Month: October 2023

Michigan Central, MDOT launch Advanced Aerial Innovation Region in Detroit to Accelerate Commercial Drone Development

Kim Stevens

Michigan Central and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today the launch of Detroit’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region – an initiative that will position the state as a leader in next-generation aerial mobility and drone technology by attracting startups, catalyzing new high-skill jobs, advancing policy, and driving commercialization and adoption of drone technology.

As the first cross-sector, advanced aerial urban initiative in the United States, the innovation region aims to future-proof Michigan’s status as a mobility solutions epicenter and stake a claim to jobs and economic opportunities in an industry predicted to top $50 billion by 2030. Covering a 3-mile radius around Michigan Central, the two-year project will provide open, shared infrastructure and services that enable commercial drone development while ensuring safety in the air and on the ground. Participating drone operators will have access to concept and operational support. The initiative will propel solutions focused on addressing accessibility, safety, tech equity and regulatory challenges by testing potential commercial drone uses – ranging from delivery of medical supplies, consumer goods and manufacturing materials to infrastructure inspection. Initial usage pilots will launch early next year.

Michigan Central will provide resources for foundational infrastructure, community engagement and skills training. MDOT will manage the network and define operating parameters, as well as data and safety protocols. Flight data from all pilots will feed the initiative’s overarching goal to drive drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Gaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) BVLOS approval would reduce existing barriers to commercial development and allow operators to fly drones without maintaining visual sightlines, opening the door for longer-range delivery and a variety of new potential uses in Southeast Michigan. Strategic partners Newlab and Airspace Link will support activation and development in the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region.

Newlab will collaborate with Michigan Central and MDOT to mobilize startups and industry partners through pilot projects aimed at de-risking and accelerating the commercial scale of high-value drone use cases. Airspace Link will provide the platform and processes to support safe operations in a real-world urban environment. Its platform creates digital mapping using more than 60 data sources to help drone operators understand ground and airspace risks at any given time while simplifying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flight authorization requests to the FAA. Airspace Link will also boost visibility for the public so that Detroit residents can understand which flights, plans and programs will happen in the area.

The initiative will offer open access to shared resources and services, allowing pilot programs to test and evaluate drone capabilities for various uses. This will provide valuable insights for optimizing conditions, validating and expanding commercial applications, meeting demand, and economic feasibility. The results have the potential to mobilize the entire advanced aerial mobility ecosystem of operators, startups and industry stakeholders by breaking down existing barriers to commercial development.

“This first-of-its-kind collaboration will be the framework that puts Detroit in the fast lane for advanced aerial innovation and job creation,” said Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central’s chief operating officer. “As we start launching pilot projects next year, we will prioritize ideas that bridge equity gaps, improve safety and make it easier for people to access the goods and services they need.”

“Michigan is on the cutting-edge of mobility innovation, and with the launch of the new Advanced Aerial Innovation Region in Detroit, we will continue leading the way,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This new initiative is the result of an effective partnership between Michigan Central and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Michiganders have always been pioneers in the mobility space and now, we are taking to the skies, finding new ways to use next-generation transportation to deliver medical supplies, food and so much more. Let’s keep getting it done.”

The Advanced Aerial Innovation Region initiative builds on an MDOT, Michigan Central and Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) study that analyzed the potential societal and economic benefits of the commercial use of drones. The study also looked at the feasibility of flying drones beyond visual line of sight along key corridors in Southeast Michigan and Ontario. Active collaboration with Ontario will continue within the innovation region to explore uses that increase cross-border supply chain resilience and inform advanced aerial policy between the United States and Canada.

“This initiative and strong partnership will further reinforce Michigan as a global leader in the development and deployment of advanced mobility technologies that will benefit society, protect the environment and strengthen Michigan’s economy,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Michigan is leading the development and implementation of a coordinated advanced air mobility strategy that will leverage Michigan’s existing infrastructure, industrial and defense base, and supply chain networks to gain a competitive advantage in the sector.”

Critical to the initiatives’ success is the ability to convene cross-sector stakeholders, made possible by the ground-breaking public-private partnership between Michigan Central, the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit. This framework creates open dialogue and invites new ways of working together on advancing mobility and innovative solutions to societal challenges that will benefit all Michiganders.

