Nebraska

On Oct. 20, the Nebraska Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics announced that $1,563,610 in state funding was awarded to two Nebraska airports in Basset and Bloomfield. This funding representing the largest allocation in recent history because of passage of LB 138 and 727.

The announcements came during the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission Meeting held at the Fremont Regional Airport on October 20, 2023.

Projects approved for funding by the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission include:

• Basset, NE: Pavement Maintenance, $40,000
• Bloomfield, NE: Complete Runway Rehabilitation, $1,523,610

“We’re happy to partner with our local airports to help support them in their critical functions.” Said Jeremy Borrell, Director of Aeronautics. “We understand the importance of these airports to the communities’ agricultural productivity, economic development, healthcare access, and greater regional needs.”

Both projects are critical to preserving existing assets in Nebraska’s robust rural aviation system. The use of state funds will help both of these airports continue to serve their customers as they have for years to come. NDOT and the Division of Aeronautics is proud to have been able to partner with these communities to bring these projects to fruition.

The Wahoo Municipal Airport celebrated the completion of its reconstructed runway, an improvement made possible through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant program.

The AIP grant provided funding for a full reconstruction of Runway 2/20. The consultant for the project was Olsson out of Lincoln and the contractor was Paulsen, Inc. out of Cozad. The grant provided $4.3 million toward the project, with the total cost of the project approximately $5 million.

The project was completed in April of this year and increases efficiency, reliability, and service for the regional airport. Funding for this project was primarily provided by the AIP grant funds, with 10% of the funding coming from COVID-19 emergency acts, including the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Aeronautics Division assisted with the administration of the grant awarded to the Wahoo Airport Authority.

“As NDOT continues its goal of improving mobility in the state, leveraging partnerships at all levels of government creates opportunities for projects that may have been previously out of reach. FAA Central Region in Kansas City has been an excellent advocate in providing guidance to our local partners on ways to streamline the grant process,” said Vicki Kramer, Director of NDOT. “Through these partnerships, NDOT Aeronautics Division is equipped to assist and support local airports on the application process while working with the FAA to ensure timely receipt of funding. NDOT looks forward to continuing our work with airports as their communities look to maximize the use of federal grant funds.”

“Local airports are a vital piece of our transportation network in Nebraska,” said Jeremy Borrell, Director of NDOT Aeronautics Division. “We celebrate the success of this project with Wahoo and the investment it means for the community. We look forward to continuing to assist other airports across the state as funding opportunities come forward.”

AIP projects promote safety, efficiency, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and security at the nation’s airports. For more information on FAA AIP grants visit https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced the selection of Jeremy Borrell as the Department’s Aeronautics Division Director.

Borrell comes to NDOT with over 20 years of aeronautics experience in various positions. He currently serves as the Nebraska National Guard’s Airborne Infantry First Sergeant. In the private sector, Borrell has worked for both Jet Linx Aviation and Great Lakes Airlines, with responsibilities in fleet utilization coordination, customer service, logistics, and managing regulation compliance.

Dr. Scott Tarry, Associate Dean of UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service and member of NDOT’s Aeronautics Commission, said “I am looking forward to working with Jeremy. It is especially rewarding to see an alumnus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute ascend into this important leadership position. Jeremy’s knowledge of aviation and manufacturing as well as his experience in the Army National Guard will serve him well in his new role. I know the Aeronautics Commission is eager to learn about his plans for supporting the Nebraska aviation community.”

“Jeremy is uniquely qualified to lead the Division, having served in a variety of positions that have provided a solid foundation of knowledge as to how aviation impacts Nebraska,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “He brings a wealth of knowledge of all stages and aspects of the aviation industry to NDOT, as well as a proven track record of successful leadership.”

“Aviation is incredible,” Borrell said, “Because it has wide-ranging impacts on our daily lives, connecting individuals and communities from the local to the international level. Nebraska has a robust aviation industry and a passionate aviation community.”

Borrell looks forward to working with the Aeronautics team to ensure that Nebraska’s aviation infrastructure remains a safe, secure, and accessible resource to all.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced that $17,362,302 million in federal grants were awarded to seven Nebraska airports, in Ainsworth, Burwell, Norfolk, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Wayne, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

This second round of FY 2023 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants included $12,132,000 to rehabilitate the runway at Scottsbluff’s Western Nebraska Regional/ William B. Heilig Field and $2.939,220 to reconstruct the taxiway at the North Platte Regional/Lee Bird Field.

AIP grants will provide a portion of funding to build new hangars at four airports: Ainsworth Regional – $553,980, Burwell Cram Field – $235,540, Sidney Municipal/Lloyd W. Carr Field – $451,562, and Wayne Municipal/Stan Morris Field – $450,000. The balance is being funded with other federal grants and local funds. Additional funding included $600,000 to the Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field to install runway lighting, airfield guidance signs and runway vertical/visual guidance system.

“We’re happy to be able to partner with the FAA Central Region in Kansas City to get this essential grant funding to our airports,” said Ann Richart, AAE, Director of the Aeronautics Division of NDOT. Our partnership includes lining up the appropriate grant funding, assisting the sponsor (airport) in applying for the grant, and working with the FAA to send grant funds to the airport as their project progresses. NDOT looks forward to working with the FAA in the future to ensure that our communities will be able to make maximum use of these federal grant funds. We also want to thank our members of Congress for their support.”

AIP projects promote safety, efficiency, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and security at the nation’s airports.

