Month: July 2024

Frontiers of Flight Museum Celebrates the 55th Anniversary of National Moon Day with Space-Themed Activities for the Community

Kim Stevens

In celebration of the 55th Anniversary of National Moon Day, the Frontiers of Flight Museum will host its 16th Annual Moon Day event. Taking place Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this enriching and engaging day of space exploration will feature interactive activities, one-of-a-kind exhibits and space-themed presentations for the entire community to enjoy. Tickets for this highly anticipated signature event are on sale now on the Frontiers of Flight Museum’s website.

In 1969, history was made, and the world was changed when Apollo 11 became the first spaceflight to land humans on the Moon. This monumental milestone, known as National Moon Day, marked the beginning of endless possibilities for space exploration and has been commemorated by the Frontiers of Flight Museum since 2009.

“We are extremely proud to host our annual event to celebrate the past, present and future of space exploration, while inspiring the next generation of space explorers,” said Abigail Erickson-Torres, CEO of the Frontiers of Flight Museum.  “It is the perfect day to explore the history and progress of space and aviation, in a fun and welcoming environment.”

For the first time ever, attendees of the 16th Annual Moon Day event will have an exclusive opportunity to view a unique exhibition called “Legends of Space Innovation: David Clark Company,” which will feature two rare prototype space suits and headsets designed and manufactured by the David Clark Company based in Worcester, MA.  On loan from the David Clark Company, the pieces are the newest addition to the Frontiers of Flight Museum and will be available for viewing through December 31, 2024.  Additionally, art and exploration will unite with the premier of a commissioned life-sized painting of 10 Apollo astronauts by Polish-born Maciej Maga, who has lived in Dallas nearly 20 years. The painting will be available for viewing through October 31, 2024.

This year’s event will also feature a special keynote presentation from Colonel Gregory H. Johnson, retired US Air Force officer, aerospace engineer, and NASA astronaut. He’ll share colorful and inspiring stories from his aviation and spaceflight experiences including his time as pilot of the STS-123 Endeavour. The STS-123 Endeavour crew performed a record five spacewalks and the mission was accomplished in 250 orbits of the Earth, traveling more than 6 million miles in 15 days, 18 hours and 10 minutes.

“The keynote presentation is a highlight for our guests as we have hosted several astronauts throughout the years,” said Rosalie Wade, Director of Education for the Frontiers of Flight Museum. “It is truly an honor to offer our visitors new one-of-a-kind components to our signature Moon Day event and to have Colonel Johnson share insight and wisdom from his astounding career.”

The Frontiers of Flight Museum’s 16th Annual Moon Day is a public event that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and space-themed activities and displays for the young, young at heart and avid aviation aficionados. Additional highlights include a book signing by Jim Keyes, author of “Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands,” as well as over 20 exhibitors, seven speakers, autograph signings, educational hands-on activities, food trucks and music. Guest speakers will also discuss a variety of topics ranging from “Pioneering the Path to the Moon” to “The Voyager Spacecraft: Humanity’s Farthest Journey.”

While enjoying the many Moon Day festivities, families are encouraged to explore the rich diversity of aviation and flight history throughout the two-level 100,000-square-foot space. The Frontiers of the Flight Museum is home to more than 40 aircraft and space vehicles including the Apollo 7 command module, 16 galleries and displays and more than 35,000 historic artifacts.  Among the many exhilarating exhibitions are “Dreamers and Early Flyers,” “Lighter than Air,” “Modern Air Power” and “Golden Age.”  In addition, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts can earn badges and K-12 Educators can earn CPE credits while attending the Moon Day event.

Tickets to attend the 16th Annual Moon Day event are $15 for children and $20 for adults and are free for children two years of age and younger. To purchase tickets, learn more and view the complete schedule of activities, please visit www.flightmuseum.com/events/moonday.

The Frontiers of Flight’s 16th Annual Moon Day event is made possible through gracious sponsors: The Dan and Gena Hamilton Family Fund and PlainsCapital Bank.

Southwest Florida International Airport Sees 11% Increase in May Traffic

Kim Stevens

During May, 843,270 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was an increase of 11 percent compared to May 2023. It was also the second-best May reported in the 41-year history of the airport. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 21 percent.

