West Virginia

The West Virginia Airport Managers Association is honored to announce the induction of two distinguished individuals into the West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame.  They are, Thomas E. Cochran and Perry E. Dillon.

An installment ceremony to celebrate the 2023 inductees was held July 31, 2023, during a private event at Canaan Valley Resort during the annual West Virginia Aviation Conference with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance.

The West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame recognizes pioneers and leaders within the industry who have made significant contributions to the development, advancement, or promotion of aviation and have close ties to the state.  Nominations may be made by any individual or organization familiar with the nominee’s achievements or actions.  More information and criteria to nominate individuals for the WV Aviation Hall of Fame and/or WV Aviation Wall of Valor can be found here: http://www.wvama.org/Thomas E. Cochran (see additional information)

Born in Beaver, West Virginia, on July 8, 1940, Thomas (Tom) R. Cochran dedicated the latter part of his career to ensuring aviation’s success in southern West Virginia. Originally a coal miner, Tom pursued a second career in aviation, attending the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was there he earned his Federal Aviation Administration certifications in 1968 in aircraft maintenance, radio operations, and aircraft accident insurance investigation.

After receiving his A & P license, Tom was hired by Trans World Airlines (TWA) as an aircraft mechanic based at Dulles International Airport where he worked for 3 years until a nationwide layoff forced him to look elsewhere for employment. He found work with the Pittson Coal Company and remained until retiring on July 7, 1997. The following day, Tom was hired as the Director of Raleigh County Memorial Airport, located in Beaver, WV. It was here his aviation career would flourish.

Aside from Tom’s commitment to a safe airport operating environment, his foresight and understanding of how airports serve as economic engines is second to none. His role in promoting the airport as a self-sustaining entity ripe with economic opportunity for the entire region propelled the Raleigh County Memorial Airport forward. Under Tom’s guidance, the airport completed several projects to improve safety, including obstruction removal, major interior and exterior passenger terminal renovations, and the oversight of the development of the corporate hangar area and industrial park which led the way for future economic growth. His push for economic diversification led to a partnership with higher education, offering training to those seeking positions in aerospace technology. This alone is extraordinary as graduates now have the choice to stay in West Virginia for the entirety of their aviation careers, keeping the economy growing.

It is perhaps Tom’s service to his community that most recognize him. Always an advocate for West Virginia, Tom served with numerous volunteer organizations, including Visit Southern WV and the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. Tom’s successful career and outstanding character are truly inspiring. His impact on aviation perfectly lends itself to his induction into the WV Aviation Hall of Fame. Tom and his wife, Barbara, currently reside in Kingsland, Georgia. They are the parents of Wendy Campbell and Susan Cochran and the grandparents of Isaiah, David and Amelia Campbell.

Born in Barton, West Virginia, on March 29, 1937, Perry E. Dillon not only pursued his own passion for flight but steadfastly assisted others in pursuing theirs, ensuring aviation thrived in West Virginia. Perry’s love for aviation took root early in life after seeing a P-51 Mustang up close. It was not until 1956 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, that Perry was able to record his first flight. It would not be the last time he would fly; in fact, it was only the beginning.

Having experienced the wonder of flight, Perry continued flight training in Elkins, West Virginia, as money allowed. He finally secured his Private Pilot license in April 1960. He continued down this path, supporting his growing family by day and pursuing his aviation dreams in the evenings. It was June 1961 before Perry secured his Commercial Pilot’s license. He immediately began building time towards his ultimate goal of employment with an airline. He became a Certified Flight Instructor in January 1962; however, Perry experienced a temporary roadblock. There was no demand for flight instruction nor any aircraft to provide instruction. This spurred his decision to move to Mississippi to train for crop dusting.

Fate would step in while Perry was in Mississippi in the form of a group of Elkins, WV, residents who were seeking an instructor for their soon-to-be-formed flying club. Perry accepted their invitation to return to Elkins and in May 1962, the Club was operational with their first aircraft. In the first year of operation, Perry would assist 27 pilots through their first solo flight with a total of 100 students in training by January 1964. In April 1964, Perry finally achieved his dream of becoming an airline pilot after securing a position with Lake Central Airlines. His professional airline career would span more than three decades and culminate in upgrading to Captain with U.S. Air before retiring in 1994.

