The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced recently that federal and state aeronautics grants totaling $2.3 million have been approved for 10 Tennessee airports. The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division. Airports receiving grants include : Cleveland (Bradley County) – Cleveland Regional Jetport Jackson (Madison County) – McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport […]
State News
Virginia Announces Initiative to Explore Adding New Licensed Public Use Turf Runways
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) in conjunction with the Virginia Aviation Board (VAB) are exploring opportunities to develop new licensed turf runways at existing public-use airports to accommodate the needs of student pilots, and operations by gliders, antique/warbird aircraft and tail-wheel aircraft. The Virginia Aviation and Space Workforce Analysis and Strategy Development revealed a […]
Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association” Takes Flight
Virginia has become the first state to establish its own seaplane pilots association according to the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA). The Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association (VSPA) took wing during the Lake Anna Splash-In, May 23 & 24, 2013. Those attending the seaplane splash-in at Lake Anna voted unanimously to establish the Virginia Seaplane Pilots Association […]
Virginia Meets Goal of 100 Percent Participation in AOPA’s Airport Support Network
The Commonwealth of Virginia has become the first state in the nation to have 100 percent participation in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airport Support Network (ASN), a program that encourages volunteers to act as liaisons between local communities, area pilots and management at public use airports. The program now enjoys record participation, […]
North Dakota Governor Signs Executive Order Creating Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authority
North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple recently signed an executive order to establish the Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority. Dalrymple also announced the appointment of former 119th North Dakota Air National Guard Commander Col. Robert Becklund to serve as director of the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site. "Bob’s extensive experience in Unmanned Systems […]
WISCONSIN LEADERS CELEBRATE GENERAL AVIATION MANUFACTURING AT JOBS RALLY
Governor Scott Walker, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, U.S. Representatives Tom Petri and Reid Ribble, and Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and hundreds of manufacturing workers, local officials, business leaders and aviation enthusiasts today at Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. for a general aviation (GA) jobs rally. The event was held […]
Piper Appoints Veteran Industry Executive Drew McEwen to Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Piper Aircraft Inc. has appointed General Aviation industry veteran, Drew McEwen, to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he will lead global sales and marketing for the Company. He will continue to report to President and CEO Simon Caldecott and serve on the Company’s Executive Leadership Team. "Drew’s leadership of Piper’s global […]
Reno-Tahoe Selects Mora as President
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board recently announced the selection of Marily Mora, A.A.E. as the corporation’s new President/CEO. Mora has over 25 years of experience at three different medium hub airports and replaces Krys Bart, who is retiring. She will begin her new position on July 1, 2013. Mora served as second in command at […]
State Aviation Journal Writer Named Columbia College 2013 Distinguished Alum
Columbia College recently presented its Distinguished Alumni Award for 2013 to State Aviation Journal (SAJ) writer, Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.(shown at right). Dr. Hamilton was selected for this honor based on her regional and national recognition in the field of aviation education — with particular emphasis on teaching women to fly — and for her […]
NASAO Elects Secretary to Executive Board
Carol Comer, Director of the Intermodal Division for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has been elected Secretary of the National Association of State Aviation Officials’ Board of Directors. A licensed pilot and flight instructor, the Concord, North Carolina native has served with the Georgia Department of Transportation for more than 14 years. Comer […]




