Massachusetts Recognizes Aviation with a 577.3M Funding Plan

Kim Stevens

As part of its 2025-2029 Capital Investment Plan, the MassDOT Board of Directors this week voted to approve $577.3M for the MassDOT Aeronautics Division to fund the reliability and modernization of the state’s 35 public use airports. The figure represents the full amount in the original draft plan.

The overall $16.7 billion five-year transportation plan prioritizes a wide variety of local and statewide projects including rail, roadway, and investments in Regional Transportation Authorities.

The vote followed a 21-day public comment period for the draft CIP, which was open from June 20 through July 10. During that period, many MAMA members testified at public hearings and provided written comments in support of full approval of the $577.3M assigned to the Aeronautics Division.

MAMA President Chris Willenborg praised the outpouring of support from the Massachusetts aviation community to the plan which identified nearly two hundred proposed airport capital improvement projects planned over the next five years. Willenborg said, “It’s gratifying to note that the MassDOT Board of Directors recognizes the important work of the Aeronautics Division and the public use airports in Massachusetts.”

For more information on MassDOT’s CIP, please visit: www.mass.gov/CIP. The final FY25-29 CIP will be published on the website over the next few days.

ND Airline Passenger Boardings up 8% in First Half of 2024

Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its monthly report detailing airline passenger traffic at the state’s eight commercial service airports.

North Dakota’s air travel demand remains robust, with residents and visitors taking full advantage of the state’s air service opportunities.

During the first half of 2024, North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports saw a total of 593,550 passenger boardings. This marks an increase of 43,588 passengers, or 8%, compared to the first six months of 2023.

North Dakota airports also had their busiest June on record as passenger boarding numbers reached 102,030 passengers for the month. This surpasses the previous record of 100,067 passengers that was set in June, 2014. This month’s figures also represent a significant year-over-year growth of 11,022 boardings, which is a 12% increase compared to June, 2023.

“The record-breaking passenger numbers that we have been experiencing over the recent summer months is excellent news for the economic vitality of our state,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Our airports are thriving and they continue to work hard to offer excellent service and connectivity for our residents and visitors.”

Jamestown Airport Construction Impacts:

The Jamestown Regional Airport’s primary runway had a pre-planned closure from May 7th – June 13th in order to complete a major pavement rehabilitation. Commercial service flights did not occur during this time period and the June’s boarding numbers reflect the impacts of this closure. Air service at the Jamestown airport resumed on Friday, June 14th.

June Passenger Records:

The Fargo Hector International Airport achieved a new monthly passenger record with 45,301 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of June was set in 2023 with 40,174 passengers.

The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new monthly passenger record with 887 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of June was set in 2023 with 792 passengers.

View the June Airline Boarding Report

Aviation Industry Calls for Strengthened Investment in Aviation Facilities & Equipment

Kim Stevens

A diverse coalition of aviation industry stakeholders joined together last week in calling on U.S. congressional aviation leaders and the administration to support the strengthening and modernization of the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) System.

The group’s collective view is that the U.S. must continue to have a safe, efficient and resilient ATC system. To accomplish this objective, Congress should consider making changes to its administration of the Aviation and Airways Trust Fund in such a way that maintains the appropriators’ and authorizers’ important oversight role while giving the FAA the ability to more effectively utilize the Trust Fund balance for needed facility upgrades and system modernization. The coalition respectfully requests congressional authorizers and appropriators work together with the FAA and all stakeholders to ensure the FAA has a plan and the necessary resources to grow the National Airspace System safely and efficiently.

“It’s encouraging to see virtually every sector of the aviation industry, from the airlines to general aviation, unite to support needed reforms and investment in the FAA’s modernization effort,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Ensuring the FAA has the tools it needs is the best way to guarantee the U.S. maintains the safest and most robust air traffic system in the world.”

Stakeholders signing the letter include Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA); Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA); Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA); Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Airlines for America (A4A); Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA); Cargo Airline Association (CAA); Experimental Aircraft Association Inc. (EAA); General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); International Air Transport Association (IATA); International Council of Air Shows (ICAS); National Air Carrier Association (NACA); National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA); National Air Transportation Association (NATA); National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO); National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots; Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS); Regional Airline Association (RAA); Travelers United; U.S. Chamber; Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and Vertical Flight Society (VFS).

Read the aviation coalition’s letter.

GSA City Pair Program Adds New Airline, Markets for Federal Travelers

Kim Stevens

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that nine air carriers received fiscal year (FY) 2025 contracts for scheduled airline passenger transportation of federal government travelers through the GSA’s City Pair Program. Overall, the program is estimated to save $2.45 billion in FY25 on official travel expenses.