Perry’s love for aviation endured after retirement. His selfless demeanor made him approachable to all and he readily shared his wealth of knowledge with fellow pilots at the Elkins-Randolph County Airport. It was his unwavering support of aviation and nearly fifty years of training pilots in the Elkins Pilot Club that earned him recognition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA). He and his wife, Rita, were the parents of two sons – Nick and Rick and three daughters – Betsy, Deb and Donna. Perry died at his home in Beverly, WV, on June 16, 2021. His commitment to aviation was evident to all who knew him.

The state of West Virginia is proud to recognize Perry E. Dillon’s great influence on aviation.

The West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame is located in the terminal building of the North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg, WV.  Each Inductee will be honored by having a descriptive plaque dedicated to them praising their contributions to West Virginia aviation.

The West Virginia Airport Managers Association has announced the selection of two new inductees into the West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. Thomas R. Cochran, Director of Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beckley, WV, and Perry E. Dillon formerly of Elkins, WV, were selected to join this esteemed group after careful review and consideration.

Thomas (Tom) R. Cochran began his aviation career as an aircraft mechanic for Trans World Airlines in Washington DC before returning to West Virginia in 1971. It was here Tom’s true influence took shape as he guided Raleigh County Memorial Airport’s path forward. With his foresight and collaborative approach, Tom not only ensured the airport flourished, but that the region did as well. His commitment to economic diversification led to corporate hangar and industrial park developments, partnerships with higher education institutions providing a pathway for training for those seeking positions in aerospace technology, and passenger experience upgrades. His influence on aviation in southern West Virginia is unmatched to date.

Perry E. Dillon was a dedicated commercial airline pilot, launching his career at Lake Central Airlines in 1964 after overcoming many obstacles in his pursuit of his dream. His successful career as a pilot spanned 38 years. His legacy continues today as Perry was a founding member of the Elkins Pilots Club as well as the club’s first instructor; allowing others to earn their wings and experience the joy of aviation. Mr. Dillion will be inducted posthumously, having passed away in 2021 at the age of 84.

Tom and Perry will be formally inducted during a special ceremony on July 31, 2023, at the Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, West Virginia, beginning at 5:30 pm. Tickets to the event can be purchased for $60 by contacting: info@wvama.org

The West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame honors pioneers and leaders in the aviation industry who have made significant contributions to aviation in the state of West Virginia. The West Virginia Airport Managers Association also sponsors the West Virginia Aviation Wall of Valor, which honors living persons or those who gave their lives in aviation actions where they exhibited valor.

No nominations for the WV Aviation Wall of Valor were received in 2023. Since its inception in 2014, the West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted 21 individuals. The West Virginia Aviation Wall of Valor, formed in 2018, currently has six members.

Formal viewing galleries are located at the North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Bridgeport.

The Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority (CWVRAA) announced that Dominique Ranieri, currently West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s (CRW) Assistant Airport Director and Chief Operating Officer, has been selected as the Airport’s new Director and Chief Executive Officer. Ranieri will assume the new role immediately.

“The core team at CRW has created some significant momentum in recent months, Dominique will step in and continue that momentum. The Board has full confidence in her ability to facilitate a seamless transition. She has been involved in every major decision and project and will now lead those efforts,” said CWVRAA Board Chairman, Ed Hill.

Ranieri is the first female CEO in the Airport’s 75-year history. She has served as COO for several years, successfully leading nearly every function of the Airport. “The Airport is in a strong position, and we will continue to work hard for the people of West Virginia, as we make improvements to our facility, develop air service, facilitate the education of America’s future aviators attending Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School, and support the West Virginia National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing.” said Ranieri.

