Month: December 2022

Drone Specialists Visit Cumbria Nuclear Team to Help Build Standards Across Range of UK Industries

Kim Stevens

Photo above – From left:  Amanda Smith, Sellafield’s UAV Equipment Program Lead; Reg Rudd, ECITB product development manager; Helen Craig, ECITB product development manager; Kevin Westwood, Managing Director of Kevin D Westwood Associates, and Sam Jay, UAV Pilot / Equipment Engineer at Sellafield Ltd pictured at Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence at Cleator Moor, Cumbria.

Drone specialists who have worked on industrial sites all over the world met in West Cumbria to learn from the area’s nuclear site pioneers.

The purpose of the visit to Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence was to build on the learning of the organization’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) team to help develop industry training standards for the use of drones on all sites across the UK including engineering, construction, nuclear and the water industry.

This was the first time the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s drone standards working group had visited Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence at Cleator Moor. They also visited Sellafield site to see the working environment first-hand.

The ECITB works with employers and training providers to give the engineering construction industry workforce the skills it needs to meet the challenges of the future. Approximately 300 companies are on the ECITB register.

Amanda Smith, UAV Equipment Program Lead, Remote Technologies Group, which includes UAVs, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and Robotics, said: “It’s great to see experts in the field coming to visit us to learn how we have developed the use of UAVs at Sellafield.

“It’s also pleasing for all the team here to be recognized in this way, and to know that their knowledge, expertise and learning is helping to shape training standards in a diverse range of industries across the whole country.”

Amanda and her team of highly skilled equipment engineers and remote pilots flew more than 200 asset inspection flights in 2021 delivering in excess of £5m cost avoidance savings.

Most of the flights were at Sellafield. But leading the way in UAV innovation in the UK nuclear industry, Amanda’s team has also carried out flights at other Nuclear Decommissioning Authority sites at Bradwell, Essex, and Sizewell in Suffolk. Sellafield’s ROV team have also carried out work at Dounreay in Caithness, Scotland.

During the visit Reg Rudd and Helen Craig, both ECITB product development managers, and Kevin Westwood, Managing Director of Kevin D Westwood Associates, subject matter expert and consultant from Teesside, brought their perspective of working with industries all over the world to the discussion with Amanda and her Sellafield team.

Reg said: “Oil and gas was one of the first industries to take advantage of ROVs by using subsea equipment. Other industries have now started to catch up. 

“It’s been brilliant to see what Amanda and the team are achieving here in a nuclear industry environment at Sellafield.

“The experience here is transferable to other industries and helps us develop training standards for certification across all sectors for people who fly drones, or who manage the operation of drones. A visit like this enables us to perform the role of the intelligent client.”

Kevin has worked in 42 different countries around the world including with some of the biggest names in the industry.

He said: “This visit provides a window on how ‘best in class’ in-house drone programs are being run. Sellafield is an exemplar on how this technology can be applied to other high hazard environments.

“Operating drones helps reduce risk when carrying out tasks in a range of environments from nuclear sites to windfarms. It can be critical to spotting defects as part of asset integrity management programs, mapping to assist in accurate GIS and digital twin development or providing situational awareness to assist in emergency response operations.

“Adopting the use of drones helps give businesses the edge. They allow industry to achieve operations safer, quicker and smarter.”

Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence recently hosted a national COMIT2drones (C2D) event, where representatives from a range of industries and SMEs shared ideas on opportunities to deploy the latest drone technology.

The Power Up Sellafield event attracted 30 representatives from across the UK, including drone specialists such Cyberhawk, Vantage UAV Group, COPTRZ, and Herotech8, as well as industry representatives such as Jacobs, Kier and National Highways.

Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence, which has become a hub for multi-industry visits, is based at Leconfield Industrial Estate where iSH (Industrial Solutions Hub) plans to develop a program of cross-industry collaboration and innovation which will lead to 700 new jobs.

Kearney Regional Airport to Receive $6.3 Million Grant

Kim Stevens

The Kearney Regional Airport is set to receive federal funding to help improve its facility. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer announced a $6.28 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Nebraska’s airports ensure our communities can stay connected and help our state’s world-class products make it to market. This $6.3 million investment will give Kearney Regional the resources it needs to expand its existing terminal and make other upgrades that will improve air travel for Nebraskans,” said Senator Fischer.

