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 […]
Nebraska
Ann Richart Selected to Lead WSDOT Aviation Division
Ann Richart, A.A.E., has been named the new Director for the Aviation Division of the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), replacing David Fleckenstein, who recently retired. Richart, who has been the Division of Aeronautics Director for the Nebraska Department of Transportation since 2019, will begin her new position in Washington in May. Richart told […]
Kearney Regional Airport to Receive $6.3 Million Grant
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 […]
Diana Smith, a 50+ year Beatrice Airport Legacy
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 […]
Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Announces $9.25 million in Federal Grants for Airport Improvements
On August 30, it was announced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that $9.25 million in federal grants were awarded to four Nebraska airports, in Alliance, Aurora, Burwell, and Sidney, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Two airports were awarded federal grants through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (BIL). Burwell/Cram Field received $110,000 and […]
Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Announces $20.85 million in Federal Grants to Omaha and Lincoln Airports
On July 7, $20.85 million in federal grants through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law were awarded to two Nebraska airports, Omaha’s Eppley Airfield (OMA) and the Lincoln Airport (LNK), according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The grants are part of the FY22 Airport Terminal Program (ATP) Grants. Omaha Eppley Airfield received $20 million […]
Innovative NSP Drone Program Highlighted by Governor
Photo above – A Nebraska State Patrol drone orbits a staged crashed scene outside of NSP headquarters. Last week, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the Nebraska State Patrol’s (NSP) innovative drone program during a press conference held at NSP Headquarters. Drone operators performed a live demo at the conclusion of the event. “The Nebraska […]
Revv Aviation Expands to Omaha with Flight School Opening at Eppley Airfield
With a flight school in Council Bluffs that serves more than 250 students, Revv Aviation, formerly Advanced Air, is expanding its operations on June 1 to Eppley Airfield in Omaha. The expansion allows for advanced aviation training, including multi-engine instruction and tower communications skills in addition to beginning flight lessons. “We have about 120 students […]
Duncan Aviation to Expand Full-Service MRO in Michigan and Nebraska
Duncan Aviation today announced plans to build additional hangar space at its existing MRO locations in Battle Creek, Michigan (BTL), and Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK). “The demand for the safety and flexibility that business aviation travel provides has continued to increase, as has the average size of business aircraft,” says Jeff Lake, President of Duncan Aviation. […]
SkyWest to End Service to 29 Cities Due to Pilot Shortage, States React
SkyWest Airlines intends to end scheduled service to 29 cities in the coming months as it continues to face a flight crew shortage. The St George, Utah-based regional carrier on 10 March gave notice to the Department of Transportation (DOT) that it will end the flights on or before 10 June this year. “Last week, […]
