Photo – Tim and Debbie McClung are retiring together in June – and along with Tommy are excited to start a new chapter in their life.
By Kim Stevens
Tim McClung has announced his upcoming retirement as Aviation Director for the Iowa DOT, concluding a career that spans more than 30 years in aviation.
During his tenure, Tim advanced aviation policy, planning, legislative engagement, and air service development, while playing a key role in integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Iowa. After becoming Aviation Director in 2021, he added oversight of aviation funding programs, public-use airport certification, and aircraft registration.
“Iowa has a great aviation system and the partnerships with pilots, aviation groups, airports, FAA officials, and decision makers at all levels are what has meant a lot,” said Tim. “During my tenure as director, our team was able to administer $160M of funding on top of normal FAA AIP funds. Add investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and we have witnessed a generational investment in building a safe and functional aviation system that includes major airport terminal enhancements, hangar, fuel system, and airside investment.”
Tim was hired to work in aviation at the Iowa DOT in 2003 and never had any desire to do anything at the DOT but that. “It’s hard to believe how fast 23 years can go by. Iowa DOT leadership has always been tremendously supportive so it’s a great place to work for people who are passionate about aviation.”
Tammy Nicholson, director of the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau said, “Tim’s passion for aviation has driven improvements in aviation safety, increased funding, and created strong partnerships across the aviation community.”
Reflecting on how he got interested in aviation, Tim said his dad was a pilot, and his early years involved flying with him in his Cherokee 235. “At age 16 I started skydiving and eventually made more than 100 jumps before I took an interest in airports and flying, said Tim. “I started flying at age 17. A kind FBO operator allowed me to hang around at the airport and my flight instructor became a mentor and lifelong friend. During college years I decided to start adding ratings and eventually found my way into managing a small airport and FBO. Little did I know that would plant the seed for a long aviation career.”
In June, Tim and his wife Debbie are retiring together and excited to start a new chapter in life. “We know that will involve volunteering, helping people, focusing on health, travel, time with family, and spending a lot of time with our family dog, Tommy. Aviation will likely continue to play a role in our lives in some fashion, but strictly at the personal and volunteer level. A few of my bucket list items include snowmobiling around Yellowstone, boating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and skiing the Colorado slopes during the week when the crowds are small.
Reflecting on his time at the DOT, Tim shared, “The Iowa DOT’s Aviation Team is strong, knowledgeable, and passionate about their mission. I can’t thank our partners and Iowa’s aviation community enough for making my career so rewarding.”
Tim’s last day will be June 19, with a transition from the director role occurring in May.