Breeze Airways will join Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines in offering federal travelers options for official government air travel. The new fares will be available on GSA’s City Pair Program web page starting July 17, 2024 for travel beginning October 1, 2024.

“The City Pair Program is one of our offerings designed to make it easier for federal travelers to book airfares and plan trips with confidence,” said Acting Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Tom Howder. “For the first time in several years, we are increasing the number of airlines participating in the program, which means we’re opening new markets and creating more competition.”

The FY25 GSA City Pair contracts reflect a 26% increase in nonstop flight options, which helps to lower CO2 emissions. In addition, contract fares provide an average discount of 49.5% compared to commercial fares.

“This year the City Pair Program is offering many more nonstop flights, reducing carbon emissions and optimizing traveler convenience — which will result in increased customer satisfaction,” said Travel, Transportation and Logistics Assistant Commissioner Crystal Philcox.

The city-to-city routes were solicited based on factors such as past travel bookings, passenger volume, number of flights, flight availability, average elapsed flight time, and price of service.

City Pair fares have no cancellation or change fees, no blackout dates, no minimum or maximum length of travel requirements, are fully refundable, and offer last-seat availability.

Launched with 11 markets in 1980, the City Pair Program now serves over 14,000 line-item markets for federal air travel and has been a Best-In-Class solution since 2017. As the largest strategically-sourced procurement for negotiated airfares in the world, GSA’s City Pair Program capitalizes on the scale of federal travelers to negotiate lower rates on flights between key cities.

Grassroots Coalition Forms to Advocate for Continued Use of Essential Ag Tech

Kim Stevens

In response to proposed legislation aimed at banning drones manufactured by Chinese companies, a coalition of agricultural spray drone distributors is banding together to form a grassroots industry group. This coalition, consisting of Agri Spray Drones, Bestway Ag, Drone Nerds, HSE-UAV, Pegasus Robotics, and Rantizo intends to represent, protect, and advocate for the interests of the agricultural industry in the use of spray drone technology.

Legislative Concerns

Recent legislative proposals, like H.R 2864 which passed in the House version of the NDAA, seek to ban drones manufactured by Chinese companies due to security concerns. However, the proposals currently being presented and discussed fail to consider other methods to address security concerns while also avoiding the significant impact such bans would have on the agricultural industry.

The Vital Role of Spray Drones in Agriculture

Spray drones are an indispensable part of modern agricultural technology for several reasons:

1. Optionality in Aerial Application:

In an industry facing increasing demand for aerial applications combined with a shortage of available plane and helicopter pilots, drones provide a natural and efficient solution. According to survey data collected by coalition members, in 2023 alone, 3.7 million acres were sprayed by drones across 41 states and over 50 types of crops, generating $78.5 million in rural communities.

2. Job Creation in Rural America:

According to Agri Spray Drones CEO Taylor Moreland, “Spray drones create new job opportunities in rural areas where they previously did not exist.” For a reasonable investment, individuals can purchase a spray drone, start a custom application business, and start creating revenue that not only supports their families but also contributes to their local economy.

3. Support for Sustainable Agriculture:

Agricultural spray drone technology provides farmers with additional options for employing precision farming techniques in their operations, helping farmers to reduce crop input usage and increase yield opportunities. By delivering crop protection products precisely when and where they are needed, farmers can more efficiently control weed, pest, and disease pressures.

Addressing Security Concerns

The industry group supports efforts to create cybersecurity standards and appropriate regulations to protect vital data across all drones, regardless of country of origin. By advocating for these measures, the coalition aims to address security concerns while still preserving the technological advancements and economic benefits that spray drones provide to the agricultural sector. This balanced approach enables continued innovation and operational efficiency, ensuring that American farmers can maintain their competitive edge globally.

Aeronautics Commission Awards $10 Million in South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP) Funds

Kim Stevens

Earlier this summer, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) launched the South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP) following the successful passage of Senate Bill 144 in the 2024 legislative session. This bill allocated $10 million in funding to support airport terminal projects across the state, representing a significant investment in enhancing South Dakota’s aviation infrastructure.

“The SDATP funds will play pivotal role in strengthening the aviation infrastructure and enhancing economic development in our state,” said Joel Jundt, Transportation Secretary. “The SDATP will help our South Dakota airports meet growing demands and improve services for residents and visitors alike.”