“The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification is pleased to join our partners in supporting the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region,” said Justine Johnson, Michigan’s chief mobility officer. “This initiative builds on our broader efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in the next generation of mobility and transportation technologies. As the mobility industry continues to grow and evolve, we are laser-focused on leveraging new solutions and entrepreneurial resources to keep Michigan at the forefront of mobility for generations to come.”

“Newlab is focused on breaking down the barriers that deep tech startups face getting technology to market,” said Newlab Chief Business Officer Liz Keen. “Policy is the most significant barrier for advanced aerial mobility startups. Pilots enabled through this collaboration will generate real-world data to help advance policy in the space while also allowing startups to validate commercial use cases with potential customers.”

Growth in the advanced aerial mobility sector represents a generational economic development and job creation opportunity for the State of Michigan. A Precedence Research analysis predicts the drone market will grow threefold by 2030, from $17 billion today to more than $50 billion, while the urban air mobility market will catapult from $2.6 billion to $28 billion over the next seven years.

Public benefit

The Advanced Aerial Innovation Region partners are committed to community engagement throughout the two-year pilot period and to ensuring the benefits of Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) can be shared by all. Drones have the potential to close accessibility gaps through the delivery of critical goods to people with mobility challenges. Urban air mobility development has the power to expand economic opportunities for citizens impacted by transit gaps in communities historically disconnected from mainline transportation networks.

The project will also cultivate workforce development opportunities and skills programs to create a pipeline of talent prepared to join the emerging advanced aerial economy. Leading academic institutions have partnered with Michigan Central to conduct research aimed at advancing AAM and UAS technologies, policies, and increasing public awareness. The first project to launch is a study with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to build a model that represents future drone flights in Detroit. The goal is to identify inequities in the predicted drone traffic and infrastructure and determine if policy interventions might be required to ensure a more equitable future as the industry scales. In the future, as drones and other next-generation aircraft are more widely adopted in mobility applications, AAM has the potential to lower emissions by reducing ground traffic and to enable net-zero transportation with these aircrafts running on battery power and or other alternative fuels.

UMILES Next Becomes Crisalion Mobility

Kim Stevens

Crisalion Mobility is the new name for UMILES Next, a Spanish leader in the design and development of advanced electric mobility solutions which are efficient, safe and sustainable.

Crisalion Mobility has a pioneering dual commitment to electric ground and air mobility and develops innovative solutions for both passenger transport and freight logistics. The company boasts its own unique technology, FlyFree, developed by research hub TECNALIA, which maximizes aircraft stability and safety and has been tested successfully on European test flights.

This change of brand reflects the attributes and values the company has built in just over two years, and also captures the identity of a project with an ambitious, global roadmap.

The new name is a blend of two concepts: chrysalis and lion

The chrysalis represents the transition from ground to air, but is also a metaphor for the very real transformation underway in our world. Spearheading this metamorphosis takes tremendous courage, and not everyone is prepared to lead. The concept of a lion embodies the strength and leadership that is needed to build the urban and intercity mobility of the future.

With a fully integrated air and ground approach, Crisalion tackles mobility challenges from a disruptive perspective, underpinned by cutting-edge, in-house air and ground technologies which allow it to harness synergies across the two segments; it will make new mobility a real alternative by 2024 for ground solutions and by 2030 for air solutions. With this goal in mind, Crisalion Mobility submits to the strictest international certification processes.

Injection of funds by two main investment groups

The Crisalion Mobility project is backed by two major business groups in Spain: Grupo Ibérica and Grupo Valdemira. Crisalion Mobility has secured more than €15 million to continue to expand its technology development and spearhead the transformation of advanced mobility.

BlueBull, an investment bank specializing in high-growth technology companies, acts as exclusive financial advisor to Crisalion Mobility.

A stronger executive team

During this process of rebranding and renewed investment, Crisalion Mobility has significantly grown its team over the last few months, bringing on board seasoned professionals such as Óscar Lara as COO and Gustavo Rodríguez as CTO. Other appointments are set to be announced imminently. This expansion is a clear reflection of Crisalion Mobility’s commitment to talent and excellence.

