State Aviation Journal - NASAO 2015 Edition

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL NASAO 2015

Idaho Division of Aeronautics Administrator, Mike Pape

Idaho Hosts NASAO 84th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Boise 2015 NASAO Special Edition

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

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Contents

Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Layout Design Photography Contributing Writers

From the Publisher

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Welcome to Idaho Arriving early - Staying late

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Flying Backcountry Idaho

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NASAO Committees in Action

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Riding the Rails All Aboard the Thunder Mountain Line

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Kim J. Stevens Andrew Stevens Kim Stevens Kim Stevens Mike Pape Paul Meyers

Smiley Creek Airstrip lies at the base of the beautiful Sawtooth Page 2

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2015 NASAO Special Edition

Opening Recption With Exhibitors

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FAA Administrator Delivers Keynote Signs MOU

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Engagement - Key to Successful 2015 NASAO Convention

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An Evening at the Warhawk Air Museum

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GA Telling the Story

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NASAO Class Photo

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NASAO/FAA Summit

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NASAO Awards Banquet

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On The Cover

Mountain Wilderness Area.

Mike Pape, Administrator for the Idaho Division of Aeronautics in front of the Division’s hangar at the Boise airport. A Kitfox, manufactured in Idaho, sits as a backdrop.

Photo by Kim Stevenes 2015 NASAO Special Edition

State Aviation Journal

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From the Publisher

Flying Idaho Each location selected for NASAO’s Annual Conven-

tion and Trade Show has its unique appeal. For some, it’s the chance to visit a new city or state. For others, it’s the chance to check something off their bucket list. However, in recent years, none has beckoned quite like this year’s draw to Boise, Idaho. At least that’s the word from many to whom I’ve spoken with.

That sentiment does apply to me as well. Having the chance to fly to a backcountry airstrip in Idaho was an exceptional opportunity for me. And to crawl into the left seat of a Kitfox with the owner of the company - well, that was special.

Kudos to Mike Pape (shown on the cover) for arranging for John McBean to bring one of the company’s aircraft to the Idaho Division of Aeronautics hangar on an early Saturday morning to help fly a bunch of us to Smiley Creek. McBean (shown at left), along with his wife Debra, own the Kitfox company located at Homedale Municipal Airport, approximately 35 miles west of Boise. John McBean is a current flight instructor and holds a Commercial certificate with Multiengine, Seaplane and Instrument ratings and, along with Debra, has many enjoyable hours in Kitfox aircraft.

Flying over the Sawtooth Mountains to Smiley Creek was an unbelievable experience for me (see photos on pages 8 & 9).

The nine of us had a great breakfast at the Smiley Creek Lodge, a short walk from the airstrip and a awesome return trip to Boise.

I didn’t want to, but I gave up my seat in the Kitfox to allow Gary Cathey (California Aeronautics Director) to take the stick on the way back. Mike Pape, however, did let me get some time in the C-206 on the return. All in all, it was a great time in the backcountry of Idaho.

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STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

2015 NASAO Special Edition

Welcome to Idaho NASAO Members Arrive Early Stay Late

Many attendees of NASAO’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, held this year in Boise, arrived early or stayed late to take advantage of Idaho attractions. Whether it was

Continued on next page.

Dr. John Eagerton stalks a big rainbow trout on the South Fork of the Boise River. Photo by Mike Pape.

2015 NASAO Special Edition

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Idaho

Idaho’s Mike Pape, welcomes NASAO Conference attendees to the Boise State football game.

Continued from previous page. fishing in one of the state’s many beautiful rivers, exploring backcountry airstrips or enjoying the blue field of a Boise State football game, state aviation officials and aviation industry representatives took advantage of all Idhao had to offer.

“The NASAO conference in Boise is one many will not soon forget,” said Louisiana’s Brad Brandt. “The scenery was beautiful, the friendships renewed and new contacts that were made are enough to span a career.” Brandt said that Mike Pape and his team did a fabulous job of hosting this event. “The hospitality shown to us was tremendous. My wife and I are already planning our trip back to Boise!

Mississippi’s Tommy Booth and Melissa Womack.

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The Boise Airport welcomes NASAO attendees.

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Early morning fog filled in the valleys on the way to Smiley Creek.

Flying Backcountry Idaho Exploring the backcountry of Idaho can be a breathtaking adventure. Doing it by air added a whole new dynamic for six adventurers on Saturday morning prior to the NASAO Convention in Boise. Idaho’s Mike Pape and Melissa Kaplan, each flew several confer-

Returning from breakfast are from left, Melissa Kaplan and Julie and Brad Brandt.

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ence attendees in a Cessna 182 and 206, to Smiley Creek, an Idaho backcountry airstrip for breakfast. John McBean, owner of Kitfox Aircraft also joined the flight with one of the company’s planes.

