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
Winchester Runway Is Open
Runway construction at the Winchester Regional Airport is now completed and the airport is fully open.
Results of the 2011 Toy Airlift Far Exceeds Previous Efforts
Betty Vinson, Event Coordinator for the Virginia Chapter Ninety-Nines shared the following results of this years Toy 
Airlift:
"Folks, I am so excited! We had absolutely fabulous results for the Toy Airlift this year far exceeding any numbers we had done before! Including a late donation which was brought to Landmark Aviation at ORF, we donated 902 toys! Our number of gift cards to McGuire’s Veterans Hospital was way up, too--$655 plus two to Michaels of unknown value. The gifts for the veterans totaled 210. When I delivered the various gifts, the staff at McGuire’s Veterans’ Hospital was very surprised and extremely appreciative. The same was experienced by the staff of Holiday Helpers at Ft. Lee.
Our food sales brought in $265 in profit which will be used to purchase more gift cards for McGuire’s Veterans Hospital. There was also a $200 donation from a Ninety-Nines member in PA which will go to gift cards also. Just for comparison, last year we had 378 toys, $455 in gift cards and food sales profit of $215. Most everyone brought in a greater number of donations than they had the previous year. We also had some new participants. The Steward School has only three students in their new aviation club but they brought so many donations, it took three planes to bring them! Thanks ever so much and we hope to see you next year!
To all who participated in any way, a great big pat on the back! We hope to see you all next year; go ahead and put the Toy Airlift on your calendar for next year on the second Saturday which is 12/8.
We already have a new musical act for next year. The mother of one of the violinists volunteered her 16 year old daughter to play the harp next year. Man, is that going to be classy or what! If any of you have ideas to make this event better, please speak up.
James Evans of the Norfolk area brought a photo journalist with him and they did a nice piece on our event on the Norfolk channel 3 news at 5:30. Way to go, Jim! It was very positive for general aviation. If you have not seen it, go to http://www.wtkr.com/videobeta/ea5f0fb2-038e-412e-92e3-21928ee1076a/News/Pilots-collect-toys-in-annual-Toy-Airlift You do have to listen to a brief commercial first."
The Ninety-Nines, Inc. is an international non-profit organization of women pilots with more than 5,500 members worldwide.
2012 Aviation Education Programs
The Department of Aviation recently mailed a package of applications for its annual aviation education programs for students and teachers to public and private schools across the Commonwealth. These programs include the Aviation Teachers Grant Program, the 2012 International Aviation Art Contest, the Virginia Airport Operators Council John R. Lillard Aviation Scholarship Program, and the Willard G. Plentl Aviation Scholarship Program.
- Aviation Teachers Grant Program Application (2012) - available to Virginia teachers in grades K-12.
- 2012 International Aviation Art Contest Application - 2011 Winning Artwork
- Virginia Airport Operators Council John R. Lillard Aviation Scholarship Program; Application (deadline March 16, 2012)
- Willard G. Plentl Aviation Scholarship Program (deadline February 17, 2012)
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 Tech/Montgomery Executive Runway Closed for Paving
The Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport's runway will be closed from October 31st until November 4th for paving work. Please check all NOTAMS before flying out of or into Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport.
Fall Aviation Safety Week is Oct. 3-6, 2011
Fall Aviation Safety Week events will take place at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, the City Palace in Manassas, the Virginia Aviation Museum in Richmond, and the Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton. The program this fall is "Say Again? Radio Communication Done Right" presented by Mark Grady.
Are you stymied by radio chatter every time you fly? Does everybody else get “cleared direct” and you don’t? The Air Safety Institute digs deeper into radio communication in this information-packed seminar. Hear the other side of the story from air traffic controllers. Find out how to increase your margin of safety through effective communication with ATC. Don’t miss this informative safety seminar designed to improve your communication skills and decrease your workload as a pilot.
Fall Aviation Safety Week is sponsored by the Air Safety Institute and the Virginia Department of Aviation.
Updated Airport Policy Manual now available for download
State aviation funding programs to assist sponsors of public-use airports with a variety of improvement activities are managed by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Information on these programs, as well as summaries of Virginia Aviation Board policies and department procedural guidelines for implementation, is provided in the department's Airport Program Manual. The most recent version of the manual became effective August 2011 and is now available for download.
Governor McDonnell Designates August as Virginia Aviation Month
On August 18, 2011, Governor McDonnell announced the month of August as Virginia Aviation Month in recognition of the singular asset that aviation represents to the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth. This announcement is in conjunction with the 37th Annual Virginia Aviation Conference being held in Roanoke.
Virginia’s exemplary aviation system encompasses 66 public-use airports, nine of which provide flight services to destinations both domestic and international. The remaining 57 airports serve as general aviation facilities and supply convenient business and recreational access to communities across the state.
