State Aviation Journal - Fall 2014

State Aviation Journal 4th Quarter

2014

State Aviation in Massachusetts

Airports Going Green

NBAA’s 67th Business Avation Convention & Exhibition Fall 2014

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL Page 1

Contents From the Publisher

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Guest Commentary NBAA’s Ed Bolen

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Chicago Hosts Airports Going Green

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67th Annual NBAA Convention

Page 10

On The Cover Chris Willenborg, Administrator for the Massachusetts Aeronautics Division, left and Randy Burdette, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, pose in front of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Cover photo by Kim Stevens.

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Hoover Awarded Wright Memorial Trophy

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State Aviation in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts Aviation Administrator Reflects on Year as NASAO Chair

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Carbon Neutral Program in Massachusetts

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Publisher/Editor

Kim Jeffrey Stevens

Vice President/Operations

Deborah Stevens

Graphic Design & Photography

Kim Stevens Andrew Stevens

Publisher/State Aviation Journal 3535 S. Ball Street Arlington, VA 22202 623-326-1125 www.stateaviationjournal.com

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From the Publisher

Hoover: An American Legend When I first heard the name ‘Bob Hoover’ I was still relatively new to the aviation world and didn’t realize that the tall lanky gentlemen I saw perform earlier in the day at the Columbus, Nebraska Municipal Airport and with whom I was about to get my picture taken with (photo at left), was anyone other than just another cool air show pilot. Of course, that would change over the years as I learned more about the veteran who many have referred to as the ‘pilot’s pilot.’

Fast forward 20 years and a few extra hours in the cockpit and I have a whole new appreciation for the legendary aviator. I had the opportunity to redeem myself with a nice conversation with Hoover back in October of this year during the NBAA Annual Convention (See coverage beginning on page 10). Hoover was there to receive the NBAA 2014 Meritorious Service to Aviation award and was a guest of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) for a reception honoring legends and heroes. I had a brief conversation with him and told him how much I appreciated his service to our country and his dedication and contributions to aviation.

I was fortunate enough to see him again during the Wright Memorial Dinner earlier this month. It was a very fitting tribute to Hoover as this year’s recipient of the Wright Memorial Trophy (See page 17).

As I look back, that photo of the two of us has become a lot more meaningful to me. I value the opportunity I and so many others have had to see him fly. I also value the opportunity I had to shake his hand for a second time. Only this time as I took his hand, I realized that I saw him in a different light. I realized that I was looking at him through the eyes of a kid again; looking at a man who was bigger than life itself, a one-of-a-kind, a real American legend.

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Guest Commentary

NBAA2014 Highlighted Business Aviation’s Regional, National Importance Without question, business aviation provides many valuable services for communities across the United States and around the globe. NBAA’s recent Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2014) in Orlando, FL, served as an important example of our industry’s many contributions not only to the Sunshine State, but also to our country as a whole.

More than 26,000 business aviation professionals attended NBAA2014, making it one of the largest events ever hosted by the Orange County Convention Center.

The event was expected to contribute more than $53 million to the local economy, including revenue generated from the estimated 59,400 hotel room nights booked during NBAA2014, as well as revenue generated from food sales, rental cars, entertainment and more.

Representatives from 49 U.S. states and 95 countries around the world came to NBAA2014, where they had the opportunity to speak with approximately 1,100 exhibitors, compare more than 100 business aircraft of all types and sizes, and participate in dozens of educational opportunities and informative sessions.

Perhaps most importantly, attendees also heard from a robust slate of influential government leaders on a variety of matters affecting the business aviation community, including Rep. Bill Shuster (R-9-PA), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Chris Hart, acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board; and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a general aviation supporter and senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

This participation from such prominent officials at NBAA2014 and other association events speaks directly to the profound importance of this vital American indus-

try. Nationwide, business aviation supports more than 1.2 million highpaying jobs and contributes more than $150 billion annually to U.S. economic output annually.

Florida is a shining example of how important this industry is to communities of all sizes. The state’s GA airports provide 54,250 jobs with a payroll of $1.8 billion, and contribute $6 billion in total economic activity. Overall, the state’s 21 commercial, 107 general aviation and 12 major military airports support roughly one million jobs and generate more than $97 billion annually in economic activity, according to a 2010 study.

