ALDOT’s Aeronautics Bureau recently trained Alabama airport consultants on strengthening the planning, development and execution of airport capital improvement projects. Held in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the biennial ALDOT Aeronautics Bureau airport workshop helps ensure consultants remain aligned with state and federal airport development requirements.
Aeronautics Bureau Chief Frank Farmer emphasized the importance of the recurring sessions, noting that consultants play a critical role in the success of Alabama’s aviation system.
“Our airports depend on well-informed, well-prepared consultants,” Farmer said. “When consultants understand the latest requirements and expectations, it directly improves the quality and efficiency of airport projects statewide.”
During the workshop, presenters outlined detailed updates on several key areas essential to a successful grant year, including:
- Grant program updates and reminders
- State and federal grant accounting requirements
- Airport construction inspection and compliance standards
- Updates on statewide airport inspections and wildlife hazard prevention programs
The workshop concluded with an open discussion and question-and-answer session with FAA representatives and Aeronautics Bureau staff. This provided consultants with an opportunity to share best practices and gain clarity on expectations for the upcoming grant year. These discussions help promote consistency, accountability and efficiency across airport projects statewide.
This fiscal year, Alabama airports are expected to receive the largest amount of state grant funding in the program’s history. Farmer underscored the importance of preparing consultants for this level of investment through the ALDOT airport workshop. “We’re entering a record year for state aviation funding,” he said. “Workshops like this ensure consultants are ready to help airports take full advantage of these resources and deliver projects that benefit communities across Alabama.”
