Month: May 2022

Victoria Int’l Airport Receives New Funding for Critical Infrastructure Projects

Kim Stevens

As Canada works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in airport infrastructure continue to be crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travelers, workers and communities. Government of Canada investments also help ensure Canada’s aviation industry is well-positioned to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Annie Koutrakis, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced more than $4 million in new funding to help British Columbia’s Victoria International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support continued air services and important transportation infrastructure projects at the airport.

“The Victoria International Airport is a key transportation hub not just for Victoria, but for much of Vancouver Island. It connects us with family and friends, helps us discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Victoria businesses,” said Koutrakis. “This funding will enhance airport safety for travelers, air crews and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.” 

The airport will receive more than $1.3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program for upgrades to the lighting for the approach to Runway 09. The work will include, installation of new land-based and water-based lighting systems, with the water-based fixtures being structurally reinforced to withstand impacts from barges that work in the area; and reconfiguration and extension of the existing floatplane dock to accommodate the new lighting system.

In addition to funding for the infrastructure projects, the Government of Canada also provided the airport with over $3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Victoria and surrounding communities.

Memphis International Airport Announces Student Art and Photography Contest Winners

Kim Stevens

Memphis International Airport (MEM) has announced the winners of its 15th annual High School Visual Arts and Photography Competition. The winners were announced as part of a virtual event, which can be accessed at https://bit.ly/MEMartawards22. The event was produced in partnership with CityCURRENT. Following are this year’s winners:

Paintings

  • 1st Place: Meredith Dai, Collierville High School, “Koi at the Memphis Botanic Gardens”
  • 2nd Place: Taylor Nelson, Collierville High School, “Peabody from Below”
  • 3rd Place: Eleanor Hsueh, Houston High School, “Memphis Smorgasbord”

Photographs

  • 1st Place: Maddox McPherson, City University School of Liberal Arts, “Area Code 901”
  • 2nd Place: Brooklynn Hellums, Bartlett High School, “Metal Museum”
  • 3rd Place: Natalia Ramos, Bartlett High School, “Remembrance”              

All finalists will receive a certificate and the winners will receive the following prizes:

  • 1st place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $200
  • 3rd Place: $100

The winners were selected by a panel of judges from the local art community, including representatives from the University of Memphis, the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, UrbanArt Commission, Christian Brothers University, Urevbu Contemporary and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. There were nine judges this year. The airport received 96 submissions for the art contest with 43 selected as finalists. There were 79 photography submissions, from which 36 finalists were chosen.

Students are provided art supplies by the airport’s community foundation for the contest, and the finalists’ pieces are displayed throughout the airport for one year. Most pieces are available for purchase by the public, and all proceeds go directly to the student artist. Some airport retailers may also sell items that feature students’ artwork, with proceeds from those sales going to help purchase art supplies for the contest. The student art exhibit is independent of the B Concourse art collection and will be located in the connector between the B and C concourses. Online galleries can be found below:

Paintings

Photos

Greater Toronto Airports Authority Appoints Karen Mazurkewich as Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Communications

Kim Stevens

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has announced the appointment of Karen Mazurkewich as Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Communications, effective June 6, 2022. In her new role, Karen will champion the GTAA’s stakeholder relations and corporate communications efforts, with a focus on transforming the way the GTAA communicates to its customers, community, partners and employees. She will also lead the GTAA’s media relations, issues management and government relations functions.

Karen Mazurkewich

Most recently, Karen served as Vice President, Strategic Communications at MaRS, North America’s largest urban innovation hub, where she led three high-impact teams: MaRS Corporate Communications and Marketing, Content Studio @ MaRS, and the Innovation Economy Council. Her work was instrumental in building MaRS’ position as a leading voice in the tech ecosystem by maintaining a 50% share-of-voice among its hub competitors, while also raising the profile of individual startups.

“The GTAA has great ambitions for Toronto Pearson, and it takes exceptional people to energize high-performing teams to deliver as Pearson continues to be a strong engine of Canada’s economy post-pandemic,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, GTAA. “I’m confident that Karen will be a tremendous addition to GTAA as we forge the airport of the future and drive innovation, thought leadership, partnerships and expanded engagement with government, community and business.”

Karen holds a Master’s Diploma in Communications from Concordia University and a BSc. (Hons) from Queen’s University. Prior to joining MaRS, Karen worked extensively in media, both in Canada and abroad, founding her own consulting firm targeting mobile apps and interactive platforms companies; serving as a Wall Street Journal staff international correspondent; working as a columnist/feature writer for the Financial Post and an on-camera commentator for CNBC Asia; and authoring two books. Outside of work, she is an avid collector of art and antiques, an equestrian enthusiast and a mother to two wonderful daughters.