One of the couples on the flight was Brad and Julie Brandt. “My wife and I flew with Melissa in the state of Idaho’s Cessna 182,” said Brandt, aviation director in Louisiana. “Melissa was a wonderful pilot and it was one of the smoothest flights I have ever been on in a small aircraft.” The group landed early in the morning with the frost still covering the grass runway. “That was our first time mountain flying and we had a wonderful time,” said Brand. “I cannot wait to go back and see other back country airports.”

Almost close enough to touch the beauty of the Idaho mountains.

2015 NASAO Special Edition

Flying in to Smiley Creek were from left, Mike Pape, Kim Stevens, Melissa Kaplan, Tommy Booth, Melissa Womack, Brad Brandt, Julie Brandt and Gary Cathey.

Mike Pape, left and John McBean check out an arriving aircraft.

A half dozen aircraft were parked at Smiley Creek on this Saturday morning.

Gary Cathey poses for a photo after a delicious breakfast.

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Bill Orellana (Tennessee), left, listens as Dave Fulton (Texas) discusses state block grant issues.

NASAO Committees in Action

Dr. John Eagerton (Alabama), left and Vic Bird (Oklahoma), listen to a discussion on UAS.

Winn Turney (Kentucky).

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Bill Crozier, Assistant Manager for FAA’s UAS Integration Office addresses the NASAO UAS Committee.

Key NASAO committees conveened Saturday and Sunday in Boise, Idaho to conduct association business. Those committees included UAS, State Block Grant, Wildlife, Legislative, Finance and Air Service. Subject matter experts invited to participate in the meetings included Mike Begier, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss bird strikes and other wildlife issues, and Bill Crozier, FAA’s UAS Integration Office. The NASAO and NASAO Center Board of Directors also met.

Bobby Walston (North Carolina), center, describes the impact of UAS in his state.

2015 NASAO Special Edition

Mike Begier, left, National Coordinator for Airport Wildlife, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Paul Werts (South Carolina), Chair of NASAO’s Wildlife Committee, address bird strikes.

Ronnie Mitchell (Nebraska), NASAO Secretary, left, and Brad Brandt, Treasurer, look over budget numbers prior to a finance meeting.

Greg Principato (NASAO), left and Randy Burdette (Virginia), Chair of the UAS Committee.

Kyle Wanner (North Dakota).

Mark Kimberling (NASAO).

John Binder, left and Troy LaRue, both with Alaska Aviation.

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Sunday Afternoon

James Stephens (South Carolina) was entagled in a shotgun wedding.

Riders were exposed to spectacular views.

NASAO Experiences the Wild West Aboard the Thunder Mountain Line With the lure of gold in the hills, NASAO convention attendees took to the rails on Sunday for adventure, drama and a bit of the outdoors. The Thunder Mountain Line, Idaho’s only scenic train ride, began in historic Horseshoe Bend and traveled along Continued on page 15.

Grayson Ardies (Oklahoma) and one of the lovely locals.

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John Eagerton (Alabama) and Sarah Arnold (Marr Arnold Planning.

2015 NASAO Special Edition

Drama depicting the ‘Wild West’ was acted out for NASAO convention attendees.

Photos by Kim Stevens

Melissa Kaplan (Idaho) cozies up to the local law.

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There was gold in them there hills. The Thunder Mountain Line provided access to the mining district.

Bruce Wardle (AMG), left with Ann and Greg Principato.

Ashish Solanki (Maryland) and Melissa Kaplan (Idaho).

Gary Chernenko (West Virginia), left and Shayne Gill (AASHTO).

Ronnie and Doris Mitchell (Nebraska).

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2015 NASAO Special Edition

Those riding the rails were provided with entertainment along the way.

Thunder Mountain Continued from page 12. the scenic Payette River through Boise National Forest.

During the ride, local actors entertained and engaged with passengers. Horseshoe Bend is located in Southwest

Idaho 28 miles north of Boise.

The journey provided views of white water activity on the river which has become popular with kayakers and rafters. The train stopped in Banks giving everyone a chance to have lunch, search for gold and other precious gems and enjoy other attractions.

Bryan Gregory (Missouri) checks for gold.

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Opening Reception with Exhibitors Sets Stage for Great Convention Attendees of the 84th Annual NASAO Convention and Trade Show opening reception with exhibitors had the opportunity to experience some of the local culture that Boise has to offer. Through the art of traditional Basque dance, the Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise shared their culture while Above - The Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise, Idaho, shared their culture with NASAO attendees.

From left, NASAO Chair, Carol Comer, Mike Pape, center, and Greg Principato cut the ribbon, welcoming attendees to the 84th Annual Convention. Mike Pape welcomes folks to Idaho.

Greg Principato, NASAO, left and Ralph Petragnani, Belfort Instrument.

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AOPA’s Yasmina Platt and Dawn Veatch.

Stephanie Ward with Mead & Hunt and Mike Begier, USDA.

2015 NASAO Special Edition

Hanging with the stars are from left, Mike Klein (AZ), Melissa Kaplan (ID), Mike Maynard and Scott Sanders (CDM Smith), Tammy Schoen (ID) and Kevin Carlson (Bolton & Menk).

continuing to preserve their unique heritage for future generations. During one number, dancers encouraged attendees to participate and many did.