The traffic leader in May was Delta with 192,204 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (150,279), American (146,034), United (133,218) and JetBlue (71,519).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 6,945 aircraft operations; a decrease of 0.2 percent compared to May 2023. Page Field saw 16,861 operations, which was a 13 percent decrease compared to May 2023.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10 million passengers in 2023 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Governor, HDOT and U.S. Army Sign 50-Year Lease for Former Dillingham Airfield

Kim Stevens

Governor Josh Green, M.D., the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i (USAG-HI) have signed a new 50-year lease at Kawaihāpai Airfield (HDH), formerly known as Dillingham Airfield. The new lease went into effect July 6, 2024, at which time airfield operations will continue normal operations, including uninterrupted water service to the tenants; water service to nearby off-airport users will continue as described below.

“Kawaihāpai Airfield plays a significant role in aircraft training for civilians and the military and a significant role in a healthy, diversified economy,” said Governor Green. “I’m proud that as a state we are able to come together with the varied stakeholders at Dillingham to continue to operate as a civil aviation resource and reach a mutual solution for water delivery.”

“This new 50-year lease will ensure Kawaihāpai Airfield remains open for commercial activities and will continue to serve as a critical economic resource for O‘ahu’s North Shore community,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “This was a collaborative effort that brought together the state, the Army Garrison Hawai‘i, Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District, local businesses, elected officials and community members, all focused on a common goal of ensuring the continued operation of Kawaihāpai Airfield. We appreciate the tremendous efforts of the Army Garrison and Corps of Engineers in working with us and our community stakeholders to reach this important milestone.”

“This joint effort between the Army Garrison Hawai‘i, Corps of Engineers Honolulu District and the state of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation represents the commitment we all have to the local community, local vendors and the diverse set of users of Kawaihāpai Airfield,” said Col. Steve McGunegle, commander U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i. “We want to also highlight that Aqua Engineers has come on board to run the Dillingham Public Water System (PWS) as a third party and this is critical for the airfield and local community.”

For the past 10 years, HDOT and the Army have been working to address lease-related issues that have limited HDOT from receiving federal grants for Kawaihāpai Airfield. Specifically, in July 2023, HDOT formally informed the Army that the state could not continue to operate HDH unless three critical issues were resolved. Working together, HDOT, the Army Garrison Hawai‘i and the Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District reached agreements on each of these conditions.

First, HDOT required a long-term lease and Joint Use Agreement so that HDOT could remain eligible for federal grants to support infrastructure improvements and continue deferred maintenance work in support of ongoing civilian operations. Second, HDOT required a new lease that would provide sufficient rights and powers to satisfy the department’s obligations under federal law and pursuant to federal grants.

The third condition required that HDOT would continue to have access to necessary water to operate and maintain the airfield, but would no longer be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Dillingham PWS. The Dillingham PWS serves HDH tenants and about 30 water users, including select residents, and Camp Erdman. Historically, HDOT has retained oversight of the airfield’s water system; however, continuing to do so would not comply with federal funding requirements.

In support of the new lease, the Army has established a separate five-year license with community-based Aqua Engineers to be the operator of the Dillingham PWS beginning July 6, 2024. This new arrangement will ensure service continues to current water users, both at the airfield and in the nearby community. Within the five-year term of the license, the Army will work with Aqua Engineers to secure a long-term agreement for the continued operation of the Dillingham PWS.

Kawaihāpai Airfield is part of Dillingham Military Reservation, an active U.S. Army installation, and is leased from the U.S. Army to the HDOT for the operation of a joint military/civil airfield. The priorities for use of Kawaihāpai Airfield are (a) military flight operations, (b) military ground maneuvers and (c) civil aviation and sport parachute operations.

“This is tremendous work and partnering with Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and U.S. Army Garrison. This 50-year lease provides significant benefits to the community and enhances readiness in the Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Christopher “Ryan” Pevey, Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District. “I am excited the larger community will be able to continue to have access to this general aviation airport.”

The Army routinely conducts exercises and training where the use of the airfield is required for ground training and aviation purposes including helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Systems and cargo planes. The Army also hosts the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, a large-scale training exercise, at the airfield, serving a vital role in ensuring regional combat preparedness.

