Welcome to the Virginia Department of Aviation
The Virginia Department of Aviation is a state transportation agency whose mission is to cultivate an advanced aviation system that is safe, secure, and provides for economic development; promotes aviation awareness and education; and provides executive flight services for the Commonwealth leadership.
Virginia Aviation Newsletter
The June/July 2010 edition of the Virginia Aviation Newsletter is now available for download.
Virginia Aviation Board Appointments
Governor Robert F. McDonnell has announced that John Mazza Jr. of Matoaca and Alex N. Vogel of Upperville have been appointed to the Virginia Aviation Board.
Mazza, president of Medallion Swimming Pool Company, is a member of the Capital Region Airport Commission-Richmond International Airport. He has helped make safety improvements to airports across the state including installing security cameras at Dinwiddie Airport, clearing obstacles from approaches to airports, holding safety briefings and flight formation clinics, and advocating for airports' automated weather observing systems (AWOS). He was previously appointed to the Virginia Aviation Board by Gov. George Allen and served two consecutive terms.
Vogel is co-founder and partner at Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti, Inc. in Washington, DC. He has lobbied on behalf of aviation organizations like the Air Transport Association on issues such as the Airline Passaenger Bill of Rights Act and the Abolishing Aviation Barriers Act. Previously, he served as chief counsel to the Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Prior to that, Vogel was General Counsel for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He began his legal career with Wiley, Rein & Fielding. He is a pilot and owns a single-engine Cessna.
The Virginia Airport System is made up of seven regions and represented through the Virginia Aviation Board. Members of the board are appointed by the Governor to represent defined geographic areas of the Commonwealth. The Board establishes and monitors funding program policy and provides a means of citizen access to the Department in an effort to promote and develop a safe aviation environment. The Board accomplishes this by allocating funds to worthy aviation projects. Download
FAA Airport Surface Deviation Project Posters
The FAA Safety Team is happy to announce the first four downloadable and printable posters for the Airport Surface Deviation (ASD) Project. These posters are designed to increase the pilot's and mechanic's awareness during the critical phase of ground operations. The target audience is pilots, mechanics, flight schools, repair stations, and any one else that has an interest in aviation safety. Please download and print these posters and display them in a prominent location visible to all.
To download the posters, please click on the links below or copy and paste them into your browser.
Thank you in advance for your participation from the FAASTeam ASD Team.
For Further information you can contact: Ken Kelley, FPM, at ken.r.kelley@faa.gov or 775-858-7700 x258
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/Aug/Be_Aware3.pdf
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/Aug/Slide1.pdf
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/Aug/Slide2.pdf
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/Aug/Slide3.pdf
2010 Virginia Aviation Conference Reservation Deadline Coming Up
The deadline for registration for the 2010 Virginia Aviation Conference is Monday, July 26, 2010. Registrations after that time will be considered late registrations. There are still guest rooms in the conference block at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. The deadline for reserving a room at the hotel is Monday, August 2, 2010. The Conference will .be held from August 18-20, 2010 in Virginia Beach at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
Lake Anna Airport Closed Until October
Lake Anna Airport will be closed for construction until October 6, 2010. Please check NOTAMS for updates
Runway Crossing Procedure Change
To reduce the possibility of runway incursions, on June 30, 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration initiated new procedures for issuing runway crossing instructions. The FAA Office of Runway Safety seeks your assistance in spreading the message about these important new rules which apply both to aircraft and vehicles.
The new rules require that controllers:
1. Issue explicit instructions to “cross” or “hold short” of each runway that intersects a taxi route.
2. No longer use the phrase “taxi to” when issuing taxi instructions to an assigned takeoff runway.
3. Issue instructions to cross one runway at a time. Instructions to cross multiple runways will not be issued. Exceptions may apply for closely spaced runways.
The FAA campaign to educate pilots and airport vehicle drivers includes a new runway safety webpage, which features a short animation and more details about the new procedures.
