Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Dan Elwell has named D. Kirk Shaffer as the FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, effective December 17. In this position, Shaffer will oversee the annual Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Since 2017 through the AIP program, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced nearly $7 billion in investments in the […]
National News
NASAO Selects Shelly Simi as President
The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has selected Shelly Simi as the new President and CEO. In this capacity, Simi will work closely with the NASAO Board of Directors and state representatives to actualize the mission and vision while enhancing the goals of the Association. Simi joins NASAO in early 2019, following her […]
Penney, Diachun Join EAA Board of Directors
Heather Penney and Ben Diachun, who each have extensive aviation experience and recreational aviation interests, have recently been added to the Experimental Aircraft Association board of directors. They were approved as Class III directors for EAA and will serve one-year renewable terms on the EAA board. “We are grateful that Heather and Ben have accepted […]
AAAE Calls on Airlines to End Opposition to Adjusting Local User Fee to Improve Facilities
With airlines collecting nearly $1.3 billion in baggage fees in the third quarter of 2018 – another new record and the 10th consecutive quarter in excess of $1 billion – the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) again called on U.S. carriers to drop their short-sighted opposition to adjusting the federal cap on a local […]
Airspace Challenges Part of 2018 Western Regional Partnership Principals’ Meeting Held in New Mexico
Senior leaders from state, federal and tribal agencies gathered November 14-15 for the 2018 Western Regional Partnership’s (WRP) Principals’ Meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A Plenary Session on Airspace Challenges and Opportunities was presented and covered the mix of civil, military and unmanned aerial systems in the national airspace. WRP Co-Chairs Mr. Mike Mower, […]
NASAO Announces New Online Training Program for State Aviation Officials and Airport Managers, Staff, and Commission Members
The National Association of State of Aviation Officials (NASAO) recently announced the launch of the NASAO-sponsored Training Program. Over the past year, NASAO has collaborated with state aviation departments of transportation, aviation industry partners, and the Federal Aviation Administration to design online courses to educate state aviation employees and airport stakeholders on the aviation industry, […]
Deborah McElroy to Retire from ACI-NA
Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) announced that longtime Executive Vice President Deborah C. McElroy will retire from the organization, effective December 31, 2018. Following her retirement, McElroy will continue to serve ACI-NA in an advisory capacity for special projects. “Everyone at ACI-NA – including me – has greatly benefited from Debby’s guidance on […]
FAA Announces Key Appointments for Executive Directors of Aircraft Certification and UAS Integration
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced Earl Lawrence’s promotion to the Agency’s Executive Director for Aircraft Certification. Lawrence was previously Executive Director for the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office. He succeeds Dorenda Baker, who retired Nov. 30 after a distinguished aviation safety career. Jay Merkle, Deputy Vice President […]
ATC System Command Center Balances Demand with Capacity
If you think of our National Airspace System as a symphony, the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center is the conductor. The FAA says it’s a 24/7 operation where staff set the traffic flow for the entire day. The role of the Command Center is to balance air traffic demand with system […]
11 Med-Trans Bases Re-Accredited By Leading Industry Commission
The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) has re-accredited eleven Med-Trans air medical transport bases in the United States. “This recognition is a result of the hard work and professionalism of every employee to become the best at their positions of tremendous responsibility in transporting and caring for patients,” said Med-Trans Corporation President […]