The civilian-owned-and-operated businesses at the airfield cater to visitors and local patrons for their recreational aviation interests including glider flying, free-fall parachuting, sightseeing and occasionally, trips to neighboring islands.

MAC Selects Curt Rebelein as New Chief Information Security Officer

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Curt Rebelein as the organization’s new chief information security officer. In his new role, Rebelein will direct work related to security of the MAC’s information networks, data privacy issues and regulatory compliance.

Chief Information Security Officer Curt Rebelein. Courtesy of Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Rebelein brings nearly three decades of experience in information technology, with a primary focus on security. Most recently he was the chief information security officer for Minneapolis-based Provation Medical. At Provation, he expanded and diversified the company’s security and compliance program and helped the company transition to a publicly traded organization. Prior to that role, he worked in a variety of positions helping to establish security standards for companies including UnitedHealth Group, Target, Medtronic and CenturyLink.

“Safe and secure data resources are essential for day-to-day operations and our ongoing efforts to enhance airport experiences for travelers and other stakeholders,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. “Curt Rebelein brings deep and varied experience to our team, and he will be a great resource for us to ensure that our data is effectively managed and protected.”

Rebelein holds numerous professional certifications related to information systems, cloud security, information systems auditing, and risk and information systems control. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he studied computer science, mathematics and physics. Rebelein is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.

“Ensuring robust cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding our critical infrastructure and maintaining the trust of those who rely on our services,” said MAC Chief Information Officer Eduardo Valencia. “We are excited to welcome Curt Rebelein as our first dedicated chief information security officer. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our information security strategies and protecting our airport’s vital operations.”

Art Greenfield Elevated to Senior Vice President, Contest & Records

Kim Stevens

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced the promotion of  Art Greenfield to Senior Vice President, Contest & Records.

Art Greenfield

Greenfield, a leading voice at the NAA for over 30 years, is recognized for his exceptional leadership and influence in the international air sports community. His service to the United States National Air Sports Control and the entire international air sports community, marked by his exceptional management and recording of aviation records, earned him the prestigious Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Silver Medal in 2012.

“Understanding and applying the FAI Sporting Code is imperative to the NAA mission,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO.  “Art’s passion for international air sports, attention to detail, desire for accuracy, and thorough knowledge of NAA and FAI practices are second to none. Art’s promotion is a testament to his dedication to our vision and impact. We truly couldn’t do what we do without him.”

Art with FAI Silver Award in 2012.

Greenfield’s commitment to aviation is evident in his impact on many organizations and initiatives. Demonstrating thorough knowledge of aviation is a hallmark of Greenfield’s work ethic and his influence in various aviation organizations serve as a testament to that. He currently serves nationally as a NAA Director, and as a member of the NAA Contest and Records Board. Internationally, Greenfield participates as an elected member of  FAI’s General Air Sport Commission (CASI), and FAI’s General Aviation Commission (GAC). His work on the NAA’s Sustainable Wings Certification, which recognizes aeronautic records attained using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlights Greenfield’s forward-thinking approach for a more sustainable future in aviation.

A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Greenfield holds a Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Certificate and a USHPA Novice Paraglider Pilot Rating.

OP ED: Boeing 737 Max  

Kim Stevens

A Guest Perspective by Edward J. McCall, A.A.E., C.A.E.

The Boeing 737 Max is once again having problems while flying passengers with numerous issues after two accidents resulting in the loss of over three hundred lives. While the investigations go on again, we need to look back.

Edward J. McCall

In May of 1979 an American Airlines maintenance foreman decided it would be faster and more cost effective to do engine work on a DC10 by eliminating one step in the procedure. The foreman reasoned if the engine pylon mount was removed along with the engine instead of separately it would save time and then money. The short cut procedure resulted in excess strain on the entire engine mounting system connecting the engine to the wing. The most G Forces are on an aircraft during the takeoff. The continued cycles of takeoffs weakened the wing mounting system over time. Then at 3:10 p.m. on May 25 American Airlines Flight 191 was departing Chicago O’Hare International Airport on runway 32R. The pressure on the wing mounting bolt system caused the engine to give way and fling the engine over the wing, taking the hydraulic system lines with it. The DC10 began to bank left out of the takeoff climb and hit the ground killing over 260 people.

