Month: January 2024

Nearly $250 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Announced to Modernize Airports in 37 States

Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $245.9 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The $245.9 million includes 153 grants in 37 states to modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety, and create jobs to build a better America. 

“We saw a record number of passengers fly during the recent holiday season, and we can expect increased demand for air travel to continue” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These investments from the Biden-Harris administration are making it possible to modernize our country’s aging airport infrastructure to meet this demand today and ensure safe, efficient travel into the future.”

Over the last decade, funding inconsistencies have delayed the ability to modernize technology and infrastructure that support the airspace.  These awards, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are helping reverse that trend to ensure that American air travel remains the safest and most efficient in the world.

View a data visualization of the airports receiving funding.

“Collectively, these grants help airports across the nation make timely improvements to key critical infrastructure which ensures passengers have a safe, efficient and enjoyable experience as they travel,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E.

As travel continues to increase, safety remains our utmost priority. Several grants being announced today will help to reduce the risk of runway incursions. Projects will reconfigure taxiways that may cause confusion, install new lighting systems and provide more flexibility on the airfield. Among those include:

  • $2.2 million to Willow Run Airport in Van Buren Township, Michigan, to construct an 8,617-foot parallel Taxiway to eliminate the need for aircraft to back-taxi on the runway.
  • $2 million to Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin to rehabilitate an existing on-airport roadway to provide a path for aircraft rescue firefighting trucks, airport vehicles, or ground service equipment to operate without entering movement areas.
  • $1.1 million to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International in Alabama to improve the Runway 6/24 safety area to enhance the safety of operations at the airport.
  • $1.7 million to San Bernardino International Airport in California to improve an existing on-airport roadway, to provide a path for aircraft rescue firefighting trucks, airport vehicles, or ground service equipment to operate without entering movement areas.
  • $379,620 to Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Kentucky, to expand an existing on-airport roadway an additional 6,100 feet to provide a path for aircraft rescue firefighting trucks, airport vehicles, or ground service equipment to operate without entering movement areas.
  • $254,880 to Mansfield Municipal Airport in Massachusetts, to acquire two easements for obstruction removal in the Runway 32 approach path. 
  • $531,000 to Westfield-Barnes Regional in Massachusetts, to remove airport tree obstructions from the Runway 15 approach path.
  • $38,151 to Knox County Regional in Rockland, Maine, to conduct an environmental assessment of the proposed easement acquisition and obstruction removal within the Runway 31 approach surface. This project removes an airport vegetation obstruction from the Runway 13/31 approach and departure paths.

Other notable grants include:

  • $45 million to Dallas-Fort Worth International in Texas to rehabilitate 13,400 feet of Runway 17R/35L to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.  
  • ⁠$18 million to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez in Alaska to expand the existing terminal building an additional 16,000 square feet to better accommodate existing passengers.
  • $15.2 million to Ontario International in California to rehabilitate 10,200 feet of the existing Runway 8R/26L and reconstructs 668 feet of Taxiway S8 pavement to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.
  • $5.5 million to Des Moines International in Iowa to construct a new 295,000 square foot terminal building to include six gates and related areas which will increase passenger throughput and reduce delays.

Approximately $1.7 million will be used to construct or improve fuel farms, including:

  • $448,000 at Boone Municipal in Boone, Iowa
  • $400,000 at Oskaloosa Municipal in Oskaloosa, Iowa
  • $336,000 at Nebraska City Municipal in Nebraska City, Nebraska      
  • $330,000 at Denison Municipal in Denison, Iowa     
  • $223,000 at Kanab Municipal in Kanab, Utah

Approximately $2.1 million will be used to purchase acquire aircraft rescue & firefighting vehicles, including:  

  • $1.8 million at Garden City Regional in Garden City, Kansas
  • $294,609 at Rutland/Southern Vermont Regional in Vermont
  • Approximately $70 million will be used on terminal projects at 11 other airports, including:
  • $274,501 at North Big Horn County in Cowley, Wyoming
  • $51,814 at Dexter Regional in Dexter, Maine

A full list of all grants being awarded is available on the FAA website. 

FAA Says Dangerous Laser Strikes Continue to Increase

Kim Stevens

Dangerous laser strikes topped all previous records in 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received 13,304 reports from pilots last year, a 41 percent increase over 2022.

Shining a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety threat. Many types of high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 313 injuries since the FAA began recording data on laser strikes in 2010.

“The FAA is committed to maintaining the safest air transportation system in the world. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk,” said FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker.

