The Federal Aviation Administration has introduced a dashboard to track over 10,000 air traffic control projects aimed at modernizing the National Airspace System. The dashboard provides project descriptions, an interactive map and a progress tracker. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasize the importance of transparency in these efforts. National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen praised the initiative, highlighting its role in enhancing safety and efficiency.

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The 2026 World Aerobatic Championships will be held in Mason City, Iowa, instead of Batavia, N.Y., after approval from the International Aerobatics Commission. The event will take place from Aug. 23 to Sept. 2, with the new venue offering ample hangar space and direct air service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

It's one of aviation's many ironies that the pilots who least need to perform short-field landings practice them the most, while pilots who frequently perform short-field landings seldom practice them at all. AOPA Online.

Rochester International Airport in Minnesota has broken ground on a $15.2 million general aviation ramp project to expand infrastructure for private airplanes, air ambulances and training aircraft. The project, funded by federal, state and city contributions, will widen the ramp by 80 feet and improve stormwater systems and lighting.

Pheasantland Balloon Rides in South Dakota, operated by pilot Dan Strutz, has started offering hot air balloon rides in Mitchell, Huron and Brookings, reviving the region's ballooning history. Strutz, who earned his commercial pilot license in 2025 and participates in balloon competitions, hopes to inspire others in the area to experience and even pursue ballooning. "It's definitely a bucket-list type thing," Strutz said. "But it's cool to be able to do it over your own town."

The Trump administration is supporting the incorporation of air taxis with federally supported projects in 26 states, including New York where Joby Aviation recently demonstrated its aircraft and potential for replacing helicopters. "The US still has the scars of the 2000s, where it abdicated the entire drone market to China," said Sergio Cecutta, an aerospace consultant. "The whole idea with this push from Washington is to make sure that this doesn't happen again."

Boeing will invest $1 billion to upgrade its Wichita Aerospace Facility and fund workforce training programs. This initiative, announced in conjunction with the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, aims to address Boeing's backlog of 6,100 aircraft. The investment includes the creation of the Boeing Workforce Training Center, in partnership with Wichita State University, to train aerospace technicians.

AOPA members in key districts were asked to contact their senator and voice opposition to repealing a sales and use tax exemption, while another bill would ban ADS-B billing.