“It is a source of great pride to see a relatively new company secure strong, determined growth in the market and position itself as a sector leader. Crisalion Mobility drives us, represents us, and reflects the core attributes we have had since the outset. We are grateful to Grupo Valdemira and Grupo Ibérica for their invaluable support in this growth phase,” said Carlos Poveda Rey, founder and CEO of Crisalion Mobility.

Georgia DOT Seeks Aviation Technology Manager

Kim Stevens

On behalf of our client (Georgia Department of Transportation), applications are sought for the position of Aviation Technology Manager, for a long-term contract assignment working at their offices in Atlanta, GA. The primary duties of this position are to guide a state transportation program to advance air transportation related to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). This position will be responsible for executing an aggressive implementation plan in coordination with other key personnel. The position will supervise staff with expertise in these areas of advanced technology.  

AAM involves the integration of innovative technologies, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and urban air mobility, to create efficient and sustainable transportation solutions for urban and regional environments. The manager will play a critical role in coordinating various aspects of AAM operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving the successful implementation of AAM initiatives in the State of Georgia. UAS responsibilities are limited to the Department’s program for use of these aircraft to improve internal safety, efficiency, and reduced cost to the department due to the advancement of this technology.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Operations Management:
    1. Develop and implement operational strategies for the deployment and management of eVTOL aircraft and related infrastructure in urban and regional settings.
    1. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish efficient operational workflows, including aircraft maintenance, charging infrastructure, airspace management, and passenger services.
    1. Monitor AAM operations in real-time, identifying and addressing any operational issues or disruptions.
  2. Regulatory Compliance:
    1. Stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and policies related to AAM and urban air mobility from aviation authorities and government agencies.
    1. Ensure that all AAM operations adhere to relevant safety and regulatory standards, obtaining necessary permits and approvals.
  3. Stakeholder Engagement:
    1. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, local governments, technology providers, and community members.
    1. Collaborate with stakeholders to address concerns, gather feedback, and communicate the benefits of AAM to the community.
  4. Technology Integration:
    1. Work closely with engineering and technology teams to facilitate the integration of eVTOL aircraft, avionics systems, and software platforms for seamless operation.
    1. Identify opportunities for technological advancements that enhance the safety, efficiency, and user experience of AAM services.
  5. Risk Management:
    1. Assess potential operational and safety risks associated with AAM operations and develop mitigation strategies.
    1. Develop emergency response plans and procedures to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the public.
  6. Data Analysis and Reporting:
    1. Collect and analyze operational data to measure the performance of AAM services and identify areas for improvement.
  7. Prepare regular reports for management and stakeholders to track key performance indicators and milestones.

Application Process: Client is not accepting inquiries and applications. Please direct all inquiries and applications to: (candidates should submit a cover letter and resume)

Mike Martin, Senior Account Manager

ResourceTek

520 Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1202, Knoxville, TN 37902

Direct: 865.934.4163

Email: mmartin@resource-tek.com

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in aviation management, aerospace engineering, transportation management, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in aviation operations, transportation management, or a related industry.
  • Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards, particularly as they apply to new and emerging technologies.
  • Excellent project management skills, including the ability to coordinate and manage multiple tasks and stakeholders simultaneously.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and team collaboration.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems.
  • Familiarity with advanced air mobility concepts, eVTOL technology, and urban air mobility trends is a plus.
  • Joining a rapidly evolving field, the Advanced Air Mobility Manager will contribute to shaping the future of urban transportation while ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The role requires a dynamic individual who can navigate complex regulatory environments and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Transportation Planning, Engineering, or a related field
  • Five (5) years’ experience managing airport projects and supervising staff or consultants in the administration of aviation projects and/or programs
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to organize priorities and determine objectives/strategies to achieve assigned goals
  • Experience writing technical documents and understanding/interpreting federal/state regulations, statutes, planning and design standards
  • Experience using computer applications including spreadsheets and databases
  • Committed to providing quality customer service
  • Physical mobility necessary to maneuver over irregular terrain to conduct airport inspections

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience managing statewide and/or regional transportation projects
  • Experience working with Federal/State/Local government agencies
  • Experience managing capital improvement programs
  • Experience as a FAA Licensed Pilot
  • Experience in the fields of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

Position Requirements: Full-time position with an office in Atlanta. The position further requires approximately 20% travel with some overnight stays. Successful candidates will be required to submit to and pass a drug test and criminal background check.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is based on qualifications and experience.  A full range of competitive benefits is offered.