Many state legislators have recognized this vital role through supporting measures helping to expand business aviation operations. In 2012, Florida implemented a tax exemption for repairs and maintenance of all fixed-wing aircraft weighing more than 2,000 pounds, an exemption estimated to be worth $12.4 million a year in savings to aircraft owners for repair and maintenance services.

As state aviation officials are certainly aware, business aviation also provides much-needed access and support to smaller communities, allowing companies of all sizes to remain flexible and competitive against global competition. Our industry also provides critical humanitarian access to areas often far removed from the nation’s ground transportation and commercial airline networks.

What is true with Florida is true with every other state in our union. Whether speaking about jobs, economic activity, business competitiveness, or humanitarian lift, business aviation is a vital national asset, and NBAA2014 served as a critical example to highlight this importance.

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STATE AVIATION JOURNAL Page 5

Rosemarie Andolino, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation, addresses seminar attendees. (Curtesy photos from Chicago Department of Aviation)

Working Together Key as Airports Going Green Address Issues, Planning

By Lara R. Jackson The 2014 Airports Going Green Conference, held November 2-5 at the Westin River North in Chicago, offered more sessions to educate aviation professionals about sustainability than ever before. And, attendance continues to grow…. which is promising, especially since aviation and green are two words that seldom go together. But as Gwen Barsaria, Staff Vice President, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) noted in the welcome remarks, “Our [Aviation/green] movement continues to move forward and continues to grow,” which was evident with a quick glance around the conference room – there were more global representatives. With last year’s historic cold and snowy winter, aviation professionals want to learn how they can make a difference for a better environment and protect their airports against the harsh climates as well.

Progress and the future seemed to be the theme of this year’s conference with session titles such as Smart Thinking for Airport Resiliency/Future of Airport Sustainability, Climate Change Resiliency: Airline Extreme Weather Page 6

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Planning and The Changing Landscape of How Airports Communicate with the Public. Participants and attendees understand the importance of staying current with the latest trends affecting aviation and as Rosemarie Andolino, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation, explained in the Smart Thinking seminar, “Sustainability and resiliency feed off of each other.” This engages the society we support, furthering best practices options, and according to Andolino, resilience takes on many forms – infrastructure, passenger service and business operations.

Airports Going Green showcased its first-ever “Sustainable Fabrics Fashion Show” featuring airline seat fabric donated by United Airlines and Southwest Airlines and fabric made from recycled materials donated by Luna Textiles and Repreve.

“These items also provide support for the economy,”

Sustainability Concerns According to the Sustainability at the National Organizational Level: AAAE, ACI, ACC, A4A, NBAA Roundtable panel, noise and planning from different perspectives, are the largest obstacles aviation and airports currently face when addressing sustainability. But these issues and others are being addressed.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Airports Eduardo Angeles stated during the delivery of the annual report, Federal Aviation Administration Airport Sustainability Initiatives, the FAA’s Sustainability Initiatives: • Airport Emissions Reduction • Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction • Airport Energy Efficiency • Airport Climate Adaptation and Infrastructure Resilience • Airport Noise Compatibility Planning • Airport Water Quality • Airport Sustainability Planning Regarding the reduction of airport emissions, the FAA has developed the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Pilot Program, which the Administration can fund up to 50 percent of eligible and justified ZEV infrastructure projects. This program has been limited due to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Buy American requirements; technical guidance can be found at www.faa.gov/airports/ environmental. The FAA will solicit interest in fiscal year 2015 with ZEV infrastructure grants beginning in January.

Angeles also addressed many aspects regarding Airport Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, including the Energy Efficiency of Airport Power Sources.

He explained that the FAA can always assist with energy efficient projects when these projects are a component of a larger project such as a new terminal building. Other points to note regarding energy efficiency include: • FAA can assist with some standalone energy efficiency projects, but these projects must compete with

San Diego Int’l Airport receives Airports Going Green award.

Andolino, left and Thella Bowens, CEO and President, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, together with airport officials from San Diego and Chicago.

other projects for discretionary funds • Airport energy assessments and certain energy efficiency projects are AIP-eligible. More information will be included in FAA’s energy efficiency guidance.

Regarding the energy efficiency of airports, Angeles explained these improvements are AIP-eligible, but the projects must increase the efficiency of an airport building and should be a part of an AIP-eligible and justified airport building project.

Continued on next page.

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STATE AVIATION JOURNAL Page 7

T.J. Schulz, President of ACC, left, speaks as part of an industry panel..