Go to: www.faa.gov/go/runwaysafety. Also attached is a flyer which can be printed and posted.
DOAV Launches Virginia Aviation News Blog
The Department of Aviation has launched Virginia Aviation News, a news blog that will feature breaking news and feature stories on aviation in the Commonwealth. The blog is located at www.virginiaaviationnews.blogspot.com, and is updated by Kelly Pruitt, DOAV public relations specialist.
The blog joins the DOAV Website and the DOAV newsletter, Virginia Aviation, as the newest communication tool for airports and aviation organizations to announce their news.
DOAV Prepares Link for Public Accounts Database
The Department of Aviation is now linked to information contained in an online database maintained by the Auditor of Public Accounts on its Web site, www.doa.virginia.gov. The online database allows public access to historical revenue collections and appropriations with related demographic information.
By July 1, all state agency Web sites must have a hyperlinked icon of their respective information.
2010 Virginia Aviation Awards Nominations now being accepted
The 2010 Virginia Aviation Awards will be presented at the Virginia Aviation Conference in August. Nomination forms for Airport Manager of the Year, Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award are now being accepted.
2010 Ambassadors at Virginia Regional Festival of Flight
New Virginia Aviation Ambassadors received recognition at an Awards Ceremony at the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight at Suffolk Executive Airport on Saturday, May 22nd.
Twenty-two new Ambassadors joined current Ambassadors in a group photo at this annual event.
For more details about the Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program visit www.doav.virginia.gov/vaap.htm
Special thanks to WACO Classic Corporation for allowing us to use their WACO YMF as a backdrop for the photo.
Aviation groups discuss promoting airports in challenging times
On February 27, 2010 representatives from various airports across the state came together at the Virginia Department of Aviation's hangar on Richmond International Airport to discuss promoting their airports through aviation events such as open houses, fly-ins, and air shows. “Promoting Aviation in Challenging Times - Planning Your Airport Event,” was hosted by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV). Topics included event planning, airport advocacy, and DOAV’s Aviation Promotion Program.
Sean Collins of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) spoke about how to promote and protect your airport and discussed the AOPA Aviation Support Network (ASN) program. Aviation enthusiast John Barksdale, who has been active in producing air shows for many years, discussed the process for putting together an air show. John Cudahy, President of the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), discussed the benefits of air shows and dispelled some myths regarding them. He informed the group about the resources that may be accessed through ICAS. Van Crosby, of USI Insurance Services, provided his expertise regarding when events need to be insured and how to do so. Dee Whittington, of the Virginia Aviation Council, shared tips for promoting an airport event. He has been volunteering with the Festival of Flight (to be held this year at Suffolk Executive Airport on May 22-23) ever since it's beginning in 1997. Sherrie Souder of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 511 talked about the positive experience her Chapter had in partnering with Shenadoah Valley Soaring for the "Shenandoah Valley Ultralight and Light Sport Festival.” Betty Wilson, of the Department of Aviation staff, discussed the agency's Promotion Grant Program available to Virginia's public use airports.
The day was filled with good information, discussions, and camaraderie. A date of for next year's event will be announced soon.
Aviation/Aerospace Day and Legislative Reception
Representatives from the Virginia Department of Aviation and NASA joined aerospace industry representatives statewide to bring aerospace issues to Virginia General Assembly members on Aerospace Days 2010, Feb. 3-4 in Richmond. Throughout the morning, Langley Research Center education experts demonstrated NASA's Digital Learning Network (DLN), an electronic education capability that links students and teachers with NASA experts across the nation. In addition, General Assembly members met with students in their home districts via the DLN. Reporters were invited to a press conference e featuring NASA Langley Center Director Lesa Roe and DOAV Director Randy Burdette.
“Aviation and aerospace are two economic engines for the Commonwealth,” Burdette said. “Combined, they provide $16.2 billion in economic activity annually and 190,000 jobs for our citizens. Our future is bright with the partnership we have today.”
