This article is based on an official press release from National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

FAA Extends NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption Through 2028

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially extended the NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption through March 31, 2028. Announced on March 16, 2026, the newly issued exemption, officially designated as Exemption No. 7897N, replaces the outgoing Exemption 7897M, which was set to expire at the end of the month.

This regulatory extension allows National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) members operating smaller aircraft, such as piston-powered airplanes, rotorcraft, and aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less, to continue utilizing flexible cost-sharing and maintenance provisions. According to the NBAA press release, these operational flexibilities are typically reserved only for operators of larger, turbine-powered aircraft.

For business aviation operators, this exemption remains a critical tool for leveling the playing field. It enables smaller flight departments to leverage specific federal provisions for cost reimbursement and operational agreements that would otherwise be inaccessible under standard regulations.

Understanding the Small Aircraft Exemption

Under standard Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically Part 91 Subpart F, operators are granted certain flexibilities regarding cost-reimbursement and aircraft sharing. However, the FAA normally restricts these benefits to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of over 12,500 pounds, multi-engine turbojet aircraft regardless of size, and fractional ownership program aircraft.

The NBAA Exemption, known historically as the 7897 series, bridges this regulatory gap. It grants eligible NBAA members the ability to leverage the same Part 91 Subpart F provisions. Key benefits unlocked by the exemption include limited cost-reimbursement for specific flights, such as transporting guests on a company aircraft, the ability to enter into time-sharing, interchange, and joint ownership agreements, and the flexibility to use alternative maintenance and inspection programs.

Industry Perspective

The extension was welcomed by industry advocates who view the exemption as a cornerstone of small aircraft operations. In a statement regarding the renewal, the NBAA highlighted the historical importance of the regulatory relief:

“For many years, this important exemption has enabled NBAA members operating piston-powered aircraft, small airplanes and rotorcraft to take advantage of the cost-sharing provisions in Part 91 Subpart F. Members intending to use this exemption should carefully review and comply with all applicable conditions and limitations of the extended NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption.”

, Doug Carr, NBAA Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Sustainability, and International Affairs

Compliance and Operational Requirements for 2026–2028

To maintain compliance with the FAA under the newly issued Exemption 7897N, operators must adhere to specific documentation and membership requirements. The NBAA emphasizes that the exemption is strictly limited to active members; if an operator’s membership lapses, they are no longer legally protected by the exemption.

Steps for Current and New Users

For operators already flying under the expiring Exemption 7897M, the transition is straightforward. According to the provided research, these current users do not need to submit a new Letter of Intent to the FAA. They are, however, legally required to download the new Exemption 7897N document and carry it on board their aircraft at all times.

Conversely, NBAA members wishing to utilize this exemption for the first time must complete a formal filing. New users are required to submit a “Letter of Intent”, also known as a Notice of Joinder, to the Federal Register Docket prior to conducting any operations under the exemption. This document must include the member’s legal name and the legal name of the authorized representative submitting the paperwork.

AirPro News analysis

We view the FAA’s timely renewal of Exemption 7897N as a vital stabilizing factor for the small business aviation sector. By extending these provisions through 2028, the FAA is acknowledging the operational realities of smaller flight departments and rotorcraft operators who rely on cost-sharing to maintain viable operations. Without this exemption, many small-to-midsize enterprises would face disproportionate regulatory burdens compared to their larger corporate counterparts operating heavy jets. Ensuring that operators understand the distinction between current user requirements and new user filings will be critical to avoiding inadvertent compliance violations over the next two years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the new NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption expire?

The newly issued Exemption No. 7897N is valid through March 31, 2028.

Do existing users need to file new paperwork with the FAA?

No. Current users operating under the outgoing Exemption 7897M do not need to submit a new Letter of Intent, but they must download and carry the new 7897N document on board their aircraft.

Who is eligible for this exemption?

The exemption is available to active NBAA members operating piston-powered aircraft, small airplanes weighing 12,500 pounds or less, and rotorcraft.

Sources: National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

This article is based on an official press release from Volatus Aerospace.

Volatus Aerospace Inc. has officially completed its acquisitions of Synergy Aviation Ltd., purchasing the remaining 41.53% minority interest to make the charter and aircraft management company a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction, finalized on March 13, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Volatus’s strategy to consolidate its commercial aircraft operations under a single corporate umbrella.

According to the official press release, this move aligns governance, capital allocation, and operational execution across the company’s diverse platform. Volatus currently operates across multiple aviation sectors, including traditional crewed aviation, remotely piloted systems (drones), and mission-critical operations. By eliminating minority interests, the company aims to streamline coordination between its aviation, training, engineering, and manufacturing divisions.