Going Green Continued from previous page.

Next, wherever there is aviation, noise follows, and noise is another environmental issue the industry faces.

“Noise continues to be an important component for the FAA,” stated Angeles, “Since 1982, [the] FAA has issued about $6 billion in AIP grants to nearly 500 airports and their surrounding communities for noise insulation of local buildings and land acquisition.”

“Noise is an issue among the aviation industry – the airports and aviation professionals continue to work with the community to address this problem,” explained Marianne Csaky, Director, Environmental Affairs at Airlines for America during the Sustainability at the National Organizational Level session.

The remaining members of the Sustainability at the National Organizational Level panel concurred that noise is one of the major issues facing the aviation industry.

But, sustainability on a whole must be addressed.

“Sustainability is not just an environment issue, it is also a business issue,” stated Katherine Preston, Senior Director of Environmental Affairs at Airports Council International.

When asked what sustainability means to their organization, Csaky stated, “It means more efficiency. Airlines Page 8

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burned eight percent less fuel in 2013 compared to 2000 – much of this was due to more efficient aircraft engines and airframe design.”

Csaky continued, “Alternative fuels and supply chains are another concern. Most of our members [Airlines for America] are looking at alternative fuels and how to bring them into the airport. Also, we [aviation] drive a huge percentage of the GDP [Gross Domestic Product]. At about five percent we continue to share the wealth and get people to the places they need to get to.”

Since aviation is such a driving force, Preston suggests “Airports need to continue to invest in their future. Better funding for sustainability also needs to be addressed.

Funding for airports and sustainability needs to be modernized because sustainability and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) work better for airports – these are a better way to measure these airport initiatives.”

And, just like everything in business a well-developed plan with the proper tools, is key when making the case for sustainability.

“Tactical priorities need to be made and planning must be industrywide because the industry is always looking for growth opportunities. We [the aviation industry] must learn how to work better with our community – there must be more community outreach,” stated Melissa Sabatine,

Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, American Association of Airport Executives.

What the Future Holds Of a larger concern are the effects of extreme weather on the aviation industry and airports. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center “…the period from December 2013 to February 2014 was the [thirtyfourth] coldest such period for the contiguous 48 states as a whole since modern records began in 1895….Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri registered a top [ten] coldest winter.”

During the session, Climate Change Resiliency: Airline Extreme Planning, Penny Neferis, Director, Business and Continuity and Emergency Response at jetBlue explained, “A majority of the airlines have added business continuity to response teams and there is a more heightened awareness and preparedness.”

Another speaker during Climate Change Resiliency, Jim DeYoung, Managing Director, Operations Control Center, United Airlines, described that by leveraging meteorology, Air Traffic Control (ATC) and operational forecasts, United Airlines evaluates risks and plans from: Winter: • Freezing precipitation: type, intensity and duration • Device throughput plus gate/pad operation constraints • Airport snow removal capabilities • Crosswind and braking implications Summer and Tropicals: • Thunderstorm type – airmass/frontal • Ramp closure (lightning) risks • Arrival/departure ATC fix impact • Diversion station capabilities Neferis goes on to outline the process for every part of the preparedness plan. The following are some of the points of each level of the plan.

Pre-Event Priorities:

• • • •

Coordination and planning meetings Reduce flight schedules Move aircraft away from the event Secure terminal – equipment, jet bridges

Mid-Event Priorities: Communication is key at this stage of the process: • Status of airport, runway and equipment functionality • Known impact and damages • Any changes to the plan

Post-Event Priorities • Assess damage, business partner status • Get operations back up and running • Bring the planes and customers back • Customer, crew member and community impact Haldane Dodd, Head of Communications, Airport Transport Action Group emphasized aviation businesses must have a sustainability plan in place addressing climate action. The four cornerstones are: • Invest in new technology • Build and use efficient infrastructure • Fly using efficient operations • Use effective, global market-based operations But, these cornerstones cannot be achieved without commitment from all aviation businesses.

Lara R. Jackson is a Chicago area-based freelance writer and editor who writes and edits about many subjects including aviation, health care, the environment and animal well-being. She can be reached at lrjwriteedit@gmail. com.

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Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee addressess attendees.

