Publisher/Editor/ Kim J. Stevens Graphic Design/ Andrew Stevens Layout Design/ Elizabeth Konecky Photography/ Kim Stevens State Aviation Journal 9866 W. Lone Cactus Drive Peoria, AZ 85382 www.stateaviationjournal.com 623.326.1125
The cab of the old control tower is framed between the propeller blades of the Kansas Aviation Museum’s Beech Starship.
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State Aviation Journal
NASAO Special Edition
From the Publisher Coming Home I feel privileged to know and have known so many of the select men and women that represent state aviation across our country. There are no better people. One of the highlights of my year is to spend a few days with this bunch at the annual gathering of the National Association of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO) during their conference and trade show. I’ve been attending NASAO meetings since 1992 and over the span of those years have only missed two of the annual conferences. Like Oshkosh, I put it on my calendar every September. This year’s event was in Wichita, Kansas, air capital of the world. Ed Young, Director of Aviation for the Kansas Department of Transportation, his staff and the rest of the host committee, put on a great event. I’ve always felt that no matter what city, state, and venue is chosen for the annual meeting, it’s always about the people. Sure, I enjoy exploring a new city and all that goes with it, but what means the most to me is seeing old friends and building relationships with new ones. This year was no different. The State Aviation Journal continues to evolve with its reach expanding like a ripple in a pond, but at the heart continues to be the state aviation official and the great work he or she is doing on behalf of their state and our great country. That’s why I’m so passionate about publishing a special edition each year that covers the fun as well as the business end of things. I hope you enjoy the photos. For those of you that were in Wichita, I hope they bring back wonderful memories. For those that missed the event this year, I hope it keeps you plugged in. For those of you who think of state aviation and NASAO as family, I hope it brings you home.
On the Cover:
The 2010 NASAO Executive Committee pictured at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Left to right are, Chairman, Vic Bird, Oklahoma, Joe Pestka, Treasurer from Missour, Debbie Alke, Secretary from Montana and Randy Burdette, Vice Chairman, from Virginia. For the coming year Randy Burdette has been elected Chair, Mr. Pestka, Vice Chair, Ms. Alke, Treasurer and Mr. Bird remains on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President. Tommy Booth, Mississippi, was elected to the Executive Committee as Secretary.
Tommy Booth
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Wichita Welcomes NASAO
Michelle Lewis, NASAO
Left to right are Joe Pestka, Missouri, Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska, Tommy Booth, Mississippi, John Eagerton, Alabama and Chris Roy, Minnesota.
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State Aviation Journal
Wichita Hosts 2010 NASAO Convention and Tradeshow
Joyce Piacun GCR & Associates, Inc.
Overcoming a lingering recession, state aviation officials representing thirty states landed in Wichita, the Air Capital of the World, to attend this year’s Annual NASAO Convention and Tradeshow, September 11th through the 14th. The National Association of State Aviation Officials’ 79th annual gathering was, according to NASAO, by almost any measure, highly successful. “I believe this was one of the most successful NASAO conferences that has been held,” said Thomas Booth, Director of the Aeronautics Division for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. “My hats off to Ed Young [Host of this year’s Convention in Kansas] and his staff for putting on a great event and being such gracious hosts.” Booth was elected to the office of Secretary during the Wichita event and will serve on NASAO’s Executive Committee in the coming year. “I am honored,” said Booth. “I look forward to the work ahead in moving NASAO toward 2020 and beyond.” Aviation 2020 & Beyond, was the theme for this year’s conference, which saw two hundred registered for the event, including thirtynine exhibitors. Debbie Alke, Aeronautics Administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation, and NASAO Treasurer, expressed her appreciation as well for the hospitality and first-class event. “Wichita truly is the Air Capital of the World” she said, citing visits to the Kansas Aviation Museum and headquarters for Cessna Aircraft. Continued on page 6...
Former Montana Aviation Director, Mike Ferguson and Jeannie.