The annual Aerospace Day Legislative Reception is a component of the Aerospace Days program. The event is sponsored by the Virginia Aviation Business Association, Virginia Aviation Board, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center and industry partners; was held on Wednesday evening, Feb. 3 at the Library of Virginia. The event was hosted by Senator Charles J. Colgan and Delegate Joe T. May to promote support for Virginia’s aviation and aerospace interests.
There was good participation by the aerospace industry in providing informational displays and knowledgeable staff. DOAV assisted with planning and installed its display as a centerpiece in the lobby of the Library. The final attendance estimate was between 300 and 400 individuals. Astronaut Susan Kilrain, shuttle pilot who has logged over 470 hours in space, will be on hand to discuss NASA's long-term exploration goals.
International Aviation Art Contest
Students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia submitted artwork for the 2010 International Aviation Art Contest whose theme was "Flying with the Sun." The Virginia winners will be announced soon.
Scholarship Programs
Completed applications for the 2010 John R. Lillard (cover letter) and Willard G. Plentl, Sr. Aviation Scholarship Programs are being evaluated and the recipients will soon be notifed.
Christmas Toy Airlift at Chesterfield County Airport
The Virginia Chapter Ninety-Nines are collecting new and unwrapped toys for families of military and wounded veterans during their annual Christmas Toy Airlift. Toys will be collected at airports around the state until Dec. 12, when volunteer pilots from each location will fly them into Chesterfield County Airport from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa will fly into Chesterfield Airport at 10 a.m. and greet children inside the terminal until 2 p.m. 
EAA pilots will also be on-hand giving free Young Eagles rides to children, ages 8-17, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Hot lunches will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research.
If unable to attend, donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Hanover Airport; Chesterfield Airport; Dinwiddie Airport; New Kent Airport; Virginia Aviation Museum adjacent to RIC; Boulevard Flower Gardens, 2100 Ruffin Mill Rd.; Colonial Heights; Batters Choice Sporting Goods, 3105 S. Crater Rd., Petersburg; and The Hopewell News, 516 E. Randolph Rd., Hopewell. For any questions, contact Betty Vinson, event coordinator, at 804-720-1132.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc. is an international non-profit organization of women pilots with more than 5,500 members worldwide.
2009-10 Virginia Aeronautical Chart Available
The 2009-10 Virginia Aeronautical Chart is now available from the Virginia Department of Aviation (e-mail crspecialist@doav.virginia.gov). The chart, to be used for planning only - not legal for navigation, is also being distributed at no charge at Virginia's public use airports and at fly-in's in Virginia.
Virginia pilots win Top Eagle honors for 2009
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) recently recognized Rick Rahim of Great Falls, Richard Largent of Stephens City and William Bryant of Woodlawn with Top Eagle awards for their participation in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program. The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested children, ages 8-17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation aircraft. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. Over this past year, in the Commonwealth of Virginia alone, 103 pilots gave 1,484 young people an introduction to aviation through the program. Rahim topped the list with 105 Young Eagles flown, Largent came in second with 82 flights and Bryant came in third place, flying 70 Young Eagles. The Young Eagles Program has counted more than 1.4 million flights since the program’s beginning. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by more than 41,000 volunteer pilots. For more information about Young Eagles, visit www.youngeagles.org or call 877-806-8902.
2009 Virginia Aviation Conference 
More than 220 airport representatives and industry professionals attended the 35th annual Virginia Aviation Conference held at the Hotel Roanoke Aug. 26-28. The 3-day event was hosted by the Virginia Aviation Board, Virginia Department of Aviation, Virginia Airport Operators Council and the Virginia Aviation Business Association. Presenting sponsors included Delta Airport Consultants, Inc., The LPA Group, Inc. and Talbert & Bright, Inc.
