Aviation Council of PA

10/21/2026

Did You Know? #25 – Predictable Funding

Long-term airport planning starts with funding airports can count on.

Airports build their capital plans around annual FAA entitlement funding. The proposed AIR Act would bring greater predictability to state funding through the Airport Turnback Program.

Eligible airports would receive the greatest of:

▪️ 50% of aviation fuel and energy tax revenue attributable to the airport
▪️ 10% of the airport’s annual FAA entitlement
▪️ A $25,000 minimum annual allocation for qualifying airports

A predictable, recurring state funding source would help airport leaders prioritize improvements, prepare for future needs, and make long-term capital decisions with greater confidence.

Stronger planning supports stronger airports—and the Pennsylvania communities they serve.

Learn more: acpfly.com/air-act

10/21/2026

More than 13,000 students—and counting!

Aerium has surpassed its goal of introducing 10,000 Pennsylvania students to aviation by 2028, already reaching 13,425 students and 1,336 educators. Its statewide partnerships have brought aviation curriculum to 76 schools and technology centers.

At Aerium’s Fall Summit in Reading, held alongside the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania’s 2026 conference, leaders encouraged educators and businesses to build local partnerships that prepare students for aviation careers.

We’re proud to partner with Aerium to help students discover opportunities in aircraft maintenance, drone operations, engineering and more.

Educators and aviation employers: together, we can connect classroom learning with the skills our industry needs.

Read the full story: https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/aerium-passes-student-goal-urges-035900733.html

READING, Pa. – It started with a five-year goal and a sticky note, Aerium Executive Director Glenn Ponas said Thursday. The Richland Township-based aviation education nonprofit aimed high before launc...

10/20/2026

Keeping our skies safe takes skill, focus, and teamwork.

Today, October 20, the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania recognizes International Day of the Air Traffic Controller.

To the controllers serving Pennsylvania and communities around the world: thank you for your precision, professionalism, and commitment to aviation safety. Your work helps connect people, businesses, and communities every day.

Join us in thanking the voices guiding our skies!

10/20/2026

Aviation education is expanding across Pennsylvania!

Aerium’s first summit in eastern Pennsylvania, held in Reading, highlighted the power of partnerships between educators, aviation businesses and community leaders to prepare students for aviation careers.

With its home at John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, a new Pittsburgh-area hub and hopes for a Lehigh Valley location in 2027, Aerium is broadening its reach across the Commonwealth.

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania is proud to be recognized alongside Aerium for helping advance Pennsylvania’s aviation industry. Connecting schools with employers can help students discover career opportunities and develop the skills our industry needs.

Read the full story: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/summit-eastern-pa-shows-local-035900398.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANcEVe8A3bMhzln6gExWpUbpU7T_zcaBtUEBpJFww6AiY3j3bW3zqFJj-xM3RwjZxR8cRel0wpLTNmVBhNpIUBWlEarr4x3jn3_zhUO3urejtD5lnz7-D00wDXBgSfrL2xHEyPLgKxNLFcNh4p5smfe2x18bjuDNHJABs1sF3WmI

READING, Pa. – Aerium’s first-ever summit in eastern Pennsylvania reflected the homegrown nonprofit’s expansion across the state. The aviation education-focused nonprofit, which has its headquarters a...

10/19/2026

A step forward for drone innovation in Pennsylvania!

Senate Bill 468, sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc Jr., has been signed into law following unanimous passage in both chambers of the General Assembly.

The new law will allow PennDOT to enter interstate agreements supporting drone research, testing, deployment, training and education, with operations in Cambria and Somerset counties.

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania welcomes continued efforts to connect aviation innovation with education and workforce opportunities. Collaboration among states, airports and educational partners can help Pennsylvania build expertise in this growing field.

Read more about the legislation: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/langerholcs-drone-legislation-set-for-enactment/

Following unanimous passage in both chambers of the General Assembly, drone legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) is set for enactment.

10/16/2026

An investment in aviation and Franklin County’s future!

A $2.7 million state investment will support construction of a new Aviation Community Center at Franklin County Regional Airport.

The planned facility will provide space for workforce training, educational programs and community events, connecting local schools, businesses and community organizations.

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania welcomes investments that strengthen our airports and the communities they serve. This project will create a place for people to build skills, explore opportunities and connect with aviation.

Congratulations to Franklin County Regional Airport and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority on this step forward!

Read the full story: https://www.abc27.com/news/franklin-county-regional-airport-aviation-community-center-gets-2-7m-for-construction/

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Upgrades for air traffic are coming to Franklin County. The new Franklin County Regional Airport Aviation Community Center has $2.7 million for construction. It&…

10/15/2026

One conference, so many moments worth sharing!

Here’s another look at the 46th Annual PA Aviation Conference.

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania sends a big thank-you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this year’s gathering possible. Your enthusiasm and dedication to Pennsylvania aviation gave us plenty to celebrate!

10/15/2026

A milestone for aviation education in Pennsylvania!

Gannon University’s Aviation and Business Management program has earned FAA Part 141 certification through its partnership with Fundamentals Flight Training.

Combining business education with hands-on flight training at Erie International Airport, the program helps students prepare for careers in the cockpit and across the aviation industry.

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania celebrates partnerships that bring universities, flight schools and airports together to prepare our next generation of aviation professionals. Building a strong aviation workforce starts with opportunities like these.

Congratulations to Gannon University and Fundamentals Flight Training on this achievement!

Read the full story: https://afm.aero/gannon-university-and-fundamentals-flight-training-expand-university-pilot-pathway-with-part-141-approval-in-2026

Pennsylvania, USA – Gannon University’s Aviation and Business Management program has obtained FAA...

10/14/2026

Sharing a few more memorable moments from the 46th Annual PA Aviation Conference!

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania is grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their expertise, and supported this year’s event. Great people and great conversations gave us plenty to celebrate. Thank you again for helping make it happen!

10/13/2026

A new chapter for Arnold Palmer Regional Airport!

Breeze Airways is coming to Latrobe, marking an exciting step toward restoring commercial air service for Westmoreland County.

The announcement follows an $850,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant secured by the Westmoreland County Airport Authority to help attract airline service.

The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania welcomes this news and the opportunities it brings for travelers, businesses and tourism. Strong regional airports help connect our communities and keep Pennsylvania moving forward.

Congratulations to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport and everyone working to bring passenger service back to Latrobe!

Read more: https://travel.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeze-airways-coming-arnold-palmer-135156447.html;_ylt=A2RRY9MnbM5qzAIAb.7QtDMD;_ylu=Y29sbwN1cy1lYXN0LTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny

The Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Westmoreland County has a new airline. Breeze Airways announced on Tuesday that it will now be flying out of the Latrobe airport.