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Wichita Welcomes, continued from page 5... In addition to off-site social activities, there were forums, speakers, lunch presentations and a business meeting and roundtable for NASAO members. “They packed this year’s conference with great speakers, opportunities for networking, and tours to learn more about Wichita, Kansas,” said Randall Burdette, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation and new Chairman of NASAO. “With Ed’s [Young] leadership and presentations, I think everyone laughed, was inspired, and overall had a great time.” David Gordon, a first time attendee to a NASAO function found the annual event to be very interesting. Although smaller in size than he anticipated, the Director of the Division of Aeronautics for the Colorado Department of Transportation said that because of the size, it was easier to get to know people and that created more opportunity for camaraderie. “It is a great group of people to work with,” said Joe Pestka, Administrator of Aviation for the Missouri Department of Transportation. “It has been since I became a member in 2003 and still is today.” Pestka, who is NASAO’s Vice Chairman for the coming year, said that when you are involved in NASAO on a day-to-day basis, you sometimes don’t realize the impact the organization has on the aviation industry until you are able to meet and talk with other aviation industry representatives. “The conference is a great place to gain that perspective,” he said. Burdette says he never fails to be amazed at the wonderful events
that state hosts are able to put together, where they can conduct NASAO’s business, work with their national agencies such as the FAA, NTSB and TSA, and of course network with each other on key state aviation issues. Victor Bird, Director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, said he is amazed as well, with the men and women that comprise NASAO. “They are such talented and honorable individuals,” he said. “I have never forgotten the presentation by former Chair, Jack Ferns, NASAO Is You, when I first became a member of NASAO in 2002.” Bird, the Immediate Past President said that the strength of NASAO is its membership, and the knowledge and experience that each member brings to the table. He said that there is a good chance that there is a solution to an issue or challenge that one or several of the state directors may be facing, among the rest of the membership. “The members of NASAO and their staffs are truly an Aeropedia,” Bird said.
Congratulations N ASAO for a Great 2010 Conference
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State Aviation Journal
Randy Burdette
A visit with the new NASAO Chair
The State Aviation Journal asked Randall Burdette, newly elected membership to determine the areas of “Best Practices” that are of most Chairman of the National Association of State Aviation Officials and interest to the membership. At that point they can research and develop Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation what the membership can the best practices and provide to each member, a NASAO Best Practices expect for the coming year. Review in their desired area. “This “We have a great Executive will be a tool to assist our members Team, a very dedicated group of in making improvements in their Regional Directors, and of course organizations,” said Burdette, “by our talented President Henry having a third party review that will Ogrodzinski, and the NASAO culminate in a written report under the staff, to tackle any challenges that NASAO logo.” may arise,” said Burdette, “and to “Our leadership team knows we take advantage of the opportunities have challenges and opportunities before us, to grow NASAO.” ahead of us in the coming year,” said The 2011 Executive Committee Burdette, “and we know we have will be working to update the limited resources in both time and NASAO Strategic Plan, visiting money to address all the challenges their vision statement, evaluating and opportunities.” By planning and NASAO’s core mission and prioritizing, he hopes to make progress according to Burdette, establishing Randy Burdette, left, talks with David Ploeger, Director, New this year in the most important areas their goals for the coming year. for the NASAO membership. “We have “We will be working to expand Mexico Aviation Division. great leadership in Joe Pestka, Debbie NASAO benefits and revenue sources,” said Burdette. “One of our core Alke, and Tommy Booth,” said Burdette. “All in line for the coming years functions is Communications.” to make it happen for NASAO and our members.” Burdette said they want to create a communications plan that improves their two-way communications to; 1) their members; 2) to federal agencies such as FAA, TSA, NTSB and their legislative leaders, and 3) to other aviation/aerospace organizations and partners. “Key to our communications plan is the update our web site to better serve our members and to be the electronic face of NASAO to the world,” said Burdette. Under Joe Peska’s [Vice Chair] leadership, they plan to see new growth in the NASAO Center for Research and Education. “We have created three new Directors in the Center,” said Burdette. “Director of Research, John Eagerton, [Alabama], Director of Education, Bob Woods, [Tennessee], and the Director of Best Practices, which Joe [Pestka], is looking to fill.” In the area of Research, Burdette says they are looking to address the organization’s Research needs through the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). In the Education area, they are planning to continue the Art Contest as the signature event for education, and are planning their first Director’s Course. In the area of Best Practices, Burdette says they plan to survey the
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Kansas Aviation Museum
David Murla checks out the Beech Starship.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the old municipal terminal reflects the art-deco style of its time.
