Article and Photos By Scott Malta
During the luncheon on the opening day of the FAA’s 7th Annual Airports Conference, June 7, 2011 in Anaheim, CA, several airports and other organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to aviation. William Withycombe, Regional Administrator and Brian Armstrong, Manager, Airport Safety, Standards & Compliance Branch – FAA Western-Pacific Region made the presentations. Three awards were presented:
Herman C. Bliss Airports Partnership Award 
The Herman C. Bliss Award is Western-Pacific Region’s most prestigious award, and is awarded for the most noteworthy/important achievement within the region, during FY 2010. The recipient of this award may be an airport sponsor, consultant, state government employee(s) or any other non-FAA person(s) or organization(s) who have partnered with the FAA, and/or provided leadership in accomplishing one or more of the following actions:
Q Developed and/or implemented specific programs or activities resulting in enhanced airport/aviation safety
Q Performed outstanding and/or unique accomplishments in support of airports programs
Q Developed/implemented other noteworthy accomplishments that have provided substantial benefit to aviation within the Western Pacific Region
Nominations for this award may be submitted by any member of the Airports Division, Western Pacific Region.
Nominees:
California State University Los Angeles, Aviation Administration Degree Program – The California State University Los Angeles, Aviation Administration Degree Program has prepared individuals to become some of today’s finest aviation professionals. Many graduates from the University have gone on to become airport managers, Department of Homeland Security Agents as well as Federal Aviation Administration employees.
Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group – The Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group has partnered with the FAA Los Angeles Airport District Office in many ways including coordinating the Annual Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) meetings with airport sponsors in Arizona. These meetings complement the ADO’s "planning driven" Program and helps to identify high priority projects. ADOT’s leadership in this joint effort has sparked enthusiasm, increased involvement, and most importantly has encouraged collaboration on the ACIP process from FAA, airport sponsor and consultants.
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services – The U.S. Department of Agriculture -Wildlife Services has conducted wildlife hazard assessments and assisted in developing wildlife hazard management plans at airports throughout the Western-Pacific Region. The USDA-Wildlife Services has also provided numerous technical training sessions to airport personnel involved in controlling wildlife hazards on airports as well as technical assistance to FAA Airports Division personnel on mitigating wildlife hazards. Additionally, USDA continues to assist FAA with reviewing various off airport land-uses to minimize the attractiveness of wildlife.
The Winner of the Herman C. Bliss Airports Partnership Award for 2010 is:
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services (Pictured above)
* Note: A separate award was given to each office of USDA that serve the Western-Pacific Region. AZ, CA, NV, and Hawaii/Guam/Pacific
Airport Safety Award 
The recipient of this award is an airport sponsor (air-carrier or non air-carrier), that has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments resulting in enhanced airport safety, or the development/ implementation of a specific program or activity that resulted in improved safety.
Nominations for this award may be submitted by any member of the Airports Division, Western Pacific Region.
Nominees:
Elko Regional Airport – The City of Elko has been exemplary in its efforts to meet the FAA airports safety and standards requirements in particular with Runway Safety Areas (RSA), surface painted holding position signs, and enhance taxiway centerline marking improvements. Completion of the Runway Safety Area project last year contributed significantly to meeting congressionally mandated RSA improvement goals within the Region.
Merced Municipal Airport – The Management and Staff of the Merced Municipal Airport has demonstrated a consistent and positive attitude towards safety and compliance. Among their achievements are: The expeditious and thorough completion of correction items from periodic certification inspections; Installation of surface painted holding position signs ahead of schedule; Improving airport signs and markings to enhance safety and navigation around the existing airport geometry; and Cooperative efforts to assist the FAA in protecting FAA-owned equipment located off-airport.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is nominated for this award in recognition of its continuing outstanding performance in compliance with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 139. Last year, the City initiated a major project to improve the Runway 7R – 25L Runway Safety Area. The project required about 40 days of runway closures between September and October. The City effectively coordinated this project with Airport users, tenants, FAA, consultants, contractors and the Army Core of Engineers to name a few. The ongoing coordination throughout the project ensured the positive outcome of this complex safety project.
The Winner of the Airport Safety Award for 2010 is:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Pictured above)
Outstanding Airport Award 
The recipient of this award is an airport sponsor that has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments resulting in any of the following:
Q Outstanding performance in the administration of grants and/or performance/completion of projects under the AIP program
Q The development/ implementation of a specific program or activity that has improved airport safety.
Q Achievements resulting in benefit to aviation users, such as capacity enhancement, or improvement to airport facilities
Q Other achievements of benefit to the region, including community outreach, intergovernmental cooperative efforts, or programs
Nominations for this award may be submitted by any member of the Airports Division, Western Pacific Region
Nominees:
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport – The Clark County Department of Aviation has been exemplary in its performance under the AIP and PFC programs and in the timely completion of construction projects. The Department has been successful in extending runways, adding passenger boarding gates, terminal facilities, and roadway improvements within McCarran’s limited space. The ongoing capital improvements at the airport greatly enhanced the experience for aviation users.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is nominated for this award in recognition of its continuing outstanding performance in compliance with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 139. Last year, the City initiated a major project to improve the Runway 7R – 25L Runway Safety Area. The project required about 40 days of runway closures between September and October. The City effectively coordinated this project with Airport users, tenants, FAA, consultants, contractors and the Army Core of Engineers to name a few. The ongoing coordination throughout the project ensured the positive outcome of this complex safety project.
The Winner of the Outstanding Airport Award for 2010 is:
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (Pictured above)
The State Aviation Journal congratulates all the nominees and award winners, well done!