Bandera State Airport Supports Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue Training

Kim Stevens

Photo curtesy of Peter Linde, King County Sheriff

The King County Sheriff Air Support and King County Search Dog Units conducted a joint training mission at Bander State Airport May 10.

Bandera State Airport, located along Interstate 90 east of North Bend at Exit 45 Forest Service Road 9030, provided space for aircrews to familiarize the dogs and their handler teams with operating in and around helicopters.

The training session allowed helicopter crews valuable training time with dogs within the helicopter setting to include actual hoist lifting operation practice.

King County has used Bandera State Airport many times over the years for this type of training and for actual lifesaving rescue operations. The airport is one of 15 State-Managed Airports commonly used for police and fire rescue training exercises.

For more information about how to request the use of a state-managed airport for training purposes, please contact the State-Airports Manager Paul Wolf at 360-618-2477 or wolfp@wsdot.wa.gov

Unilever’s The Ice Cream Shop Partners with Flytrex for Airborne Ice Cream Delivery

Kim Stevens

The Ice Cream Shop, Unilever’s first-ever digital storefront, announced it has partnered with Flytrex, a leader in on-demand, ultrafast delivery for food and retail, to offer ice cream delivery via drone across all of Flytrex’s U.S. locations: Holly Springs, Fayetteville and Raeford, North Carolina, and Granbury, Texas.

Orders from The Ice Cream Shop will be delivered via the skies to front and backyards of local residents with a flight time under three minutes. Orders are placed using the Flytrex app, which provides customers with real time updates along the delivery route until the package is lowered safely by wire into their yard.

Unilever’s The Ice Cream Shop is a virtual storefront that carries fan-favorite ice cream brands Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Good Humor, Klondike, Magnum ice cream, Popsicle and Talenti. The partnership between Flytrex and The Ice Cream Shop will give customers a new way to effortlessly order from these brands.

“We’re excited to team up with Flytrex as our first-ever drone delivery partner to bring The Ice Cream Shop to new heights,” said Russel Lilly, General Manager, Unilever North American Ice Cream. “Not only are we providing an exciting, innovative and ultra-fast way for ice cream fans to enjoy their favorite Unilever ice cream brands, but The Ice Cream Shop and Flytrex have exclusive ice cream bundles available for purchase. Whether you need some treats to sweeten up your backyard BBQ or are craving a cookie crunch – we’re ready to fly straight to your doorstep.”

The partnership comes at an ideal time for fans with summer rapidly approaching and the ice cream market growing apace — estimated to reach $122.1 billion by 2031, according to Allied Analytics, LLP.

The new service is operating in cooperation with longtime Flytrex partner Causey Aviation Unmanned under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver allowing a delivery radius of one nautical mile – reaching thousands of potential homes. Flytrex and Causey conduct all flights while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The Flytrex app will also offer exclusive bundles from The Ice Cream Shop, perfect for any craving or occasion, including:

·         Chocolate Lovers Bundle featuring Breyers Chocolate Truffle, Klondike Original Vanilla Bar, Magnum Mini Double Caramel Bars, Popsicle Fudgsicle, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie

·         Cookie Crunch Bundle featuring Breyers Cookies & Cream, Klondike Vanilla Sandwich, Talenti Caramel Cookie Crunch, Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

·         Backyard BBQ Bundle featuring Breyers Natural Vanilla, Breyers Chocolate, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Popsicle Grape, Cherry, Orange Pops, Klondike Vanilla Sandwich, Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food, Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream

·         Berry Fruity Bundle featuring Breyers Strawberry, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Popsicle Grape, Cherry, Orange Pops, Talenti Roman Raspberry, Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake

·         Ice Cream Favorites Bundle featuring Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked, Breyers Natural Vanilla, Klondike Original Vanilla Bar, Magnum Ice Cream Bars Double Caramel

·         Ben & Jerry’s Favorites Bundle featuring Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

“Through the new partnership with Unilever’s digital storefront, you can scream for ice cream and have it in just minutes,” said Yariv Bash, CEO and cofounder of Flytrex. “Why settle for a melted pint in an hour when you can have your ice cream via the skies cold and delicious, too?”