Above, Bill and Cheryl McUmber, anyAWOS, left with Gary and Susan Chernenko, West Virginia. Laird Swallow.
David Wartofsky, the “Big Cheese” with Potomac Aviation Technology Corp reads about prominent men and women who’ve contributed to aviation in Kansas.
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State Aviation Journal
Above, Lon Smith, Executive Director of the Kansas Aviation Museum points out the sights around the Museum, from the cab of the old control tower.
Kansas Aviation Museum Hosts NASAO
At right, NASAO President, Henry Ogrodzinski waves from the top of the TWA air-stairs.
Gary Cathey, Aeronautics Division Chief for Caltrans, in the cockpit of the FedEx 727.
“There’s no place like this” states a brochure promoting the Kansas Aviation Museum, located adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. State aviation officials attending the 2010 NASAO Annual Convention and Tradeshow were treated to a private tour Sunday morning by Lon Smith, Executive Director for the museum. The museum currently owns or has on loan approximately 40 historically significant aircraft. Some have been fully restored while others are pending restoration. NASAO attendees saw such aircraft as the Laird Swallow, a Funk B-85C and a Mooney Mite inside the museum which is Wichita’s old municipal airport building built in 1935. The museum houses a world-class collection of historic, significant and one-of-a-kind aircraft and aircraft engines, and according to Smith, it contains a huge archive with thousands of records, schematics, books, photos and more. The museum is also home to the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame with an impressive line-up of aviation heavyweights by any measure: state, national or worldwide. In its heyday, Wichita Municipal was a major midcontinent stopover for airlines. During the 1940s, it was one of the busiest airports in the nation, with tower operators managing the constant stream of incoming and outgoing commercial flights. In 1944, a take-off or landing occurred every 90 seconds. Smith told the group that Wichita was a major destination for nearly every aviation luminary of the times. Charles Lindbergh, Kansas’ own Amelia Earhart and many other celebrities crossed the ramp, admired the beautiful art deco terminal and dined in its cafeteria. Smith told the story that Fred Astaire once entertained fellow passengers by dancing in the atrium while awaiting a flight. Out on the tarmac NASAO members walked among the many aircraft including the venerable B-52, a FedEx Boeing 727 and a Beech Starship among many others. The museum’s mission is to: • Preserve the birth and living heritage of Kansas aviation. • Educate the world on the past, present and future of flight. • Promote the Spirit of Flight in the Air Capital of the World. For more information on the museum go to http://www. kansasaviationmuseum.org/museum.php
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Exploration Place Exploring Flight & Design
Conference attendees took the opportunity to visit Wichita’s riverfront science museum Sunday afternoon.
From left, Paul Werts, South Carolina, Joyce Piacun, GCR, Tommy Booth, Mississippi, and Gary Chernenko, West Virginia. Dianna Perry, Kansas DOT, receives her wrist band.
Hadley Skeffington-Vos, Kansas DOT, and a very unique P-51.
Ashish Solanki, Maryland, tries out one of the simulators.
Joe Pestka tests his balance skills.
Wright Flyer simulator.
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Welcome Reception with exhibitors Hadley Skeffington-Vos hands the scissors to Victor Bird and Ed Young for the official ribbon cutting. From left, Scott Sarver and Steve Kent with Cessna and Robert P. Mark.