“The federal funding for added space and renovation of the Kearney Regional Airport terminal will provide increased convenience for passenger seating, boarding, and enhanced baggage services. These improvements combined with prior grant improvements for added parking and runway construction will ensure Kearney Regional Airport can meet the increased passenger demand for years to come,” said Michael W. Morgan, Kearney City Manager.

The funding was made possible by the CARES Act.

GAMA Announces 2023 Executive Committee Leadership

Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the makeup of its Executive Committee leadership team for 2023. The Executive Committee is comprised of members of GAMA’s Board of Directors, who provide strategic leadership for the association and lead its policy committees.

Eric Hinson

Eric Hinson, President and CEO of Simcom International, will serve as Chair of the Board. Previously, Hinson served as Vice Chair and chair of the Safety and Accident Investigation Committee.

Chuck Wiplinger

Chuck Wiplinger, President and CEO of Wipaire, will serve as Vice Chair. Previously, Wiplinger served as chair of the Policy and Legal Issues Committee and the Technical Policy Committee.

Michael Amalfitano

Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO at Embraer Executive Jets will serve as Immediate Past Chair. Amalfitano served as GAMA’s 2022 Chair of the Board and previously chaired of the Communication Committee.

David Coleal, CEO of Incora, will extend his term as chair of the Airworthiness and Maintenance Policy Committee. The committee works with authorities to promote appropriate regulations and policies for maintenance and repair stations. Previously, Coleal served as chair of the Environment Committee.

Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, will extend her term as chair of the Communications Committee. The committee works to promote the general aviation industry and its benefits to the global economy and air transportation system.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, will continue to serve as chair of the Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee (EPIC). The committee works to create an environment conducive to efficient design, production, operation, integration and maintenance of hybrid and electric propulsion aircraft, including eVTOLs.

Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation, will extend his term as chair of the Environment Committee. The committee works to develop and represent the industry’s views on public policy affecting aviation related environmental issues worldwide, including CO2 emissions reductions, sustainable aviation fuels, supersonic aircraft, and updates to the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change.

David Van Den Langenbergh, Chief Industry Affairs Officer at Luxaviation Group, will continue to serve as chair the European Leaders Steering Committee. The committee engages with senior European politicians and policymakers to advocate for the interests of general aviation in Europe including regulatory changes, policy initiatives and communications strategies. Previously, Van Den Langenbergh served as chair of the Airworthiness and Maintenance Policy Committee.

John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, will serve as chair of the Policy and Legal Issues Committee. The committee tracks, analyzes and responds to legal developments, litigation trends and policies presenting business and legal risks or opportunities to general aviation manufacturers. This will be Calcagno’s first time serving on the Executive Committee, he has served on GAMA’s Board of Directors since 2021.

Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation, will serve as chair of the Flight Operations Policy Committee. The committee works to ensure that an adequate air transportation infrastructure is available for general aviation and addresses impediments to operations of general aviation aircraft. This will be Draper’s first time serving on the Executive Committee, he has served on GAMA’s Board of Directors since 2020.

Charlie Gregoire, President and COO of Redbird Flight will serve as chair of the Safety and Accident Investigation Committee. The committee works to analyze policies, industry standards and regulatory activities related to proactive safety improvements and aircraft accident investigation. This will be Gregoire’s first time serving on the Executive Committee, he has served on GAMA’s Board of Directors since 2015.

Henry Brooks, President of Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace, will continue to serve as chair of the Security Issues Committee. The committee works to establish best practices for general aviation security and engages with government agencies on security policies and regulatory requirements.

Jeff Trang, Vice President of Engineering and Flight Operations at Airbus Helicopters, will extend his term as chair of the Technical Policy Committee. The committee works with authorities on continuous improvement of certification and validation processes and to develop and implement effective standards and technical policies pertaining to the design, certification, validation and production of general aviation products and components.

The GAMA Executive Committee was elected by the Board of Directors during its Fall Board Meeting.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Hangars at Winchester Regional Airport

Kim Stevens

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Winchester Regional Airport earlier this month to celebrate the completion of six new hangars located on the southeast side of the airport.

The hangars are the first phase of a project that will ultimately bring 32 private aircraft hangars to the airport over a six-year period. Construction of the second building, housing five new hangars, will start in early 2023.

