Sisters of the Skies is advocating to bolster the number of black women pilots, which currently make up a mere 1% of pilots in the US, per Federal Aviation Administration calculations. The organization has been credited with expanding education, scholarships and mentorship programs to the next generation of black aviation female pilots.

Barbara Barrett has won Senate confirmation as the next Air Force secretary. "I can think of no position that offers more excitement, challenge and meaning than the Secretary of the Air Force," Barrett said.

The Pentagon and Cyber Command are working with the Department of Energy in an exercise called Grid X to study the implications of a catastrophic power failure.

Engine makers are watching for requirements and the development schedule for the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program. Proposal invitations are expected soon.

Four European airlines have become customers of the Boeing Maintenance Performance Toolbox, while three additional airlines in the region have signed up for other services. Boeing recently introduced a Windows version of its Boeing Mobile Logbook.

The Sustainable Aviation Project is asking the Federal Aviation Administration to recertify the Pipistrel Alpha Electro. The companies say the aircraft should be classified as Special Category Light-Sport Aircraft.

South Korea has announced plans to cut red tape regarding drones in an effort to grow the industry domestically. The country believes the move will mean billions in economic activity and create 16,000 jobs.

The Japanese government has approved a plan to support the US moon mission, and an official confirmation is forthcoming.

France and Germany have reached an accord regarding the export of joint military equipment, as the two EU members develop a tank and aircraft together. Germany has agreed to allow exports from France that contain less than 20% German parts.

Southwest Airlines sets itself apart with a unique and quirky corporate culture that encourages employees to "use their gifts" to make flying more enjoyable. That means flight attendants who sing, rap and tell jokes, and a gate attendant who organizes scavenger hunts or bad driver's license photo contests to create memorable experiences for travelers.