People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Violators can also face criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“Like many crimes, there’s a need for education, outreach, and cooperation from the public to address this safety risk. We encourage you to report laser strikes to the FAA via our website or to your local law enforcement agency,” said Whitaker.

To identify laser-strike trends, the FAA’s visualization tool shows laser-strike data from 2010 to 2023 and highlights trends by geographic area, per capita data, time of day and year. The FAA shares the information to draw attention to the dangerously high rate.

Laser report data by year can also be downloaded on the FAA’s website.

The FAA strongly encourages the public to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies.

Elton Jay, Retired Mississippi State Aeronautics Director Passes Away

Kim Stevens

Elton Edward Jay, Jr., a former engineer with the FAA and retired state aeronautics director for the Mississippi Department of Transportation passed away on January 26, 2024. 

Elton Jay, Jr.

Elton graduated from Batesville High School and from Mississippi State University with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He was a Professional Engineer and began his career working with the Mississippi State Highway Department under the Cooperative Program in 1956. After graduation, he worked with the MSHD in Batesville, the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Missouri and the Army Corps of Engineers in Memphis before beginning his career with the Federal Aviation Administration there in 1970. Moving to Brandon in 1974, he continued with the FAA before retiring in December 1996 as Principal Engineer in the Jackson, MS Airports District Office. Elton was then employed by the Mississippi Department of Transportation as the State Aeronautics Director for 10 years before retiring in June 2007.

Elton Jay, left and Tommy Booth.

“Elton was a friend to so many people who knew him,” said Tommy Booth, who retired as the Mississippi Aeronautics Director in 2021. “I was blessed to have him as a boss and a mentor.  Airports in Mississippi have thrived because of his guidance and leadership throughout his career. He will be missed greatly.”

Upon his retirement, the FAA Southern Region presented him its highest honor, The Kitty Hawk Award, recognizing him for the contributions in providing leadership in planning and developing safe and efficient airports in Mississippi while serving as the Aeronautics Director. He was an active member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials and served as a Director for the FAA Southern Region. Also, a member of the Mississippi Airport’s Association, he was appointed a lifetime member of the Board of Directors upon retirement.

He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for 36 years and received numerous awards and citations.   After serving in various command and staff assignments in the 108th Armored Cavalry Squadron, State Inspector General and Coordinator of the State Marksmanship program, he ended his career as a Colonel and Base Commander at the Camp McCain Training Site. Upon his retirement, he was promoted to Brigadier General.

Ray Seif Named the New Kansas Division of Aviation Director

Kim Stevens

Ray Seif was recently named the new Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation Director. His first day in the office was January 17th. Seif joins KDOT after serving as the Airport Manager of the Augusta, KS Municipal Airport.

Ray Seif

Seif first became interested in aviation while attending Wichita Southeast High School. “I was in a transportation class and our instructor Douglas Jones took us to the airport. His friend took us up in an airplane. That was my first flight in a small aircraft. I loved it and was hooked,” said Seif, who later discovered that the flight was part of the EAA Young Eagle program.

Seif has hit the ground running, having recently met virtually with several other state aviation directors during a meeting of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). They offered to work with me and welcomed me to the group,” said Seif.

Seif said the Division has a very challenging year ahead. “We are currently working through grant applications for the Kansas Airport Improvement Program and we have several upcoming events,” he said. “I would also like to work with industry stakeholders to implement a statewide high school aviation education curriculum, although that may take some time. I would also like to be a valuable resource to airports, pilots, and aviation industry within the state, acting as a conduit in hopes of growing aviation, creating a workforce pipeline, and creating opportunities for our next generation.”

Legislation Paving Way for Flying Cars in the US

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Switchblade Flying Sports Car in Drive Mode (rendering).

Legislative bodies across the US are working to ensure that roadable aircraft can be easily registered and licensed in all 50 states. Two US companies (Samson Sky and Alef), and two European companies (Pal-V and Klein), are projected to start production in 2025.

Samson Sky was one of three flying car companies who provided industry input to New Hampshire’s House Transportation Committee, resulting in a historic milestone with the 2020 passage of the first ever legislation for state registration of roadable aircraft. The bill dubbed, The “Jetson Bill” included wording to allow roadable aircraft a simpler method of state registration to allow their use on state roads and highways. Other stakeholders included flying car companies Terrafugia (they have since moved US operations to China) and PAL-V, a Dutch company with a US office in New Hampshire.

