addressing drone-related security risks with new regulatory actions, enforcement measures and funding initiatives already underway. -  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have proposed measures to address security issues concerning operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones), as described in a recent Holland & Knight alert.  -  In addition to FAA and FCC measures concerning civil aircraft operations, members of Congress have been active in addressing potential drone threats or risks with numerous counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) provisions, as well as drone security measures, in the fiscal year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Defense Appropriations bills. -  The federal government is likely to increase its interest and actions in taking measures to address... "   Continue Here.

07/03/2026   -  DOT Regulation Clarifies Rulemaking, Guidance and Enforcement Procedures, Increasing Transparency - From NBAA - "The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently published a final rule, “Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures,” which applies to all DOT agencies, including the FAA.

The final rule covers three main areas:

• Rulemaking processes, restoring transparency and public input mechanisms
• Guidance issuance, requiring explicit disclaimers that guidance is interpretive rather than regulatory, reinforcing protection against enforcement overreach
• Enforcement procedures, restoring DOT-wide enforcement norms and creating a formal process to request DOT general counsel review of specific enforcement actions

Greg Reigel, a partner at Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP, and co-chair of NBAA’s Regulatory Issues Advisory Group, said the guidance portion of the regulation is likely to have the most visible impact on the aviation industry.

“The final rule doesn’t change existing policy regarding agency guidance; it reinforces that guidance documents are exactly that – guidance,” said Reigel. “Guidance material reflects how an agency views or approaches an issue, or it provides direction for internal personnel. It is not binding, and that has not changed.

“Now, when agencies issue guidance, they will include additional clarifying language stating that the guidance is not regulatory in nature, is not binding – it reflects the agency’s interpretation, and provides citations to applicable statutes and regulations,” Reigel explained. “As always, for compliance purposes, stakeholders need to look to the statutory and regulatory language.”  Continue Reading Here

07/02/2026    RCO SERVICE  -  Updated   -  The FAA published a Federal Register Notice in 2025 notifying the public of its intent to decommission the entire RCO network in the CONUS. After numerous public comments and the results of a Safety Panel, the FAA revised its approach and will retain 262 RCOs until technology allows for further reductions.  Remote communications outlets in 674 locations will be decommissioned beginning in late fiscal year 2026. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) will be issued as each frequency is decommissioned. Frequencies in Alaska and those designated for emergency or military use are not included.

Active CONUS FS Frequencies

• RCOs to be Decommissioned
• FS RCO Service Volumes for 2,500' and 5,000' AGL
• FS RCO Decommissioning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

President Richard Nixon boards Army One upon his departure from the White House after resigning the office of President of the United States following the Watergate Scandal in 1974. (Ollie Atkins, National Archives)

6/29/2026    Sikorsky Helicopter That Flew Presidents Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Ford Gets Full Restoration - From Military.com - "A June 29 ceremony for a new education center coincides with a project to spruce up a classic aircraft. - On Monday, June 29, the library located in Yorba Linda, Calif., is scheduled to formally announce and reveal plans to build a new educational center on its campus. That news coincides with a grand sendoff of the six-ton Sikorsky VH-3A “Sea King” presidential helicopter as it temporarily departs the campus for a complete restoration at March Field Air Museum in Riverside, Calif. --  That completely-restored helicopter is slated to return in 2028 as a centerpiece of the new building. The Sikorsky model served from 1961 to 1976 as what the library described as a "flying Oval Office" for Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. It also transported multiple heads of state, vice presidents and other guests of note to cities throughout the United States and across the globe.

"This is by far one of the most historic helicopters to have ever taken to the skies. ... Its full restoration will ensure that this important piece of history is properly preserved with its doors open to visitors, and it is fitting that this restored helicopter will serve as the centerpiece of a new, interactive learning center dedicated to teaching younger generations about our country's systems of government," Jim Byron, president and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation, told Military.com."  Much more data Here.

A CH-47 Chinook assigned to 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, hovers near Belize Defence Force and Belize Coast Guard safety boats for helocast practice during AGILE BEAR 25, Belize City, Belize, Aug. 6, 2025. The exercise aims to strengthen the readiness of U.S. and partner nation forces to respond effectively during a disaster and in countering transnational criminal organizations through various events. (Sadie Colbert/U.S. Air Force)
Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2026-06-24/chinook-upgrades-beneficial-fund-22065296.html
Source - Stars and Stripes

06/28/2026   CH-47 Chinook is the heavy lift we can’t afford to lose  -  From Stars and Stripes 2026  -  Reprinted here with the permission of the author
https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2026-06-24/chinook-upgrades-beneficial-fund-22065296.html

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tom Lasser, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, is a Vietnam War veteran and served 40 years in the military, logging more than 3,000 hours in the CH-47 Chinook. 

 The rhythmic thump-thump of the Chinook’s tandem rotors is a core memory that has played in my mind since my days as a Chinook aviator during the Vietnam War. In those days, the CH-47 was our lifeline. It carried the ammunition that kept our outposts alive and the reinforcements that turned the tide of battle. Decades later, as a retired pilot with over 6,000 flight hours, I can tell you that while the world has changed, our need for that heavy-lift “workhorse” hasn’t.

