Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division participated in the annual Northwest Regional Aviation Communications Exercise (COMMEX) on March 7, 2018 as the State Air Operations Branch (AOB). WSDOT Aviation Division used their Aviation Emergency Coordination Center (AECC) and radio equipment to help state emergency responders prepare and practice for future incidents and disasters […]
Washington
Vashon Aircraft Introduces the Ranger R7
Vashon Aircraft recently introduced the Ranger R7. Billed as affordable, rugged and refined, the U.S. designed aircraft is manufactured in the aviation center of Seattle, Washington. Vashon Aircraft was founded by John Torode, and the Ranger R7 was designed by noted Pacific Northwest aeronautical engineer Ken Krueger. The Ranger is a two-seat aircraft, which the […]
Design from Vancouver Team Chosen for New WSDOT Airport Informational Kiosk
The votes are in, and the new state airport kiosk will be a design by a pair from Vancouver, WA. Designed and built by George Welsh, and featured artwork from Hannah VanGelder (pictured above), their concept earned the top votes during the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division’s airport kiosk design competition. Ballots were […]
New Director of Aviation Joins WSDOT Crew
The Washington State Department of Transportation welcomed the new director of aviation, David Fleckenstein, to its team on Aug. 7. Fleckenstein has many years of aviation experience, first in the United States Army’s Adjutant Generals Corps. For over 23 years, he held various positions at all levels of Army Aviation. After 25 years of service, […]
Data Comm Now at Sea-Tac Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is bringing new benefits to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport through a technology called Data Comm. Data Comm revolutionizes communications between air traffic controllers and pilots by replacing some traditional voice communications with digital information exchanges. Voice communication is labor intensive, time consuming and can lead to miscommunications known as “talk back, […]
Automated Weather Reporting Upgrades Available for Methow Valley State Airport
Come rain or shine, pilots traveling in the Methow Valley now have a new way to access weather information online via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) website. Winthrop-area weather data for pilots is made possible through the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at the Methow Valley State Airport. The Washington State Department of […]
Washington State Aviation Director to Retire on Friday
After 35 years of federal and state service, including the last six years as Director of Aviation at the Washington State Department of Transportation, Tristan Atkins is retiring. Atkins’ professional accomplishments as aviation director are numerous. Under his leadership, WSDOT successfully completed landmark studies including the Airport Investment and Airport Investment “Solutions” studies, which helped […]
WSDOT seeks new director of aviation
The Washington State Department of Transportation has an opportunity for a uniquely qualified, executive-level professional who will serve as the agency’s director of aviation. WSDOT’s director of aviation is responsible for developing and implementing statewide programs that protect and promote aviation; airport improvements and investments; and the state’s aviation system in partnership with federal and […]
Washington’s Stehekin State Airport Opening Delayed to June 10
Pilots traveling to Stehekin can expect the airport to open slightly later than usual this year – on Saturday, June 10. The Stehekin State Airport usually opens on June 1 every year; however, the Washington State Department of Transportation will delay this year’s opening in order to conduct extensive weed control maintenance. WSDOT and the […]
Washington State Aviation Alliance celebrates successes at second annual general membership meeting
Washington State Aviation Alliance (WSAA) members met to discuss past successes and future initiatives during the second annual general membership meeting April 25 at the Westin Hotel in Bellevue. WSAA President David Ketchum, along with the Board of Directors, provided an overview of the organization’s history, objectives and achievements. Over the past two years, WSAA […]
