The 2026 World Aerobatic Championship has been relocated to the Mason City Municipal Airport. Competition flying will take place from August 24 through September 2, bringing more than 35 of the world’s top aerobatic pilots to north-central Iowa. The pilots will represent countries from around the globe and compete for individual and team honors. “Mason […]
Iowa
Iowa DOT Names Shane Wright as Aviation Director
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) has announced that Shane Wright has been named Aviation Director for the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau. He has been part of the Iowa DOT since 2015 and brings nearly 20 years of aviation experience that includes commercial airport management, Part 139 airport operations, fixed-base operations, and commercial […]
Iowa DOT Aviation Director Tim McClung Announces Retirement Date
Photo – Tim and Debbie McClung are retiring together in June – and along with Tommy are excited to start a new chapter in their life. By Kim Stevens Tim McClung has announced his upcoming retirement as Aviation Director for the Iowa DOT, concluding a career that spans more than 30 years in aviation. During […]
Iowa State Funds Give Local Airport Projects a Lift
Both municipal airports located in the Iowa Great Lakes area received state funding in the upcoming budget year. Altogether, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved $9.6 million for the 2026 State Aviation Program at its Tuesday, Aug. 12 meeting. The Milford and Spirit Lake improvements were included in the $6.7 million Airport Improvement Program fund. The […]
Iowa Transportation Commission Approves FY2026 Aviation Program
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved $9.6 million for the Fiscal Year 2026 State Aviation Program, which includes several subprograms detailed below. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) will fund $6.7 million for a variety of aviation safety initiatives, system planning, and air service development activities. It will also provide funding for airport development projects at 25 […]
Des Moines International Airport Appoints New Executive Director
The Des Moines Airport Authority Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Brian Mulcahy as the next Executive Director of Des Moines Airport Authority. Mulcahy, who joined the Authority in 2011 and currently serves as Assistant Executive Director, will assume his new role upon the retirement of current Executive Director Kevin Foley in April […]
Morningside Awarded $20,000 ISGC Development Grant
Morningside University announced it has been awarded a $20,000 Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) Curriculum Development Grant to fund its innovative proposal, AVIATE: Advancing Vigorous Instruction for Aviation Training Excellence. The grant will support the development of cutting-edge curriculum modules designed to enhance STEM education and provide hands-on learning experiences in aviation and aerospace. Led […]
Iowa Transportation Commission Approves FY2025 Aviation Program
The Iowa Transportation Commission today approved $9.3 million for the fiscal year 2025 State Aviation Program, which includes several subprograms detailed below. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) will fund $6.3 million for a variety of aviation safety initiatives, system planning, and air service development activities. It will also provide funding for airport development projects at […]
Aviation Program Specialist Brian Kuennen Takes to the Skys with Skywest
Aviation Program Specialist, Brian Kuennen is leaving the Iowa DOT to pursue a career as a regional airline pilot. Brian will be flying the Embraer 175 with Skywest Airlines. He will continue to call Central Iowa home, where he also flies Black Hawk helicopters for the Iowa Army National Guard. Kuennen joined the Iowa DOT’s […]
Spencer Vaughn Joins Iowa DOT Aviation Team
Spencer Vaughn has joined the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau as an Aviation Program Specialist. Vaughn will provide aviation program support for the Aviation Team, working closely with airports, pilots, and other aviation stakeholders in Iowa. Primary responsibilities include working with the aircraft registration program, airport project reviews, airport engagement, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), and […]