The Oinkari Dancers have become a source of pride to the Basque community as well as to the State of Idaho.

In the best tradition of folk customs, the dances have

been taught to hundreds of young Basques throughout the years.

After the ribbon was cut, officially opening the 84th annual affair, attendees mingled with more than twenty exhibitors in the Boise Center.

Mike Pape (ID) enoys a moment with the Basque Dancers.

Vaisala team from left - Anthony Body, Leslie Amico, Michael Trosclair, Dan Donahue, Nancy Thomsen and Candace Spillers-Wood.

Doris and Ronnie Mitchell (NE) with Sheryl Mayes, right (Thales).

Susan Bryan, Argus International and Pat Morley (Utah).

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Welcoming attendees in the opening session are from left, Greg Principato, Carol Comer and Mike Pape.

Engagement, Key to Successful Convention The NASAO conference in Boise is one many will not soon forget. That, from Brad Brandt, NASAO’s newly elected Vice Chairman and aviation director for the State of Louisiana. “The scenery was beautiful, the friendships renewed and new contacts that were made are enough to span a career,” said Brandt. “Mike [Pape] and his team did a fabulous job of hosting this event! The hospitality shown to us was tremendous.”

After a mix of committee meetings, social events and an opening reception with exhibitors over the weekend, the 84th Annual NASAO Convention and Trade Show began Monday with a strong lineup of speakers and panel sessions on current topics impacting aviation nationally and in the states.

Joining Idaho Governor, C.L. “Butch” Otter, to the platform to welcome convention attendees, were Carol Comer, NASAO Chair and Director, Division of Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. Intermodal for the Georgia Department of Transportation, Mike Pape, local host and Administrator for the Division of Aeronautics, Idaho Transportation Department, and Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association Page 18

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of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO).

“I felt this was a real privilege to bring all of my NASAO colleagues to my hometown of Boise for the annual conference,” said Pape. “I knew this was going to be something of a coming-out event for new president Greg Principato, and I wanted him to be able to shine.”

Principato, who was selected as the NASAO president in November of 2014, said as his first NASAO convention as President, he couldn’t have been more pleased. “We had three dozen state directors there, as well as representatives from dozens of companies. We had terrific conference sessions on big picture issues.”

The lineup of speakers included William Swelbar, Executive Vice President with InterVISTAS Consulting, Jack Penning, Executive Director, Air Service Strategy and Development with Sixel Consulting, Gordon Jones, Founding Dean of the College of Innovation and Design at Boise State College, Faye Malarkey Black, President of the Regional Airline Association, and Steve Edgar, President & CEO of Advanced Aviation Solutions, a company specializing in UAS and their applications in commercial industries.

It was more, of course, than just a great lineup of speakers. The Idaho host committee (Idaho Aeronautics staff) was instrumental in helping the NASAO staff make this

2015 NASAO Special Edition

an exceptional event. “It was an honor to host the attendees from the conference and get to share some of the best our state has to offer during their time here,” said Tammy Schoen, Administrative Assistant with the Division of Aeronautics. “As the lead for the host committee, at first it was a little overwhelming to think we were in charge of, basically, the entertainment for 200 people! But, as we laid the framework and started to fill in the gaps, it was easier to see how it would play out.”

Gordon Jones To see the hard work put into the events come together just as they had planned was absolutely energizing for Schoen. “It didn’t hurt to have the world’s best partner in making these things happen. None of this would have worked out without the teamwork that developed between Aeronautics and the NASAO staff,” said Schoen. “It was a very enjoyable experience for me and I hope we were able to share just enough that it brings many of the attendees back for a visit.”

William Swelbar, InterVISTAS Consulting.

Continued on page 20.

State aviation officials listen intently to session speakers.

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my room, took the bull by the horns and spent countless hours together strategizing on how to best entertain our visitors,” said Pape. “Train rides, Basque dancers, glass blowing, dinner at the air museum, hospitality rooms, gift baskets, registrations, etc. etc. - I was never so proud of our Idaho Aeronautics employees.”

“I was so excited when Mike told me we would be hosting NASAO in Steve Edgar, President of Advanced Aviation Solutions talks during his session about the comIdaho,” said Melissa Kaplan. “I’ve mercial application of UAS. always been so proud to be from here and enjoy any chance I get to show Engagement off the unique things we have to offer.” For Kaplan, the Continued from page 19. challenge was not finding things to do but figuring out Boise was an amazing place to have the conference. the unique things to do with the little time they had that Principato praised key local officials including airport would make their special guests really want to come director Rebecca Hupp and Chamber President Bill Conback. “I can only hope that they’ll contact us if they ever nors for going above and beyond to ensure everyone felt choose to do so,” said Kaplan. “Our staff will always be welcomed and had everything they needed. “Melissa more than happy to assist them in whatever way we can to Kaplan and Derra Kolar were essential and fabulous. And make their next trip even more memorable than their last.”