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, SDATP fund requests were reviewed and awarded during the regularly scheduled Aeronautics Commission meeting. Following is a list of airport facilities who were awarded SDATP funds for terminal projects.

Airport Facility and SDATP Allocation:

  • Aberdeen:  $1,2000,000
  • Hot Springs:  $27,000
  • Rapid City:  $3,047,126
  • Sioux Falls:  $2,561,801
  • Spearfish:  $1,319,073
  • Sturgis:  $210,000
  • Tea:  $735,000
  • Watertown:  $900,000

The SDATP funds are unique, as they are one-time appropriations distinct from the traditional Aeronautics Commission policies. SDATP funds are designated strictly for construction reimbursement and exclude costs related to project planning, design, and administration. Local community effort and funding were critical components for consideration.

Eligible projects for SDATP funding had to meet stringent criteria:

  • Projects must be part of the Airport Capital Improvement Plan or included in the National Plan of Integrated Airports (NPIAS) submitted yearly to the state.
  • Projects must receive federal funding through at least one year of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) federal entitlements and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) allocation. This includes having submitted an application, awarded a grant, or committed to applying in the next federal funding round for federal discretionary funds.
  • Projects must not have been completed by the application deadline and must be scheduled to receive federal discretionary grants by Monday, Sept. 30, 2025, to retain eligibility.

WisDOT Celebrating Aviation in Wisconsin During EAA AirVenture

Kim Stevens

Aviation in Wisconsin is being highlighted this week during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture, taking place in Oshkosh, WI through July 28.

EAA expects to host approximately 677,000 people and 10,000 aircraft and will generate more than $170 million in total economic impact to the region, according to EAA. Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed July 22-28, 2024, Aviation Week in Wisconsin.

“Aeronautics plays such an important role in the economy of our state” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “EAA AirVenture week is the perfect time to highlight how the state of Wisconsin is at the forefront of innovation in aviation. Our Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) averages $70 million in funding for 80+ airport improvement projects annually and our network of airports enhances the economic vitality of Wisconsin communities.”

The Wisconsin State Airport System is a global gateway for travel and tourism that boasts:

  • 123 public airports
  • 540 approved landing sites.
  • 5 million annual passengers.

Attendees are encouraged to come visit the WisDOT BOA booth in Exhibit Building A during EAA AirVenture week to learn more about the Wisconsin airport system and the various aviation programs that are offered across the state.

The Aviation Careers Education (ACE) program promotes aviation, and space education, and provides students experiences in aviation related jobs. Because of the partnership between industry, schools, and government, the WisDOT BOA can promote aviation/space education, including career opportunities, as well as assist employers in developing the next generation of skilled workers in aviation.

Additionally, the Fly Wisconsin Airport Passport program promotes safety and education by encouraging recreation al flight to all of Wisconsin’s  public use airports. It also supports general aviation airports, area businesses and tourism. This is a collaborative program of WisDOT BOA and the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA).

To learn more about aviation efforts in Wisconsin, please visit the following links:

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/education/ace.aspx

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/air/pilot-info/flywi.aspx

To learn more about EAA and AirVenture week please visit: https://www.eaa.org/airventure

Four New I Hart Flying Foundation Scholars Advancing Their Wings to Soar

Kim Stevens

Launched on Monday, May 6th and seeing more than 150 qualified applications, I Hart Flying Foundation recently announced the newest four scholars to their growing Hart Nation.

“Our diverse selection committee of industry professionals have the most challenging job to choose the best scholars that represent our Hart Nation,” shared Rachelle Spector, founder of I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF). “It’s my pleasure to congratulate and welcome these talented women to our Hart Nation as we aid their journeys in flight and help them soar. Congratulations Arian Perez, Kayla Wildes, Ginger Kelly, and Shalynn Swails.”

A private pilot out of Midland, MI where the funds will support her instrument rating, Arian Perez shared, “What an honor to be chosen as a Hart Scholar from so many qualified applicants who undoubtedly share my passion for aviation! I am so grateful for this opportunity, which will allow me to complete the next phase of my training and bring me closer to my goal of spending the rest of my life teaching people to fly. Thank you I Hart Flying team and partners!”

This cycle of awards marks the third large scholarship offering as part of IHFF’s multi-year campaign, Hart Aviation Nation Delivers – H.A.N.D. for short. To date, 12 women became Hart Scholars receiving over $75,000 in flight training awards and packages since the campaign began in spring 2023. Plans for the fourth themed scholarship opportunity for the campaign are already underway. Since inception, I Hart Flying has awarded nearly $250,000 in scholarship funding and industry packages, to 39 scholars on record for the young nonprofit.