This partnership is the latest in a series of milestones for Flytrex. Most recently, the ultrafast drone delivery company launched in Granbury, Texas, just outside of Dallas-Fort Worth. Flytrex has also been operating in the state of North Carolina since September 2020, beginning in Fayetteville, and expanding to the town of Raeford. In October 2021, Flytrex launched its third drone delivery station in the ‘First in Flight’ state at the Holly Springs Towne Center. Flytrex’s delivery service is now available to 10,000 homes across North Carolina and Texas. The pioneering company has already completed thousands of drone deliveries – more deliveries via drone than any other company in the U.S.

Go Wheels Up! Texas to be held May 28 at San Marcos Regional Airport

Kim Stevens

Look for event coverage in an upcoming issue of State Aviation Journal’s Focus and Skybrief

Photo above curtesy of Kyle Hutton

The USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team headlines this year’s airshow from 3 pm to 5 pm. Plus, Aftershock, a jet-powered vintage fire truck has been invited. You can also enjoy the incredible aerobatics skills of Adam Baker, Spanky Gallaway, and the Shetterly Squadron, and the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will show off That’s All Brother and Yellow Rose along with a slew of other warbirds from their stable. Hearing protection is STRONGLY recommended.

Visit Go Wheels Up!

Gates and car show open at 10 am with music starting at 11. With a variety of food vendors, including BBQ, Mexican, County Fair, and lemonade they are serving up delicious fare throughout the event.

The car show will showcase hundreds of classic, exotic, and unique automobiles from across the state. Along with our car show, we will have planes on static display throughout the day.

If that was not enough Cory Morrow himself will headline the entertainment lineup which will also feature other well-known local and regional performers including Eric Tessmer and Gunner Latham.

New this year is the Coach’s Big High 5K at the Runway. At 8:30 am runners will race the runaway in a fun and unique 5k.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit Go Wheels Up! Texas or email Info@gowheelsup.live

AOPA Aviator Showcase Moves to the Fall

Kim Stevens

To enhance the experience of pilots and aircraft owners, and build a more expansive program, AOPA has decided to move its Aviator Showcase at Fort Worth Alliance Airport to the fall.

Now set for November 17 and 18, the AOPA Aviator Showcase will return with a wide array of industry experts, manufacturers, and speakers to build on what’s sure to be the outstanding and exciting celebration attendees would expect.

This exclusive two-day event caters to those looking to buy or learn more about new products and services available within the general aviation market. Pilots and aircraft owners will have the opportunity to connect with the industry’s leading experts in avionics and cockpit technology, flight planning, weather resources, aircraft manufacturing, and more. The Aviator Showcase will feature an exhibit hall, aircraft display, and educational seminars presented by event sponsors. Attendees can also talk to aviation finance professionals, insurers, and dealers about buying the aircraft of their dreams.

“We are continuing to build on our Aviator Showcase and make this an unforgettable experience for our exhibitors, sponsors, and guests,” said AOPA Director of Outreach and Events Elizabeth O’ Connell. “We anticipate a very successful event putting qualified pilots in front of the industry’s most transformative players and we can’t wait to improve on what’s bound to be one for the books.”

Exhibitors will be offering exclusive show specials and other incentives available only to event guests. The costs to attend is $20, and tickets can be purchased online.

NATA Promotes Keith DeBerry to COO and Karen Huggard to VP

Kim Stevens

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has announced key leadership changes.

Keith DeBerry

Keith DeBerry has been named Chief Operating Officer, overseeing NATA’s activities relating to safety education development and member outreach, as well as the day-to-day operation of the Association. Since joining the NATA staff in January 2020, DeBerry has served as NATA’s Senior Vice President of Safety and Education, Senior Advisor of Regulatory Affairs (Maintenance), and liaison for its Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee.

DeBerry will assume the COO role from Jason Miller, who will continue to serve NATA as Chief Financial Officer. 

“The NATA Board thanks Jason Miller for taking on the additional role of COO in early 2020 and is thrilled to add Keith’s vast industry expertise and operational experience in leveraging organizational efficiencies to the leadership team,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts. “Keith is well-respected in our organization and within the industry. We look forward to his guidance as we continue to grow our team and build a member-driven internal culture to ensure we are delivering the best member experience possible.”

Before joining NATA, DeBerry served as the FAA’s Academy Director. Additionally, DeBerry led the Regulatory Standards Training Division, where he was responsible for providing the FAA’s aviation safety inspectors and engineers technical training and managed the Academy’s flight program.

Throughout his 22-year federal career, DeBerry gained extensive experience leading, directing, and managing aviation safety oversight activities – preparing him for success in his role as the Supervisory Principal Maintenance Inspector for UPS Airlines, where he oversaw a workforce charged with Congressional mandated safety oversight of UPS Airlines’ 300 aircraft fleet.

