The 2010 National Association of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO) Annual Conference and Trade Show, begins today with a full slate of speakers in Wichita, Kansas, the “Air Capital” of the world. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of aviation in the Sunflower state.
The name “Air Capital” was adopted by Wichita in 1928 and NASAO attendees on Sunday were able to gain a better understanding of why that name applies, with a visit to the Kansas Aviation Museum. Lon Smith, Executive Director of the museum, located on McConnel Air Force Base, briefed those in attendance on some of the fascinating early history of aviation in Wichita.
Sunday festivities also included a golf tournament, a stop at Exploration Place, Wichita’s riverfront science museum and a reception with exhibitors.
This year’s conference theme, “Aviation 2020 and Beyond: A Clear Vision for the Future” is being attended by state aviation officials from across the country. The conference runs through Wednesday and is being held at the Hyatt Regency Wichita.
The line-up of forum speakers includes top officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, aviation consulting firms and local manufacturers. Topics of discussion and presentations include NextGen, aviation safety, security and small community air service.
Ed Young, Kansas DOT Division of Aviation director is conducting a session entitled Airport Community and Media Outreach which has drawn a number of Kansas airport directors to the conference.
For more information on the Kansas Aviation Museum, go to www.kansasaviationmuseum.org.