 Yet, today, we find ourselves at a precarious crossroads. For several years, the U.S. Army has hesitated to make a full commitment to the Block II program. Leadership is working hard to determine the needs of future battles and lean more heavily into unmanned systems and other technologies that reduce risk to human life. It’s an ambitious undertaking, and certainly worthwhile. However, to hesitate on current and near-future needs in favor of technology that isn’t ready for battle would also pose a significant risk to current soldiers, as well as civilians. It would also be a direct obstruction of national defense efforts and our domestic resilience. 

 The Chinooks I flew in the 1960s were marvels of engineering, but they cannot survive on the modern battlefield. The threats today, from sophisticated electronic warfare to advanced anti-aircraft systems, require more than just a sturdy airframe. That’s what sets the CH-47F Block II apart. It isn’t just a minor update; it is a critical evolution.

With a redesigned fuel system, a strengthened drivetrain, and the ability to lift an additional 4,000 pounds, the Block II successfully performs critical missions that previous models of the Chinook could not even attempt. 

 Beyond the battlefield, the Chinook is an indispensable tool for domestic disaster response. During my decades-long service in the California National Guard, I saw firsthand how this aircraft serves as a first responder of the skies. When wildfires ravage our West Coast or hurricanes devastate our shorelines, the Chinook is often the only platform capable of delivering massive amounts of food, water and medical supplies to isolated communities.

 We cannot wait for a crisis to realize our fleet is aging. The CH-47F Block II’s digital backbone allows it to integrate emerging technologies like Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) sensors. This means pilots can fly safely through thick smoke or torrential rain; conditions where older models might be grounded. For a family waiting on a rooftop for rescue, those technological leaps are a matter of life and death.

 The current strategy of relying on foreign military sales to keep the production line alive, as the Army starts and stops its procurement requests, is a recipe for disaster. An inconsistent demand will likely lead to key suppliers exiting the marketplace, leading to severe readiness issues for the Army and an erosion of our defense industrial base. 

 Lawmakers and veterans alike are right to be concerned when funding is cut to fill other holes in the budget, hoping Congress will backstop the program later. Our allies are already investing in the Block II because they recognize its unique value. A sustained commitment to the Chinook’s production and modernization from the Army would signal to additional foreign partners that the Army believes in this American-made helicopter, and so should they.

The Chinook is an innovative, effective and iconic piece of military machinery. It’s the strongest and safest heavy-lift helicopter in the world. With its latest upgrade to the Block II formation, it’s formidable as well as functional. It’s a system that the Army can’t do without both in foreign and domestic capacities.

 **********

The leadership of today owes it to the aviators of tomorrow – and the citizens they will protect – to ensure that when the call for help comes, the thump-thump of the Chinook is there to answer it.

 Cory Ertel - Government Operations - 571-243-9147 (C)  cory.j.ertel@boeing.com  -  Boeing

06/28/2026    CATCHING UP with EAGLE -  Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions - EAGLE is a comprehensive government-industry initiative consisting of the aviation and petroleum industries including NATA, AOPA, FAA, API, GAMA, NBAA, and others and U.S. government stakeholders, and a wide range of other constituents and interested parties, all working to eliminate the use of leaded aviation fuels for piston-engine aircraft in the United States by the end of 2030 (2032 for Alaska) without adversely impacting the safe and efficient operation of the existing GA fleet.

HEADLINES (STARTING Feb 2025)  -  You can access more info at:  FlyEAGLE.org

06/28/2026    FAA, Coast Guard Disagree on D.C. Airspace Safety - From FLYING - "Agency says data does not support the claim that recent changes harmed safety for helicopter operators. - The FAA and U.S. Coast Guard disagree on the safety of the airspace near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) in D.C. following major changes the regulator recently implemented. - The FAA in January published an interim final rule that would permanently restrict nonessential helicopter and powered-lift aircraft operations in certain areas near KDCA, building on updates it made to the airport’s helicopter routes and zones in October. For example, helicopter Route 3 over the Wilson Bridge—which intersected the route that planes use to approach the airport’s runway 1—was replaced by the Bridge Creek Transition, a less direct route further from fixed-wing traffic.

Three members of the Coast Guard, speaking during a Transportation Research Board (TRB) meeting earlier this month, said the agency failed to adequately roll out these changes, which they said actually raise the likelihood of a collision between helicopters. - The FAA implemented the changes to deconflict helicopter and fixed-wing traffic after the fatal January 2025 collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk and commercial airliner over the Potomac River. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has since issued a laundry list of recommendations, several of which the FAA in May said it adopted. - “It wasn’t mitigating the overall risk, it was just transferring that risk elsewhere,” said Commander Nate Rhodes, a senior Coast Guard pilot assigned to the national capital region (NCR) air defense facility that is tasked with safeguarding the skies over Washington, D.C."  Read More Here.

