Skip to main content
Pilot Anna Green

Dance with the Clouds & Sail the Skies

VA Department of Aviation

Close-up view of airplane propellers

The Virginia Department of Aviation is a state transportation agency whose mission is to cultivate an advanced aviation system that is safe and secure, and that also provides for economic development, promotes aviation awareness and education, and provides the most efficient flight services for the Commonwealth leadership and state agencies.

About Us Contact Us

2023-24 Virginia Aviation Education Programs

The Virginia Department of Aviation's 2024 Aviation Education Programs are now available.

Virginia Aviation Teacher's Grant Program

Virginia Aviation Art Contest

Willard G. Plentl, Sr. Aviation Scholarship

John R. Lillard Aviation Scholarship (with Virginia Airport Operator's Council)

John R. Scott Aviation Scholarship (with Virginia Airport Operator's Council)

Chad Weaver Aviation Scholarship

 

2023 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest Accepting Submissions

Do you have photos from when you flew over Virginia’s mountains, beaches or other scenic locations? Do you have an awesome vintage or modern aircraft photo you want to share? Well, the Virginia Department of Aviation’s annual photo contest offers you the opportunity to submit those photos and get the chance to be featured in the annual aviation calendar and on social media.

     The annual Virginia aviation photo contest will take place this year and will focus on aircraft, airports, and more to allow photographers and pilots to show off their best pictures over the years. Aerial photos are also requested to continue to highlight Virginia’s lovely scenic areas from the sky. Photographs taken with drones will also be accepted.

     Twelve submissions are allowed from each photographer; they must have been taken in Virginia and have not been previously published. The photographs must be at least 300 dpi.  Entry forms can be found on our website and all entries must be submitted to doavphotocontest@gmail.com. The deadline for all submissions is September 1, 2023.

We look forward to seeing your photos!

 

ICON A-5 Introduction to Flight Program

The ICON A-5 Introduction to Flight Program brings a light sport amphibian aircraft on a trailer to schools, career days, airports, community events, and other locations at no cost to the educational group.

Students will learn about how aircraft fly and about aviation careers.  They will be able to sit in the cockpit and learn about flight controls and the instrument panel.  Some events may also include the opportunity to fly an aircraft simulator as well.

The ICON A-5 has participated in programs for students from K-12 as well as university students and adult organizations.

If you are interested in having this aircraft visit your school or event, please contact Betty Wilson at the Virginia Department of Aviation

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

High School Students Can Learn the Fundamentals of Flight
in a Free Online Private Pilot Ground School Course
to be offered August 1 to September 21, 2023

 VSGC plans to offer the course to up to 50 students from August 1 to September 2023. Students must complete an application to be considered for selection to take the course. Selected students will also receive required course materials at no cost if they complete the course.

 The application deadline is July 24, 2023. Learn more about our Private Pilot Ground School and apply at https://vsgc.odu.edu/virginiapilotpathwaysprogram/private-pilot-ground-school/

Please contact VSGC Program Coordinator Ian Cawthray, icawthra@odu.edu, with questions. Students accepted into the course will work directly with their Certified Flight Instructor once the program begins.

Military Aviation Museum Summer Aviation Adventure Camp

Campers at the Military Aviation Museum take a deep dive into the world of aviation! From the Wright Brothers to the aces of World War II, campers will be able to engage with history and science in new and exciting ways. Our camper-approved programs will challenge your child to become an aviator, engineer, and even a spy. Campers will complete STEM challenges, participate in a variety of hands-on activities, and explore history in new age-appropriate ways! Each camper will also have amazing opportunities to go behind the scenes at the Museum, and get up-close and personal with our amazing aircraft collection.

Through hands-on STEM challenges, guided tours, and activities designed to inspire and inform, campers are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience at the Military Aviation Museum.

Aviation Adventure Camps, Summer 2023

DOAV Employment Opportunities

 
Field and Project Engineer (Architecture/Engineering) - visit Virginia Jobs
 

COVID-19 Vaccine

Dance with the Clouds & Sail the Skies

Pilot standing in front of a plane.

The Virginia Department of Aviation began a campaign to promote aviation careers in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The first of a series of commercials began running during Aviation Week in Virginia (August 12-16, 2019).  Commercials were shown on stations in  Roanoke (site of the 2019 Virginia Aviation Conference),  Richmond, Harrisonburg, Bristol and Lynchburg.

Additional commercials were planned to run through the end of October 2019 and then commence again in March 2020 (running through the end of May 2020).

With all the opportunities currently available, now is a great time to consider an aviation career!

Dance with the Clouds & Sail the Skies (view the original video)

Additional Aviation Career Videos can be found on the Education Page.

Education