American Airlines and CR Smith Museum Launch AvEd Program Bridging the Classroom and Industry

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Students at the CR Smith Museum’s annual Aviation Career Day in 2022 were coached on flight simulators by students attending the American Airlines Cadet Academy.

American Airlines and the CR Smith Museum are teaming up to introduce a new education program to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. The multi-year Aviation Career Pathways program is designed for middle and high school students and provides access to aviation STEM education and exposure to industry career opportunities. The program will initially engage students in seventh to 12th grade at multiple schools in the Dallas Independent School District. It has room to grow to other schools in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond long-term.

Increasing students’ exposure and confidence to aviation STEM careers and skills comes with challenges, especially when working with schools in underserved communities, and most of the schools participating in Aviation Career Pathways are Title 1 schools. The CR Smith Museum, an independent nonprofit organization located on American’s campus in Fort Worth, has extensively studied these challenges and put solutions to them at the center of its education program development in recent years.

“The challenges we see in research and hear from school leaders are threefold. First, one touch point isn’t enough. Second, opportunities need to be more than a presentation. And finally, transportation at schools in underserved communities is limited,” said Marie Eve Poirier-Harris, Education Director at the CR Smith Museum. “Aviation Career Pathways brings the programming to the classroom, provides multiple touch points that include hands-on experiences and goes beyond presentations to creating connections with professionals.”

To help students build confidence toward future aviation career opportunities, students will engage in four to seven touch points with hands-on experiences that expose them to real-life scenarios. Touch points will range from in-classroom engagements to participation in the CR Smith Museum’s annual Aviation Career Day. Additionally, students will connect with American Airlines team members who faced similar life stories and can help guide students on their journey to an aviation career.

About 15 of American’s team members volunteer to coordinate and execute the Aviation Career Pathways program. Karon Washington, an engineer, partners on curriculum development and leads team member volunteer outreach that is instrumental to the program’s operation. Karon and other volunteers have stories of their own that relate to students’ circumstances and provide solutions to hurdles they may face.

“I didn’t have a role model in my immediate family or network of friends who could guide me into a STEM or aviation career,” said Karon. “When it came time to decide college majors, I searched ‘highest paying job with an undergraduate degree’ on Google. That’s how I stumbled upon engineering. It was a leap of faith, but that’s how I got started.”

After navigating the path on his own and earning a spot in the engineering program at The University of South Florida, Karon wanted to find a way to continue his volunteerism while at school. That’s when he got involved with a nonprofit in the area and the National Society of Black Engineers. Through both organizations, Karon grew a STEM outreach program that provided several weeks of engineering education to a local school.

“I want to make sure that kids have a role model,” said Karon. “Early exposure makes all the difference. At first, they may not think they can do it because they’ve never heard about it or known someone who has pursued an aviation career. That all changes when someone who is relatable can connect with them and encourages them to try it for themselves through digestible programming.”

“When the CR Smith Museum’s education team came to me with this program, I was all in,” said Karon. “With multiple touch points, kids enjoy having an outlet that lets them get away from things that may be happening around them. Plus, it reinforces confidence and helps increase the chances that they pursue the subject or career in the long run.”

Not only are Aviation Career Pathways program leaders hearing the impact of the program anecdotally from students and teachers, but preliminary survey results also show a 32% increase in students’ interest in pursuing a career in the airline industry from those who were unsure or had no desire to work in the field before engaging with the program.

“With a focus on equity, inclusion and belonging in our organizations, serving these students and providing them with the resources they may not otherwise have access to is something that can be life-changing for this generation and their families,” said Marie Eve.

While Aviation Career Pathways is currently limited to serving students in Dallas-Fort Worth, the CR Smith Museum has resources available to students around the country, including access to student professional organizations and information about career programs.

Sergeant Wigfall Honored as Hometown Hero at FAU Homecoming Game

Kim Stevens

The Boca Raton Airport Authority has partnered with Florida Atlantic University to celebrate the brave men and women who serve our country and local communities. As the official sponsor of the Hometown Heroes initiative, the Boca Raton Airport Authority stands in solidarity with these courageous individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and have made profound sacrifices to elevate our community.

