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 Blog
For the most timely information about what's going on in aviation in Virginia,visit the Virginia Aviation Blog
Virginia 
Museum of Transportation Joins Aviation Ambassadors Program
After a severe storm blew off part of the roof, destroying the aviation gallery below, the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke began to rebuild their aviation gallery. The new Wings Over Virginia gallery contains exhibits about Technology and Principles of Flight, Early Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Helicopters and Emergency Transport, Virginia's Commercial Airports, Roanoke's Early Civilian Aviators, Roanoke's Military Aviators, Virginia's Military Bases, Cutting Edge Research and Development, and General Aviation.
With the opening of the Wings Over Virginia gallery, participants in the Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program may now obtain an Ambassadors stamp when they visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
For more information on the Wings Over Virginia gallery contact Don Moser, Deputy Director at 540-342-5670. The museum is located at 303 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia in downtown Roanoke.
2013 Virginia Aviation Awards Nominations Being Accepted
Application forms for the 2013 Virginia Aviation Awards are now available for download. Virginia Aviation Awards are given for Airport Manager of the Year, Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations will be accepted through June 5, 2013. Recipients will be honored at the Virginia Aviation Awards Banquet, held during the Virginia Aviation Conference in August. If you know someone who has made significant contributions to aviation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, please don't hesitate to submit a nomination form. If you have questions about the awards contact Betty Wilson or Kim Wells at the Virginia Department of Aviation.
GAMA and Build A Plane Push STEM Education Efforts
In a collaborative effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and stimulate student interaction in aviation and manufacturing, Build A Plane and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced a nationwide STEM educational competition. The winners of this competition, eight children total, will receive free trips to the Glasair Aviation facilities in Arlington, Washington to build two Glasair Sportman aircraft. Participating in Glasair's well-known "Two Weeks to Taxi" program, students will build the two Sportsman aircraft starting June 17, 2013. GAMA member companies, along with Glasair Aviation, are generously donating technical expertise, workspace, aircraft equipment, and supplies to the competition. The completed aircraft will be professionally test flown with the goal of flying to and displaying the aircraft at this year's AirVenture 2013 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Schools interested in this challenge will be issued complimentary "Fly to Learn" software which provides tools for teachers to guide students through the process of building an aircraft on a computer. Each high school will select one design that will compete in a virtual fly-off which will score aerodynamic and perfomance parameters.
High schools who wish to enter the competition should call Katrina Bradshaw at 804-843-3321 immediately as space in the competition is limited. For more information about the organizations involved, please log onto BuildAPlane.org, GAMA.aero, GlasairAviation.com or FlyToLearn.com
2013 Virginia Aviation Business Symposium
Air Charter and Air Taxi Operators, Fixed Based Operators, General Aviation airport operators and others associated with the small airc
raft transportation sector are invited to join in a dialogue to explore methods to promote and increase the utilization of on-demand and charter business aviation services at this symposium.
Sponsored by the Department of Aviation and the Virginia Aviation Business Association, the 2013 Virginia Aviation Business Symposium is set to discuss and explore critical issues, and investigate possible partnerships to achieve higher rates for utilization of services which allow business and commerce to move by small aircraft to communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Join leaders in the industry as well as daily practitioners for the day on March 26, 2013. Flying in? Driving in? It doesn’t matter how you arrive, but do plan on participating in this symposium, which will be hosted at the Metropolitan Aviation complex at Manassas Regional Airport (HEF). Join in the discussion, and be a part of the action plan that will attempt to help foster more business for business aviation!
These are FBOs who are supporting attendees who are planning to fly into the Virginia Business Aviation Symposium. They will transport attendees to the location of the event. 
Dulles Aviation, Inc.