Scholarships surely do change lives and I Hart Flying is proud to have helped women soar since 2017. With her goal to become an airline pilot and currently working as a CFII out of Denton, TX, Kayla Wildes has plans to complete her multi-engine instructor rating. “Scholarships change careers, lives, and trajectories. I Hart Flying’s Scholarship just did all three for me! I am so thrilled and almost in disbelief of the opportunity this scholarship has presented. I can’t wait to use this new rating to keep training top notch pilots and changing their lives as well. This scholarship will touch many people, not just me,” expressed Wildes.

This themed scholarship opportunity, “Spring into Action,” is funded through the support of veteran partners Immaculate Flight, Sheltair, a grant from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation and new partners, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). IHFF’s community of donors and partners are loyal and new partners engage with the organization each scholarship cycle as a result of the organization’s success and meeting quality scholarship recipients at various industry shows.

Ginger Kelly, a student pilot in Memphis, TN working toward her private pilot and instrument ratings with the award is learning fast how strong this aviation community rallies behind her. “I am beyond grateful to have received the I Hart Flying scholarship! It will help me continue in my flight training and reach my career goals in aviation. I am also so excited to have such an amazing community supporting me now,” expressed Kelly as her sights are set on becoming either a cargo, freight or airline pilot.

Each opportunity is coupled with youth outreach events and speaking engagements to create a more hands-on approach to encouraging our youth to explore and experience STEM and aviation careers as well. Hart Scholars are given unique opportunities to attend these outreach events and shows where they have the chance to address youth, audiences and even network with industry professionals.

Located in Denver, CO working on her CFI rating toward the goal of becoming an airline pilot, Shalynn Swails shared, “I cannot begin to express my gratitude for this incredible opportunity from I Hart Flying. I will be putting the financial support towards my CFI training and will be able to start instructing students next month! It’s crazy to think that I started my own flight training only a year ago, and now I have the chance to give back to my very own students with the same amazing support and encouragement I have received in the last year through the help of this scholarship.”

These four Hart Scholars will have the support of financial awards, pilot training supplies and other flight equipment by a variety of I Hart Flying’s loyal in-kind partners. Some of these partners include King Schools, Bose Aviation, FLYING Magazine, AEG Fuels, FlyteCo Tower, Go Rentals, Boeing Business Jets, AOPA, Titan Aviation Fuels, Airbus Corporate Jets, Jet Support Services, Inc., Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems, Dassault Falcon Jet, and Veryon to name a few.

Each scholarship launch grows I Hart Flying’s Hart Nation, a community of valued partners, donors, collaborators, scholars, board members and the diverse scholarship committee.

I Hart Flying will have a large presence in Denver Col. September 7, 2024, for their second annual Hart Nation youth outreach event hosted by partner, Sheltair BJC (Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport), paired with a benefit gala hosted by partner, FlyteCo Tower. Interested exhibitors and partners can reach out to Lyndse Costabile, corporate and donor relations, for more information at: lyndse@ihartflying.org.

Largest Balloon Ever Launched from Esrange Space Center in Northern Sweden

Kim Stevens

Larger means higher – and recently the largest stratospheric balloon ever to be launched from Esrange Space Center rose from the ground in northern Sweden. On its way to its destination in North America, it will study X-rays in the polar atmosphere.

Behind BOOMS, as the payload is called, stands NASA. The name is short for Balloon Observation of Microburst Scales. It is a high-resolution imager of X-rays from energetic electron microbursts that occur high in the atmosphere closest to the poles. The record-sized balloon that carries the research experiment is 1.7 million cubic meter (60 million cubic feet, MCF) large. That extra size will take the balloon to new heights.

NASA BOOMS balloon launch
1,7 million cubic meters
60 million cubic feet.

The flight is a test to qualify the 60 MCF balloon for higher altitudes than 150,000 feet, equivalent to an altitude of about 45.7 kilometers. This is higher than NASA’s previous stratospheric balloons have ever flown, and at that height you are above 99 percent of the Earth’s atmosphere, which is beneficial for studying various radiation that would otherwise be blocked by it.

“The 60MCF balloon is of high importance to the scientific community. Some of the instruments that are being flown are so sensitive to interference from the atmosphere that even flying a little bit higher than our typical altitude of 120000-130000 feet can bring a lot of scientific reward. Qualification of this balloon will allow NASA to continue to stretch the boundaries of what we provide to the scientific community,” says Andrew Hamilton, Director of NASA’s Balloon Program Office.