06/26/2026   Congress weighs aviation safety upgrades after series of close calls  -  Fox - Click this link: https://foxbaltimore.com/news/nation-world/congress-weighs-aviation-safety-upgrades-after-series-of-close-calls-rotor-act-alert-act-adsb-runway-incursions-faa-ntsb-air-traffic-controllers

06/24/2026  A good mental workout - From AOPA - "I hate generative AI. Students cheat with it, professionals make it write inane emails, and companies are raking in billions with the promise of replacing nearly all of us in the office. - Lest you think I’m a complete curmudgeon dinosaur, I marvel at new technology. I find jets, fly-by-wire, autoland, and autothrottles incredibly cool. However, I choose to fly an airplane without an electrical system. -  For the average home user, AI’s advertising pitch is focused on making our lives easier. I don’t remember asking for my life to be easier. I don’t need to have my groceries delivered this afternoon, or my toothpaste from Amazon via drone in an hour. It’s not like life is particularly difficult. We have an abundance of food choices without having to farm or hunt, our TVs have years’ worth of content, and everything from our toothbrushes to our cars is automated."  Continue Here.

06/24/2026   Drones Might Use Radio Calls for Separation at Non-Towered Airports - From AvBrief.com - "If Georgia Tech scientists are right you could eventually be mixing it up with autonomous drones that use a listen and avoid technique in the pattern at untowered airports. The researchers are figuring out how to make the drones make sense of position reports in the pattern and near the airport so they can stay out of the way of crewed aircraft. “This is how humans have operated safely for decades around these airports. So, if we start flying robots here, they should operate in the same way,” Sundhar Vinodh Sangeetha, a robotics Ph.D. student and first author of the study, told the university’s engineering journal. “We humans shouldn’t have to change the way we act because there’s a robot operating around us. That was a big motivation.”  Finish Reading Here.

Ed Bolen -NBAA President & CEO

06/20/2026   Q&A With NBAA Chief Ed Bolen - By John Persinos |- Aviation Tech Today - "This week, John Persinos interviewed Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).  -  NBAA is widely regarded as the leading voice for business aviation in the United States. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., NBAA represents thousands of companies, aircraft operators, manufacturers, service providers, airports, universities, and government organizations that rely on business aviation. John’s questions are in bold.-  Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are moving from prototype to certification and early deployment. What do you see as the biggest hurdles to integrating eVTOL operations into the existing business aviation ecosystem over the next five years?

As eVTOL, advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) move from certification into commercial deployment, I believe the biggest challenge over the next five years will be maintaining America’s leading position as the global leader in aerospace through safe and timely integration, both on the ground and in the air.  -  On the ground, we need to continue developing the infrastructure to support AAM and eVTOLs. That includes developing vertiports, charging capabilities, maintenance facilities and the operational systems necessary to support this new category of aircraft.   Read More Here.

06/20/2026   Expert Interview: AI, AAM, eVTOL…and More - By John Persinos | - Aviation Tech Today - "A Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Adams authored The Robot in the Simulator (2024), widely regarded as the first book focused on AI best practices in aviation training. He also served as Lead Editor on the President’s AAM Safety Brief, placing him at the center of the industry’s evolving conversation around advanced air mobility and operational safety.

Adams has held senior communications and editorial roles with major aerospace and technology organizations including CAE, Raytheon, and Singer-Link Flight Simulation. For several years, he was chair of the Pilot Training conference at the World Aviation Training Summit. The following is a transcript of his discussion with John Persinos, edited for concision. Questions are in bold."   Read it Here.

06/19/2026    A MOSAIC of Possibilities - From AvBrief.com - "When the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule was first proposed, the big excitement was about old folks like me being able to sidestep the increasingly onerous medical toll that our golden years exact and keep flying the planes we’re used to flying as Light Sport pilots. There was much ado about the stall speed requirements and which aircraft would be captured by it. - With a few exceptions, most lower-end certified designs managed the 59/61 knot dirty and clean minimums and I’m sure we’ll see thousands of folks in my demographic reasonably squeezing a few more years out of a lifetime passion with reasonable limits and access. - As the wrangling over a few knots and a few more types grabbed the headlines, there was a steady drumbeat in the background about the opportunities for new technologies and modern designs to be introduced by the rule. Those of us who’ve been around for awhile have heard that siren song before and what sometimes results is the evaporation of billions in investor capital with little or nothing to show for it. - Fortunately, some people read the fine print of the rule, which will be finalized for the certification of aircraft on July 24 at AirVenture, and realized that there was actually something to this notion of bringing new tech to market under this new set of rules. The pilot and mechanics’ standards were set at last year’s AirVenture."  Much more Here.

Back Country Flying - [Courtesy RAF]

06/19/2026    This Week in GA: Improving Access - From AvBrief.com -  "The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has kicked off the summer with its vow to continue “Expanding the Map,” something the organization has done extraordinarily well in its 23-plus years of defending and rehabilitating airfields and backcountry strips alike. - They’ve started with Taylor Flat Airstrip (TF9) near Dutch John, Utah, which has been officially reopened after 28 years of disuse. Thanks to a cooperative effort between the RAF and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP), TF9 welcomes pilots with remote camping deep in the Utah canyonlands, with close proximity to the Green River, just a quarter-mile stroll away. - You can read a little more Here.

06/19/2026   Military Was Jamming GPS Before Air Ambulance Hit Mountaintop - From AvBrief.com - "GPS jamming by the military has been cited in the crash of an air ambulance in New Mexico last month. In its preliminary report on the crash, which killed both pilots and two nurses on the King Air, the NTSB says the crew repeatedly lost GPS service as they tried to get to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport to pick up a patient. They finally requested an ILS approach to the field. After notifying ATC..."  Continue Here.