10501 Observation Road
Manassas, VA 20110
703.361.2171
Joe Gardner
joe@dullesaviation.com
and
APP Jet Center
9998 Wakeman Drive
Manassas, VA 20110
703.392.5387
Quinn Redden
qredden@appjetcenter.com
Download Invitation to the 2013 Virginia Aviation Business Symposium
Download Agenda for the 2013 Virginia Aviation Business Symposium
Women Can Fly 
Event Will Introduce Flight to Girls and Women in Virginia
Women Can Fly, a seriesof three special Saturday events scheduled for June of 2013, will introduce aviation to more girls and women in Virginia. While the number of women working in the aviation industry has steadily increased, they are still underrepresented in the workforce and the number of women pilots is only 6% of the total pilot population. Women Can Fly will be an enjoyable and educational event for girls and women of all ages. The event will provide a variety of experiences, including classroom presentations, simulation opportunities, and a flight in a general aviation aircraft for participating girls and women. The goal is to introduce them to aviation and provide information and opportunities in the aviation industry as well as experiencing the fun and camaraderie of general aviation.
Women Can Fly events will be held at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport on June 8, 2013; Hampton Roads Executive Airport on June 22, 2013; and LynchburgRegional Airport on June 29, 2013.
Local contacts are:
Michael Young, Event Coordinator
Dave Darrah, Airport Manager
Warrenton-Fauquier Airport
Mfyoung1@verizon.net
(703) 966-7701
Becky Farley
Hampton Roads Executive Airport
bfarley@flypvg.com
(757) 488-3166
Lizzy Hauk
Lynchburg Regional Airport
ehauk@liberty.edu
(440) 278-0860
Women Can Fly is co-sponsored by the Ninety-Nines, Inc. (International Organization of Women Pilots); Liberty University; Freedom Aviation; Virginia Department of Aviation, and participating airports. [ Press Release]
Virginia Aviation Board meets, allocates funds to state airports and recognizes aviation pioneers
The Virginia Aviation Board (VAB) approved tentative allocations of Commonwealth Airport Funds for Fiscal year 2013 at its meeting on Thursday, February 21 at the Holiday Inn Richmond Airport. Approved Air Carrier/Reliever Discretionary funding was $ 30,280 and General Aviation Discretionary funding was $232,936. Projects addressed ranged from land acquisition in support of a runway extension in Abington, to a runway localizer relocation in Manassas. Total Commonwealth Airport Fund discretionary funds allocated were $263,216.
The board also recognized Kenneth A. Rowe, Roger L. Oberndorf and Rear Admiral Dewitt L. Freeman with Resolutions from the Virginia Aviation Board. Ken Rowe was recognized for his dedication to the enhancement of the civil aviation system in the Commonwealth and the national aviation system. He was a model for those whose careers led them to positions of influence and authority in managing and guiding the expansion of the aviation system. Roger Oberndorf was recognized for his hard work and dedication to improving the aviation community through his role as Chairman of the Virginia Aviation Board, aviation advocate and dedicated pilot. Dewitt Freeman was recognized for his dedication to aviation through his service in the U.S. Navy and his volunteer efforts that led to the construction of the Louisa County Airport/Freeman Field.
The next VAB meeting is May 16, location to be determined. Press Release
2013 Virginia Aviation Art Contest Results
Artists throughout Virginia from ages 7 to 18 picked up their colored markers, pens and paint brushes to draw a picture about their favorite Air Sport for the 2013 International Aviation Art Contest. This year’s theme, “My Favorite Air Sport” gave students the option to pic
k from eleven different Air Sport Competitions to draw about such as Ballooning, Hang Gliding, Paragliding and Parachuting. Other inspirational topics for the artwork were General Aviation including Rotorcraft and Aerobatics.
The Virginia Department of Aviation received 89 entries from students all over the state. The judges included David Hahn, the Dinwiddie Airport Manager with an Art History background, Bill Kluge, an illustrator and graphic designer for NASA as well as select staff of the Department of Aviation. There were three winners chosen from each category broken down into age ranges; The Junior category for ages 7-10, the Intermediate category for ages 11-14 and the Senior category for ages 15-18.
The winners in the Junior Category all came from Northern Virginia. First place was awarded to Will Clayton Smith from C
M Bradley Elementary School in Warrenton, Virginia whose colorful artwork uniquely captured people parachuting in the sky. Second place was awarded to Julliette Guill from Hardy Elementary School in Smithfield, Virginia. Her artwork captured a recently married couple who celebrated their big day with the wind in their hair hang gliding with friends and family. Third place was awarded to Daniel Murtha who is also from Hardy Elementary, but his artwork displayed a red colored hot air balloon using an interesting shading technique for depth.
