Throughout 2022, the N.C. Department of Transportation\u2019s\nDivision of Aviation made significant progress in its mission to promote the\neconomic well-being of North Carolina by developing a safe and robust air\ntransportation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Division of Aviation provided vital development support\nfor the state\u2019s 72 public airports with $174 million in grant funding and\nplanning and project oversight throughout the year to ensure airports met their\ncommunity\u2019s needs for commercial and leisure travel and operated safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With multiple new partnerships, representation at various\nstatewide and national events and the relaunch of several programs to educate\ncurrent airport leadership, businesses and the future aviation workforce, the\ndivision\u2019s staff worked diligently to promote North Carolina as a prime hub for\nthe ever-growing aviation industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems team also achieved another\nnational first early in the year by pairing tethered drones with statewide\nIncident Management Assistance Patrol trucks to improve accuracy of information\nfor first responders during traffic and roadside emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/C-90edit-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Division of Aviation also continued to support other\nstate agencies and transportation projects by transporting state government\npersonnel for state business and completing over 130 photogrammetry missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n