NBAA 2014 Heralded a Success By all indications, this year’s National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Tradeshow held October 21st – 23rd in Orlando, Florida, was a success for attendees and exhibitors alike. The convention featured about 1,100 exhibitors in the Orange County Convention Center, more than 100 aircraft on static display, including

Chris Hart

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a sold-out static display area at Orlando Executive Airport and more than 26,000 attendees from around the world.

“This year’s show was an enormous success, filled with announcements and product introductions,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The exhibit floor and aircraft displays had lots of activity and excitement.”

Sen. Bill Nelson

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Gov. Jack Markell

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held officially launching NBAA 2014.

The event once again showcased the industry’s size, diversity and significance, and according to Bolen, provided many reminders that this is an industry characterized by passion and professionalism. “It’s really an opportunity to see in dramatic form just how important general aviation is to business and commerce, and, therefore, communities across the country,” said Vic Bird, Director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. “And, it reminds me that

Photos by Kim Stevens

Continued on next page.

Edward Bolton

Lynn Krough (right), founder of International Jet Aviation, accepted the NBAA’s 2014 Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership award on behalf of all International Jet employees and the Make-AWish Foundation. NBAA’s Ed Bolen is on the left.

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NBAA Continued from previous page. it is our airports that provide the critical piece to this very successful partnership. Business does indeed, come calling in a plane!�

Highlights from the show included a crowded Opening General Session, featuring leaders from government and business such as Rep. Bill Shuster (R-9-PA), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Chris Hart, acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board; and Andrew Taylor, executive chairman of Enterprise Holdings.

A standing-room-only, second-day Opening Session

Attendees reflect on the Falcon display.

Sean Tucker, left and Bob Hoover.

featured aviation leaders and legends including, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D), U.S. Air Force Major Gen. (ret.) Edward Bolton, and Robert Continued on page 12.

Williams International light jet engine display at NBAA.

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Susan Cotten and Dick Koenig with the Corporate Angel Network.

A Bell 429 on display in the exhibit area.

Representing the City of Mesa Arizona’s Falcon Field are Dee Anne Thomas and JD Beatty.

Sarah Ferrara, Aviation Planning and Outreach Coordinator for the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona.

Dayton-Granger representatives from left are, Bill Senneff, Christopher Maholm and Geoff Bing.

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A panel of industry experts talk about UAS and the impact on aviation.

NBAA Continued from page 10.

A. “Bob� Hoover, followed by election predictions from famed political couple Mary Matalin and James Carville.

Chris Willenborg, Aeronautics Administrator for the

NBAA Regional Reps, Stacy Howard and Bob Quinn.

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Massachusetts Department of Transportation said by attending the NBAA Annual Convention and Tradeshow, he has the opportunity to personally thank key business aviation companies for their use of their statewide system of airports and introduce new business aviation companies to Continued on next page.

Chris Willenborg (Massachusetts), left and Kristi Ivey, NBAA.

The second day of NBAA2014 opened with a crowded session featuring famed political power couple James Carville and Mary Matalin, who offered midterm election predictions and other, often humorous observations, then took questions submitted from the crowd.

NBAA Continued from previous page. the new development opportunities in Massachusetts.

“In addition, we are able to visit with our NBAA Regional counterparts to discuss industry related concerns and legislative challenges,” said Willenborg.

A new advocacy initiative was unveiled, called “Business Leaders on Business Aviation.” The initiative highlights testimonials from dozens of CEOs on the value of business aviation to their companies, and builds on similar testimonials from 10 CEOs, introduced at NBAA2013, called the “Top Ten.” Steve Hadley, NBAA Regional Rep, left and Vic Bird (Oklahoma).

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NBAA Continued from Page 13.

Staffing the HondaJet exhibit and providing caps are Jacki Carnes, Lori Lucion and Jodi Meeks.

A full roster of education sessions was held throughout the week, including two packed sessions on the emergence of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (and NBAA’s work to represent business aviation on this issue), as well as a session on considerations for the industry regarding international travel and the Ebola virus.

National Aviation Hall of Fame Hosts Special Reception

The National Aviation Hall of Fame in partnership with the NBAA, hosted a special reception in Orlando celebrating aviation’s heroes and legends. Phil Roberts, former NBAA and NAHF Chairman took the opportunity to introduce the 2014 Combs Gates Award recipient Jon Tennyson. 2008 NAHF Enshrinee Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, USAF (Ret) was the evening speaker.