William “Bill” Shea, founding director of the University of Nebraska Omaha Aviation Institute, was presented the 2022 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award, last week during the Durham Distinguished Lecture Series in Omaha.

For more than six decades, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has honored outstanding Americans as Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation for their contributions of significant value to aeronautics over an extended period of years. “It is our privilege at the National Aeronautic Association to honor great achievements and great careers,” said NAA President, Greg Principato, who was on hand to make the presentation.

Shea, recognized for his distinguished service as an advocate for our national aerospace system, enhancing aviation education, and energetically inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals, joins Pete Bunce, Anthony Mazzolini, Captain Houston Mills, Hazel Sig-Hester, and Cheryl Stearns as 2022 awardees. 

Shea’s contributions include national, state, and local influence. He spent a lifetime focusing on enhancing aviation and developing the next generation of aviation leaders. To this day Bill continues to write, lecture and is a sought-after speaker by many organizations. Along with his connections to UNO, Shea served as chair of the aviation department at the University of North Dakota aviation program.  

Previous recipients of this award include: Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, Scott Crossfield, Charles Bolden, Olive Ann Beech, Clay Lacy, Julie Clark, Bob Hoover, John and Martha King, and Chuck Yeager.

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

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

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

The funding was made possible by the CARES Act.

by Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.

Nebraska’s Diana Smith knows every nook and cranny of BIE-Beatrice Municipal Airport, after her 50+ year tenure which recently ended with her retirement as Airport Manager. Here is her unique story.

How did you first get inspired to work in the aviation industry?

At the age of 21, returning to my home town of Beatrice looking for employment, I was offered the job as the airport Secretary for Don Fitzwater. Little did I know that I would spend my entire working career at the Beatrice Municipal Airport. Over the years, Don gave me more responsibility. I was promoted to Administrative Assistant. When Don Fitzwater retired, I was promoted to Airport Manager in January 2000. During my almost 51 years at the Beatrice Airport, I always tried to stay involved with aviation. Not only do I love the aviation community but the people that I met felt like family! I have been involved in many Aviation organizations, which have become part of my life. My passion for the aviation community led me to become a founding member of the Nebraska Aviation Council started in 1992. Our purpose was to bring all aspects of aviation together in one annual forum, giving the opportunity to meet with people in all areas of aviation. After my retirement I also plan to stay involved as a Nebraska Aeronautics Commissioner. I have served on the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission since 2013. Another group in my aviation family is the Flying Conestogas, which is our local aviation club. Members are pilots and aviation enthusiasts. In 1991, the club awarded me Lifetime membership. Since 2010, I have volunteered as the Flying Conestogas treasurer. These members support our airport in so many ways, volunteering for airshows, fly-ins, EAA Young Eagle flights, during the solar eclipse and so many other special aviation events.

What’s your first memory of aviation?

My first memory of aviation besides traveling by airlines from Washington DC back home to Beatrice, NE was when I started working at the Beatrice Airport. I was so excited to have the opportunity to have the job at the airport and be involved in the aviation community. During all these years, my love for aviation grew.

Who has inspired you the most (any mentors you want to mention?) I would think Don???

I always felt that Don Fitzwater had faith in me to become his successor. Upon Don’s retirement after working with him all of those years, it made for an easy transition. Don always had the confidence in me to make the right decisions. He always shared his wealth of knowledge and experience, providing me with the tools and confidence necessary to make the right decisions for the airport, in his absence. He also felt strongly that any woman could do anything that a man could do! In some cases, even better!! Being a female has never really been an issue for me since I always felt that I was accepted and respected. 

Advice for other women inside our industry or thinking about aviation and aerospace?

Over the years, I see many more women in aviation doing jobs that were originally being done by men. Times have changed! More women are Airport Managers, pilots, instructors, aviation engineers and consultant, etc. My passion for the Beatrice Airport has made it difficult to retire since my love for the airport and aviation is in my heart. It has made it clear to me that general aviation airports are a huge necessity to their community. Striving to make sure that our City of Beatrice and the surrounding area knows and understands the importance of our airport to the community.

Additional Background? (During your early years with fewer women in aviation, how did you navigate?) 

I never felt out of place being a female. Shortly after I started working for the Beatrice Airport in 1971, I was attending a conference and visiting with a female airport manager. She said to me that I could someday be an airport manager. Of course, after laughing, I wondered if that could actually be possible! About 29 years later it did happen and I have never regretted it and have always felt blessed.

One of my fondest memories was being a Certified Weather Observer. All employees at the Airport were required to be a Certified Weather Observer, which were tested by the National Weather Service prior to being certified to enter weather on the teletype. Every hour – 12 hours a day we reported the weather i.e. temperature, cloud bases, dew point and altimeter.

This information was disseminated on the teletype. In 1991 an AWOS – Automated Weather Observation system, was installed providing 24/7 weather updates.

I have seen and managed many airport improvements during the years, including our new Administration building built in 2003, runway extensions, parallel taxiway, land acquisitions, two new concrete runways, hangars, maintenance shop, etc. The Beatrice Airport was awarded Nebraska Airport of the year in 1992 and 2016.

One of my most humbling experiences was being inducted into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame, January 24, 2019 at our Nebraska Aviation Council annual Aviation Symposium held in Kearney, NE.

Diana Smith’s term on the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission runs through 2024. She is a long-time volunteer with the Nebraska Aviation Council which will host their 31st Annual Aviation Symposium on January 25-28, 2023. Diana will again be assisting with registration and programs.