I would work with Tammy on anything at any time,” said What most impressed Principato was how engaged Principato. “We had a few rough moments getting orgaeveryone was. Whether it was a state aviation director, nized in the months leading up to the conference, but she a staff member of a state aviation department, a reprekept focused and we pulled it off! She and the team there sentative from a company supplying goods and services were just incredible.” to NASAO members, or government officials, everyone Pape said the responsibility for their Boise team to there, according to Principato, took the opportunity to talk host, was to also ensure that attendees and their spouses to, and learn from, one another. “I have been to a lot of had an enjoyable time outside of the conference. “With conferences and this was about the most engaged group of that, Tammy and Melissa pretty much sent me back to attendees I have ever seen.”

Paul Meyers

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Faye Malarky-Black

State Aviation Journal

Guy Rouelle

Rebecca Hupp

2015 NASAO Special Edition

Jack Penning

Monday Sessions Telling the Story of General Aviation Airports - it is a responsibility that we must take seriously as the future of the general aviation industry depends on us.

By Paul A. Meyers During the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Annual Convention and Trade Show held in Boise, Idaho in September, the folks from the Division of Aeronautics at the Idaho Transportation Department (a special shout out to Mike Pape, Division Administrator, and his team for a job well done) had arranged a visit to the Warhawk Air Museum located at the Nampa Airport.

(See article and photos on page 28.)

A visit to an air museum is one of the simple pleasures in life. From the moment I entered the building, it was readily apparent that this museum was something special.

One of the first airplanes I spied was a Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk – an aircraft that played a key role in World War II. I learned later that the airplane had starred in several movies (including Pearl Harbor) and that the earnings were used to build the “first” hangar in the museum complex. Beyond the wide variety of aircraft on display, there were engines, propellers, uniforms, flight suits, helmets, manuals, medals, posters, and photographs galore.

As I strolled the pristine white floors of the hangar, perused exhibit after exhibit, and listened to 1940s music playing softly in the background, I noticed the “binders”. There must have been a hundred binders (probably more) in the museum that were donated by the men and women who served our country during WWII. A placard on the front of each binder said “take a moment and read these notes”. I thumbed through a number of binders and reviewed an assortment of letters, journal entries, orders, drawings, sketches, and photographs that (collectively) told the story of each person and the role they played in the war effort.

I basked in a metamorphic moment in which the hangar

represented the general aviation (GA) industry and each binder told the unique story about the role each GA airport plays in the national air transportation system. I thought about the responsibility that we (all of us in the GA industry) have to tell the story and how important it is – for the future of GA airports – for us to do that. I also thought about the old saying… if we do not tell the story, somebody else will and most likely, they will not get it right.

Once that happens (especially in today’s age of social media), it is difficult to right the wrong.

GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS NEED GREAT AVIATION ADVOCATES Who needs to tell the story?

If GA is a part of our lives in some way or another, we need to be great aviation advocates. For GA to thrive during the good times, survive during the bad times, and most importantly, to be sustainable (in the future), we need to be great aviation advocates. This is one of the most fundamental things we need to do – now, maybe, more than ever before. If aviation is in our genes, it is part of who we are, it is part of what we are about, and that passion needs to manifest itself in the way we think, talk, and act – especially when we are interacting with people outside of our GA network.

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Continued on next page.

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Story Continued from previous page.

OUTSIDE OF YOUR GA NETWORK, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU MAY BE THE ONLY GA PERSON THAT SOMEBODY KNOWS What story needs to be told?

We need to elevate the value of GA airports (in general) and our local airport (in particular), convey the benefits of GA airports, and promote the contribution of GA airports to our communities. We can do this by telling the story of GA airports. Every GA airport is unique (like fingerprints – with no two being alike) and every GA airport has a unique story. We need to be able to tell a compelling story and it needs to be told “from the heart”.

PEOPLE LOVE A GOOD STORY AND WE NEED TO BE GREAT STORY TELLERS When do we need to tell the story?

We need to tell the story to anybody and everybody every chance we get. This includes our families, friends, neighbors, and the people in our communities – especially our leaders (business, industry, government, and otherwise). When somebody uses the words aviation, general aviation, airport, aircraft, or pilot, we need to go into “GA mode”.

Picture a politician responding to a question during a nationally televised debate. It is like a switch is flipped and the politician responds to the question by systematically working through a series of key talking points and telling a story or two (along the way) in support of the response. We can use this same approach when telling the story.

Also, we need to defend GA. In 2008, the leaders of the big three automakers flew to Washington, D.C. in GA aircraft seeking a federal bailout. When challenged by the media, the leaders failed to defend the use of GA aircraft – as being one of the most valuable business tools a comPage 22

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pany can use to compete in today’s highly competitive domestic and international marketplace.

It is never too early to start building and nurturing relationships and telling the story. Trying to do so in the midst of a crisis (when we want/need our allies most) can be futile.