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Wright Memorial Trophy to Hoover Robert A. “Bob” Hoover was the honoree at the 67th Annual Wright Memorial Dinner, held in early December in Washington D.C. Hoover was presented with the 2014 National Aeronautic Association Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for distinguished service as a military pilot, test pilot and air show performer. Referred to by many as a “pilot’s pilot,” Hoover was also recognized for advancing safety and precision in the art of flying and for using his skills as an aviator as a tool to inspire and motivate generations of pilots worldwide.

Hoover, left and Jim Albaugh, NAA Chairman.

Hoover waits back stage to be introduced.

NASAO photos by Kim Stevens

After receiving the Wright Mermorial Trophy, Bob Hoover responds to interview questions from David Hartman

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Massachusetts Aviation Going Strong Attributed to Statewide System Planning

Left to right are, Katie Servis, Airport Planner, Governor Deval L. Patrick, Willenborg and Richard A. Davey, former Secretary of Transportation.

By Kim J. Stevens For Christopher J. Willenborg, Administrator for the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), 2014 has been a whirlwind of activity wrought with challenges, opportunities, and a bevy of new experiences culminating in both personal and professional growth. It was also a year in which he had to juggle his duties not only as a state aviation director but as Chairman of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO – See Article on Page 20).

“Where has the past year gone,” he asks rhetorically as he tries to encapsulate for this article, everything that has transpired over the last twelve months.

“2014 will be remembered as a truly exciting and challenging year,” says Willenborg, not only for himself but for the Aeronautics Division as well - the state’s regulatory agency that oversees the 36 public-use general aviation airports across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Willenborg shared that the mission of the Division is Page 18

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to promote aviation throughout the Commonwealth while establishing an efficient, integrated airport system that is focused on airport safety, customer service, economic development and environmental stewardship. Earlier in the year, the Massachusetts State Legislature passed a transportation bond bill that would help them in that mission.

The bill included $89M for airport projects at public-use general aviation airports. “We are grateful for the support of our legislative leaders as well as their recognition of the role of aviation in the Commonwealth,” said Willenborg.

“This did not happen overnight - It was a methodical, collaborative, and persistent process over a five year period to educate our legislative leaders about the importance of our statewide system of airports.”

The foundation of this process began with their statewide system planning, having completed in 2010 the Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan Study.

“The previous plan was done in 1989 and we were long overdue to strategically look at our statewide system of airports,” said Willenborg. Key takeaways from their

Statewide Airport System Plan Study included the development of a roadmap to preserve and enhance their airport system over the next ten years, the identification of over fifty performance measures to track their progress in meeting the goals identified in the study, and being able to highlight the funding shortfall of approximately $22M per year of FAA, MassDOT, and local airport investments.

As a result of this first study, they had the tools to use at legislative hearings to explain the budget shortfall and the importance of a coordinated system of public-use airports.

In 2011, they embarked on their second statewide system planning study which was their Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study. This study focused on the economic impacts of their airports and tax revenues collected from aviation activities in the Commonwealth.

“We found that over 124,000 direct/indirect jobs with an economic impact of nearly $12B can be attributed to our statewide airport system,” said Willenborg. “The economic impact numbers resonated well with the State Legislature and I now had the tools to show the importance of aviation on our statewide economy and why we need to

strategically invest in our airport system.”

In 2013, they completed a Statewide Airport Pavement Management System Project which reinforced the idea of why they need to invest in one of the most important infrastructure pieces at an airport; pavement. “As a result of this study, I was able to explain how we prioritize pavement projects across the Commonwealth and strategically invest scarce resources to address our airfield pavement needs.”

As result of the findings and recommendations of these three studies, Willenborg says they have been able to effectively educate their legislative leaders and gain strong support from other aviation stakeholders such as the Massachusetts Airport Management Association, Massachusetts Business Aviation Association, National Business Aviation Association, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “Together we have advocated for aviation at the State House with our MassDOT “Legislative on The Hill Day” and Airport Open Houses/Fly-Ins across Continued on page 20.

AIRPORT SOLUTIONS GROUP Innovative Airport Development Specialists http://www.airportsolutionsgroup.com Fall 2014

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL Page 19

Willenborg Reflects on Year as NASAO Chairman

By Kim J. Stevens This past September in Providence, Rhode Island, Chris Willenborg passed the gavel to Carol Comer of Georgia, ending what had been a very challenging and life changing time as Chairman of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “It was truly an honor and privilege to serve as Chairman of NASAO along with our Executive Committee and Board of Directors in 2014,” said Willenborg. “My experiences have helped me grow both professionally and personally.” In particular, Willenborg said the ability to adapt and change course from an unexpected event has positively influenced his leadership skills and personal life.