The KOKV hangars project officially began in June 2021 with the signing of a public private partnership between TMG Construction Corporation and Winchester Regional Airport. The company broke ground on the project in February.

“We’re very fortunate to be celebrating the first six of 32 hangars,” TMG owner Joe Matthews said. “Private industry, the Winchester Regional airport authority and a large group of stakeholders were able to collaborate to make this happen.”

The new hangars are available in either 52’ or 60’ wide by 50’ deep. The back of each hangar has access to the airport service road and the front connects directly to the ramp. Each hangar is heated, insulated and equipped with a bathroom. Other amenities include central compressed air, internet, electronic access control and an outdoor picnic area. The hangars provide an excellent place for aircraft to idle, boosting the economic potential for the airport and region.

“These beautiful new hangars are now attached to an airport that is striving to connect to its community,” Airport Executive Director Nick Sabo said.

Located in Frederick County, Winchester Regional Airport is a general aviation airport. Apart from the new hangars built by TMG, the airport has 61 T-hangars and seven corporate hangars.

CubCrafters Acquires Summit Aircraft Skis

Kim Stevens

Photo above – A Summit Ski equipped Carbon Cub FX-3 explores the wintertime backcountry in Washington State (Photo credit: Courtesy of CubCrafters)

CubCrafters, a designer and manufacturer of Part 23 Certified, Light-Sport, and Experimental backcountry aircraft, has announced the acquisition of Summit Aircraft Skis, including the company’s design and manufacturing assets, unique patents and related intellectual property, from the Summit Aircraft Corporation of Sandpoint, Idaho.

Summit Aircraft Skis are favored by Carbon Cub aircraft owners and preferred by the owners of many other types of non-CubCrafters manufactured backcountry capable aircraft. The unique ski design allows pilots to quickly and easily configure their aircraft to fly to many remote and primitive areas that would otherwise be inaccessible in winter when runways are not maintained.

“We are very excited and pleased to welcome Summit’s customers and products into our family here in Yakima,” said Patrick Horgan, CubCrafters President and CEO. “It has been a joy for our team to work together with Mike Custard, Summit’s founder, to coordinate a smooth ski manufacturing transition. Adding Summit Skis to the CubCrafters product lineup allows us to better meet our customers’ needs and adds a new profit center. We see a great potential for growth with the Summit brand that we want to be a part of going forward.”

Horgan went on to explain that the strategic acquisition brings together the talent of CubCrafters and Summit Ski to promote a robust patented design that significantly improves value for consumers. Manufacturing of skis has already begun in Yakima and going forward Summit Skis will continue to be available on both CubCrafters aircraft and competing aircraft from other manufacturers as well.

“Summit Skis, when combined with the outstanding wintertime defrost and cabin heater technology used on our FX-3 model, makes that aircraft the ultimate ski airplane.” stated Brad Damm, CubCrafters’ vice president. “The acquisition is part of an ambitious growth and business development strategy that has been supported by the outstanding early success of our recently announced public stock offering.”

CubCrafters has recently been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission to make a $50 million public stock offering under Regulation A+, which allows investors at all levels to purchase stock in the company for the first time in the 42-year history of the company. Interested investors can go to www.manhattanstreetcapital.com/cubcrafters for more information on the investment process.

Mike Custard, founder of Summit Aircraft Corporation, observed that unlike other more traditional industry products, the innovative Summit Ski design utilizes a patented bolt-on attachment bracket that completely eliminates the need to weld skis to the landing gear. The Summit ski design also offers lower weight and lower profile aerodynamics than most competitors’ penetration skis.

“Our like-minded drive for high quality innovation is one of the main reasons we chose CubCrafters as our successor,” stated Mike Custard, founder of Summit Aircraft Corporation. “CubCrafters’ leadership, its people, and facilities are all outstanding. The tooling and construction techniques are familiar to the CubCrafters’ composites facility and staff.”

“I will remain onboard for some time to ensure that the transition is smooth and that this is a great move for both our customers and the future of aircraft ski development and manufacturing,” Custard added.

According to Bob Breeden, an Alaska backcountry flying expert who uses Summit Skis on his Super Cub airplane, “I’ve been using Summits’ skis for some time now and they have enabled me to adventure further afield and discover and land in new, fresh places. I really love these skis and I’m very pleased to hear that they will be in CubCrafters’ capable hands going forward. I know the team there will keep the innovation going and will ensure the skis are supported in the future.”

