DOAV Held Ambassador Passport Review and Jacket Fitting
The Virginia Department of Aviation held an Ambassador Program passport review and jacket fitting on Wednesday, January 12. Nine ambassadors traveled to the DOAV headquarters at Richmond International Airport to have their passports checked and to be signed off on the silver or gold-level awards.
The ambassadors traveled from across Virginia to meet with PR and Education Specialist David Halstead and PR and Education Manager Betty Wilson. Halstead, who oversees the Aviation Ambassador program, carefully reviewed each individual’s passport to ensure that all requirements had been met.
Seven ambassadors qualified for the gold-level leather jackets by visiting all 65 public-use airports, four aviation museums and a safety seminar. All ambassadors also received the awards for the bronze level (Virginia Aviation Ambassadors cap and lapel pin) and the silver level (flight bag). Many shared stories of their experiences in visiting the various Virginia airports. They praised the program and how it helped them gain experience as pilots and to see all that the Commonwealth of Virginia has to offer.
“I think it’s a great program.” Ambassador David Christofano said. “What I like about it is even during the pandemic, the Department of Aviation has been proactive and every time I reached out I always got an instant response that the program was still active. I really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great way to see Virginia and all the different airports, but also to build flight time and the world seems a lot smaller once you go to all these airports.”
The ambassadors who were confirmed to have achieved the gold-level status on January 12 include: David Christofano, Warren Cox, Ryan Crawford, Erik Karlson, John Karlson, Barry Schultz and Michael Schwartz. Ambassadors who achieved silver-level status by visiting 50 public-use airports, four aviation museums and a safety seminar were Stephen Beste and Rob Haulenbeek.
The Virginia Department of Aviation periodically schedules passport review days for ambassadors. If you have completed the requirements for a bronze, silver or gold-level award, please contact David Halstead at david.halstead@doav.virginia.gov or 804-236-3630.