That event, of course, was the passing of Henry Ogrodzinski, NASAO’s longtime President and CEO. The implementation of the updated objectives identified in their strategic plan by the NASAO Executive Committee and NASAO Board of Directors basically was put on hold. “The focus of the NASAO Board of Director and Executive Committee was to continue to move our organization forward during this period of transition and hire a new CEO/President to lead us into the future,” said Willenborg.

Willenborg said it was a privilege to initiate the

Massachusetts Continued from page 19. the Commonwealth,” said Willenborg. “The reward for all this hard work and key partnerships is the additional $89M in bond authorization.”

As they move forward, Willenborg says they will continue to support the statewide preventative maintenance programs for pavements, markings, and obstructions. In addition, they have begun a Statewide Airport Administration Building Program, designed to construct or renovate Page 20

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Willenborg passes the gavel to Carol Comer of Georgia.

NASAO CEO Search process, explore new opportunities regarding the administrative functions of NASAO, and be part of the leadership team to take action on these issues.

Recently the NASAO Board of Directors under the leadership of Chairwoman Carol Comer selected Greg Principato as the NASAO CEO/President to succeed Ogrodzinski. “I firmly believe Greg’s vast experience on Capitol Hill, strong leadership style, and extensive knowledge of aviation and airports will greatly assist our NASAO organization to build upon the long history of representing state aviation government officials in Washington DC,” said Willenborg.

As Chairman, Willenborg’s experiences have helped Continued on page 24. fifteen airport administration buildings over the next six years to further enhance their economic development opportunities and brand their statewide system of public-use airports across the Commonwealth.

Willenborg says the twelve dedicated employees of the MassDOT Aeronautics Division are deeply committed to the statewide system of public-use airports and share a common passion towards aviation which creates an enthusiastic workplace culture. “It is truly an honor to lead such an outstanding group of professionals here at the MassDOT Aeronautics Division.”

Carbon Neutral Program to Assist Mass Airports

By Katie Servis In November 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division embarked upon an exciting new pilot program with the help of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe) to create the first ever airport with “carbon neutral” ground operations in the United States at Nantucket Memorial Airport. The Carbon Neutral Airport Program will assist Nantucket Memorial Airport as well as other airports within the Commonwealth in meeting GreenDOT Policy goals to respond to various legislative acts and programs to “green” the Commonwealth’s transportation system including: MassDOT Green DOT Policy; Green Jobs Act; Global WarmServis ing Solutions Act; 2020 Clean Energy and Climate Plan; and the 2012 Energy Bill.

The Program is being conducted in two phases

Nantucket Memorial Airport ramp.

Airport. o Numerous energy conservation measures will be implemented that together will reduce the existing energy consumption at Nantucket Memorial Airport by 35%. o These measures include the installation of both indoor and outdoor LED lighting; retro commissioning of major mechanical systems (including energy recovery ventilators); building envelope improvements; a crossContinued on next page.

• Phase I: concluded in April 2014 included the identification of energy efficiency and conservation measures to reduce energy demand; renewable energy sources that can be used to meet the remaining energy demand; and reductions made through non-energy related greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources, such as transportation and refrigerant use.

• Phase II: commenced in June 2014 and includes the actual implementation steps to achieve carbon neutrality at the Nantucket Memorial Fall 2014

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL Page 21

Carbon Continued from previous page. building integrated building management platform; highly efficient infrared garage heating; boiler burner replacements; and other measures. o To reduce the remaining 65% of GHG emissions resulting from airport operations, arrays of solar photovoltaic panels between 1.5MW and 2.1MW are being considered to generate enough energy to supply or offset the remaining energy consumption at Nantucket Memorial Airport, which results in net zero GHG emissions. o Solar thermal technology is also planned to reduce heating oil use for water heating. $805,000 in MassDOT Aeronautics Division funding helped finance the planning portion of the program.