Airports and Industry Leaders Highlight Impact of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Evaluate Future Considerations Through ACT Program

Kim Stevens

The American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Airport Consortium on Customer Trust (ACT) Program is making available new, in-depth analysis examining the operational impact of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) on airports of all sizes and future considerations to fully capitalize on this emerging technology.

The ACT Working Group on AAM includes members from airports and representation from the electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) industry. This new research evaluated airport locations as case studies and addressed airspace, operations, airport land availability, electrical capacity, and lease considerations.

eVTOL manufacturers expect their products to be less expensive to operate than helicopters and have a smaller noise footprint. With demand for these vehicles expected to be high, Fortune 100 companies and major air carriers have placed advance orders for eVTOLS. Airports are analyzing how to prepare for this future technology at scale, working closely with the ACT Program.

“We have put together a detailed analysis on what the future holds for U.S. airports as the AAM industry moves forward,” said Judy Ross A.A.E., assistant director of aviation at San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International Airport. “This research provides the foundation for the introduction of eVTOLs at our airports.”

Max Fenkell, policy and government affairs lead for Joby Aviation, an eVTOL manufacturer, added, “Joby Aviation is pleased to work with AAAE on this critical work, which demonstrates a practical path to integrating eVTOL aircraft into airport environments. Recognizing the unique characteristics of each airport is central to unlocking the significant opportunity offered by Advanced Air Mobility.”

“Jviation is honored to partner with AAAE, airports, and eVTOL manufacturers on the ACT AAM Working Group to produce the ACT Advanced Air Mobility White Paper,” said JD Ingram, principal of Jviation, Inc., a Woolpert Company. “We’re confident that our research and use cases will help pave the way for airports to integrate AAM and eVTOL services into their existing transportation infrastructure.”

As the development of the eVTOL market emerges, the ACT AAM Working Group will continue to evaluate use cases, create pilot programs, and assess the operational impact on airports. Additionally, ACT will provide guidance on key considerations for airport operators and others interested in making the promise of AAM a reality, including power infrastructure, safety and security, revenue generation, federal regulations, and space requirements, all of which will evolve as manufacturers and operators go to market.

View the latest research.

Monterey Regional Airport Announces Grants Totaling $4.2 Million for Design and Construction of New Terminal Building

Kim Stevens

With a $2.14 million grant from the Department of Transportation received in late November, the Monterey Regional Airport now has $4.2 million toward the design and construction of a new airport terminal.

The funds are from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill for Federal Fiscal Year 2023, along with another $2.14 grant from the same piece of legislation from Fiscal Year 2022.

According to airport Executive Director Michael La Pier, the airport has selected its architect for the project, HOK Group Inc., a design, architecture, engineering, and urban planning firm, founded in 1955 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, and are in the process of negotiating the scope of work and cost of the project with HOK.

Design work will begin during first quarter of 2023 and will take about one year to complete. During the design phase, the airport will continue to work with the Federal Aviation Administration and DOT regarding funding for the design and construction of the new terminal building, said La Pier. The terminal building will be completely financed using grant funding and revenues from the airport. No property tax funding or general obligation bonds will be used, he said.

Western North Carolina’s Robust Aviation Education Network Supports Local Students Seeking Aviation Careers

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) Runway 5K was held in October and raised more than $19,000 for local aviation education. The sold-out race was capped at 1,000 racers.

During the summer of 2020, western North Carolina local Tim McBride found himself in a life-changing situation. His personal training business in Hendersonville struggled during the pandemic and he had to make the difficult decision to close its doors. But with a resilient mindset, McBride looked forward to the future and the possibilities it held. Conversations with friends working at Delta Air Lines led him down a path that he had never expected: he would pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. And a unique part of his story is that it is a local one, filled with perseverance, generosity of others and support from a vibrant local aviation education network.

It is estimated that the industry is facing a deficit of about 8,000 pilots, or 11% of its total workforce. This shortage could reach 30,000 pilots by 2025. Our country relies on aviation not only as a form of transportation, but as an essential part of the economy, with the commercial aviation industry contributing approximately 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). So, as McBride discovered, now is a great time to choose to become a pilot.