06/16/2026    America’s Largest Drone Delivery Service Just Got Larger - From FLYING - "Wing will serve more Walmart customers in California, Arizona, Utah, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. - Walmart—which owns the nation’s largest drone delivery service through a partnership with Alphabet’s Wing—this week announced plans to extend its operations in Texas and Georgia to seven new markets amid a push to serve 10 percent of the U.S. population by 2027. - The partners in January revealed ambitious plans to offer drone delivery out of 270 Walmart locations..."   Read More Here.

06/16/2026   Mullin Would Divert Airport Customs To Help ICE Operations - From AvBrief.com - " Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin says he’ll pull Customs and Border Protection agents from airports if he thinks they’re needed to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel in the cities those airports serve. Appearing on CNN on Sunday, Mulling elaborated on earlier statements regarding the potential removal of Customs services at airports in so-called “sanctuary cities,” which include the largest airports in the country at New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago."  Details Here.

06/16/2026   FAA Proposes New Regulation to Enable Companies to Request Drone Flight Restrictions Near Fixed-Site, Critical Infrastructure Facilities - From Lexology - "

• Comments due July 6, 2026. Under its proposed 14 C.F.R. Part 74, operators and proprietors of fixed-site (permanent, non-mobile), critical infrastructure (defined by statute and regulation) facilities could request the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict unmanned aircraft (drone) operations near such facilities.
• FAA-Approved Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFR) would define airspace in which drone operations would be restricted, subject to narrow exceptions. UAFRs would not physically impede drone operations or empower facility operators and proprietors to interfere with drone operations through detection or mitigation measures, though those with lawful independent authority could do so.
• Companies across a broad range of sectors could apply for UAFR. Potentially eligible facilities include: energy production, transmission, and distribution facilities; oil refineries; chemical facilities; transportation (rail, aviation, marine, and pipeline) facilities; commercial facilities that draw large crowds (e.g., for entertainment, shopping, lodging); and facilities in the communications, information technologies, critical manufacturing, emergency services, food and agriculture, healthcare and public health, nuclear, water, and wastewater.
• Potential environmental impacts and public safety threats from drone attacks are central considerations "   Details Here.

06/16/2026   Pennsylvania Bill Would Create New Aviation Trust Fund - From AvWeb -  The AIR Act would raise aviation fuel taxes, add aircraft registration fees and dedicate a portion of state sales tax collections to aviation programs. - Under the bill, 0.425% of state sales and use tax collections would be deposited annually into the Aviation Trust Fund. Aviation gasoline taxes would increase to 24 cents per gallon beginning July 1, 2027, and jet fuel taxes would rise to 8 cents per gallon beginning Jan. 1, 2027. - Other funding sources would include private aviation facility licensing and inspection fees, aviation-related penalties, interest, state aircraft use reimbursements, airport rents, airport fees and proceeds from the sale of state-owned airport property."   Read More Here.

06/15/2026    B-52 Down in 'Unsurvivable' Crash at Edwards AFB (Updated) - AvBrief.com  -  VIDEO - TERRIBLE DISASTER at Edwards - B-52 Takeoff Crash at the Base - Story Here.

06/15/2026   Moses Lake AirPlant Opens As First U.S. Commercial Facility To Make Jet Fuel From CO2, Electricity - From Source One - VIDEO - "MOSES LAKE — A new Moses Lake facility is now producing commercial-scale sustainable aviation fuel made from carbon dioxide, renewable electricity and water, marking what company officials say is a first for the United States. - Twelve officially opened AirPlant One on Wednesday, June 10, in Moses Lake. The company said the facility is the first commercial-scale plant in the country to produce E-Jet fuel, a power-to-liquid sustainable aviation fuel made from CO2 and renewable electricity. The facility will also produce E-Naphtha, a chemical building block used in products such as plastics, packaging, solvents and synthetic fibers."  Finish Reading Here.

FLIGHT IN THE BAHAMAS (credit: Glenn Watson)

06/14/2026   The Bahamas Are Clearly a Pilot’s Paradise - From FLYING - "Discover the Caribbean nation for an unforgettable flying adventure. - The Bahamas are a world-renowned pilot destination for many reasons, including crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and an unrivaled opportunity for tranquility. The island you choose to visit during a trip largely depends on the mixture of adventure and relaxation that you’re looking to enjoy. -  The Bahamas consists of more than 700 islands, with 16 recognized major ones. The farthest from the U.S., Inagua, is more than 500 miles southeast of Florida, which may be a fun option for pilots looking to make a long-haul flight or wanting to continue to additional Caribbean nations.  -

Many of the country’s exotic fly-in locations are much closer to home. Bimini is the nearest chain of islands from Florida and is only about 50 miles from its most eastern shore. There are countless other islands within a short flight, including those in the Abacos and Berry islands, both of which are within a few hours flight of the Sunshine State. -  The Bahamas sport 54 airports identified in their official guide that are distributed throughout the country. Like in the U.S., airports range from publicly owned facilities to private ones you can visit with prior permission. There are also private airports not accessible by anyone other than their owner, which is noted on sectional charts for easy reference. -  Bimini Islands - Bimini boasts three main islands, which are referenced by South, North, and East prefixes. There are less than 3,000 residents in total, and Bimini is a convenient destination for U.S. pilots that’s known for pelagic adventures, namely snorkeling, scuba diving, and sport fishing.  -  The richness of marine life around Bimini makes for several notable things to check out. You can swim with dolphins, stingrays, and even sharks. Visitors can learn more about..."  Explore the world that the Bahamas Presents by continuing Here.