The on-board experiment aims to take the first high-resolution images of X-ray radiation from so-called electron microbursts. This precipitation only occurs in certain places in the Earth’s magnetic field, why the launching site in northern Sweden is especially important.

“The fact that NASA has chosen to carry out such an important test flight at Esrange is shows that our close collaboration that has been going on for several decades still continues. Esrange is a unique asset for international research at the very highest level,” says Lennart Poromaa, SSC President Science Services and site manager at Esrange Space Center.

For SSC, BOOMS is the largest balloon ever launched. At its cruising altitude, the ambient air pressure outside the balloon is so low that the gas inside the balloon expands to its full size. By then, it measures approximately three times the volume of Avicii arena (formerly known as the Stockholm Globe Arena). Few places in the world can facilitate launches of balloons of this size – and Esrange is one of them.

“During the early summer and up until now, we have launched seven giant balloons from Esrange, and we have had both the French space agency CNES and the American equivalent NASA on site at the same time. It is something truly unique as we now have reached the crescendo of our balloon bonanza with the launch of the largest balloon ever. This shows that we are among the best in the world at what we do,” says Lennart Poromaa.

Intermountain St. Mary’s Foundation and Chevron Each Donate $25,000 to Enhance Mental Health Supports for CareFlight of the Rockies

Kim Stevens

Representatives from Intermountain St. Mary’s Foundation and Chevron both presented $25,000 checks to the CareFlight of the Rockies Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team during a donation event held on the St. Mary’s Hospital helipad on Tuesday, July 9.

CareFlight of the Rockies is an air ambulance service for western Colorado, eastern Utah, and parts of New Mexico and started in 1976. The CareFlight CISM Team was created in 2020 in response to the mental health needs of the CareFlight team and other first responders in the three-state area they serve.

First responders including crews for CareFlight, search and rescue, ski patrol, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, rural hospital emergency room physicians, nurses and technicians, and fire department personnel, all respond to life-threatening medical situations daily.

“The situations we as first responders encounter leave a lasting mark on us as caregivers. In our smaller, rural communities, we’re often providing care for, and sometimes losing people we know personally. And afterward, that can make an already traumatic situation we experience, even more difficult emotionally,” said Kelly Thompson, RN, a flight nurse and chief of operations for CareFlight of the Rockies.

The CareFlight stress management team — composed of 10 first responders – currently provides behavioral health support to the larger group of first responders. Support includes mental health focused debriefings and listening sessions held at a moment’s notice for hospital emergency medicine department staff and first responders after especially traumatic events, whether onsite at the hospital, or out in the field. 

“Chevron has made significant donations to CareFlight for the last 10 years. Their recent generous donation, which is being matched by our hospital foundation will help fund the final, crucial piece of the stress management team, providing a local, licensed clinical counselor clinically trained and experienced in first responder trauma therapy for the next three years,” said Carmen Shipley, executive director of philanthropy for Intermountain St. Mary’s Foundation. 

“CareFlight is one of the most important components of this region’s medical response capabilities, and Chevron is proud to have supported this team for many years. Their work is critical to our community, often stressful and full of emotions. We now have an opportunity to dedicate our funding to the Critical Incident Stress Management Team to ensure these dedicated caregivers receive the support and relief they need to deal with the incidents they witness on a regular basis,” said Cary Baird, stakeholder engagement and social investment advisor for Chevron’s Rockies Business Unit.

People who work as first responders are called for everybody’s worst day for the patient and family. They carry a lot of emotional burden, from saving lives on a daily basis to the emotional toll of being involved in so many traumatic events.

“Across the nation, there’s been a culture among first responders where we weren’t allowed to show emotion and just moved on to the next emergency patient. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders were hit especially hard, seeing a lot of deaths and then the angst about if we might bring COVID-19 home to our families,” said Thompson.

“Creating a stress management team that can reach all the first responders in our community is unique. It’s helped tear down the stigma that first responders don’t need behavioral health support. It’s created a culture change and safe space for everyone to know sometimes you’re not going to be OK, and each one of us may need some counseling. We’ve had medical transport organizations in other states reach out to us about what we’re doing and how we’re doing it,” she added.

The trauma trained counselor has office hours for counseling and works with the stress management team to provide education, training, and tools to each crew of first responders on-site to help them recognize behavioral health challenges in themselves or other team members and know how to address them early, before it gets worse.