WE NEED TO BE PROACTIVE – NOT REACTIVE – STORY TELLERS AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS Where do we need to tell the story?

We need to tell the story anywhere and everywhere – in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, churches, clubs, and communities. We need to tell the story at city council, county commission, and special district meetings and in the halls of our state legislatures and Congress.

Why do we need to tell the story?

We need to tell the story to increase the awareness of the value, benefits, and contributions of GA airports, build support for GA airports, facilitate the growth and development of GA airports, and justify investment in GA airports. Unfortunately, GA airports can be (and often times, are) one of the least understood assets in a community. It is our responsibility to make sure that is not the case in our communities.

How do we tell the story?

There are many ways we can tell the story. We can take people on a tour of our local airport. We can take them to an open house, pancake breakfast, fly-in, airshow, aviation museum, or to breakfast, lunch, or dinner (preferably at or near our local airport). We can give them an “introduction to flight” gift certificate for Christmas. We can buy them a membership to the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association (AOPA). We can send our kids to aviation camps at our local airports and we can get them involved in local aviation chapters designed specifically for (and led by) kids.

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The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), led by Bob Rockmaker (Rock), has developed a number of programs that are designed specifically to get people of all ages interested in flying. The folks at AOPA (led by Mark Baker and a team of regional representatives) have a wide variety of resources available.

The people at the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), led by Tom Hendricks, have resources available. The folks at NASAO, led by Greg Principato, have resources available. The people at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), led by Ed Bolen and a team of regional representatives, specialize in telling the story of GA and have extensive resources available.

One of my favorite things to do (to tell the story) is to take people flying. I enjoy taking my friends, family, neighbors, and people from my community flying. Many folks have limited experience with GA. It may even be the “first” flight in a GA aircraft for some (there is nothing like taking a kid flying in a GA aircraft for the “first” time). Regardless of experience, nearly everybody gets excited about the opportunity to go flying in a GA aircraft and people rarely say “no”. Typically, folks will insist on helping in some way – like contributing some money for gas. Instead of doing that, I suggest that we go to lunch afterwards. This provides the opportunity to sit down, share a meal, and talk about the GA industry and my local (home) airport.

On the day of the flight, the weather needs to be good.

I brief my guest about the airplane and the flight, but I do not overwhelm them. I keep the flight short and sweet. Typically, it is a brief sightseeing flight around the Denver Metropolitan Area. I give my guest a good ride, I do not practice maneuvers, and I do not surprise them. I make absolutely certain that they have a great GA experience – start to finish.

During lunch, I take a macro (industry) to micro (home airport) approach. With regard to the industry, I let them know that there are about 600,000 pilots flying 205,000 aircraft about 23 million hours a year (and about half of the time, the aircraft is being flown for commercial or “for hire” purposes). I tell them that GA has a $220 billion dollar economic impact and that 1.1 million jobs and $69 billon dollars in payroll can be attributed to GA on a national level. Then, I talk to them about my home airport (Centennial Airport) which encompasses 1,400 acres and has 3 runways. Some of the interesting statistics I share (all approximate) include: • 900 based aircraft • 300,000 aircraft operations a year (which is second busiest GA airport in the nation) • 4 Fixed Based Operators (FBOs) providing fueling, aircraft ground service, aircraft parking and storage (hangars), and passenger/crew services • 1 “helicopter only” FBO • 50 Specialized Aviation Service Operators (SASOs) providing a wide range of aviation services and support including: aircraft (and avionics and instrument) maintenance and repair, aircraft flight instruction and rental, aircraft charter and management, and aircraft sales.

• 85 other businesses including restaurants, golf course, driving range, ice arena, and go-kart racing facility • 23 business parks in the area including the Denver Technology Center, Meridian International Business Center, and Inverness Business Park Centennial Airport has a $1.3 billion dollar economic Continued on next page.

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Story Continued from previous page. impact and 7,000 jobs and $400 million dollar in payroll can be attributed to the airport. About 180,000 visitors arrive in Colorado via the airport each year including the leaders of business and industry who decide whether or not to invest capital (and create jobs) in the communities around the airport. Case in point, the world headquarters for Liberty Media (Direct TV), The Anschutz Corp, Echo Star (Dish Network), RE/MAX, Arrow Electronics, and Western Union are located near the airport.

Most of the time, my guest says something to the effect… “I knew there was an airport here, but I had no idea that ‘all’ of this was going on.” That typically serves as my cue to start talking about the value, benefits, and contribution of GA airports. Some of my key talking points include: • A GA airport is an economic engine that facilitates the provision of vital air transportation and emergency services and serves as a gateway to the community.

• A GA airport connects the community to the nation and even to the world, generates direct and indirect economic benefits, and creates jobs • GA flights are made for a wide variety of personal, business, commercial, and government purposes including: o Transporting passengers and cargo o Engaging in aerial applications (e.g., agriculture, forestry, photography, etc.) o Making aerial observations (e.g., pipeline/powerline patrol/inspection) o Providing law enforcement o Performing emergency services (e.g., medical transportation, search and rescue, firefighting, etc.), and o Teaching people to fly • We “all” benefit in some way or another at some time or another by having a GA airport in our community.