I was scheduled at Chicago O’Hare Operations as the Duty Manager. Working the accident site was horrific, then the recovery and investigations were very difficult on all the staff. This was an unnecessary accident. We need to not just be concerned with outward obvious safety issues but also the well-intentioned time saving cost cutting shortcuts.

The problem I have now with 40 years in aviation is witnessing the Boeing Company making the same decisions but on a grander scale with the B737 Max. Instead of designing a new aircraft it was decided to use the existing platform to enlarge the aircraft again as in the past. The changes required deformed the original aerodynamics of the B737 and adjusting the engine locations.  We had two fatal accidents that did not need to happen. It looks like we could have had more but for luck.

Edward J. McCall, A.A.E., C.A.E.

www.AirBossMac.com

                                                                                                                  

Latest Microsoft Flight Simulator City Update Adds Accurate Model of Washington D.C. and Fireworks for 4th of July Celebrations

Andrew Stevens

I had the opportunity to sit down with Jorg Neumann, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator at Microsoft to talk about all the latest excitement surrounding Microsoft Flight Simulator. This includes an accurate and highly detailed model of Washington D.C. for simmers to fly over thanks to the latest photogrammetry technology. This arrives in the latest City Update IX: Northeast United States which covers a large portion of the Washington D.C metro area, along with Buffalo, New York; Allentown, Pennsylvania; and the East End of Long Island, New York.

City Update IX: Northeast United States Trailer

One of Microsoft’s partners for Microsoft Flight Simulator is Vexcel Imaging which uses its aerial cameras for photogrammetry and allows the Microsoft Flight Simulator team to convert that imagery data into highly accurate models. While speaking with Jorg, he mentioned how Vexcel and its evolving camera technology plays a critical part in providing these detailed city updates to Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Vexcel is currently using newer and enhanced cameras that have 3 times the increased resolution for capturing terrain. The old data would cause some buildings to look “melted” and have a loss of detail when getting an up-close look, but now this is no longer the case with the latest cameras. Jorg knows that the world needs to continue to look much better moving forward as players explore further and land everywhere. With the evolution of camera technology, it’s only going to get better. This will enhance the experience for both Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The continuous improvement in camera technology and how that enhances the experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator is very exciting for all of us simmers out there. City updates are only going to get more impressive from here on out. The nice thing is that this will also include cities that were captured using older camera technology. This means some of the most popular cities will get a fresh new coat of paint in the future! So, continue to keep an eye out for the latest city and world updates moving forward!

For the latest city update, which was captured using the newest cameras from Vexcel, Jorg wanted to work on the Northeast United States. The team selected cities they haven’t captured previously, bringing realism to Buffalo, Allentown, the Hamptons, and the massive Washington D.C. metro area. Capturing Washington D.C. has been an ongoing discussion for nearly four years due to the highly restricted airspace that requires communicating with Federal agencies to get approval. The other challenge was due to sun placement and needing to make sure they can capture the terrain at a specific time of day so there are limited shadows being cast by buildings and trees. It was a yearly discussion before finally getting approval earlier this year and now we can all now enjoy flying around the entire Washington D.C. metro area in such glorious detail! If only I could have easily flown around the area when I lived there so I could have avoided driving on the 495 and 270. I don’t miss you at all…

By the way, it’s amazing how quickly production can move as the Vexcel team just captured the Washington D.C. terrain in April and the Microsoft Flight Simulator team converted the data and shipped it in just over 2 months’ time. Nicely done!

Another fun feature now available in Microsoft Flight Simulator as part of the update is fireworks! With the 4th of July just two days away, every major US city will experience a fireworks show in the sim. So, if you are flying in real time, make sure to be near a major city at 10pm local time to start witnessing a beautiful fireworks show!

If you’re like me and have other plans on the 4th, you can always set the time and date to whenever you want to fly so you can enjoy the fireworks on your own timeline. I told Jorg I would have to do that since my wife has plans for us that day. However, he did suggest that my wife and I just have our date in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Talk about a fantastic idea, right? I asked my wife if we should do that instead of our original plans and that’s when my plane got rerouted to the doghouse – thanks, Jorg! (joking, of course!! Kinda…)

The City Update IX: Northeast United States is now available for free for all simmers on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows 10/11, Steam, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta).

