IADA Raises the Bar with New GlobalCertified Aircraft Broker Program
Version 2.0 Adds a 3-Month Study Requirement, a Digital Study Guide & Broader International Transaction Standards
The International Aircraft Dealers Association is further raising the professional standards for aircraft brokers with a comprehensive redesign of its Certified Aircraft Broker program.
The new IADA Certified Aircraft Broker, Version 2.0 adds a new three-month IADA U preparation period and a more globally focused examination to the two years of required transaction experience, reflecting today’s international business aircraft marketplace. Version 2.0 will launch following the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas.
The new digital program was developed through collaboration among IADA leadership, the independent credentialing organization Joseph Allan and a committee of IADA dealers and brokers representing major business aircraft markets and regions throughout the world. The result is more than an updated examination. Version 2.0 creates an expanded professional-development process built around defined knowledge standards, required experience, extensive preparation and the complexities of domestic and cross-border aircraft transactions.
“Aircraft brokerage has become an increasingly sophisticated and global profession, and our certification standards are evolving with this new complex marketplace,” said IADA Executive Director Lou Seno. “This program raises the bar even higher for professional knowledge while giving candidates a clear yet rigorous path to achieving IADA certification.”
Three Months of Required Preparation Candidates must now complete an extended Certified
Broker Study Course and a minimum three-month preparation period before taking the examination. Previously, qualified candidates could register and test without completing a prescribed course.
Version 2.0 shifts the emphasis from preparing for an exam to developing lasting professional knowledge.
“This is about developing better brokers, not simply creating a harder test,” Seno said. “IADA certification demonstrates a meaningful investment in understanding aircraft transactions and the huge responsibilities of representing buyers and sellers.”
New Digital Study Guide
Candidates will prepare using a new and extensive digital Certified Aircraft Broker Study Guide outlining key terms, transaction pitfalls, required skills and supporting references. The program expands from seven knowledge domains to nine, adding both Industry Structure & Segments and General Broker Requirements.
The nine domains contain 79 published learning objectives, with every examination question tied directly to one of them. Candidates are provided references for every subject on which they can be tested, creating a rigorous but clearly defined certification process.
Built for a Global Marketplace
Version 2.0 was designed to better reflect the global business aircraft marketplace and reduce the previous emphasis on U.S.-specific practices. Dealers and brokers from major U.S. and international markets reviewed the program and brought regional perspectives and different levels of industry experience to its development.
“Our brokers routinely work across borders, regulatory systems and transaction structures,” Seno said. “This certification program reflects the marketplace in which our members actually conduct business.” Eight learning objectives specifically address cross-border issues, including the International Registry and Cape Town Convention, import and export requirements, CAMO, sanctions and export controls. The new guide also includes a U.S. and international terminology table.
Members Help Set the Standard
IADA members representing major markets and regions worked with association leadership and Joseph
Allan to identify any gaps in the previous curriculum, expand international content and define the knowledge
expected of today’s professional aircraft broker. Joseph Allan contributes independent expertise in credentialing,
instructional design, assessment and testing, while IADA members provide real-world transaction experience. That combination creates a certification process grounded in both professional testing standards and practical aircraft brokerage knowledge.
Certification Expands Into Continuing Education
Version 2.0 is supported by an expanding IADA U education program designed to continue professional development beyond initial certification. The first IADA U Education Series course, a seven-module program on aviation insurance, is already live. Courses covering aircraft finance, contracts and aircraft appraisal are in development.
“Putting clients first requires knowledgeable professionals who continue learning throughout their careers,” Seno said. “Version 2.0 strengthens the foundation, while IADA U gives members the opportunity to continue building on that knowledge.”
The enhanced certification and education programs support IADA’s core principles of putting clients first, elevating one another, raising the bar and setting the standard for professionalism in the aircraft resale industry.
Aura Aero Flies X-volt Again to Support Era Development
Just two months after acquiring VoltAero’s assets, AURA AERO today returned the Cassio S hybrid-electric demonstrator to flight at Rochefort Airport, under its new name: X-VOLT.
One of the first hybrid-electric demonstrators to build up significant real-world flight experience, X-VOLT is now a valuable technological asset for AURA AERO. Its flight data, patented technologies and lessons learned from several years of flight testing will complement the work already carried out by the company on INTEGRAL E and ERA.
X-VOLT will now serve as a flying testbed for ERA propulsion technologies, supporting the development of AURA AERO’s future 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft, whose first flight is scheduled for late 2027.
Equipped with Safran ENGINeUS electric motors, also selected for ERA, X-VOLT will enable AURA AERO to test key elements of the aircraft’s future propulsion system under real-world flight conditions before they are integrated into the prototype. X-VOLT will also be able to integrate and flight-test, in flight, advanced systems
developed by AURA AERO or by industry partners seeking a flight-test platform.
With more than 350 hybrid or electric flights completed by X-VOLT and INTEGRAL E, AURA AERO is drawing on the experience of two pioneering programs to accelerate the development of a new generation of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.
Piper M-Class Community Soars to New
Heights at 2026 PMOPA Convention
The Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (PMOPA) welcomed more than 340 owners and operators of single-engine piston- and turboprop-powered Piper M-Class aircraft for three days of educational opportunities, valuable safety content, inspiring presentations, and exciting activities at the 2026 PMOPA Convention.
Held Oct. 8-11 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, the event brought together PMOPA members along with dozens of vendors, training providers, and other industry stakeholders. Cutter Aviation at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) accommodated more than 100 members’ Piper M-Class aircraft, also known as PA-46s.
