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17 Specialized fleet of 3 King Airs and 2 Leonardo AW139s support radiological monitoring. By Justin Marchand Contributing Writer One of the nation’s more unusual flight departments, part of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is tucked away in military hangars at ADW (JB Andrews, Camp Springs MD) and LSV (Nellis AFB, Las Vegas NV) – locations that ensure its aircraft can reach any US city within hours.

9 By Katrin Mayrhofer COO & Co-Founder, ELSA Industry Aviation is entering one of its most transformative periods. While previous decades were defined by advances in aircraft performance, navigation systems, and global connectivity, the next era will be shaped by something more structural – the integration of increasingly complex airspace systems alongside a new generation of digital safety and inspection technologies.

14 Best US Independent is Monterey Jet Ctr MRY. Most Improved is Million Air ADS. Best US FBO Chains: Small (3–10) Galaxy FBO, Large (11+) Million Air. Pro Pilot readers returned 737 survey forms in the 53rd annual PRASE (Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment) Survey of 2026. Original Pro Pilot FBO Survey initiated in 1974.

8 Predicted ramp-up of this well-known teleconnection could create headaches for pilots. By Karsten Shein Comm-Inst Climate Scientist For a few months now, media outlets have run headlines announcing that a strong El Niño is on its way. During the strong 2015–16 El Niño, it was being blamed for everything, from dips in the stock market to increases in arthritis pain.

11 Consolidation, private equity ownership, and the future of fixed base operators. By Shannon Forrest Contributing Writer Those pilots who have been flying for a couple of decades or more remember the FBOs of yesteryear. In the mid‑1990s there were approximately 5000 FBOs in the US, and more than 80% were independently owned and operated. They were affectionately called “mom‑and‑pop” businesses.

12 In your opinion, which technology investment is most valuable right now: flight planning, maintenance software, connectivity, AI tools, or cybersecurity? Please explain. A safety management system (SMS)! Too many crews, captains included, are approaching routine trips cavalierly and carelessly without clear evaluation or understanding the risks and threat analysis. Elliot Zeltzer ATP/CFII.

9 Highlights are SAF, hydrogen power, and hybrid propulsion systems. By Owen Davies Contributing Writer Since we last covered the road to net-zero emissions in aviation, development of both sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen power has remained static. However, hybrid powertrain development has advanced quickly. Yet it is worth looking at all 3 options. The laggards could surprise us, and some professional pilots could be flying hybrid aircraft in the next 10 years.

5 Modern Aviation celebrated the ribbon cutting of its newly constructed hangar and fully renovated FBO terminal facility at Francis S. Gabreski Airport on June 25, 2026, marking a significant investment in the region and reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting continued growth within the business aviation community.