06/10/2026   Ballon Pilots Complete Landmark Journey Across Atlantic & Make History - From Bangor Daily News - "The Atlantic Explorer hydrogen balloon has made history with a successful trans-Atlantic flight, landing safely in Luxembourg after a 70-hour journey from Presque Isle, Maine. Piloted by Bert Padelt, Alicia Hempleman-Adams and Peter Cuneo, it is the first hydrogen balloon to cross the Atlantic, and Hempleman-Adams is the first woman to achieve the feat in a gas balloon. Their accomplishment follows several years and multiple attempts, highlighting their perseverance and dedication to ballooning."  Story Here

06/10/2026   DOT Regulation Clarifies Rulemaking, Guidance and Enforcement Procedures, Increasing Transparency - From NBAA - "The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently published a final rule, “Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures,” which applies to all DOT agencies, including the FAA. - The final rule covers three main areas:

• Rulemaking processes, restoring transparency and public input mechanisms
• Guidance issuance, requiring explicit disclaimers that guidance is interpretive rather than regulatory, reinforcing protection against enforcement overreach
• Enforcement procedures, restoring DOT-wide enforcement norms and creating a formal process to request DOT general counsel review of specific enforcement actions

Greg Reigel, a partner at Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP, and co-chair of NBAA’s Regulatory Issues Advisory Group, said the guidance portion of the regulation is likely to have the most visible impact on the aviation industry."  Read the data Here.

06/10/2026   InFO 26009, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volcanic Observatory Notification for Aviation (VONA), is published. -
This InFO provides information on a new notification system from State Volcanic Observatories (SVO) concerning volcanic ash alerts that are critical for aviation safety. - The InFO can be viewed by downloading the attached .pdf files or by clicking on the following link, https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos -

• InFO26009.pdf

06/10/2026   OPINION | J. KELLY ROBBINS: Small airports matter to agriculture - From Arkansas Democrat Gazette - "Arkansas is the nation's rice leader. We produce nearly half of all American rice and export more than $400 million worth of rice annually to markets across the globe. This is more than just a number. It represents thousands of family farms, millions of hours of skilled labor, and a critical piece of America's food security and export economy. - Although current economic conditions are deeply concerning, we know Arkansas' success depends on infrastructure that often goes unnoticed: the small airports and general aviation network that help keep our rice crops healthy, productive, and competitive. - Here's why: Arkansas rice is grown in a unique environment. Much of it is cultivated in flooded fields, a method essential for controlling weeds and managing the crop. Once those fields are flooded, traditional ground-based farm equipment can't..."   Read More Here.

06/09/2026   The FAA recently added the following to the AIP Program Guidance Letters (PGLs) page on the FAA website:

PGL 26-04, Incentive Payments for Early Completion of Certain Projects
See also the Optional Checklist for Incentive Payment for Early Completion.

Thank you, FAA Office of Airports Planning and Programming

06/09/2026   FDA Announced It Is Seeking Public Comment on Its Intent to Remove the 510(k) Clearance Requirement for Federally Regulated Drug Testing Programs - U.S. Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 06/09/2026 09:30 AM EDT - Current state and proposed changes are described. Public Comment Due by June 30, 2026.  See the notice Here.

06/09/2026   Updated entry procedures in effect in Mexico - From AOPA - "Say goodbye to the 180-day authorization - Just as pilots were getting used to the "Single Entry Authorization" procedures implemented in early 2024, the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has introduced an update for foreign-registered aircraft. Effective May 13, the previous 180-day authorization was rolled back; AFAC now requires that every domestic and international flight receive prior authorization from its central office in Mexico City before it can operate. - Under the previous process, operators requested authorization from local AFAC offices at airports; as of May 13, flight plans can no longer be coordinated with airport command authorities until the central office in Mexico City provides its official approval, known as a "Vo.Bo." (Visto Bueno). - To obtain this approval, operators must submit a complete digital package that includes eight documents, including..."  Important Information if desiring to fly to Mexico - Read it Here.