Bird, HenryO and “Spontaneous Combustion�!
Rick Bryant, left, and Mike Corkerm both with ADG.
Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska and Melissa McCoy, Salina, Kansas Airport Authority.
Bob Quinn, NBAA and Lirio Liu, FAA Deputy Regional Administrator, Western Pacific Region.
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Welcome Reception Chase Stockon and Shayne Gill.
GCR staff, from left, David Murla, Joyce Piacun, Jim Bildilli, also with Southern Illinois University, and Ben Perez.
From left, Jeff Tarkington, Talbert & Bright, Denise Tarkington and Ashish Solanki, Maryland.
Chris Blum, Young Enterprise Systems
From left, Ron Price, QED, Michael Klein, Arizona, and Gary Adams, Arizona.
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David Ploeger, New Mexico and Ralph Petragnani, Belfort Instrument.
Bill and Cheryl McUmber, anyAWOS
Kyle Potvin, Applied Pavement Technology
With exhibitors
Rick Hudgens and Belinda Hampton, Tennessee DOT
Bob Woods, Tennessee, sits in a Bede. Joining him is Wanda Woods and Lon Smith, Executive Director of the Kansas Aviation Museum, owner of the airplane.
Kevin Carlson, Mead & Hunt, left and Ed Young, Kansas.
Sabrina Paris and Wayne Seiler, All About Pavements.
Rhonda McNeely, Hi-Lite Markings
Jack Bac, Crouse-Hinds Ed Young, Kansas, left presents a door prize to Dejan Damjanovic, of GeoEye, Inc.
Dale Williams, Oklahoma, left and Jonathan Moore, Grip-Flex Surfacing.
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State of the Industry - Jens Hennig, GAMA, moderates a forum on Meeting Unprecedented Challenges. From left are Hennig, David Brant, Cessna, Richard Emery, Hawker Beechcraft, Adam Pogue, Spirit Aero Systems, and Eric Shappee, KSU-Salina.
Steve Callahan, Woolpert
William Payne, P.E.
Dr. David Bowling, NTSB
NASAO Forums & Speakers
Jim Bland, Talbert & Bright, left speaks with luncheon speaker Bob Dixson, Mayor of Greensburg, KS.
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Vicki Cox, FAA NextGen Marc Luiken, Alaska DOT, left and David Gordon, Colorado DOT.
Travis Vallin, Jviation, left, Janet Bressler, AOPA Insurance and Greg Pecoraro, AOPA.
George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic Henry Ogrodzinski, NASAO and Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska, share a stern moment. Biz Young, daughter of Ed Young, Kansas Aviation Director, created quite a buzz with her rendition of the National Anthem to kick off the Monday morning forums.
Chris Roy, Minnesota and Aloha Ley, US DOT.
NASAO members-only Round table and business meeting.
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Cessna Joyce Piacun and David Murla, GCR, board their new company jet.
Nancy Thomsen, Vaisala, in the back of a Cessna Caravan.
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Gary Adams, Arizona, left, Pamela KeidelAdams, Wilbur Smith Associates, and Aaron Smith, Florida.
Event Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bland
Gary Krehbiel portrayed Clyde Cessna.
Jack Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company addressed the NASAO attendees at the Cessna sponsored Monday night event.
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Travis Vallin and Linda Burdette, enjoy a lighter moment.
Cessna’s Jack Pelton, center, receives the NASAO National Award of Excellence from Vic Bird, left and Ed Young.
Bruce Tarletsky, Director of Airport Consulting Services for Sabre Airline Solutions, left and David Gordon, Director, Division of Aeronautics, Colorado DOT.
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Left to right are Joyce Piacun, David Murla with GCR and George Laliberte, Kansas DOT.
Nashville host committee.
Nashville Set to Host 2011 Conference Left to right are Vivek Khanna, Oklahoma, Peter Buchen, Minnesota DOT, and Dale Williams, Oklahoma.
Diane Hofer, Olsson Associates, left and Jan Lebovitz, FAA Great Lakes Region.