Virginia Aviation Board Approves Funding for Projects
The Virginia Aviation Board met on Friday, August 28, 2009 in Roanoke to review funding recommendations for Commonwealth Airport Fund projects. Funds available included $5,717,868.34 for air carrier/reliever airports and $2,741,032.97 for general aviation airports. Air carrier entitlements totaled $8,324,165.05.
Among the projects to receive state funding was a terminal building construction project at Orange County Airport which received $1,090,954.32 in state discretionary funds. In addition, Lake Anna Airport received $823,500.00 for widening, rehabilitation, and lighting of Runway 8-26 to bring it up to minimum standards. Mountain Empire airport received $35,850.40 for terminal area site preparation design and $64,920.88 for terminal building design.
Pilots recognized for completion of aviation ambassador program
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) recognized 28 pilots for completing its Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program (VAAP) at the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight in Suffolk on May 30.
The VAAP encourages people to experience all of Virginia’s public-use airports, visit the aviation museums, participate in at least one safety seminar and attend the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight. To participate in the program, pilots must get their Virginia Aviation Ambassador passport stamped at each location, earning recognition along the way. Bronze recognition for 25 airports, four aviation museums, a safety event and attendance at the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight is an Ambassador Cap and lapel pin. Silver recognition as the Ambassador reaches 50 airports is a pilot flight bag. The Gold recognition for visiting all 66 airports is a leather flight jacket with the Virginia Aviation Ambassador logo embroidered on the front.
“This program is an extraordinary opportunity for pilots, aviation enthusiasts and the general public to see the valuable economic assets in our system of airports,” said Randall Burdette, director of DOAV. “It gives pilots and riders alike an opportunity to set and meet goals in their flying and sightseeing, and experience all that Virginia aviation has to offer while having fun with friends and family.”
The following people were recognized for completing the program at the Festival of Flight: Shannon and Tessa Beebe of Dale Fowler of Smithfield Brian McKeehan of Mechanicsville Invergrove, Minn. Debbie and Chuck Gallaway of Kevin Moore of Oakton David A. Bernarckt of Gates, N. Fairfax Station Mary C. Mott of Chesapeake C. David Grow of Gloucester Point James L. Murphy of Fredericksburg Robert C. Brammer of Roanoke Greg Hermanson of Alexandria Jennifer Price-Singleton of Salem Joyce Chewning of Partlow Martin and Alexander Hobson of Jeff Williams of Partlow Peter Coen of Poquoson Clifton Cathy and Dudley Wireman of Hubert Compton of Orange Clifford Jordan of Woodbridge Stafford Wayne Derrington of Gates, N.C. James R. Maliwauki of Lloyd Wood of Colonial Heights Richard Dykes of Culpeper Mechanicsville Ronald E. Wray of Chester
Since the program’s start in 2005, 191 people have become Gold-level Virginia aviation ambassadors. A special thanks goes to Heart of Virginia Aviation, Hanover Airport and Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society for their assistance in sponsoring the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. To see the entire list of Gold Level Aviation Ambassadors or learn more about the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program visit us on our web site at www.doav.virginia.gov. (press release)
Teachers receive grant money from Virginia Department of Aviation
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) recently handed out seven $250 grants to teachers across the state towards aviation-related lessons and activities.
The recipients are:
• Lt. Col. William Carter, Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount;
• Sue Goncarovs, Olde Creek Elementary School in Alexandria;
• Gwendolyn Lee Lomax, Francis Mallory Elementary School in Hampton;
• Randall Miller, Kings Glen Elementary School in Springfield;
• Donald Mullins, J. M. Bevins Elementary School in Grundy;
• Amy Sabarre, Martinsville Middle School in Martinsville;
• Mary Montague Sikes, West Point Elementary School in West Point; and
• Sally Tobler, Hardin Reynolds Memorial School in Critz.
Teachers of grades K-12, who incorporate aviation into their classrooms, are eligible to apply for DOAV’s grant program every school year. This year’s activities include profiling historic aviation figures, constructing flying models, learning how parachutes work and studying weather conditions.