Switchblade

As with any small aircraft, you are not allowed to takeoff from or land on public roads in flying mode, except if you have declared an emergency, as is accepted under existing rules for aircraft. The new legislation basically specifies that drivers of roadable aircraft are required to adhere to the rules of the road while driving, the same as any other car, truck, bicycle, motorcycle, or farm vehicle.

With the Jetson Bill as a precedent for nationwide flying car regulations, Samson is currently working with numerous other states on similar legislation. Russell Bousfield, Samson’s legislative analyst affirmed that bills are actively being drafted which are projected to be introduced into committee in 2024, in eight of the more populous and forward-looking states.

“We’re very excited to provide industry input to State legislators who are laying the foundation for this new form of transportation”, said Bousfield. “It’s been very rewarding to work with influential lawmakers that share a desire to bring about new technologies and advancements in aerospace.”

Many states are interested in encouraging job and industry growth, and high-tech jobs are a sure way to bring more skilled jobs into their communities. “Legislation to help simplify the integration of roadable aircraft into the highway system will serve to benefit all flying car manufacturers,” said Bousfield. “And I would like to thank those legislative members who have drafted bills, for their contribution to advancing aerospace innovation.”

Samson’s flying sports car, which had its maiden flight in November 2023, has a unique hybrid electric system, which uses unleaded auto gas rather than leaded aviation fuel. Owners can fuel up at any auto gas station. The Switchblade’s Skybrid ™ hybrid electric drive system for flying cars is also cutting edge and sets the stage for future all-electric versions of this popular flying car. This system has features found in no other vehicle on earth.

From your garage, you drive your street-legal Switchblade to a nearby airport. Once there, you transform the vehicle from driving to flying mode, and fly to the airport closest to your destination, where you land, transform back to driving mode and drive the last few miles to your final destination.

The Switchblade seats two, side-by-side, with room to store travel bags, and flies up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas. For more information about the Switchblade and to follow its progress into production, visit: www.SamsonSky.com

Tuskegee Airmen PT-19 Trainer Restored by CAF Airbase Georgia Returns to the Skies

Kim Stevens

Photo above – A WWII PT-19 Cornell trainer initially used by Tuskegee Airmen takes off for its first flight after two years of complete restoration by CAF Airbase Georgia members. (Photo by Charles Burcher)

After two years of dedicated restoration work, Fairchild PT-19A, serial number 42-83511, took to the skies again at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field, in Peachtree City, Ga., on Jan.18, 2024. 

“This historic aircraft, originally used to train Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, had flown for Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia for many years, but the leadership team decided it was time to take it apart and inspect, restore and repaint it,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. “Re-skinning the aircraft with fabric and applying an authentic paint scheme took a lot of time, but our members were committed to recreating a piece of aviation history.”

The aircraft was completely disassembled and inspected. The horizontal stabilizer was replaced, some supporting wood structures were replaced, and all canopy glass was replaced.  The aircraft was re-covered with polyester fabric, primed with a UV protectant and painted with Ranthane silver polyurethane. After new weight-and-balance calculations and final inspections, Air Force Major Gen. (Ret.) George Harrison, an Airbase Georgia pilot, was cleared to conduct a ground engine test and then take off.

This PT-19A was built Nov. 1, 1943, and CAF Airbase Georgia acquired it in 2006. It had been modified with a closed cockpit like the later model PT-26, to allow flying in inclement weather. It flew throughout the Southeast at airshows and fly-ins, offering rides to the public, until it was brought back to the shop for its restoration in 2022.

The PT-19 series was developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940 as part of its expansion program. It was a more advanced type of aircraft; inexpensive, simple to maintain and virtually viceless. It was one of a handful of primary trainer designs that enabled cadets to become pilots in the U.S. and Commonwealth training programs throughout WWII and beyond.

The cantilever, low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear and a tailwheel featured two-place, tandem seating and an open cockpit. The simple but rugged construction included a fabric-covered, welded steel tube fuselage. The remainder of the aircraft used plywood construction, with a plywood-sheathed center section, outer wing panels and tail assembly.

Hastings Municipal Airport named Nebraska Airport of the Year

Kim Stevens

The Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics honored the Hastings Municipal Airport on Thursday, Jan. 25 as Airport of the Year. On behalf of the Airport, representatives received signs for the airport, a certificate and a poster to display from NDOT.

“The Nebraska Division of Aeronautics received more “Airport of the Year” submissions in 2023 than in recent years, and this year’s decision was tough,” said Jeremy Borrell, Director, Division of Aeronautics for the Nebraska Department of Transportation. “All of the nominations for 2023 highlighted the wonderful things taking place at airports across Nebraska.” 