Pictured from Left to Right: BRAA Board Vice Chair – Randy Nobles, BRAA Board Momber – James Nau, BRAA Executive Director – Clara Bennett, BRAA Board Chair – Robert Tucker, Lieutenant Indiana Miranda, Hometown Hero Awardee – Sergeant Jewrel Wigfall, BRAA Deputy Director – Scott Kohut, BRAA Finance and Administration Director – Robert Abbott, BRAA Operations Coordinator – Florence Straugh, BRAA Operations Coordinator – Hannah Oakland, BRAA Board Member – Melvin Pollack.

One such exemplary individual is Sergeant J.R. Wigfall, who was nominated by the Boca Raton Airport Authority and selected to be honored as a Hometown Hero. He was recognized on the field during the FAU homecoming game on Saturday, October 21. Clara Bennett, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Airport Authority, commented “As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Boca Raton Airport, we take great pride in honoring Sergeant Wigfall as a Hometown Hero. We thank him for his hard work and the sacrifices he has made to help our community soar.”

Sergeant Jewrel R. Wigfall is currently assigned to the Florida Highway Patrol Southern Region Air Support Unit. He is responsible for providing safe and efficient aerial support to members of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and other law enforcement agencies across the state by conducting a variety of air support missions, including traffic enforcement, roadway patrol, search and reconnaissance, disaster support, and medical relays.

Sgt. Wigfall began his law enforcement career with the Florida Highway Patrol in 1995, a distinguished graduate from the 89th Basic Recruit Class. Working his way up through the ranks, in 2004 he was promoted to Corporal and served as a Traffic Homicide Investigator. As a Traffic Homicide Investigator, he was responsible for investigating deaths that were initiated by traffic crashes, road rage, domestic violence, or any other violent act that occurred on the roadways.

Sgt. Wigfall has always had a passion for aviation and began his flight lessons in 2000 and was promoted to Sergeant in the Air Support Unit in 2010 becoming the first and still the ONLY African American Pilot in the Florida Highway Patrol history. He currently holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, which is the highest certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition, he has logged over 5,000 flight hours in single-engine and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft.

Sgt. Wigfall received his Associate of Arts Degree from the University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration with a minor in Business from the University of Phoenix, and currently completing his master’s degree in aviation science & technology. He also holds a certificate from the Florida State University for Certified Public Manager.

Large-Scale Study Using SAS Aircraft Concludes Biofuel Improves Air Quality

Kim Stevens

Bio-based aviation fuel reduces the number of ultrafine particles that are emitted from the aircraft engines, thereby improving air quality. This is one of the conclusions drawn from a large-scale international study using a SAS aircraft at Copenhagen Airport.

Researchers measured an aircraft with 34 percent bio-based fuel (known as Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF), in the tank while it was taxiing between the runway and the gate at the airport. Ground measurements show a reduction in the emission of ultrafine particles by about 30 percent.

The measurements were conducted by researchers from DLR, The German Aerospace Center. During the experiment, they set up a mobile laboratory with advanced measuring equipment at a gate in Copenhagen Airport. From there, they measured air quality when a SAS aircraft with 34 percent SAF blended in its fuel tank arrived in Copenhagen from Stockholm. Measurements were done three to four times daily and conducted while the aircraft was on ground and taxiing between runway and gate.

Results from the measurements provide the most detailed picture to date of the effect of using SAF on local air quality at the airport.

“SAS is very proud to participate in this project as it is a great example of how our collective efforts can enable further discoveries of sustainable solutions for the aviation industry. The findings of this unique experiment at Copenhagen Airport showcase that using SAF not only reduces CO2 emissions but also reduces the impact of contrails, and enhances local air quality,” says Ann-Sofie Hörlin, Head of Sustainability at SAS.

“This is really good news. It’s an important discovery that sustainable aviation fuel has an impact on air quality. We already know that it helps reduce CO2 emissions, so this is another significant benefit of shifting aviation to sustainable fuels,” said Christian Poulsen, Chief Operating Officer at Copenhagen Airport.