We note that this acquisition is part of a broader growth trajectory for Volatus. Industry data provided in the accompanying research report indicates the company’s market capitalization has reached approximately $378 million, following a 391% stock surge over the past year. The full integration of Synergy Aviation also sets the stage for the company’s impending cross-border expansion into the United States.

Financial and Regulatory Details of the Acquisition

Share Issuance and Valuation

The path to full ownership of Synergy Aviation has been a multi-year process for Volatus. As detailed in the announcement, Volatus initially acquired a 51% controlling interest in Synergy in 2022. In 2025, the company increased its ownership stake by 7.47%, bringing it to 58.47%. The definitive agreement to acquire the final 41.53% was announced on March 4, 2026, and officially closed nine days later.

To fund the completion of the transaction, Volatus issued an aggregate of 2,444,243 common voting shares to the minority shareholders of Synergy. The company stated that the share consideration was priced based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price of Volatus’s common voting shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) prior to closing.

Regulatory Exemptions

Because the transaction involved Marc Hanatshek, a minority shareholder and director of Synergy, it was subject to specific regulatory oversight.

The deal was classified as a “related party transaction” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, according to the official release.

However, the transaction was exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements. The press release noted this exemption was granted because the fair market value of the consideration paid did not exceed 25% of Volatus’s total market capitalization.

Strategic Consolidation and U.S. Expansion

Integrating Crewed and Uncrewed Operations

Synergy Aviation brings substantial physical assets and operational experience to the Volatus portfolio. Synergy is a Canadian charter and commercial-aircraft management company with a strong footprint in Western Canada, specializing in fixed-wing charter services and aerial surveillance. The subsidiary heavily supports the oil and gas sector, forestry, and government agencies.

According to the provided company background, Synergy operates a fleet of over 20 aircraft, which includes Robinson R44 helicopters and Cessna fixed-wing aircraft. Furthermore, to proactively combat the global pilot shortage, Synergy operates its own flight training school based in Villeneuve, Alberta. This school creates a steady pipeline of capable pilots for its utility and surveillance operations, a critical asset as Volatus scales its crewed aviation division.

The Tulsa Connection

The full integration of Synergy directly complements Volatus’s recently announced cross-border expansion. The company is establishing a new operational aviation base in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to the release, this base is scheduled to commence commercial aircraft operations in late March 2026, specifically designed to support the U.S. oil and gas sector.

Broader Industry Context for Volatus Aerospace

Recent Milestones and TSX Graduation

Led by CEO Glen Lynch, Volatus has positioned itself at the convergence of traditional manned aviation and the rapidly growing uncrewed aviation market. The company’s recent history includes a major merger with Drone Delivery Canada in August 2024, which significantly expanded its drone logistics and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities.

The first quarter of 2026 has been highly active for the aerospace firm. On March 2, 2026, the company launched SKYDRA™, a proprietary counter-drone platform. Shortly after, on March 11, 2026, Volatus executed a contracts to develop and commercialize heavy-lift offshore cargo drone deliveries for wind turbine operations, covering ship-to-structure, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore logistics.

Reflecting this maturing corporate stability and growth, Volatus recently received conditional approval to graduate from the TSX Venture Exchange to the primary Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

AirPro News analysis

We view Volatus Aerospace’s complete acquisition of Synergy Aviation as a calculated maneuver to bridge the gap between traditional manned aviation and the rapidly expanding uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) market. By securing full control over a profitable, established crewed operator with its own pilot training pipeline, Volatus mitigates operational risks while scaling its advanced drone logistics. Furthermore, the timing of the Tulsa, Oklahoma expansion suggests a deliberate strategy to leverage Synergy’s extensive Canadian oil and gas surveillance expertise and apply it directly to the lucrative North-America energy sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Volatus Aerospace?
Volatus Aerospace Inc. is a Canadian-based global aerospace and defense company that provides integrated aviation, uncrewed logistics (drones), domestic aerospace manufacturing, and advanced autonomy capabilities.

Why did Volatus acquire 100% of Synergy Aviation?
Achieving 100% ownership allows Volatus to eliminate minority interests and bring all commercial aircraft operations under a single brand, simplifying coordination across its aviation, training, engineering, and manufacturing divisions.

How was the acquisition funded?
Volatus issued 2,444,243 common voting shares to the minority shareholders of Synergy, priced based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price of Volatus’s shares on the TSXV.

Sources

• Volatus Aerospace Press Release (GlobeNewswire)

This article is based on an official press release from CubCrafters.

On March 10, 2026, backcountry aircraft manufacturer CubCrafters announced a significant dealer transition for its Southwest region. According to the company’s official press release, Ladd Klinglesmith, operating under the banner of Four Corners Cubs, has been appointed as the new Certified Sales Center (CSC) manager for a territory that includes Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Klinglesmith succeeds Rick Bosshardt, who is retiring after 12 years of representing the manufacturer in the region. This transition marks a new operational chapter for CubCrafters in what is widely considered one of the most demanding and popular backcountry flying environments in the United States.