More to come on my talk with Jorg Neumann. Thank you again to Jorg for taking the time to chat with me and to Bob and Hollis for your support with making this happen.

FAA Makes Additional $1 Billion Available for Airport Terminal Program Grants and Announces $289 Million in Awards  

Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is announcing a seventh round of Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) totaling $289 million to 129 airports across 40 states, improving the safety and efficiency of air travel. The projects are funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s AIG program, part of the $25 billion in total funding for airport improvements such as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements.

“Americans are flying in record numbers, and the Biden-Harris Administration continues to invest in our airports to make travel safer and more convenient for the people who pass through these airports each day,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This latest round of funding will support key improvements to terminals, runways, and baggage systems and build on the work this Administration is doing to modernize our aviation infrastructure.”

In June, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record-breaking 2.99 million passengers in a single day at airports. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals this Independence Day holiday travel season, which is a 5.4% increase over last year’s travel volumes.

Some of the airports receiving new funding from the Biden-Harris Administration include:

$66.7 million to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona: This grant funds the site demolition and preparation for a new 2,100-foot taxiway to accommodate more flights.

$22.2 million to Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds the rehabilitation of a taxiway and engineered safety enhancements to a runway.

$30.1 million to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia: This grant funding will reconstruct a runway.

$8.2 million to Hollywood Burbank Airport in California: This grant funds the third phase of construction for a new terminal building. This phase consists of construction of the foundation and waterproofing to meet design standards.

$8.8 million to Bradley International Airport in Connecticut: This grant funds the rehabilitation of Runway 6/24 to improve safety.

$2.2 million to Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport in Wyoming: This grant funds construction of a new taxilane off Taxiway A to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to meet current FAA standards.

$17.2 million to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida: This grant funds the rehabilitation of existing Runway 14/32 shoulders to improve safety. Additionally, this grant funds reconstruction of the pavement for Taxiways F and H.

$26.6 million to Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana: This grant funds reconstruction of Runway 5/23 to improve safety. 

$1.3 million to Knox County Regional Airport in Maine: This grant funds reconstruction of taxilanes and the southwest general aviation apron.

In addition to today’s AIG announcement, the FAA has opened the application period for airports to submit projects for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Airport Terminal Program (ATP), also funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The FY 2025 ATP provides approximately $1 billion in funding for safe, sustainable and accessible airport terminals, airport-owned airport traffic control towers, and on-airport rail and bus projects that improve multimodal connections.

“We’re seeing where our investments are making a real difference for communities across the nation,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. “I encourage airports to take advantage of this opportunity to build modern facilities that are accessible, safe, resilient to climate change impacts and achieve environmental sustainability.”

Since 2022, the FAA has announced over 300 projects to receive ATP grants aimed at improving the passenger experience, modernizing America’s airports, and improving competition in the airline industry by supporting equal access to infrastructure for airlines. To date, over 190 terminal projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s ATP program are under construction, and six projects are already complete.

Examples of these projects include:

$14.4 million to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona: This project updated and expanded the existing terminal to replace the temporary 4-gate facility with a permanent 5-gate. The new terminal facility improves energy efficiency and achieves Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance for individuals with access and functional needs.

$24 million to San Diego International Airport in California: This funding supported the demolition and reconstruction of a new energy efficient terminal facility with 19 passenger gates increasing passenger capacity. 

$1.8 million to Corpus Christi International Airport in Texas: This project modernized restrooms, lactation rooms and service animal relief areas throughout the airport. Additionally, this project modernized the energy management systems including energy efficient generators, HVAC, and installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

$5 million to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport in Tennessee: This project added two new gates, one expanded gate, new restrooms, and an additional TSA screening lane. The additional space increased passenger capacity to achieve ADA compliance.

$219,988 to Henderson City-County Airport in Kentucky: This project installed a new roof for the terminal building. 

$11 million to Missoula Airport in Montana: This project constructed phase 2 of a new terminal building equipped with energy efficient systems, improving capacity for increased passenger demand.

In February 2024, after a robust competition, Secretary Buttigieg announced the project selections for the FY 2024 ATP totaling approximately $1 billion. The selected projects are moving quickly towards implementation.