In all, Virginia’s aviation system stimulates a cumulative economic benefit of $28.8 billion, including, $7.6 billion in economic benefit from airport-dependent businesses and 259,000 jobs for citizens of the Commonwealth and a total of over $11 billion in wages.
Apart from the economic stimulation that it provides the state, Virginia’s aviation system also benefits citizens through private, corporate, charter, and air taxi travel; shipping and express freight service, environmental protection and firefighting; search and rescue; air medical transport; public safety and law enforcement; agriculture; weather and traffic reporting, recreation, and tourism. (full text of proclamation)
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)
Registration for the 2011 Virginia Aviation Conference is now open!!
Register now for the 2011 Virginia Aviation Conference. Registration forms are available on the Conference web site. Call the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center to make your reservations or reserve your room online. Deadline for reservations is July 19, 2011. For more information contact Jessica Cowardin or Betty Wilson at the Virginia Department of Aviation. This year you have the option to register online and then mail your check. https://www.regonline.com/2011VirginiaAviationConference
2011 Virginia Aviation Conference will be held in Roanoke
The 2011 Virginia Aviation Conference will be held at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, Virginia from August 17-19, 2011. This meeting of airport managers, sponsors, consultants, government officials and others with an interest in aviation in Virginia features a Virginia Aviation Board Meeting, special speakers, exhibitors, and the Virginia Aviation Awards banquet to honor those who have made significant contributions to aviation in Virginia.
Registration will begin in mid-May. For more information on the Conference contact Betty Wilson or Jessica Cowardin at the Virginia Department of Aviation or visit the conference web page.
Nomination Forms are Available for the 2011 Virginia Aviation Awards
Each August the Department of Aviation honors the Virginia Airport Manager of the Year, the Virginia Aviation Person of the Year, and Virginia Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at a banquet held during the Virginia Aviation Conference. Nomination forms for each of these awards will be accepted until May 27, 2011. If you know someone who has made a significant contribution to aviation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, consider nominating them for one of these awar
ds.
2011 Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Awards Ceremony
The 2011 Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Awards Ceremony was held during the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight at Suffolk Executive Airport on Saturday, April 30, 2011. New gold-level Ambasadors received their leather jackets and all Virginia Aviation Ambassadors were invited to participate in the annual group photo.
Virginia Aviation Art Contest 2011 Winners are Announced
The 2011 winners of the Virginia Aviation Art Contest have been announced.
Category 1 (Junior)
First Place: Samantha Spears, Age 7, Smithfield, Virginia
Second Place: Devon Hubble, Age 8, Smithfield, Virginia
Third Place: Caleb Spicer, Age 9, Gate City, Virginia
Category 2 (Intermediate)
First Place: Jose Ayala Guzman, Age 13, Sterling, Virginia
Second Place: Roshan George, Age 11, Charlottesville, Virginia
Third Place: Brady Clem, Age 10, Glen Allen, Virginia
Category 3 (Senior)
Jorden Lamm, Age 17, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Second Place: Michael Washington, Age 16, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Third Place: Haley Sprickel, Age 17, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia received 99 entries for its art contest this year. The winning artwork was shipped to the National Association of Aviation Officials (NASAO) for national judging. United States national winners participate in the International Aviation Art Contest held by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).
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.
Statewide Economic Impact Study - Virginia Air Transportation System
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) over the past several months has been conducting an economic impact study to examine the impact of the Commonwealth’s airport system to the State’s economy and to raise awareness of the value that Virginia’s 66 public-use airports provide for its citizens.
Aviation/Aerospace Day Legislative Reception
The annual Aviation/Aerospace Day Legislative Reception will be held on Wednesday evening, February 2, 2011 at the Library of Virginia. The event is sponsored by the Virginia Aviation Business Association, Virginia Aviation Board, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center and industry partners. The event is hosted by Senator Charles J. Colgan and Delegate Joe T. May to promote support for Virginia’s aviation and aerospace interests
.
PPTA Implementation Guidelines
The Virginia Secretary of Transportation's office released the final version of the PPTA Implementation Manual and Guidelines today, December 8, 2010.
School Programs for 2010/11
The Department of Aviation is once again promoting several aviation education programs for teachers and students in the Commonwealth. The Aviation Teachers Grant Program offers educators in grades K-12 the opportunity to apply for grants (of up to $250.00) for aviation-related classroom projects. The John R. Lillard Aviation Scholarship Program (cover letter) and Willard G. Plentl, Sr. Aviation Scholarship Program offer scholarships tor Virginia high school seniors. Virginia is also once again participating in the International Aviation Art Contest.
Other programs that educators may wish to investigate are the Real World Design Challenge and Team America Rocketry Challenge.
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
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 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.
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 Airport Owners Association unites privately-owned airports
A group of private airport owners and aviation enthusiasts 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.