However, the path to becoming a commercial airline pilot is not an easy one: there is a huge time commitment and a considerable financial investment. As McBride began to research and plan how to achieve his goal of becoming a pilot, he knew that it would require determination and sacrifice.

Pictured left to right are Matthew Burril (WNCPA member), Skip Capone (President, WNCPAEF), Dave Beckham and Tim McBride.

What he didn’t realize is that western North Carolina has an amazing, interconnected educational system that supports the aviation industry and aspiring pilots. The region has extensive resources for students, including a local college aviation program at A-B Tech, a flight school located at Asheville Regional Airport called WNC Aviation (that partners with A-B Tech), and local grants for aviation students through both the college and the Western North Carolina Pilots Association Educational Foundation.

McBride was happy to discover that WNC is a very supportive community for aspiring aviators. He connected with the Western North Carolina Pilot’s Association (WNCPA), and the WNCPA Educational Foundation (WNCPAEF), which provides economic assistance in the form of grants to aviation students and has granted $116,000 to date since its start in 2012.

“There is such a tight knit community that makes aviators and non-aviators feel more than welcome,” said McBride. “Thanks to the Pilots Association and the Educational Foundation and their generous donations, pilots like myself get to fulfill their dreams of becoming commercial airline pilots. Earlier this year I was fortunate to be the first recipient of the Mal Beckham Jr. Memorial Grant, which has helped tremendously with paying for my commercial training at WNC Aviation.” The grant is named in memory of long-time local pilot and aviation enthusiast, Malachy Beckham Jr. The Foundation’s grant funds are raised from generous donations from individuals and the community – including from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), the region’s largest aviation organization.

AVL strives to support aviation education locally and dedicated this year’s Runway 5K to raise money for the WNCPAEF and the A-B Tech Aviation Fund. The sold-out event (held in October) raised approximately $19,000 for local aviation scholarships. “We believe that it is important to partner with our local aviation education organizations,” said Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO at AVL. “Aviation, in my humble opinion, is the best industry in the world, and western North Carolina is fortunate to have such a robust network to support careers in aviation.”

Skip Capone, President of the Western North Carolina Pilots Association Educational Foundation stated that “we, at the WNCPA Educational Foundation, are very proud of Tim and of all the highly motivated and qualified grant recipients we have been able to help over the years with the generous support of our Association members and from the community such as the Asheville Regional Airport, Signature Flight Support, and others. We hope to be able to expand the number and amount of grants each year to help serve the growing need for commercial pilots and to benefit the economy of western North Carolina.”

The WNCPAEF and Asheville Regional Airport are proud to be a part of McBride’s story and to partner with the other local aviation organizations to foster ongoing excitement and interest in aviation careers. And it’s fun to think that one day in the relatively near future when you take a commercial flight out of AVL, your pilot may be Tim McBride or another WNC resident who pursued a career as a pilot, and with the generosity and support of the local aviation community, was able to earn those wings.

Walmart’s Drone Delivery Takes Flight in Texas with DroneUp

Kim Stevens

Santa’s sleigh may not be the only thing seen flying in the skies of Texas. Walmart’s drone delivery service is now available for select customers in the Dallas-area. The new delivery option will be fulfilled from 11 stores, making it easier than ever for customers to grab those last-minute gifts. No assistance from Rudolph needed.

This marks the first time customers in Texas can take advantage of Walmart’s drone delivery, following the retailer’s earlier announcement of plans to expand its DroneUp network to reach four million additional households across 6 states, including Texas. From last minute meal solutions to a package of Christmas cookies, Walmart has successfully executed thousands of same-day drone deliveries to date.

“Drone delivery makes it possible for our customers to shop those last-minute or forgotten items with ease, in a package that’s frankly really cool. Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president, innovation & automation, Walmart U.S. “It may seem like a futuristic option, but it’s giving our customers what they’ve always wanted, and that’s time back to focus on what is most important to them.”

Here’s how it works:

Customers living within a mile of a participating store can place orders through www.droneupdelivery.com between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. local time. Drones can deliver more than 10,000 eligible Walmart items up to ten pounds, including fragile items like eggs, in as little as 30 minutes. There are no order minimums and the delivery fee is just $3.99. With use of promo code FreeDeliveryTX, customers using drone delivery for the first time will have the delivery fee waived. Once the items are packaged and loaded into the drone, the order is then delivered using a cable that gently lowers the package into the customer’s yard.