“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Board of the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority. I would like to thank the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority Board of Members and Chairman, Ed Hill, for their support. I would like to specifically thank and recognize Kanawha County Commission President, Kent Carper, Commissioner Ben Salango, Commissioner, Lance Wheeler, and Charleston Mayor, Amy Goodwin” said Ranieri. “CRW is so fortunate to work closely with our local, State and Federal representatives. Thanks to the support of Senator Joe Manchin, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Governor Justice, Tourism Secretary, Chelsea Ruby, and the many others who work tirelessly for the future of our City and State—CRW’s future is bright.”

Prior to joining the Airport in 2017, Ranieri practiced law in West Virginia, working at two national law firms. In 2022, Ranieri became a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives, a designation signifying diverse knowledge of the primary functions of airport operations. Governor Justice recently appointed Dominique to the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board. She was honored as one of The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 in 2021. Ranieri’s diverse skill set and experience, coupled with growing up in an aviation family, enables her to bring strategic vision and focus to CRW.

Gov. Jim Justice and leaders with the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission announced today that a combined total of $444,063 in grant funding has been secured for airports across the state. The grants were approved during the WVAC’s latest meeting on Thursday.

“As I’ve said over and over, our airports are so important to our state, and we need to keep doing everything we can to support them in every way,” Gov. Justice said. “I am proud that these dollars will do just that, and I commend the Aeronautics Commission for awarding them so quickly.”

Two airports will receive grants from Special Revenue, provided by the Aviation Fuel Tax, to provide a portion of the local match for additional Federal Aviation Administration Grants:

• Huntington, Tri-State Airport will receive $3,293 from the WVAC to rehabilitate the airport’s runway safety area.
• Greater Cumberland Regional Airport will receive $15,770 from the WVAC to go towards projects to rehabilitate runway 5-23.

The combined WVAC grant total on these projects is $19,063 and opens up access to over $343,000 more in funding from the FAA.

Twenty-four airports will receive General Revenue grants of $12,500 each that combine for a total of $300,000.  These grants go towards safety and infrastructure upgrades.

In addition to airport funding, $125,000 in funds were awarded towards Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training for airport first responders.

A recently commissioned economic impact study of West Virginia’s aviation industry identified 10,729 jobs and over $1.63 billion in business revenue attributed to airport activity. 

“The investments the state has made in our airport system is paying off exponentially.,” West Virginia Aeronautics Director Sean Hill said. “Before our impact study was even conceived, Gov. Justice recognized the importance of West Virginia’s air infrastructure. I greatly appreciate his continued support of our airports.”

Gov. Jim Justice and leaders with the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission have announced that a combined total of $388,203 in grant funding has been secured for airports across the state. The grants were approved during the WVAC’s meeting on Thursday.

“I’ve said over and over that our airports in West Virginia are our lifeblood,” Gov. Justice said. “They are right up there with our schools as the very top things driving growth in our local communities and that’s why it’s so important to dedicate every dollar we possibly can to make sure they are the top-of-the-line facilities we need them to be.”

Two airports will receive grants from Special Revenue, provided by the Aviation Fuel Tax, to provide a portion of the local match for additional Federal Aviation Administration Grants:

North Central West Virginia Airport will receive $53,958 from the WVAC to go toward a project related to the extension and renovation of a de-icing system, and

Yeager Airport in Charleston will receive $334,245 from the WVAC to go towards projects to rebuild the runway safety area, provide security improvements, and improve upon energy efficiency of their operations.

The combined WVAC grant total on these projects is $388,203 and opens up access to over $6 million more in funding from the FAA.

“The level of support the Aeronautics Commission has been able to display under Governor Justice’s leadership has been unprecedented,” Aeronautics Director Sean Hill said. “We thank the Governor for his continued leadership and we are excited to put this funding to good use.”

Earlier on Thursday, the WVAC and the West Virginia Airport Managers’ Association hosted the 3rd Annual Aviation Day at the Legislature in the Upper Rotunda at the State Capitol Building in Charleston to draw attention to the special role aviation plays in West Virginia.

Gov. Justice also issued a proclamation, designating Jan. 16, 2020 as Aviation Day in West Virginia. A ceremony was held in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol Building to present the proclamation.