I emphasize that GA is convenient (provides access to many more airports than the airlines), helps us be more Page 24

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efficient and productive at work, improves our quality of life at home, and protects and saves lives in our communities. I love telling folks that GA is a time machine (time is our most precious commodity and GA saves time). Lastly, I thank them for coming out to the airport, going flying, and having lunch together.

At the end of the day, elevating the value, conveying the benefits, and promoting the contribution of a GA airport to the community, the marketplace, and the national air transportation system is a responsibility that we must take seriously as the future of the GA industry depends on us.

GA airports need great aviation advocates. It is truly a grass roots effort. We need to be especially cognizant of the people outside of our GA network – as we may be the “only” GA person they know. It is never too early to start building and nurturing relationships. To do so, we need to be accessible and approachable, earn the respect and trust of others, let our passion for GA and our enthusiasm for GA airports show, and be great GA story tellers!

Paul Meyers is Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Management Consulting Group (AMCG).

He has approximately 35 years of aviation, planning, development, operations, management, leadership, and consulting experience.

AMCG provides a wide range of aviation management consulting services (including the development and implementation of advocacy programs) to airports, aviation businesses, and aircraft owners/operators. The firm specializes in general aviation. Paul can be reached at (303) 792-5202 or at pmeyers@aviationmanagement.com. Additional information is available on the firm’s website (www. aviationmanagement.com).

2015 NASAO Special Edition

6th Annual NASAO/FAA Summit

Barry Cooper, FAA Regional Administrator for Great Lakes, facilitated the Summit.

RAs Gather for Annual FAA/NASAO Summit

Glen Martin, FAA Regional Administrator for Western Pacific, center, talks with Mike Klein (AZ), right and Kurt Haukohl (NV).

Southern Region RA, Dennis Roberts.

Five FAA Regional Administrators (RA) shared their views on aviation issues impacting their area of the country with convention attendees during this year’s 6th Annual NASAO/FAA Summit. The FAA regions and RAs represented were Dennis Roberts, Southern, Barry Cooper, Great Lakes, Joe Miniace, Central, Kathryn Vernon, Northwest Mountain and Glen Martin, Western Pacific. Joining the regional administrators for the Tuesday, late morning session, was Ben De Leon, Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports in Washington, D.C., who presented a update on the AIP program.

Following the Summit, FAA and state aviation officials continue discussing issues.

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Dawn Veatch, Senior Director for AOPA, above and at right. AOPA was the sponsor for the keynote luncheon.

FAA Administrator Delivers Keynote, Signs MOU FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta, delivered the keynote luncheon address on Monday, during the 84th Annual NASAO Convention and Trade Show in Boise, Idaho.

The title of the Administrator’s remarks was “Challenges and Opportunities in America’s 21st Century Aviation System.”

Following his remarks, the Administrator joined NASAO Chair and Director, Division of Intermodal for the

Goergia DOT, Carol Comer, for the signing of a 2015 MOU initiative between the FAA and NASAO. (See article and photos on next page).

During the luncheon, Comer also took the opportunity to recognize Barry Cooper, FAA Regional Administrator, with the NASAO Chairman’s Award, honoring Cooper for his excellent work as liaison between the FAA and NASAO. The lucheon was sponsored by AOPA.

David Ulane, current Colorado state aviation director, left, poses with former Colorado aviation directors, Travis Vallin, center and Dennis Roberts.

Steven Brown, NBAA, left and Dean Saucier, Northeast Regional Representative for NBAA.

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FAA/NASAO MOU

Runway Safety Latest Focus NASAO is partnering with the FAA again this year in the latest MOU initiative to seek best practices, disseminate information and collaborate on runway safety practices. This agreement provides a framework for cooperation and encourages collaboration between the two organizations. It promotes effective communication in order to advance efforts critical for safety and efficiency.

FAA and NASAO will explore methods of working collaboratively to provide and disseminate information on runway safety in order to reduce both incursions and excursions at controlled airports.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NASAO and the FAA was originally signed in 1996 between FAA Administrator David Hinson and Gary Adams (Arizona). The MOU was renewed in 2001 by Administrator Jane Garvey, in 2007 by Marion Blakey, and again in 2012 by Michael Huerta. The 2015 initiative was signed in Boise by Adminsitrator Michael Huerta and NASAO Chair, Carol Comer.

Carol Comer and Michael Huerta sign the MOU and visit afterwards.

Carol Comer, NASAO Chair, recognizes Barry Cooper, FAA Reginal Administrator for Great Lakes Region with the 2015 Chairman’s Award for the work he has done as FAA liaison to NASAO.

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Mike Pape, standing at left, entertains attendees at Ronnie Mitchell’s expense.

