Nicholas Short, PE, PLS, Director, Division of Aviation, North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that Tommy Mann, PE, the Aviation Division’s Eastern Lead Airport Project Manager (APM), has been promoted to Deputy Director of Airport Development. Mann will lead the statewide airport development team, which manages programs funded through state and federal grants and […]
North Carolina
Asheville Regional Airport’s Lew Bleiweis Presented with AAAE Distinguished Service Award
Lew S. Bleiweis, A.A.E., president and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA), was presented recently with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest levels of recognition. The award is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry. […]
First Flight Society Celebrates National Aviation Day 2026 on Wednesday, August 19th
The First Flight Society announced their annual celebration of National Aviation Day. This year is the 87th anniversary of National Aviation Day. Activities will take place at Dare County Regional Airport (MQI). Admission and parking are free at the airport. The event will run from 10:00AM until 3:00 PM and is aimed at all ages. […]
FAA Opens New Asheville Air Traffic Control Tower to Support Record Growth in Western North Carolina
The FAA announced the opening of Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) new 121-foot air traffic control tower, which replaces the old facility built in 1961. The new facility provides controllers with a modern workspace to support growing air traffic demand across western North Carolina. “Air traffic controllers need modern infrastructure and technology to keep up with […]
JetZero Breaks Ground on First Aircraft Factory in Greensboro, North Carolina
JetZero today broke ground on its first manufacturing and final assembly campus, an 8 million square foot factory on more than 600 acres in Greensboro, North Carolina. The project, supported by the largest ever State-level incentive package for any startup of any industry, will be home to production of JetZero’s next-generation aircraft and will create […]
Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]
Asheville Regional Airport Announces Place & Time an Art in the Airport Exhibition Celebrating Western North Carolina
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has announced the opening of Place & Time, the new Art in the Airport exhibition featuring eight regional artists selected from more than 120 applicants across Western North Carolina. The exhibition is on display now through August 4, 2026. The process of curating this new exhibit was inspiring. “The quality of […]
New Aviation Academy at N.C. Global TransPark Creates Path to Rewarding Careers
The North Carolina Global TransPark is the official home to a new academy for Lenoir Community College students seeking careers in aviation. Officials held a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday to mark the grand opening of Lenoir Community College’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence. Governor Josh Stein, who offered recorded remarks by video, said the […]
First Flight Society Celebrates Wilbur Wright’s Birthday, Raises Over $7,000
The First Flight Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Wright Brothers, successfully hosted a vibrant celebration in honor of Wilbur Wright’s birthday on April 16th. The event, held at the historic Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, brought together more than 100 aviation enthusiasts and community members to celebrate […]
Recalling Our Trip to AirVenture and Camping at the Aviation Exploration Base
By Titus Drye Arriving at the Hickory Regional Airport early one Saturday morning, three cars get packed with camping equipment and excited, if slightly drowsy Aviation Explorers from EAA chapter 731. We settle in for the long first leg of the trip with pillows, snacks and eager expectation. This is the beginning of an experience […]