As an enticement to attend the 80th Annual NASAO Convention and Tradeshow next year in Nashville, the Tennessee delegation in attendance in Wichita, put on a memorable reception with Tennessee products including wine, Jack Daniels barbeque sauce, and loads of fun Tuesday evening prior to the NASAO Awards Dinner. Bob Woods, Director of the Tennessee Division ofAeronautics, said that he and his wife Wanda, along with the entire Tennessee Aeronautics Commission and Aeronautics Division are excited to host the NASAO 2011 Annual Convention and Trade show in Nashville next Sep 11 - 13. “Come early and stay late as there is lots to do here,” said Woods. “Our highlight Monday evening will be at the “Wild Horse Saloon” in downtown Nashville.” NASAO hopes to entice all alumni to Nashville to help celebrate the organization’s 80th annual meeting.
Jim Bildilli picks out a tune.
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NASAO Recognizes Midwest Flyer and Oklahoma Commission at Awards Dinner For the first time in over twelve years, the National Association of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO) presented its National Journalism Award, to David and Peggy Weiman, Publishers of MIDWEST FLYER Magazine. The award is in recognition of superior news coverage of aviation issues nationwide. “This award means a lot to us,” David Weiman told the State Aviation Journal. The inaugural award was given in 1997 to Gordon Baxter, long-time author of the column “Bax Seat” which ran in Flying Magazine from 1971 to 1998 and made it common practice for readers to begin Flying at the back. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission was also in the spotlight at the Tuesday evening banquet, receiving two awards. Dale Williams was honored with the State Aviation Distinguished Service Award and Vivek Khanna accepted the Most Innovative State Program Award on behalf of the Commission for a new web-based Airport Infrastructure Management System that he designed. “It is truly an honor that NASAO selected me as this year’s recipient of their State Aviation Distinguished Service Award,” said Williams. “Even if I had not received the award, it would have been exciting to know that I was nominated.” Williams, the Airport Development Manager for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, said that he was very fortunate to work alongside a group of dedicated, hard-working and conscientious people in the Commission office who, love aviation, and who want the best for our state. “I wholeheartedly share this award with them,” he said. Khanna said he feels honored to work with visionary leaders like Victor Bird, Oklahoma Aeronatuics Commission Director and Dale Williams. “I also feel privileged to work with the finest aviation infrastructure in the world,” said Khanna. “Vic has always been about improving the service we provide to the aviation community in Oklahoma,” said Khanna. The web based infrastructure management system was developed to empower the aviation stakeholder by providing information to them instantaneously over the world wide web. The IMS contains a custom built Airport Pavement Management System, the NPIAS development worksheets for Oklahoma’s NPIAS airports, the grant and construction history of Dave Weiman, left accepts the National each airport, the online airport guide and airport contact database as well as a grant tracker. “I am grateful to Vic for allowing me to work on this tool,” said Khanna. “And of course the Journalism Award from Vic Bird. award gives me a great deal of satisfaction and motivates me to work harder.” The Midwest Flyer began in 1978 as a Wisconsin based aviation publication and throughout its 32 year history has covered aviation issues addressing proposed local, state and federal legislation, aviation businesses and aviators throughout the Midwest.
Pictured from left to right are NASAO Staff and Host Committee members: Michelle Lewis (NASAO), George Laliberte (KSDOT), Dianna Perry (KSDOT), Kathryn Solee (NASAO), Ed Young (KSDOT), Rick Bryant (Airport Development Group) and Henry O (NASAO).
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Newly elected Chairman, Randy Burdette
Vivek Khanna accepted the Most Innovative Program Award for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.
Vic Bird, left, presents Dale Williams with the NASAO Distinguished Service Award.
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Coming in November
Kansas Aviation
The State Aviation Journal presents a
Focus on Kansas Aviation with features on
• Aircraft Manufacturing • Aircraft Insurance and • Kansas Airport Operators
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