The implementation phase (Phase II) will be financed through an Energy Service Contract (or ESCO) between the Airport and Honeywell Building Solutions, the company selected for the implementation phase. Honeywell guarantees savings on energy and water/ sewer bills over a 20-year term to pay for the project. Nantucket Memorial Airport (or a 3rd party) finances the project through tax exempt lease/bonds, utility incentives, grants, or other mechanisms and makes payments using funds saved from lower energy bills. In addition to the savings on energy bills, the sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) will also provide funding for the project as well as rebates from utilities and Page 22

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other approaches/funding sources to reduce initial program costs.

The Program, when fully implemented, will eliminate nearly 1,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year at Nantucket Memorial Airport (the same as the carbon sequestered after planting 94,017 tree seedlings and growing them for 10 years ).

MassDOT and the Nantucket Airport plan to identify lessons and practices learned at Nantucket Airport that are relevant to airports ranging from the smallest General Aviation (GA) airport to large and complex commercial service airports. Deliverables will be prepared to maximize their utility for future applicability throughout the Commonwealth’s system of airports and nationwide.

The Program is also a proud recipient of WTS Boston’s 2014 Innovative Transportation Solutions Award!

To learn more about the Carbon Neutral Airport Program, please visit the Aeronautics Divisions website www.mass.gov/massdot/aeronautics or contact Katie Servis at katie.servis@state.ma.us.

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STATE AVIATION JOURNAL Page 23

Willenborg Continued from page 20. to strengthen and create new relationships with NASAO members and other industry stakeholders. He said he gained a greater appreciation for the efforts of the NASAO staff during the transition period after Ogrodzinski’s passing. Despite their own grieving for their dear friend and leader, Willenborg said the staff continued to focus on the daily operations of NASAO in a professional manner. “Perseverance is a key character trait that I will take away from my experience as Chairman of NASAO.” It didn’t take Willenborg long to become interested in becoming involved in the leadership of NASAO. “When I became the State Aeronautics Director in Massachusetts in 2009, former MA State Aeronautics Directors Bob Welch, Bob Mallard, and Arnie Stymest, shared with me the important role of NASAO and encouraged me to become involved in the Association,” said Willenborg.

“After my first year, I became the NASAO New England Region Regional Director and had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors under past chairman Randy Burdette [Virginia].” Willenborg said he was able to see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing NASAO and wanted to be part of the leadership team to move the organization forward.

Even though it’s demanding, Willenborg said he would encourage other state directors to become involved in the NASAO leadership. “As a State Aeronautics Director, it is important to understand the common issues and challenges facing our industry from a national perspective,” said Willenborg. NASAO provides the opportunity for State Aeronautics Directors to share their experiences and work together in developing solutions to industry challenges. “I would strongly encourage our State Aeronautics Directors to volunteer on one of NASAO’s committees and become a Regional Director,” said Willenborg. “It is an outstanding way to become involved and be a part of an enthusiastic team of professionals.”

Willenborg firmly believes everyone is faced with the challenge of balancing priorities in life every day whether Page 24

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

Fall 2014

at home and/or work and effective time management skills are essential to successfully balancing life’s priorities. “I consider my family as the number one priority in my life and am thankful for the strong support at home especially from my wife Taryn,” said Willenborg. The couple Willenborg has two children, Amelia, age 9 and Luke, age 13. “Their schedules of school and extracurricular activities keep us extremely busy.”

The additional duties of NASAO chairman can impact the ability to balance life’s priorities, however, according to Willenborg, the experiences during your one year can positively impact your family and regular job. “One example is our family summer trip to the 2014 EAA Oshkosh AirVenture in Wisconsin,” said Willenborg. “We had a fantastic time experiencing various facets of aviation over the five days and we created unforgettable family memories.”

When asked what fires him up, Willenborg responded, “My belief in God, my family, and the opportunity to excel each day!” At work, Willenborg says he has an unbelievable team of twelve that is passionate about aviation and is focused on their vision to lead the nation in transportation excellence. “As a result, we have a dynamic and exciting workplace culture that helps enhance a strong statewide system of public-use airports in Massachusetts.”

At home, he feeds off the unlimited energy and optimism of his wife and children and shares in their life experiences. “How can you not be fired up each day!”

Several of Willenborg’s top bucket list items include a trip with his wife to Australia and New Zealand, attendance at the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia with his son and he would like to run and complete a marathon road race. Now that his year as Chairman is behind him, he might just have time to check one of those off his list.

Fall 2014

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