Industry veteran Mark Francetic joins the SoCal Jets sales team. Francetic possesses more than 35 years of experience in avionics systems, integration sales and service. In recent years, Francetic has led the industry in delivering presentations regarding FANS, ADS-B and TCAS 7.1 solutions all across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announces it has endorsed Chubb as its preferred provider of a full suite of insurance and risk engineering services for NATA members through the NATA P&C Plus Insurance Program (NATA P&C Plus). The independent agent- and broker-placed insurance solution delivers flexible insurance options with a quick and simple underwriting submission process.

FlightSafety International announces that Hector Zarate has been named interim president of FlightSafety Services Corporation. He replaces Ron Ladnier who will retire at the end of June.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announces, in advance of its 2018 Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference, that over 100 aviation businesses from around the globe have enrolled in the NATA Safety 1st Subscription Program. The program provides companies unlimited use of all NATA Safety 1st training content for one fixed annual or monthly fee regardless of employee turnover, retraining or evolving training needs.

The hugely popular One Week Wonder project, in which a complete airplane is built over a seven-day period, is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2018. This year it will again come with an opportunity for all EAA AirVenture fans to vote on the aircraft’s final paint job as the Pick the Paint poll returns.

West Star Aviation announces the company has completed 33 of the 100 total installations of AVANCE L5 systems flying to date. The milestone comes after the announcement from Gogo that the 100th platform had been installed.

It is with great sadness that GLOBALJET Services announces the passing of industry leader and fellow instructor, John Rahilly. In the eight years he worked as an integral part of GLOBALJET, John taught, motivated and influenced thousands of students at his leadership, customer service, and professional development courses. His ability to connect with his class, his warm personality and his disarming humor will be greatly missed.

Aero Star Aviation announces that it has received FAA Part 145 repair station certification for its Dallas Love Field (DAL) location. 

Aero Star's Dallas, TX facility opened in 2013 and has provided specialized maintenance for Embraer Phenom 100 & 300 aircraft with additional capabilities on Cessna Citation 500 & 600 series aircraft. The facility offers scheduled maintenance, pre-purchase inspections, engine change, line maintenance, wheel assembly exchange program and AOG support for aircraft. 

West Star Aviation announces Keith Schroeder as regional sales manager (RSM) for West Star Aviation. Schroeder will be responsible for the Midwest territory which includes Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Manitoba Canada. 

The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Library & Archives launches a new online exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of U.S. airmail.