One winner from the Intermediate Category hailed from Central Virginia and two came from Northern Virginia. First place was awarded to Delaney Myers from Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Virginia. Her picture captured a couple watching aerobatics in the sky and the artwork was used as the background on all the winner’s certificates. Second place was awarded to Emily Lawson from Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Virginia whose artwork displayed a tranquil scene of a person Paragliding over the mountains. Third place was awarded to Avery Rae Smith from Warrenton Middle School in Warrenton, Virginia whose artwork depicted hot air balloons in the sky peeking from behind whimsical clouds.
The winners in the Senior Category were from Northwest and Northern Virginia. First place was awarded to Luke Bergeron from Millbrook High School in Winchester, Virginia. His artwork was a black and white, two-dimensional picture that captured aerobatic jets performing over an airport’s runway. Second place was awarded to Natalie Jane Smith from Fauquier High School in Warrington, Virginia whose artwork captured sail planes gliding in the sky over the city as the sun sets. Third place was awarded to Debi Acevedo from Christ Chapel Academy in Woodbridge, Virginia whose artwork displayed colorful hot air balloons over a seaside cliff on a clear day.
This year there were eight honorable mentions given to select students in Virginia. The following artists received the honorable mention: Amanda Broadnax, Renae George, Emma Goeas, Grace Hogan Quameshia Lewis, Allison Velvin, Janaye Wagner and Jack Wilson. In addition to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, an honorable mention was given to those students whose artwork was well drawn and eye catching, but may or may not have fully captured the contest theme. They received a participation certificate that stated honorable mention in the bottom left corner. The remaining entries received a certificate of participation which thanked them for their time and artwork.
The Department of Aviation was happy to receive all the colorful, well researched designs and looks forward to seeing what the artists will design next. Artwork from the top three winners in each category have been sent to NASAO for the national judging, which takes place the week of February 25th, 2013. If Virginia has any national winners, they will then be sent to the FAI headquarters for the International judging. To see the winning artwork, please visit the art contest 2013 web page. Information for next year’s International Aviation Art Contest will be available in September 2013.
Spera Granted Master Instructor Emeritus Status
Robert J Spera, a 6-time Master and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.
Bob is the FBO at Lonesome Pine Airport (LNP) as well as the owner of Lonesome Pine's Liberty Flying Service (http://LibertyFlyingService.com/). He has also served as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's South Bend FSDO area.
Results of the 2012 Toy Airlift
Betty Vinson, Event Coordinator of the 2012 Toy Airlift provided this article on this year's results:
The 2012 Toy Airlift was extremely successful as we surpassed all our previous goals. This was only possible due to the efforts of all of you who participated. The plane which had the distinction of flying the farthest was from Martinsville WV and also a carful of toys arrived after t
he “elves” left the Galax VA area around 0430 for a six hour drive to FCI. Now that is dedication!
After a couple of late donations, we have finally broken the 1000 mark with toys donated to the military of which we are extremely proud! That’s a mark we have been aiming for for a couple of years. We also provided 54 toys for the homeless veterans at McGuire’s Veterans Hospital to give to their children. While these veterans are estranged from their families, they do usually see them at Christmas. I am proud to say this is the fourth year we have provided the toys which they give to their children.
We also collected 91 gifts for the hospitalized veterans and a new high of $1070 in gift cards for the units at McGuire’s Veterans’ Hospital!
There was a nice front page story with pictures in the Petersburg Progress-Index on 12/11. You can see it on line at http://progress-index.com/news/santa-flies-for-toy-airlift-1.1414621. There was also a front page article with pictures in the Hopewell News on 12/11 which you can see at http://www.hopewellnews.com/article_5103.shtml#.UMj7P2_LSSo
You can see a full write-up of the event with lots of pictures on our chapter web site at http://virginiachapter99s.shutterfly.com/.