Jeremy Borrell

The submission nominating the Hastings Municipal Airport highlighted the partnerships between the Airport, the City of Hastings, the Airport Advisory Board, airport tenants and users, and the local community.  These partnerships have grown significantly over the past several years, resulting in increased airport activity, successful hosting of well-attended events, and improved airport infrastructure.  “We are excited to be able to celebrate this success through the award of “Airport of the Year” to the Hastings Municipal Airport,” said Borrell.

Representatives of the Hastings aviation community accepted the award during the Nebraska Aviation Symposium at the Crown Plaza Conference Center in Kearney. The Airport of the Year designation is open to all airports in the state, regardless of size.

“I know a lot of people have noticed the changes and growth of our airport as well as the increased activity,” Airport Manager Matthew Kuhr said. “I think this award validates that the efforts of the city, city staff and the airport community are being recognized on a larger scale.”

Kuhr was joined at the Nebraska Aviation Symposium by Airport Advisory Board members Jason Haase, Phil Beda, Aaron Schardt and Brent Hoops, as well as Airport Facilities Technician Jim Howsden; and Flight Instructors Dan Spellman and Glen Bredthauer.

Spellman and Bredthauer are also members of the Hastings Experimental Aircraft Association chapter. Bredthauer is also a mechanic for J&S as well as a member of the Nebraska Antique Airplane Association.

Kuhr said the city and the aviation community have worked hard over the last few years to create a culture and environment at the airport that is welcoming to everyone that is interested in aviation.

The Hastings Municipal Airport is home to the Nebraska Chapter of the Antique Airplane Association, which hosts a hamburger feed during the last Saturday each month from March to October.

“We work hard to engage and include the local community,” he said. “We have grown. New mechanics and families have moved to town. We are the home of the Nebraska Antique Airplane Association. We have an Active EAA chapter. We have an FBO to refuel and take care of the business traffic that come to town. And we have several people that are learning to fly as well as several that have completed their licenses. I think that all of this led to the receiving of this award.

Kuhr is excited about the growth. “Aviation is so much more than buying a ticket for an airline,” he said. “An active airport can help drive economic growth for a city.”

Hastings Municipal Airport sees several medical aircraft each week that help bring in doctors or supplies to Mary Lanning Healthcare, as well as the medical evacuation of people who need care. The military uses the Hastings Municipal Airport for training and fuel. 

Recent accomplishments for Hastings Municipal Airport include an influx of prospective pilots earning licenses and bringing in the mechanic company J&S Aviation, which offers a full avionics shop servicing dash and navigation systems.

Becoming the home of the Antique Aircraft Association and having an active Fixed Base Operator, Hastings Air LLC, has also increased the profile of Hastings Municipal Airport.

“We serve the community in so many ways,” Kuhr said. “We want our airport to be something the city and community can be proud of.”

AOPA Celebrates Excellence in Flight Training Through 2024 Flight Training Experience Award Winners

Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s 2024 Flight Training Experience Survey received thousands of submissions from students and pilots across the country. Six flight schools and six flight instructors were chosen as the most excellent in their respective region.

The Flight Training Experience survey asked student pilots, newly minted pilots, and pilots pursuing advanced ratings or taking a flight review for feedback about the quality of their flight training and instruction experience. The survey gave respondents the opportunity to highlight the best parts of their flight training and identify where flight schools and instructors may want to make improvements.

Of the regional winners, one flight school and one flight instructor will be recognized as the nation’s best, announced at Redbird Migration, a flight training conference hosted March 5 and 6 at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston.

“This year we have seen something similar to past years,” Chris Moser, AOPA’s senior director of flight training education, said. “The emphasis was on how much the best schools and instructors made their customers feel like family. Whether through creating a warm or welcoming atmosphere, or simply just being there when the client needs them, I am excited to hear about the strong community that is being built right from the start.”

The Flight Training Experience Survey has helped the AOPA You Can Fly team recognize superior flight training professionals since 2012.

AOPA’s You Can Fly program is dedicated to building the pilot community by creating programs for flying clubs, rusty pilots, and high school students who need support with their aviation goals.

