In a communique to the North Carolina airport community, Nick Short, NCDOT Division of Aviation director, shared a few updates to their organizational structure within the Division of Aviation that reflects their continued growth in the UAS space and commitment to customer service.
“As of today, Thad Howell will assume the role of Deputy Director of Flight Operations and Airport Affairs, with expanded responsibilities including UAS operations and compliance,” noted Short. “As drone technology continues to play an increasingly important role in our work — especially with the anticipated Part 108 regulations — we are positioning ourselves to support more advanced and complex UAS missions. Thad played a key leadership role in our large UAS feasibility study last year, and we’re enthusiastic about his expanded role in helping us scale UAS operations across the department.
Deputy Director Jason Schronce will continue to lead the BEYOND program and other UAS innovation initiatives under the Programs and Planning section. “We are incredibly grateful for Jason’s visionary leadership and excited to see him and his team continue driving innovation and transformation — helping bring the future of aviation to life right here in North Carolina,” said Short.
Howell will now oversee compliance efforts and serve as a member of the Continuous Improvement Committee (CIC). His background as a General Aviation airport director in North Carolina brings valuable insight as the Division continues working closely with stakeholders to navigate compliance challenges and shape practical solutions.
Howell grew up in Rhode Island and credits his father, a Pan Am Airways airline pilot, as the inspiration to pursuing a career in aviation. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Science. Early in his career, Thad instructed flight students in single and multi-engine aircraft. In 2000, he joined American Eagle Airlines, where he flew turboprop and turbojet aircraft domestically and throughout the Caribbean.
In 2008, Howell transitioned to airport management as Director for the Mid-Carolina Regional Airport in Salisbury, North Carolina. During this time, he served on the North Carolina Airports Association (NCAA) Board of Directors and also gained a UAS Part 107 certification. He was also named one of Airport Business Magazine’s Top 40 under 40.
In 2017, he stepped into the role of Chief Pilot and Manager of Flight Operations for the NCDOT Division of Aviation. In 2023, he received the prestigious Road Gang Member Award for exemplary service