06.09.2026   Dear Industry Colleague,

 FAA recently added the following to Airports Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the FAA website:

• Standard Operating Procedure 6.00 Addendum: FAA Review and Approval of a State Block Grant Program Grant Application

Thank you, FAA Office of Airports

06/09/2026  The FAA recently added the following to the Airport News and New Resources page on the FAA website:

• Presidential Temporary Flight Restriction (PTFR) Reimbursement Program
• Standard Operating Procedure 6.00 Addendum: FAA Review and Approval of a State Block Grant Program Grant Application (PDF)

Advisory Circulars

• May 2026 Addendum to Advisory Circular 150/5345-53D, Airport Lighting Equipment Certification Program
• FY 2026 Quarter 3 Addendum to Advisory Circular 150/5230-4C, Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling, and Dispensing on Airports

Airport Improvement Program

• Draft AIP Handbook, Order 5100.38E - Comments requested by Aug. 17, 2026
• 2026 Military Airport Program Designees

Airports Engineering

• Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) Power and Control Assembly (PCA) Siting Clarification Update (2026) (PDF)
• FAA Review of Plans and Specifications (P&S) for Federally Funded Projects (2026) (PDF)
• Video: Dangers of Building Near Airports
• Updated Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) Location Inventory

Buy American Program

• Nationwide and Project-Specific Buy American Waivers (as of May 26, 2026)

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

• Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Terminal Program Selections
• Fiscal Year 2026 FAA Contract Tower Program Recommended Selections

Part 139 Airport Certification and SMS

• Updated Part 139 Airport Certification Status List (as of June 3, 2026)
• Updated Safety Management Systems FAQs: Questions 11 and 16

Passenger Facility Charge Program

• May 2026 PFC Monthly Reports

Thank you! FAA Office of Airports

06/06/2026   LA County Aviation Commissioner Rudy Villarreal to resign soon. - That is the report SCAUWG.ORG received from a knowledgeable source.  Congratulations are offered as he was the successful candidate for Lakewood City Council District 2 in this past June 2nd election.   See:  https://ballotpedia.org/Rudy_Villarreal_(Lakewood_City_Council_District_2,_California,_candidate_2026) - Though we are happy to announce his victory, if in fact he does resign his commissioner seat, he will be missed as Commissioner Villarreal brought an important contribution of aviation professionalism to the commission.

06/05/2026   Governor Newsom announces expansion of the world’s largest civilian aerial firefighting fleet: deployment of fourth C-130 H airtanker and new helitack base - From Governor's Press Office - "The newest additions to California’s aerial firefighting fleet enter active service as hotter, drier season begins. - SACRAMENTO – Marking a significant advancement in California's wildfire preparedness, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the state’s fourth C-130 Hercules (C-130H) airtanker has entered active service. Alongside this deployment, the Governor celebrated the launch of California’s 11th Helitack base, which hosts the Sikorsky S70i Fire Hawk helicopter. Both resources will be stationed at the Ramona Airport in San Diego County, strategically integrating them into California’s world-leading aerial fleet. - Get a LOT of Details Here.

06/05/2026   CAL FIRE Aircraft Bases (as of 06/01/2026)

Fire Fighting Recognition Guide - Click on Image

The Complete Guide is available by Clicking Here

06/03/2026   NBAA Signs Onto Industry Coalition Statement Opposing DHS Proposal to Curtail CBP Airport Operations - From NBAA - Dan Hubbard - "Washington, DC, May 29, 2026 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today joined a coalition of leading aviation and travel organizations –  representing  airports, airlines, hotels and other business and consumer stakeholders – in urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to avoid actions that would significantly reduce Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at U.S. airport ports of entry.

The groups warned that disruptions at major international gateway airports would have nationwide consequences, negatively affecting travelers, businesses, supply chains and airport operations across the country.

“Any reduction in Customs and Border Protection operations at major U.S. gateway airports threatens to cause unnecessary chaos throughout the nation’s air transportation system,” the coalition’s statement reads. “International aviation networks are highly interconnected, and operational changes at a small number of gateway airports will quickly ripple across the country, negatively impacting travelers, cargo shipments, supply chains and the communities that depend on those connections. Airports and airlines rely on stable, predictable federal inspection services to keep people and commerce moving safely and efficiently. We urge DHS to avoid actions that would create unnecessary operational and economic consequences for communities nationwide. As the United States prepares for growing international travel demand, DHS should avoid actions that would create unnecessary bottlenecks and economic consequences for communities across the country. Now is the time to strengthen America’s gateway infrastructure, not weaken it.”

Recent news coverage about potential changes to CBP services underscores the value of NBAA customs resources for members, including information about preclearance requirements, waivers and the latest news on customs processes and procedures.

Specifically, the association recently introduced the updated NBAA GA Airport Fact Sheet resource, an authoritative information clearinghouse designed to support international travel planning and customs compliance. This member-only resource has been enhanced so that it provides near-real-time information about CBP facilities that provide business aviation services.

The following is the full list of organizations that have signed on to the statement:

• Airline Passenger Experience Association
• Airlines for America
• Airports Council International – North America
• American Association of Airport Executives
• American Hotel and Lodging Association
• Association of Value Airlines
• Cargo Airline Association
• Global Business Travel Association
• GREAT USA Coalition
• International Air Transport Association
• International Flight Services Association
• National Business Aviation Association
• National Retail Federation
• Regional Airline Association
• Travelers United
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• U.S. Travel Association"          

- Press Release from NBAA

06/02/2026   Some Airports Have Concerns About Electric Aircraft - From FLYING - "Government Accountability Office finds that most facilities are not quite ready for the new entrants. - At least one fixed-base operator (FBO) that is betting on electric air taxis believes the new aircraft will arrive several years after some manufacturers predict.- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Wednesday released a new report examining the infrastructure needs of future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Among the stakeholders GAO interviewed were two FBOs—Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation—that are pursuing a range of electrification projects at hubs nationwide, partnering with electric air taxi manufacturers such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Beta Technologies. - At least one fixed-base operator (FBO) that is betting on electric air taxis believes the new aircraft will arrive several years after some manufacturers predict. - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Wednesday released..." Continue Reading More Here.