Karen Huggard

NATA also announced that Karen Huggard has been promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs. Huggard will continue to lead NATA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and strengthen stakeholder partnerships, collaborating on areas of common ground to protect NATA members from onerous regulation, advocate for sound policy, and advance the industry’s future on issues including environmental sustainability, an unleaded aviation fuel solution, and PFAS remediation.

“Karen’s experience as a strategic communicator enables the Association to advance policy goals that support the business interests of our members,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts. “She puts our members first—advancing efforts to safeguard our member businesses’ present success while charting the course for the industry’s future growth.”

Huggard is currently focusing on the upcoming FAA Reauthorization, identifying and developing strategies to foster innovative growth, modernize infrastructure, increase sustainability, prioritize safety, strengthen the aviation workforce, and increase efficiency—while advocating for sufficient resources to equip the Agency to maintain a safe and secure NAS that supports a thriving business aviation industry.

After beginning her career in public policy on Capitol Hill, Huggard spent 15 years as a strategic communications professional in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Virginia. She earned a B.A. in political science from Wheaton College in Illinois.

AASHTO, NASAO Applaud Senate Committee for Approving Legislation to Support Advanced Air Mobility Planning

Kim Stevens

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) today applauded the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for approving the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act (S.4246) in the Senate.

“It is critical to have federal, state, local, tribal, and other transportation stakeholders working together on this issue,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. “We need to ensure the safe integration of this new technology into our transportation network, and we would like to congratulate the Senate Commerce Committee and the legislation sponsors for their bi-partisan work to plan for this exciting new era in transportation. With the recent House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passage of companion legislation, our states look forward to this important bill being signed into law.”

“State aviation leaders appreciate this initiative by Senators Padilla and Moran to provide much needed support to state, local and tribal governments as they plan for these emerging aeronautical technologies” said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President and CEO. “We are glad that Congress recognizes these resources are critical in assuring that the public interest is met in their safe and accessible integration into the National Aviation System.”

The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization (AAIM) Act, introduced by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), authorizes a $25 million grant program for state, local, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations to plan the infrastructure needed to support advanced air mobility (AAM) operations. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved its version of the AAIM Act (H.R. 6270), which was introduced by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-2), Garret Graves (R-LA-6), and Dina Titus (D-NV-1). AASHTO and NASAO are key supporters of the bill.

Revv Aviation Expands to Omaha with Flight School Opening at Eppley Airfield

Kim Stevens

With a flight school in Council Bluffs that serves more than 250 students, Revv Aviation, formerly Advanced Air, is expanding its operations on June 1 to Eppley Airfield in Omaha.

The expansion allows for advanced aviation training, including multi-engine instruction and tower communications skills in addition to beginning flight lessons.

“We have about 120 students who fly as part of the University of Nebraska-Omaha Part-141 flight program, and this will make it more convenient and accessible for some of those students,” said Jerome Howard, Chief Flight Instructor for Revv Aviation. “It also allows for advanced flight instructions where students learn proper tower and ground controller communications in a more dense flying environment.”

Revv Aviation is leasing offices at the TAC Air fixed-base operator (FBO), at 3737 Orville Plaza, at Eppley.

“We’re going to start with two Cessna 172 trainers and two multi-engine Piper Seminoles,” said Howard.

Students can begin signing up for lessons immediately by calling 712-314-2444 or by emailing Jerome.howard@revvaviation.com.

In addition to this expansion, Revv Aviation offers a full suite of aviation services at its Midwest FBO hubs, including Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Davenport and Muscatine, Iowa; Janesville, Wis.; and Aurora and Schaumburg, Ill.

“We have experienced great success with our flight school in Council Bluffs and see tremendous potential to expand pilot training to all current and want-to-be aviators in the Omaha Metropolitan Area,” said Guy Lieser, Revv Aviation CEO. “Our pilot training is a signature phase of service offerings we plan to offer at Eppley Airfield. Our goal is to expand flight training offerings to accommodate the ever-impending demand for pilots, mechanics and technicians.”

“Having Revv at Eppley will make it a lot more convenient for many of our flight students,” said Scott Vlasek, faculty member at the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Besides being convenient, the tower communications at Eppley will fulfill a critical aspect of pilot instruction.”

Revv Aviation is one of nine companies in the CL Enterprises family investment portfolio. CL Enterprises mantra is “Small Towns. Big Ideas” and has a mission to help revitalize communities by providing living-wage careers and good paying jobs.