Liz Reti, Business Aviation Account Manager for WSI, gets a ride in an Aeroshell T-6 during Day 2 of AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  WSI, a provider of weather information, is one of the sponsors for the Aeroshell Team. For more information on WSI click on www.wsi.com.  (Photo by Shahn Sederberg)

 Visit Facebook to see more photos of Day 3 at EAA's AirVenture.

Pilots can fly into Wittman Regional Airport this week for the EAA AirVenture Fly-In knowing that the FAA is working to keep U.S. runways safe.

The U.S. aviation system continues to see a decrease in the number and severity of surface incidents and runway incursions. The FAA recorded a 50 percent decrease in the number of serious runway incursions in fiscal year 2009, compared to the previous year. Considering the amount of activity on U.S. runways — the many takeoffs and landings and the movement of vehicles and people across runways — this is great progress. But there is always more we can do. The FAA's Runway Safety Program continues to work closely with domestic and international aviation stakeholders to keep improving runway safety and to reduce the number of incursions.

Like a beacon the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) tent has for years drawn a host of EAA attendees to its central location smack dab between where the old tower stood and where the new one majestically stands today.  Last year being the exception the tent is again on familiar ground - the only difference is that they are sharing space this year with the state of Wisconsin.

Pictured from left are: Chris Roy, Minnesota Aviation Director, Larry Tabrosky, Director, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, Henry O, President of NASAO, Roger Pfeiffer, retired Deputy Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and former aviation director from the state of  Wisconsin, Bob Kunkel. (Photo by Shahn Sederberg)
 

                         EAA AirVenture DAY 1   Special Coverage

Photos by Shahn Sedeberg 

Although dollars from the state's aviation fund will continue to be used for non-aeronautical purposes, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported as good news that $2 million less was transferred out to help meet deficit woes.  

The Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) reported recently that they received a response to a letter they sent last month to John Halikowski, Director of ADOT, objecting to a scheduled $6.5 million sweep of the State Aviation Fund.

Casey Denny, President of AzAA, said in an announcement to membership, that while disappointed that aviation funds are being used for non-aviation purposes, he was encouraged by several things outlined in or represented by the letter.