Airports are encouraged to submit eligible project applications for the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program as soon as possible but no later than 5 PM ET, July 31, 2024. The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the criteria for airports to apply.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding public transit and rail, and modernizing the nation’s ports and airports. To date, the Administration has announced over $454 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for over 57,000 infrastructure projects across the nation and has mobilized over $877 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States.  

Airports, Industry Leaders Unveil Airport Digital Marketplace Concept

Kim Stevens

The American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) has released broad research that examines the concept of an Airport Digital Marketplace, aimed at enhancing stakeholder engagement and driving revenue growth through digital transformation.

The objectives of an Airport Digital Marketplace are to personalize and simplify passenger journeys; modernize processes; boost revenue; and streamline operations. The Digital Marketplace integrates retail and dining, enables service provider collaboration, bolsters data analytics, and offers targeted advertising.

ACT collaborated with Schneider Electric, San Antonio International Airport, and industry experts to identify opportunities to for new digital solutions and develop strategies for implementation in the report.

“Establishing an airport information exchange datahub delivers transformative benefits to the aviation industry,” said Kyle Herbig, Vice President, Airport Solutions, at AAAE. “This digital marketplace concept can revolutionize airport interactions by enhancing efficiency, improving customer experience, and unlocking new revenue streams. AAAE is committed to leading these initiatives.”

“Our goal with the Airport Digital Marketplace is to revolutionize how airports interact with passengers, airlines, and retailers,” added Thomas Bartlett, C.M., Deputy Director of Airports at San Antonio International Airport. “This initiative will allow airports to leverage data analytics for better decision-making and offer tailored services that meet the evolving needs of passengers.”

“Digitization plays a pivotal role in transforming the airport ecosystem, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience,” said Kieran McLoughlin, Vice President, Digital Solutions, at Schneider Electric.  “We are proud to contribute our expertise and thought leadership to the latest AAAE white paper, outlining the significant impact of digital solutions in shaping the future of airports worldwide.” For more information about the Airport Digital Marketplace or to access the White Paper, visit this webpage.           

The National Aviation Hall of Fame and RTCA Announce 2024 Professional Learning Scholarship Winner

Kim Stevens

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) and RTCA, Inc. are delighted to announce Jackie Blumer, Earth/Space Jr. High Teacher at Greenville Jr. High School STEM in Greenville, IL, as the distinguished recipient of the Professional Development Scholarship Opportunity for Educators.

The scholarship recognizes and supports outstanding educators committed to advancing aviation and technology education. Ms. Blumer’s exemplary dedication to her students and innovative teaching methods in the field of aviation education set her apart as a deserving educator. Ms. Blumer inspires curiosity with her comprehensive approach to the concept of flight. Her dedication to inspiring the future aviation workforce is evident through her work as the K-12 STEM Coordinator for the St. Louis region with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

“We are deeply impressed by Ms. Blumer’s unwavering commitment to STEM and Aerospace education,” said Aimee Maruyama, President and CEO at NAHF. “Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to creating a dynamic learning environment really stood out! This scholarship is a testament to her outstanding work and dedication to nurturing the next generation of aviation innovators!”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the National Aviation Hall of Fame to support educators like Jackie Blumer,” said Carol Huegel, President and CEO at RTCA. “Her exceptional contributions reinforce our shared goal of preparing the next generation of aviation innovators and leaders. At a time when the aviation industry faces significant workforce challenges, RTCA is committed to being part of the solution by supporting outstanding educators in their continued professional growth and development. We proudly support such an outstanding educator in their continued professional growth and development.”

“As a lifelong educator passionate about aviation and space, I am profoundly honored to receive the 2024 RTCA Professional Development Scholarship,” said Jackie Blumer. “This generous support from the National Aviation Hall of Fame and RTCA will allow me to inspire my students with the wonders of aviation history and the boundless opportunities in the field. I eagerly look forward to creating engaging and impactful learning experiences and sharing the progress and achievements my students gain as a result.”

The scholarship program supports both organizations’ core values, including demonstrating community support through enhanced STEM/STEAM educational opportunities, particularly in underserved areas, focusing on aviation and aerospace.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame and RTCA congratulate Jackie Blumer and express their appreciation to all educators who applied for the Professional Development Scholarship Opportunity.

Scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 school year will open in November 2024. For more information, please visit nationalaviation.org/learning/educators/ and rtca.org