Drone delivery is now offered from these stores in Texas:

Neighborhood Market #2975 3959 Broadway Blvd, Garland, TX 75043

Walmart Supercenter #3224 555 W Interstate 30, Garland, TX 75043

Walmart Supercenter #1800 1801 Marketplace Dr, Garland, TX 75041

Walmart Supercenter #2973 115 West Fm 544, Murphy, TX 75094

Neighborhood Market #5657 3100 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75075

Neighborhood Market #2974 1501 Buckingham Rd, Richardson, TX 75081

Neighborhood Market #2976 915 N Town East Blvd, Mesquite, TX 75150

Neighborhood Market #3015 2827 S Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75227

Neighborhood Market #5021 2275 Gus Thomasson Rd, Dallas, TX 75228

Walmart Supercenter #3225 2501 Lakeview Pkwy, Rowlett, TX 75088

Walmart Supercenter #426 4691 State Highway 121, The Colony, TX 75056

To celebrate, Walmart and DroneUp joined Piedmont G.L.O.B.A.L. Academy in Southern Dallas this morning to host a hands-on drone flight and delivery demo alongside simulated activities for Advanced via Individual Determination (AVID) students. Walmart presented the school with a donation of $5,000 and graphing calculators for the classroom.

“We are thankful to Walmart and DroneUp for investing in our scholars and providing an enlightening experience,” said Principal Letrice Portley. “This donation will absolutely put these students on the path to success, showcasing the powerful impact community-school partnerships have on the lives of our future leaders, thinkers and innovators.”

In partnership with DroneUp, Walmart will offer drone delivery in five other states in addition to Texas by the end of the year, including: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Utah and Virginia. In total, there will be 34 stores making drone delivery available in 23 cities nationwide by year end.

“Our mission is to set the gold standard for drone delivery and by partnering with Walmart, bring the incredible benefits that drones offer to local communities, organizations, and businesses,” said Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp. “Our approach is unique; we practice safety above all else and incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Our strong relationship with the FAA has also been critical to our success as we build an infrastructure that supports growth and great career programs for operators now and in the future.”

DroneUp deliveries are powered by a team of certified pilots operating within FAA guidelines to safely manage flight operations. Deliveries will be made to the safest location of the customer’s home, such as in the front or backyard or driveway. Customers can check if drone delivery is available to their homes by visiting www.droneupdelivery.com.

National Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Trustees Announces Interim CEO

Kim Stevens

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Aimee Maruyama as the interim President & CEO, effective December 22, 2022.

Aimee Maruyama

“Over the past three years, Aimee has worked in tandem with outgoing CEO Amy Spowart,” said Michael Quiello, Chair of the NAHF Board of Trustees. “Therefore, she has important institutional knowledge of our mission and programs. Her experience is key to our transition to new leadership.”

Serving as a consultant to the NAHF on programs, strategy, and development since 2019, Maruyama has over 18 years of experience in strategy development, management, philanthropy, marketing & communications, and event planning. Before working with the NAHF, Maruyama led teams in the higher ed and nonprofit sectors, including Wittenberg University, The University of Dayton, and a national grassroots organization, Mothers Out Front. A lifelong Daytonian, Maruyama is an active community member and former trustee at the Miami Valley School.

“I am deeply committed to the mission and vision of the NAHF. I look forward to working with the NAHF’s talented staff, board, members, and Enshrinees,” said Aimee Maruyama, Interim President & CEO. “Together, we will continue the work to achieve the NAHF’s mission to honor aviation legends to inspire future leaders. The NAHF’s strategy remains on track.”

Working closely with the outgoing CEO, Maruyama co-founded the NAHF’s education program Discovering Flight with the National Aviation Hall of Fame, which combines a pre-K through the 6th-grade curriculum with additional programs, like the Junior Collier Award and key peer partnerships. Maruyama is also pivotal in the ongoing transformation of the NAHF’s permanent learning facility, Heritage Hall and Education Center.

“We are excited that Aimee has agreed to serve in this capacity as we continue implementing our transition plan to find a permanent executive leader,” said vice-chair David Brixey. “The NAHF is committed more than ever to building upon our recent successes and working to achieve our mission to honor and to inspire.”