It is a unique experiment, taking place over a period of four weeks during winter. It’s the first time that such extensive measurements have been conducted in an authentic airport environment, making it a highly complex experiment.

Crisalion Mobility appoints Manuel Heredia Ortiz as Managing Director

Kim Stevens

Crisalion Mobility announced the appointment of Manuel Heredia Ortiz as Managing Director. Heredia will oversee strategy and ensure Crisalion Mobility delivers on its corporate goals, identifying the resources needed to implement the company’s ambitious roadmap and assuming overall responsibility for the various business and market segments.

Manuel Heredia Ortiz

Heredia holds a Degree in Industrial Engineering from Seville University, a PhD from the University of Sheffield and an MBA from HEC Paris Business School. He brings two decades of international experience to the table, having held executive positions at leading companies in the industry and played a key role in implementing innovative solutions. Since 2004, Andalusia-born Heredia has held various roles at Airbus Defence & Space, the defence division of Airbus Group, including CEO of Airbus Poland and Vice-President of Operations for the A400M military transport aircraft, and has been actively involved in various projects in the aeronautical sector related to training and new technologies.

Commenting on his appointment, Manuel Heredia Ortiz said: “It is an exciting challenge to be leading the way to the future of mobility with Crisalion Mobility, competing at the very highest level. I am delighted to be joining a team of driven, motivated professionals with a rich diversity of knowledge and curiosity that truly reflect the Crisalion project.”

Carlos Poveda Rey, founder and CEO of the company, said: “Crisalion Mobility is committed to attracting the best talent in the market, and Manuel’s appointment as Managing Director is a clear reflection of that policy. Manuel brings the right experience and talent to strengthen the foundations on which we are building advanced air and ground mobility solutions for international operators.”

In recent months, Crisalion Mobility has significantly grown its technical and executive teams with the appointment of outstanding professionals including Óscar Lara, Chief Operating Officer, and Gustavo Rodríguez, Chief Technology Officer.

Aviation Associations Applaud Senate Confirmation of Michael Whitaker as FAA Administrator

Kim Stevens

Aviation associations applauded the confirmation of Michael Whitaker as the next head of the Federal Aviation Administration. The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Whitaker – an attorney and private pilot – who will be returning to lead the agency where he served as deputy FAA administrator from 2013-2016. Whitaker currently serves as chief operating officer at Supernal, the advanced air mobility subsidiary of Hyundai, a role he has held since 2020.

Michael Whitaker

Whitaker will serve a five-year term ending in 2028 and will become the FAA’s first permanent leader since Steve Dickson resigned in March 2022. Acting administrator Polly Trottenberg, who has been in the role since June, was prohibited from serving in the role past October 25.

In a statement released by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), President and CEO Greg Pecoraro said that state government aviation agencies have had a longstanding partnership with the FAA in supporting the National Aviation System and they look forward to continuing that partnership with Administrator Whitaker.

While previously at the agency, he also led the FAA’s air traffic modernization efforts as the chief NextGen officer. Whitaker also stood up the agency’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office, the first FAA organization dedicated to UAS operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).

“Congratulations to Mike Whitaker on his well-deserved confirmation as FAA administrator,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We look forward to working with Mike, whose expertise will help chart a clear path toward a successful future for the aviation community.”

Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the Commercial Drone Alliance said the dedicated professionals at the FAA and the entire aviation industry deserve the continuity and consistency that a Senate-confirmed leader provides. “We look forward to working with Mr. Whitaker to address long-overdue advanced aviation regulatory matters, such as enabling beyond visual line of sight drone operations. Only then can the U.S. fully realize the significant societal benefits of commercial drones and regain its position as a global leader in advanced aviation.”

NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna said the tremendous bipartisan support he received in both Congressional chambers and from a broad swath of industry stakeholders speaks to his qualifications as well as his character. “After more than 18 months without a permanent leader at the Agency’s helm, NATA looks forward to partnering with Administrator Whitaker to recruit a resilient aviation workforce within the FAA and the industry, usher in safe commercial operation of the next generation of aircraft and invest in our nation’s critical network of more than 5,000 airports – priorities he highlighted at his confirmation hearing earlier this month.” 

