DOAV held Aviation Ambassador Passport Review and Jacket Fitting

The Virginia Department of Aviation held an Ambassador Program passport review and jacket fitting on Wednesday, December 8. Eight ambassadors who completed the program by visiting all 65 public-use airports in Virginia traveled to the DOAV headquarters at Richmond International Airport to be sized for the gold-level jackets.

The ambassadors traveled from across Virginia with one coming from North Carolina 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.

All ambassadors who were sized for the gold-level jackets 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 different Virginia airports. They praised the program and how it helped provide a framework to their travel and development as pilots.

“This program gave us the structure to really motivate us to fly to other places,” Ambassador Scott Sanders said. “We got to experience examining new airports going to totally different places and that was really educational. We never expected to get that out of this program.”

The Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program is designed to encourage pilots and aviation enthusiasts to visit all of Virginia's public-use airports as well as aviation museums, safety seminars and special airport events such as fly-ins. As ambassadors set and meet goals, participants will learn more about Virginia's excellent air transportation system, experience the beauty of the Commonwealth as they travel to each airport and have fun.

“Virginia was the most fun program,” Ambassador Rolf Wallin said. “What I liked about Virginia was the variety of airports. I think with my experience level I could enjoy it more. I really learned a lot about Virginia with this program. It’s been great.”

The ambassadors who were confirmed to have achieved the gold-level status on December 8 include: George Getgood, Michael Meyers, Leah Potts, Scott Sanders, Paul Schaffer, Phil Soucy, Rolf Wallin and Fred Wimberly.

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.