Company statements indicate that the new dealership will be based out of Mack Mesa Airport (10CO), a private airstrip located in Grand Junction, Colorado. From this hub, Four Corners Cubs will provide sales of new, pre-owned, and kit aircraft, alongside localized support and Rotax-certified maintenance services.

Passing the Torch in the Backcountry

A Legacy of Safety and Advocacy

For over a decade, the Southwest territory was managed by Rick Bosshardt through SunCountry Cubs. According to industry background data, Bosshardt, an instrument-rated private pilot with over 1,800 hours of flight time, built a 12-year legacy not just on sales, but on aviation safety advocacy. He was known for championing the use of modern glass panels and SiriusXM weather tracking to safely navigate the unpredictable weather patterns, deep canyons, and high altitudes characteristic of the Rocky Mountains.

Enter Four Corners Cubs

The incoming dealer, Ladd Klinglesmith, brings a highly technical background to the role. The press release notes that Klinglesmith possesses over 40 years of diverse aviation experience. He holds a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating, an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic license, and four jet type ratings. His professional background spans agricultural aviation, corporate flying, and air ambulance services.

Klinglesmith also has a deep personal history with the manufacturer’s lineup. According to CubCrafters, he has owned and operated every model the company has produced, beginning with the Top Cub, and has personally built a Carbon Cub EX-3 kit aircraft.

“As a natural addition to our dealer team, we’re pleased to welcome Ladd Klinglesmith, his experience and deep roots with CubCrafters and in backcountry aviation make him an ideal fit to serve both new and existing customers in the Southwest,” stated Brad Damm, Vice President of CubCrafters, in the official release.

The Ultimate Test Drive at Mack Mesa Airport

A Strategic Base of Operations

The relocation of the regional dealership to Mack Mesa Airport (10CO) places Four Corners Cubs at the doorstep of prime backcountry flying. The Grand Junction airstrip features grass runways and airplane camping amenities, serving as a gateway to the rugged terrain of Moab, Utah, and the Colorado River. The Four Corners region is characterized by high-density altitudes, desert cliffs, and unimproved dirt strips, requiring specialized, high-performance aircraft that can execute short takeoffs and rapid climbs in thin mountain air.

Showcasing the Carbon Cub UL

To navigate this terrain, Klinglesmith is currently operating a Carbon Cub UL for demonstration flights. The Carbon Cub UL, which entered full-scale production in early 2025, is a lightweight aircraft powered by a 160HP turbocharged Rotax 916iS engine capable of running on both MOGAS and AVGAS. The aircraft recently gained global attention in October 2025 when pilot Jon Kotwicki used it to shatter the unofficial altitude record for Cub-type aircraft, reaching 37,609 feet over the California coast.

According to the company, Klinglesmith plans to expand his demonstration fleet in the near future by adding either a Carbon Cub FX-3 or an XCub, the latter being CubCrafters’ flagship Part 23 Certified aircraft designed for greater speed, range, and payload.

“I’m honored to continue supporting CubCrafters owners and pilots throughout the Southwest. This region offers some of the most rewarding backcountry flying in the country, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by Rick Bosshardt,” Klinglesmith remarked in the company statement.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Positioning in a Demanding Market

We view this dealer transition as a highly strategic move for CubCrafters. By appointing an individual who holds both a CFII rating and an A&P mechanic license, the manufacturer is ensuring that its Southwest customers have access to deep technical and operational expertise. The addition of localized Rotax-certified maintenance is particularly crucial, given the increasing reliance on the Rotax 916iS engine in the new Carbon Cub UL models.

Furthermore, positioning the dealership at Mack Mesa Airport allows prospective buyers to test these aircraft in the exact high-altitude, rugged environments where they are designed to operate. Leveraging the Carbon Cub UL as the primary demonstration aircraft capitalizes on the model’s recent altitude record and directly addresses the performance needs of pilots flying in the thin air of the Rocky Mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What territory does the new CubCrafters Southwest dealer cover?
  Four Corners Cubs covers Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.
• Where is Four Corners Cubs located?
  The dealership is based at Mack Mesa Airport (10CO) in Grand Junction, Colorado.
• What aircraft are currently available for demonstration?
  Ladd Klinglesmith currently operates a Carbon Cub UL for demo flights, with plans to add a Carbon Cub FX-3 or an XCub in the future.
• Who is the outgoing dealer?
  Rick Bosshardt of SunCountry Cubs is retiring after 12 years of serving the Southwest region.

Sources

• CubCrafters Official Press Release