06/01/2026   Delta Pilot Arrested 20 Minutes Before Departure - VIDEO - From 74 Gear - 2019 Incident - Being handcuffed in uniform and walking through the airport is not how he saw this day going."  A lot of INSIDE AIRLINE INFO - See it on YouTube Here.

05/31/2026    Feds Mull Pulling Customs From New York, LA, Chicago, and Other Airports in ‘Sanctuary Cities’ - From AvBrief.com - "A controversial plan that would effectively ban most international flights at the U.S.’s largest gateway airports seems to be gathering momentum in Washington amid fears it would cause utter chaos as more than five million soccer fans get ready to visit the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the World Cup. The Homeland Security Secretary has given several interviews in the last few days saying he’s thinking of removing Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in so-called sanctuary cities where local authorities do not assist federal immigration investigations. Among those cities are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, all major international hubs and key entry points for World Cup tourists. - Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said no decision has been made but his department will be ready if it is. “We are currently—which we’re not initiating yet—but we’re currently drawing ‌up plans,” Mullin told Fox News. No government officials have given any rationale..."  Continue Reading Here.

05/31/2026   A better way to fix air traffic control - From Aviation Across America - "Former airline executive Robert Mann notes that a recent pro-privatization Washington Post editorial fails to address safety and staffing concerns raised over Canada’s privatized model"  - "“The dysfunction in U.S. air traffic control has an ultimate source” was right to press for faster modernization of air traffic control staffing, scheduling and technology. - One near-term fix to air traffic control is to reduce the unnecessary workload pushed onto controllers. Airlines already have tools to optimize day-of-flight trajectories, using modest en route speed adjustments to sequence and time arrivals well before final approach.

Canada’s privatized nonprofit model should not be treated as a cure-all; it does not make the system safer, solve staffing issues, or remove incentives. A 2024 white paper from Canadian pilots and controllers warned that chronic underinvestment had strained staffing, reduced redundancy and weakened the system’s long-term resilience. In testimony before Canada’s Parliament, the head of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association said that controllers were already short-staffed by 13 percent before covid-19 and that NAV Canada was spending more than 100 million Canadian dollars a year on overtime. Today, NAV Canada remains short about 200 controllers and staffing constraints have contributed to repeated delay events. The International Civil Aviation Organization’s safety-oversight audit data also show Canada scoring below the United States across all audited categories, particularly aircraft operations."  Continue Here.

05/29/2026   GAO Flags Electric Aircraft Hurdles - From AVweb - "Airports cited questions involving power supply, charger standards, future revenue and demand. -  A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released Wednesday detailed a series of issues facing electric aircraft deployment, including limited airport infrastructure, questions over future airport revenue and concerns from manufacturers over FAA staffing and certification standardization.

According to GAO, 47 U.S. airports had identified electric aircraft charging stations on airport layout plans as of December 2025, with 43 of those airports classified as nonhub or smaller facilities. GAO said 34 of the 47 airports were part of BETA Technologies’ charging network, which the company reported had 52 active airport charging stations and another 32 in progress. One airport told GAO the electrification portion alone for a planned vertiport would be in the $2 million range - The report also noted that airports are weighing how electric aircraft could affect revenue currently tied to..."    Continue Here.

05/25/2026   DOT, FAA Launch ATC Modernization Tracker - From AVweb - "Modern Skies site tracks FAA infrastructure work nationwide. -  The U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA have launched a new website showing air traffic control modernization projects under way across the country. The Modern Skies site will be updated monthly and is intended to track more than 10,000 projects tied to upgrades in communications, surveillance, automation, facilities, Alaska airspace and other systems. It includes a national project map, a progress tracker and a search tool that allows users to look up work by city, airport code, ZIP code, state or congressional district."  Continue

05/25/2026   Falcon Field Landing Fees Draw FAA Complaint, Federal Lawsuit - From AVweb.com - "Flight schools are asking the FAA and a federal court to halt Mesa’s landing fee program. -  Two flight schools based at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, have filed a joint FAA Part 13 complaint challenging the city’s planned landing fee program, scheduled to begin collecting landing data for billing purposes Aug. 1. The complaint was filed by CAE Aviation Academy and Thrust Flight and asks the FAA to review whether the fee structure complies with federal airport obligations, grant assurances and safety requirements.

Schools Raise Training Concerns

Thrust Flight CEO Patrick Arnzen said that, in addition to the federal action, the schools are also pursuing a separate local lawsuit.

“We filed the FAA Part 13 complaint because this issue goes way beyond one airport or one fee,” Arnzen said. “Increased costs could eventually fall on the students and that matters. But an equal and potentially even bigger concern is what happens to training quality and long-term safety when airports start discouraging the repetition pilots need to become truly proficient.”   Read More Here.