“This year’s convention demonstrated the tremendous value of bringing our M-Class community together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and become safer, more proficient pilots,” said PMOPA Chief Executive Officer Mike Nichols. “Our members gained practical insights they can apply every time they fly, reinforcing PMOPA’s commitment to safety, advocacy, and community.”
The event also featured key announcements from PMOPA Platinum Presenting Partner Piper Aircraft, including significant progress toward extending the airframe life limit for the M600 and M700 Fury to 10,000 hours, with approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Ron Gunnarson, Piper’s vice president of sales, marketing, and customer support, also highlighted the company’s strong market presence in both training and owner-flown aircraft and its continued interest in a diesel-engine option for the PA-46 line.
Nichols also thanked the other companies that engaged with PMOPA members in the sold-out exhibit hall,
including Gold sponsors Garmin and RTX, Silver partners 5X5 Aviation Insurance and Michelin, and Bronze sponsors Lone Mountain Aircraft and Malibu Aerospace.
“Our industry partners play an essential role in helping M-Class pilots operate, maintain, and enhance their aircraft,” he added. “Their participation gives members direct access to manufacturers, technical experts, and service providers while fostering valuable dialogue about the needs of our community.
Other convention highlights included:
- An inspiring keynote presentation by accomplished aviator and entrepreneur Matt Guthmiller, who recounted his journey from learning to fly at 16 to completing a 45-day solo flight around the world less than three years later. Guthmiller has since earned numerous ratings, flown dozens of aircraft, logged more than 3,000 flight hours, and developed the 8Flight electronic flight bag application.
- A strong emphasis on safety, beginning with PMOPA Safety & Education Foundation (PMOPA SEF) Chair Dr. Manny Casiano’s examination of past and recent PA-46 accidents and incidents, highlighting important lessons for M-Class pilots.
- Informative and entertaining presentations exploring the risks of overreliance on flight deck automation; the history of the Piper Malibu, progenitor of the PA-46 family, presented by Piper Aircraft historian Roger Peperell; and PMOPA Fly-Out adventures to Alaska, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- More than a dozen technical breakout sessions addressing the needs of owners and pilots across all PA-46 variants. Topics included piston and turboprop operations, airframe and powerplant maintenance, advanced avionics, and popular flight planning applications. A first-time “Conversation with Piper Engineering” session gave members an opportunity to discuss their aircraft needs directly with company officials.
- Dedicated activities for non-pilot companions, including introductory and advanced safety training led by M-Class Standardized Instructor Pilot (MSIP) Platinum CFI Caitlin McCarthy, along with a cog railway excursion up Pikes Peak.
- Recognition of more than 100 pilots who fulfilled requirements for PMOPA’s Master Aviator Program in 2026 across its Master Aviator, Master Aviator Retention, Senior Aviator, and Aviator levels. PMOPA also lauded members Norm Smith and Dave Bennett for receiving Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards, the FAA’s highest honor for pilots with 50 years or more of safe flight operations.
- A live recording of The Malibu Guru podcast featuring incoming PMOPA President Tom Arnold, who shared his leadership priorities, journey to owning a 2012 Meridian turboprop, and experiences flying with color blindness.
- The PMOPA Gala and Live Auction, which raised more than $160,000 for PMOPA SEF training, safety, and scholarship initiatives. Ahead of the bidding, Casiano received PMOPA’s Lifetime Contribution Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to improving safety throughout the M-Class community for more than two decades.
- Recognition of five PMOPA Maintenance Scholarship recipients, supporting the professional development and advancement of aviation maintenance technicians in the general aviation community.
The 2027 PMOPA Convention will take place Nov. 4-7 at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, FL.
For more information about PMOPA, visit www.pmopa.com.
Yingling Aviation Chosen as Epic Aircraft
Authorized Service Center
Epic Aircraft, manufacturer of E1000 line of single-engine turboprop aircraft, has chosen Yingling Aviation to join its network of Authorized Service Centers, creating more opportunities for Epic operators in the Midwest.
Throughout Yingling’s 80-year history, its strong track record of experienced maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services – especially in turboprop and jets – has drawn aircraft owners and operators to its Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport location.
“Epic Aircraft owners are now able to see Yingling’s customer-first capabilities and commitment to excellence in maintaining their aircraft to the manufacturer’s highest standards,” said Kerry Heiss, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We’re eager to earn their trust to protect and keep their aircraft flying.”
Yingling has provided airframe and engine routine inspections, major repairs, refurbishments, upgrades and modifications for owner-operators, corporate fleets, government and specialized aviation customers. Its maintenance team works on aircraft from single-engine piston to large business jets.
Textron Aviation Realigns its Mobile
Service Network to Strengthen Access
to OEM Expertise in the Field
Mobile Service Units, Go Teams and 1CALL come together under dedicated leadership to deliver a more timely, coordinated response for customers.
When customers need assistance away from a service center, it’s essential they have access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-backed field support. Guided by customer feedback, Textron Aviation has recently brought its Mobile Service Units (MSUs), Go Teams and 1CALL together under the leadership of Seth Persons, general manager, Mobile Service Network.
For Seth, the focus is on making that experience easier and more efficient for customers. By bringing the teams together, the realignment strengthens coordination between the initial call and the technicians responding in the field, helping to quickly connect customers with the right expertise to keep their aircraft flying.
Across the network, mobile technicians provide Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) response, technical troubleshooting and select maintenance at the aircraft’s location. Their knowledge of Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft is backed by direct access to engineering, technical publications and other resources across the company’s global service network. From Textron Aviation’s 1CALL team to more than 50 MSUs and Go Teams positioned throughout the network, customers benefit from a more seamless experience that brings Textron Aviation’s people and resources together to support their maintenance needs. Learn more about 1CALL and Textron Aviation’s mobile service support resources at txtav.com/en/service/aog-support.