REGIONAL WINNERS

Flight Schools

Central Southwest

  • Code 1 Flight Training / Wills Point, Texas

Eastern

  • Air Ventures Flying School / Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Great Lakes

  • Pilot Flight Training Courses / Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Pacific

  • Mike Smith Aviation / Napa, California

Southern

  • Aviator Zone Academy / Miami, Florida

Western

  • Copper City Aviation Services LLC / Bisbee, Arizona

Flight Instructors

Central Southwest

  • Norm Rathje / Wills Point, Texas

Eastern

  • Malinda (Lin) Caywood / Frederick, Maryland

Great Lakes

  • Ernest Boys / Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Pacific

  • Margaret Watt / Hollister, California

Southern

  • Kurt Belsten / Melbourne, Florida

Western

  • Kerry Constable / Scottsdale, Arizona

Boca Raton Airport Hosts Memorable Dinner & Reception to Honor 75th Anniversary

Kim Stevens

The Boca Raton Airport recently dazzled attendees with the 75th Anniversary Dinner & Reception held within the Signature Flight Support hangar. The event featured a cocktail reception, a first-class dinner, captivating experiences, and exciting presentations throughout the evening.

Alex Gertsen, NBAA and Clara Bennett, Executive Director, Boca Raton Airport.

The exclusive reception welcomed current and past board members, employees, tenants, and city and state officials who were treated to captivating festivities that included an interactive photo booth, virtual reality experiences, and a live band that opened up the dance floor to conclude the evening’s festivities.

The night was enhanced with the City of Boca Raton providing the Airport with a plaque honoring their 75 years of service. In addition, Senator Lori Berman and Senator Tina Polsky delivered a proclamation from the State of Florida and District 4 Commissioner Marci Woodward awarded a proclamation from the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners.

Clara Bennett and City Manager George Brown.

“The Dinner & Reception is a momentous occasion for us,” said Boca Raton Executive Director Clara Bennett. “We’re able to celebrate this key milestone, express our gratitude to our valued employees and tenants, and connect with our esteemed board members and government officials as we head into the new year. And a special thank you to Signature Aviation for hosting the event. The Boca Raton Airport continually strives for excellence and innovation in everything we do, and this night encapsulates that.”

Learn more about Boca Raton Airport’s 75th Anniversary at bocaairport.com/75years

GAMA Welcomes Seven New Memberships

Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the addition of BLR Aerospace and Victory Lane Aviation as Members; Skyryse and Wing as Associate Members; and Alaka’i Technologies Corporation, Crisalion Mobility, and Cuberg as Associate Members EPIC.

BLR Aerospace is headquartered in Everett, Washington, and was founded in 1922. They provide performance enhancing aftermarket products for rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft. BLR works to solve the problems that matter most to the aviation community by engineering, certifying, manufacturing and marketing aerodynamic systems that enhance the productivity, performance and safety of airplanes and helicopters.

Victory Lane Aviation is headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, and was founded in 2015. They provide quality and dedicated maintenance, parts and avionics services to a variety of aircraft types at both their main location and in Charlotte. Their robust list of services includes AOG assistance and work with smaller airlines. Victory Lane Aviation (VLA) is an authorized service center for Epic, Piper, Textron, Icon, plus a Garmin dealer, and much more. VLA also operates a flight school and offers a managed customer program for more personalized service.

Skyryse is headquartered in El Segundo, California, and was founded in 2016. They are developing a universal flight deck and operating system that will automate flight controls and management to improve aviation safety. Skyryse is focused on bringing trust, safety and the accessibility of flight for all through its easy and intuitive integrated flight control system. Skyryse joined GAMA in 2018 as an Associate Member EPIC and has elevated their membership.

Wing offers drone delivery. Their fleet of lightweight, highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes in minutes. Wing delivery is safe, sustainable and easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks. Wing is part of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Wing joined GAMA in 2022 as an Associate Member EPIC and has elevated their membership.

Alaka’i Technologies Corporation  started developing its eVTOL, named Skai, in 2018. Headquartered in Stow, Massachusetts, they are combining the benefits of a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain with the simplicity of fixed rotor systems to make Skai the simple and safe method for people and cargo to go anywhere.

Crisalion Mobility is a leading company in the development of manned and multi-mission eVTOL and solutions for ground vehicles based on the Intellydrive technology (teleoperation and creation of convoys). Crisalion is a pioneer in Spain and among the world’s first companies to carry out successful flight tests of a full-scale eVTOL.

Cuberg, part of the Northvolt group, builds high-performance energy solutions for the world’s most demanding battery applications. Cuberg was founded in 2015 in order to commercialize its next-generation lithium metal cell technology and was acquired by Northvolt in 2021 in order to bring this innovation to scale. Cuberg is located in San Leandro, California.

For more information about GAMA membership criteria, visit gama.aero.