Night at the Museum

Warhawk Hosts 40s Themed Dinner The Warhawk Air Museum in Napa, Idaho provided a perfect backdrop for a Monday night off-site dinner to unwind after a full day of important sessions. Everyone attending were encouraged to dress in 1940s style clothing, and may did just that - parading for the judges amongst top-notch aviation displays. Collecting the prize for the best costumes of the evening were Debbie Alke and Randy Burdette. Mike Pape and all of his staff did an excellent job welcoming attendees to the museum

and entertaining them throughout the evening.

The museum is a not-for-profit organization funded entirely by individual donations and private foundations.

The mission is to preserve and teach the history of American veterans and their contributions to the freedoms we value today, and to show the relationship of our country and its citizens to those wars which so strongly impacted our nation and the world at large. The museum offers the opportunity to experience this through historical memorabilia and personal memories that are being preserved here, and through their unique education program. (See article on next page).

Clockwise from left: Best Costumes were awarded to Debbie Alke and Randy Burdette. Tammy Schoen and Melissa Kaplan, looking the part. Posing with Randy Burdette are Michelle Bennett, left and Linda Burdette.

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Denise Garcia, MassDOT Aeronautics Division and Bill Gornik,. were both assigned to the same squadron.

Gornik: If you have a dream – go for it!

Chief Master Sergeant Shares Accomplishments with Warhawk Chief Master Sergeant Bill Gornik at 93 years old has experienced a lot in life. And much of that lifetime of accomplishments in the form of memorabilia, has been donated to the Warhawk Air Museum. Gornik said it’s tough to pick just one highlight from his career, but being among the 21 men inducted into the Blackbird Laurels Society in 2002 — like a hall of fame for the Blackbird flight program — was one of them. Gornik said he was the only enlisted man to receive this honor alongside high-ranking officers, CIA pilots, engineers and the designer of the plane. “That was tremendous, a tremendous honor,” he said.

Denise Garcia (MassDOT) and Gornik were both assigned to the same squadron (9th Organizational Maintenance Squadron or 9th OMS) at Beale Air Force Base working on the SR-71 Blackbirds. “He’s known to us as the first Crew Chief in the blackbird program (that was when they were based at Area 51),” said Garcia, “He is the person who established the tradition of the crew member tie-cutting.” Garcia said that anyone who flew in the SR-71 had to have their tie cut when they flew their first operational sortie, so the pilots usually wore the ugliest tie they had. “Senator Barry Goldwater wore the tie that he had on when he announced his candidacy for President

- it had an elephant embossed on the tie,” said Garcia.

Gornik was given the bottom half of that tie.

One of Gornik’s favorite stories to pass on to younger generations (He’s told his story to an estimated 12,000 kids at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa.), is simple: “If you have a dream, go for it. Don’t let anything stop you. People are going to tell you that you can’t do this, can’t do that - Ignore them. You’re going to have pitfalls.

You’re going to have things try to deter you from reaching your dreams. But I say, remember two words: Don’t quit.

And as long as it’s honest and as long as it’s legal, go for it.”

Joe Wheeler and Heather Boudreaux (Houma-Terrebonne Airport.

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The State Aviation Journal Solu for a great conventi Page 30

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utes the NASAO Class of 2015 ion in Boise, Idaho 2015 NASAO Special Edition

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Stacy Howard, NBAA, left with Mike and Maggie Covalt.

Annual Awards Dinner Tops-Off Eventful Week Attendees gathered Tuesday evening for a reception and the NASAO Annual Awards Dinner to celebrate elections, awards, friendships and a successful convention in Boise, Idaho. The following pages contain photos that depict some of the highlights of the awards given. Next year’s 85th Annual NASAO Convention and Trade Show will be held in San Antonio, Texas on September 11 – 13, 2016.

James Stephens (South Carolina), left with Alex Lynch, Sixel and Tammy Schoen (Idaho).

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The reception was held in the Boise Center prior to dinner.

Jerry Chism, Director, Arkansas Dept. of Aeronautics, Kelly Chism and Lily Roberts, Arkansas Assistant Director.

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www.jviation.com

Kicking Back Monday Night with Harley Davidson

Jviation is proud to be a strong supporter and sponsor of the 2015 National Association of State Aviation Officials Conference Becoming a Friend of NASAO allows Jviation to gain valuable insight into issues affecting our industry and interact with professionals from state aviation departments, the FAA and aviation businesses. We are proud to be a long-time member and supporter of the NASAO organization.

For more information, please contact: Travis Vallin 303.524.3045

Joe Pestka 573.658.9475

Barbara Fritsche 513.479.3053

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Chernenko Given President’s Award for Years of Service NASAO President, Greg Principato looks on as Susan Chernenko, Director of the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission, expresses her appreciation for being given the Association’s 2015 President’s Award and recognized for her years of service to NASAO. At right, Susan says thank you to Principato and poses with Carol Comer, NASAO Chair.

