Guy Rouelle, Interim Aviation Program Administrator for Vermont’s Agency of Transportation since July 7th of this year, 
was named today to permanently fill the top spot replacing Rich Turner, who left the agency earlier this year.
Rouelle said his biggest challenge in his new position will be marketing the state’s airports and their economic necessity to the public. "Vermont airports are widely thought of as a play ground for the rich which is certainly not the case," said Rouelle. "Our airports are not only used by general aviation pilots, they are frequented by commercial operators such as freight haulers, on-demand charter, and scheduled air-carrier operators." Rouelle said the combination of GA and commercial aviation, adds a great deal of revenue to Vermont’s airport system. "We need to be better at marketing airports," said Rouelle, but "I am excited by this challenge."
Vermont is one of the most beautiful states to fly in according to Rouelle, a 5th generation Vermonter. He has flown in just about every state in the U.S. and says Vermont’s aerial scenery is second to none. "I have logged thousands of hours over Vermont and landed at not only the 16 public-use airports, but a good share of the 165 privately owned, private-use airports."
Rouelle developed his interest in aviation by reading books, building airplane models and listening to stories his Uncle told him about the gull-winged aircraft (Corsair) that provided air support for his Marine Company during WWII.
Asked what fires him up, Rouelle replied, "The people fire me up; Their enthusiasm for their aircraft, the airspace above them and the airports they operate from."
Rouelle joined the Vermont Agency of Transportation in November of 2003 as the Chief Pilot. In 2005 he became the Agency’s Ops Manager until his promotion as Administrator. He has a Masters in both Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Bachelor of Science in Aero Ops, from Embry-Riddle and is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.