“Utilizing aviation in lesson plans is an excellent way to foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and to motivate students to succeed in school,” said Betty Wilson, DOAV Public Relations Manager. “It is our hope that some of the students impacted by these activities will join the aviation workforce in the future.”
Teachers receiving the grant must complete their lesson before the end of the 08-09 school year, and submit a final report to DOAV, including a summary of the results of the lesson or activ
ity, a lesson plan, how many students benefited from the activity, a materials list with costs and receipts for items purchased. For more information on the DOAV’s other educational programs, visit www.doav.virginia.gov/aved.htm. (press release)
2009 Art Contest Winners Announced
Winners of the Virginia level of the 2009 International Aviation Art Contest have been announced. The theme for this year's competition was "Create a Poster for the World Air Games 2009." Students, ages 6-17, from across the Commonwealth participated in this year's contest. Winning artwork was forwarded to the National Association of State Aviation Executives (NASAO) for national judging.
Virginia Airport Owners Association unites privately-owned airports
A group of private airport owners and aviation enthusiasts recently formed the Virginia Airport Owners Association (VAOA) to address issues concerning privately-owned, private use, airports within the state. The organization, thought to be the first of its kind in the nation, will provide a united voice for this segment of the aviation industry. There are 226 private owned, private use airports currently registered in Virginia. VAOA is being commended by the Airport Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) for its efforts to foster the continued growth and development of private airports in Virginia. VAOA is providing networking, communication, security awareness and economic opportunities for airport owners and aviation enthusiasts throughout the state.
“The purpose of the VAOA is to become the recognized voice for all issues concerning privately-owned airports within the state,” said John Mazza Jr., president of the VAOA. Future plans for the VAOA include ensuring that local and state governments understand the value of privately owned airports. The VAOA will also work to streamline the zoning process of new, privately owned airports as well as work to ensure that neighbors of privately owned airports understand the operations and value of these airports.
“The creation of the VAOA is a great opportunity for the aviation community. It will improve communications between this segment of aviation and DOAV,” said Randy Burdette, director of DOAV. “It will allow us to work together to promote a safer and more secure aviation system for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
For more information, contact Mazza at 804-526-7665, Kevin Murray, treasurer, at 540-297-6754 or e-mail VAOA@live.com. The Virginia Airport Owners Association is a 501(c)(6) corporation chartered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Web Site Launched To Promote Air Taxi Service In Virginia
The Virginia SATSLab (VSATS), in partnership with the Air Taxi Association (ATXA), has officially launched VirginiaAirTaxi.com, a new on-demand flight reservations system.
VirginiaAirTaxi.com allows travelers to book on-demand flights from air taxi and air charter operators instantly. In addition, the site features information on the next-generation air taxi industry, commonly-used air taxi aircraft, a question-and-answer section and a detailed directory of all public-use airports in Virginia.
"Virginia has always been at the forefront of accelerating next-generation aviation," said Keith McCrea, executive director of VSATS. "This Web site will help foster community airport utilization across the 64 local airports throughout the Commonwealth."
The reservations system allows any operator to be displayed on the system via ATXA and Door2DoorAir. Operators that allow customer interaction may be added to the system in as little as one business day.
"In launching VirginiaAirTaxi.com, Virginia has taken a leading role in creating public awareness about on-demand flights from their local airports onward to wherever they need to go," said Joe Leader, president of ATXA. "This opens an opportunity for every community airport to have direct flights to hundreds of destinations. These on-demand, direct flights will be a driver of economic development to communities across the state."
The new Web site will be demonstrated at booth 3006, hosted by Virginia and ATXA, at the 61st Annual National Business Aviation Association Meeting & Convention (NBAA 2008) in Orlando, Florida. NBAA 2008 will host nearly 33,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors.
ATXA is an alliance of next-generation air taxi providers that offer direct, on-demand flight service at greatly reduced prices.