North Dakota’s Weninger Receives Distinguished Service Award

Carol Comer, left, along with Kyle Wanner (North Dakota) pose with Malinda Weninger, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

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Malinda Weninger, an administrative officer with the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, received NASAO’s State Aviation Distinguished Service Award. “I am honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Aviation Officials,” said Weninger. “Serving aviation and its constituents in the State of North Dakota for the past 31 ½ years has allowed me to appreciate the extensive benefits that a vibrant aviation system brings to a state.”

The NASAO Board of Directors established the award to honor state aviation personnel who have excelled in their service and dedication to aviation progress and development in their state.

“Malinda has been an extremely valuable member of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission team for the last 31 years,” said Kyle Wanner, Commission Director. “She

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has worked hard over the years to keep the office running smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis. Her hard work ethic has brought consistency and the ability to successfully transition new Directors and employees throughout her time with the agency.”

Weninger said she has made many friends throughout the state through serving them and meeting them at the annual aviation conferences in North Dakota. “Over the years, I have seen many changes in aviation and there are many new aviation advances on the horizon.” Weninger expressed her appreciation to NASAO for the award and for the association’s continued leadership. Wanner said her work load throughout the last couple of years has increased tremendously with the additional state grants that need to be processed through their office to accommodate the growing needs of the airports in North Dakota.

“She has accepted this new workload with a smile and has helped to position the agency for long-term success.”

Wanner said the State’s aviation community is very proud of her accomplishments and the commitment that she has to the state aeronautics commission.

Passing the Gavel Outgoing NASAO Chair, Carol Comer (Georgia) passes the gavel to new Chair, Gary Cathey (California). “I’m very honored to be selected to lead this most prestigious aviation advocacy organization comprised of state aeronautics agencies throughout the country,” said Cathey. “As Chairman of NASAO, I anticipate that working with such a distinguished group of state aviation leaders will be a most exciting and rewarding experience!”

Celebrating 40 Years of Aviation Weather Advancements

Visit our website www.vaisala.com/aviation40 and let’s start innovating the next 40 years.

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Most Innovative State Award to Alaska for “Yeti” John Frison, an airfield maintenance mechanic at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), was awarded the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Most Innovative State Award for his design of “Yeti,” a snow and ice crusher.

“This revolutionary icebreaker will result in significant cost and time savings, and may set a new industry standard,” said Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) Deputy Commissioner John Binder.

“It’s the first time a member of ADOT&PF has been recognized

by NASAO and is a huge honor John Binder, left and Frison. for John and the department.”

As airports across the nation adapt to changing climates, the team at FAI came up with a unique idea to improve the removal of ice and compacted snow. Mr. Frison took the idea behind commercial icebreakers and designed an icebreaking machine named the Yeti.

The Yeti fractures ice on runways and taxiways by creat-

John Frison, with the Yeti.

ing pockets in the ice allowing deicing chemicals to access the underlying asphalt faster. Not only does the Yeti crush ice and snow more efficiently, but it costs the state nearly 50 percent less to manufacture than it would cost to purchase a similar commercial product.

“Several times I have been asked why it’s named the “YETI”. YETI, aka the Abominable Snowman is a mythical creature that is able to adapt and conquer its harsh winter environment. The name seemed fitting for an implement that was designed to battle ice in Fairbanks Alaska.”

The award recognizes truly unique and service-oriented state aviation programs. Many innovative programs that begin at the state level are adopted by other states.

Florida Takes Newsletter Award The Florida Flyer was selected as the best state aviation newsletter for 2015 among those nominated for the annual award presented by the State Aviation Journal. The Flyer is produced by the Florida Department of Transportation Aviation and Spaceports office.

“It was a great honor to have the Florida Flyer recognized by the State Aviation Journal as the 2015 State Aviation Newsletter during this year’s NASAO Conference,” said Aaron Smith, State Aviation Manager. In addition to the quarterly, this includes the relatively recent introduction of two special editions, published annually, each dedicated to one airport, providing the reader with an in-depth review of the airport’s opportunities, challenges and accomplishments.

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Aaron Smith, left, is presented the State Aviation Journal’s Newsletter Award by Kim Stevens, Publisher.

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Ness Recognized at Awards Banquet In 2008, Gary Ness, then Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, was selected to receive NASAO’s Kenneth Rowe Ambassador of Aviation Award, but do to unfortunate circumstances, left state service and was unable to attend that year’s NASAO convention to accept the award. This year, NASAO invited Ness to attend the awards banquet to make the official presentation of the award.

Mike Pape, accepts the award from Carol Comer.

Aviation Education Award to Idaho This year the NASAO Center, Aviation Education Award was presented to the Idaho Transportation Department’s, Division of Aeronautics in recognition of the development of ‘Recommended Standard Operating Procedures for Johnson Creek’. Johnson Creek is one of many backcountry airstrips owned and operated by the State of Idaho.

From left are, Carol Comer, Gary Ness, John Eagerton and Greg Principato.

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Sometimes it’s what’s inside that packs a punch!

See what’s inside the next issue of the State Aviation Journal online magazine!

Coming soon - 2015 EAA AirVenture Photo Recap Page 38

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