05/24/2026   LA County Assessor Touts Effort to Capture Taxes from Unassessed Aircraft - From City News Service - "An effort launched in January identified nearly 1,000 previously unassessed aircraft, which represent a combined $3.5 billion in new assessments for the 2026 tax year, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang announced Monday. - Prang is responsible for valuing all taxable property, both real and personal, which includes commercial aircraft such as those operating at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as privately owned planes used for general aviation that are based or regularly operated in the county. - In recent years, it’s been a challenge to accurately identify taxable aircraft. Additionally, Federal Aviation Administration rules have made it more difficult for local government agencies to identify aircraft activity and ownership, according to Prang’s office."  Read More Here.     Webmaster's Note:  SCAUWG.ORG is aware of at least one aircraft owner whose data contradicts the assessor's data.  It is alleged that the of the Assessor's data gathering sources is ADS-B, and that method might be abused, an invasion of personal rights, and that the data results may possibly be misinterpreted.

Special to SCAUWG.ORG.  "My understanding is that LAC implemented a program late 2025 where ADSB data is purchased from a company that sources ADSB history/location.  LAC is using this tool county wide and expects to round up 2 billion in property tax." - M.H.

05/22/2026   WHAT IS "PAPA" - And What Does it Have to do with PROPERTY TAXES?

The ISSUE: CAN ADS-B used to determine an Airplane's hangared location?

WHAT DOES papa Stand for?

 PAPA generally stands for the Property Appraiser Public Access portal. It is used to look up property values and exemptions, which form the basis for your local tax collection. [1, 2, 3] However, "at the federal level, momentum is building around the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA). The bill would ban the use of ADS-B data for fee collection nationwide. It would also limit the use of ADS-B data to launch noncriminal investigations into pilots." - See Skyfarer Academy.com -   Implication- Can assessor use ADS-B data to assess property taxes an airplane owner owes, and just how fat back into the can that assessor gather personal information regarding the aviator?

Below is a breakdown of how it relates to tax collection:

• Property Valuation: Your local Property Appraiser assesses your home's value and issues a TRIM Notice (Notice of Proposed Property Taxes).
• Public Database: PAPA allows you to search these assessed values, square footage, and property taxes.
• Collection Process: The data produced by the appraiser is sent to your local Tax Collector, who officially bills and collects your property taxes. [1, 2, 3]

To look up your local property assessments or pay your property tax bill, use the official Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser or check your specific local county's government site. [1]

DOES PROPERTY TAX COLLECTION TO THE OWNERSHIP OF AN AIRPLANE?

 Yes, property tax collection directly relates to the ownership of an airplane because aircraft are legally classified as tangible personal property. [1, 2]

Unlike real estate (real property), airplanes are considered "unsecured" personal property. If your state or county levies a personal property tax, owning an aircraft means you will receive an annual property tax bill based on its assessed value. [1, 2, 3]

How the tax collection process interacts with aircraft ownership involves several specific mechanisms:

1. Determining Tax Jurisdiction (Situs)

Your property tax is not collected based on where you fly, but where the aircraft is regularly or habitually situated when not in flight (known as its "tax situs"). [1]

• The Base Airport: Taxes are billed by the local county or city where your hangar or tie-down spot is located.
• Tracking Ownership: Local tax assessors determine ownership and airplane locations by pulling data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registry, flight tracking logs, airport operator reports, and physical on-site airport audits. [1, 2, 3]

2. Annual Valuation and Assessment

Aircraft are appraised annually by the county assessor to determine their current fair market value. [1, 2]

• The Lien Date: Assessment is locked in on a specific date each year (for example, January 1st in California). If you legally own the plane on that exact date, you are responsible for the entire property tax bill for that upcoming year, even if you sell the aircraft the very next day.
• Valuation Methods: Tax collectors calculate the plane’s value using the initial purchase price, aircraft bluebook valuation guides, and recent sales data of comparable aircraft. [1, 2]

3. Exemption Loopholes to Note

Not every airplane owner pays standard property taxes. Depending on local laws, exemptions may apply:

• Business Inventory: Airplanes owned and held in inventory strictly for sale by a licensed dealer are generally exempt.
• Historical Significance: Many jurisdictions offer full property tax exemptions for aircraft of historical significance if they are properly maintained and displayed to the public.
• Recreational vs. Commercial: Some states (like Texas) only tax aircraft used for business, completely exempting personal, recreational planes. [1, 2, 3]

4. Double-Check Sales and Use Tax

Do not confuse annual property tax with the initial Sales and Use Tax. When you first purchase an airplane, you must pay a one-time sales tax (or use tax if bought out-of-state) based on the total purchase price. The annual property tax is a completely separate bill collected every year thereafter. [1, 2]

If you would like to look up specific tax rates or verify if your aircraft qualifies for an exemption, I can help you investigate further if you share:

• The state and county where your airplane is hangared
• The make, model, and age of the aircraft
• Whether it is used for personal recreation or business

SO, THE QUESTION IS, BEARING IN MIND THAT FAA ADMINISTRATOR BEDFORD has expressed clarity regarding the use of ADS-B with regard to the collection of Landing Fees, Can ADS-B be used by County Tax assessors to determine the hangared locations of individual aircraft?

This page (Page 5) was added on 06/05/2026.  To view prior commentary, see "Short Takes Page 4."