Again, thanks to everyone and we look forward to seeing you next year for an even more successful Toy Airlift. Mark your calendar now for the second Saturday in December.
Thanks ever so much for your hard work.
Betty Vinson, Event Coordinator
Virginia Chapter Ninety-Nines Toy Airlift
2012-13 Virginia Aeronautical Chart Available
The 2012-13 Virginia Aeronautical Chart is now available from the Virginia Department of Aviation (e-mail kimberly.wells@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.
Aviation and Space Workforce Development Analysis and Strategy Development
Governor Bob McDonnell has released the Aviation and Space Workforce Development Analysis and Strategy Development. The report highlights the aviation and space industries' current employment levels and future projections for growth. According to the report, approximately 12,000 new employees will be required to fill positions that include airline pilots, aircraft mechanics and technicians, aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, air traffic controllers and other technical jobs that require strong science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) skills.
"The goals of the report were to determine the current size and impact of the Commonwealth's aviation and space industry, project industry growth, identify core workforce support entities and to isolate any gaps in the current workforce," governor McDonnell said. "We plan to implement these recommendations leading Virginia in a direction to capture a greater share of the nation's industry growth."
Additional goals are to enhance interest in STEM-related careers by focusing on the educational pipeline and include secondary education, increase industry visibility through promotional and marketing efforts, develop a statewide strategic plan mentorship programs to transfer institutional knowledge from the senior generation to the younger generation of the workforce as well as place former military personnel with defense contractors.
Implementation of the recommendations will be executed as a joint effort between the Department of Aviation, the Virginia Department of Education, and aviation and space industry partners. The Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Community College System identified several existing programs that support the recommendations and provided guidance on developing programs that strengthen STEM-related skills.
The report was commissioned through the collaboration of the working group-Working Smarter Alliance-which consisted of industry partners including the Office of the Secretary of Education, NASA Langley Research Center, the National Association of Manufacturers Institute and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The report was developed by the Performance Management Group (PMG) in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University and was based upon the results of the technical study Virginia's Aviation and Aerospace State of the Workforce 2011 completed by Chmura Economics and Analytics.
Copy of the Secretary of Transportation's press release
Copy of the Aviation and Space Workforce Development Analysis and Strategy Development
Competitive Analysis of Virginia's Aviation Industry
Virginia’s Air Transportation System is a network of 66 publicuse airports supporting a range of commercial and general aviation services. Virginia’s airports are economic engines, technology magnets, and tourism gateways. They generate over $28.8 Billion in economic activity, support over 259,000 jobs, and provide access to more than 8.5 million visitors annually. The Competitive Analysis of Virginia’s Aviation Industry looks for ways to be even more competitive and grow the Virginia Commonwealth’s aviation industry by comparing Virginia’s Air Transportation System with its counterparts in key states to identify areas of achievement, risk, and potential improvement.
Facilities and Equipment (Navigational Aid) Study 2010
As part of continuing Virginia system planning efforts, the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) Facility and Equipment (NAVAID) Study was undertaken to ensure that the Virginia system airports have appropriate approaches and the lowest practical ceiling and visibility minima.
Effective with the July 5, 2007 U.S. Terminal Procedures publication, there were 200 standard instrument approach procedures to 58 of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s airports. A review found the existing system of airports to be well served with a network of federal and Commonwealth maintained NAVAID, visual guidance, communications, and weather facilities. In addition, the existing instrument approach procedures, as prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are well written and accurately presented.
Facilities and Equipment (Navigational Aid) Study 2010 (Summary)
Facilities and Equipment (Navigational Aid) Study 2010 (Final Reportl)
For more information, contact Vernon Carter at (804) 236-3632 or vernon.carter@doav.virginia.gov
Virginia Airport System Economic Impact Study Released
Governor Bob McDonnell announced the results of the Virginia Airport System Economic Impact Study which details the contributions of the state's 66 public-use airports to the Virginia economy. The independent report reveals that in 2010 Virginia's diverse system of airports:
- Produced $28.8 billion in overall economic activity
- Generated $11.1 billion in payroll
- Created 259,000 jobs, representing nearly 5.5 percent of the state's total jobs
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) commissioned the study to identify the economic benefits associated with the 66 public-use airports, which include nine commercial service and 57 general aviation airports serving communities throughout Virginia. The study focused on the economic impacts created by the airports, the visitors who travel through the airports and the in-state companies that rely on the airports to support and conduct their business.