“I am really pleased the Senate took action to confirm Mike and look forward to working with him to help pilots and to move GA forward,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “He’s a capable leader, knows aviation, knows the agency, and he’s a private pilot.”

Pryor Field Regional Airport Expanding with New Taxiway and Access Road

Kim Stevens

Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) is growing yet again, with a new taxiway and access road underway on the northwest side of the airport.

Construction area on the northwest side of the airport.

Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) in Tanner, Ala., broke ground this month on a concrete taxiway and access road that stems off of the existing parallel taxiway for Runway 18/36. This project represents phase one of what will ultimately become the airport’s cargo ramp, totaling 188,000 square feet of ramp space. The entire project is being constructed to accommodate Boeing-737 or larger military aircraft, such as the C-130.

“Pryor Field handles a tremendous amount of on-demand freight for partners in the North Alabama area as well as several from Tennessee,” Airport Director Adam Fox explained. “Our northwest development will not only allow us to facilitate our freight operations, but also provide space for businesses to build facilities to accommodate their needs.”

Currently the Airport Authority has received four Letters of Intent (LOIs) from companies looking to build on the northwest side of the airport. The Airport Authority recently approved plans to construct a 12,000-square-foot hangar facility with classroom space north of the airport’s terminal building.

North Alabama is bolstering a lot of growth, with Limestone County, where Pryor Field resides just outside Huntsville, serving as a catalyst for the aviation industry. “We recently completed an Airport Master Plan with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, our aviation planning and engineering partners, and are proud to now begin checking projects off the list,” said Fox.

The airport taxiway and access road project, currently underway, was awarded to Wiregrass Construction, with an estimated project cost of $2.6 million. The Airport Authority received $1,315,555 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), $73,086 in grant funding from ALDOT Aeronautics, and a $1,239,107.86 bank bond to match the grants from the Authority.

“Airports have one chance to build the airport for the future, and we feel like the northwest development is the only location for numerous companies and individuals we are in conversations with. Time was of the essence to build the infrastructure needed to capture these expansion opportunities at Pryor Field. I’m glad to have the support of the Board to do what was needed to begin this project and position the airport for future success,” said Fox.

The Pryor Field Airport Authority has five board members that are appointed by Limestone County, Morgan County, the City of Decatur and the City of Athens. Faith Hooper is the Airport Authority’s first female chair, a position voted on by her fellow board members during October’s meeting.

“Pryor Field is a great airport that has a tremendous amount of growth and economic development opportunities for the state of Alabama,” Hooper said. “I am eager to work alongside my fellow board members to provide support to Adam and his team and work to continue to create jobs at Pryor Field for the communities we serve.” Earlier this year, the Pryor Field Airport Authority Board approved a 25-year lease with a 10-year option with Acquisition Integration (AI) for a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation at the airport. Based in Huntsville, Ala., Acquisition Integration is a distribution, logistics and services company serving the commercial and military aerospace and vehicles industries. AI has developed a four-phase plan to build 170,000 square feet of hangar and office space at Pryor Field, investing nearly $30 million and creating approximately 250 jobs.

NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna Steps in as Industry Co-Chair of EAGLE Initiative

Kim Stevens

Last week, the EAGLE (Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions) Initiative announced that NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna will serve as co-chair, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Executive Director of Aircraft Certification Services (AIR-1) Lirio Liu.

Curt Castagna

Castagna is the second industry co-chair of the EAGLE Initiative–a collaborative effort between industry stakeholders and the FAA to advance the removal of lead from avgas by 2030 or sooner. Castagna follows AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker who served in the co-chair role since the program’s inception in February 2022. The announcement followed an EAGLE-sponsored briefing to educate audiences on the EPA Endangerment Finding, increasing understanding of the scope of its impact on general aviation.

“NATA and its members continue to prioritize a safe and efficient transition to unleaded aviation fuel, and I am humbled to work with the FAA and our industry partners in my new role as we progress towards the eventual distribution of new fuels to airports and FBOs,” stated Castagna. “At this crucial juncture in the future of the general aviation industry, we appreciate and are most grateful for Mark Baker’s work as co-chair, his leadership on behalf of his members and the industry, and his efforts to spread awareness of EAGLE and its mission.”