Airports economic contributions was calculated from data collected through a survey of airport managers, on-airport tenants, visitors and off-airport businesses, and data from U.S. government agencies and IMPLAN, a widely accepted economic modeling system.
"The Commonwealth's system of airports not only provides a safe and efficient means of transportation for businesses, residents and visitors, it stimulates economic growth and development," said Governor McDonnell. "We are proud of the economic contributions our airports make to our local communities and beyond." (full text)
Virginia Airport System Economic Impact Study Executive Summary (pdf)
Virginia Airport System Economic Impact Study Technical Report (pdf)
Vision 2025
A recent FAA estimate forecasts the demand for air travel to increase by 71% over current levels by 2027. Beca
use current human-centric air traffic control (ATC) methods are not capable of accommodating the additional traffic with current systems, the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) was given the task of designing a new way to manage the nation’s skies. Their solution is a system of systems, dubbed NextGen, and the cornerstone of that solution is ADS-B (Automatic-Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). The use of radios in aircraft to broadcast aircraft information including location and type and the ground systems that collect and rebroadcast the information along with traffic and
weather information are the most well known capabilities of ADS-B and NextGen. The FAA now has the responsibility of implementing NextGen to meet America’s aviation growth needs.
Virginia's Flight to 2025: An Aviation Vision for the Commonwealth is a strategic plan that presents the vision for Virginia’s future aviation system as we move forward to take advantage of these new technologies to provide better access and more economic opportunities to Virginia communities.
Virginia's Aerospace Industry Economic Impact Study Completed
Governor Bob McDonnell released today the results of a new study to measure the economic impact and value of Virginia's aerospace industry. "Virginia's Aerospace Industry: An Economic Impact Analysis," describes important contributions that the aerospace industry makes to the economy of Virginia and highlights areas of expected growth.
Speaking about the analysis, Governor McDonnell noted, "The aerospace industry plays a vital role in the economy of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is a source of well paying, highly skilled jobs. As progress continues in this area, the entire Commonwealth will benefit. This study provides valuable information that will serve as a baseline to measure future growth."
The study is the first comprehensive economic study of Aerospace in Virginia and includes supplemental information on the contributions from Virginia's strong presence in aerospace military, education and tourism. It was sponsored by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), and conducted by the Performance Management Group at Virginia Commonwealth University in partnership with Chmura Economics & Analytics. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) convened experts from all of Virginia's public universities and colleges and relevant state agencies to develop the Commonwealth Economic Impact Research Model which guided this study. It is one part of a three part analysis that will include an airport economic impact analysis and a workforce development study for aviation and aerospace.
The study identified that Virginia's aerospace industry contributed $7.6 billion per year to the economy of Virginia and supported 28,110 jobs in 2009 through direct impacts and ripple effects. Aerospace directly employed 9,029 workers and created $4.3 billion in annual economic output in 2009. The study noted that aerospace workers are highly skilled and highly productive and are paid higher wages than the average in Virginia.
Virginia is home to the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport, one of four spaceports in the nation. It will begin commercial operations to the International Space Station from the Wallops Island Flight Facility beginning in 2011. The Commonwealth is also fortunate to have facilities such as NASA Langley and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility which have a long history of supporting and advancing the aerospace industry. In addition, Virginia has three public universities; Old Dominion University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech), and University of Virginia, that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in aerospace-related fields. Virginia's cooperative legislative and economic policies and practices, aided by its competitive workforce, have been driving forces behind an increase in the presence and investments of private aerospace firms to the Commonwealth at a time when many mature industries are declining both nationally and in the state. Because Virginia has four times the concentration of space research and technology industry employment, when compared to the national average, it holds a clear, competitive advantage compared with other states in the nation.
The study can be downloaded from the Department of Aviation's Website.
