AVIATION NEWS
News Archives
- 2024-2023
- 2022-2021
Aviation News
Here you will find the latest news and articles on aviation in Virginia. You can use the ‘Search” feature to find news by topic, date, and more. You can also use the news archives to look for information by date.
 | Anthony Perea and Isvany Ferrer #675 & #676 December 10, 2024 Anthony Perea and Isvany Ferrer began their journey in the ambassador program at Front Royal airport in Warren County. Since then, home base has moved to Chesterfield County Airport where they keep their Cirrus aircraft. Welcome Perea (# 675) and Ferrer (# 676) as Virginia's newest gold level ambassadors! | |
 | Lisa Disselkamp and Mark Feola #673 & #674 December 9, 2024 Lisa Disselkamp and Mark Feola crisscrossed Virginia in her convertible to attain gold-level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. Lisa is ambassador # 673 and Mark is # 674! Congratulations! | |
 | 2025 TSA Canine Calendar December 3, 2024 Who's a good boy? Hary, is!
The DOAV gives Hary a round of a paws!! | |
 | Blake Maurice Ambassador # 672 November 22, 2024 It only took Blake Maurice a little over a year to earn gold level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador program. Maurice got started in the program after talking to the staff of the DOAV at the Oceana airshow in 2023. His passport had every single stamp possible. Congratulations Blake, you are ambassador number 672! | |
 | Garrett Kilmurry Ambassador # 671 November 7, 2024 Garrett Kilmurry wasn't content with the minimum number of stamps to reach gold level in the ambassador program - he had to get them all! After a review of his passport at the DOAV, Kilmurry has earned ambassador # 671. The soon-to-be Liberty University graduate will begin to build up his flight hours for a future career as a professional pilot. Congratulations Garrett! | |
 | 2024 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest Winners Announced October 15, 2024 The Virginia Department of Aviation has announced the winners of the 2024 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest. The winning photography is posted to the DOAV website and will be featured in the Virginia Department of Aviation’s 2025 calendar. | |
 | Darius Jack Ambassador # 668 September 9, 2024 Darius Jack began the Ambassador program at Manassas Regional Airport while earning his instrument endorsement. Years later, Darius has earned Gold level - and a commercial endorsement - on his path to a flight career. Congratulations Darius, ambassador # 668! | |
| Connor McLernon Ambassador # 667 August 23, 2024 Commercially rated and a CFI endorsed pilot, Connor McLernon, is the Commonwealth's newest Aviation Ambassador. Starting this past November, Connor finished the program on August 20, 2024. In his trusty Cessna 152, he flew to nearly all of the 65 public-use airports. In addition, he visited almost all of the 8 air museums in the Commonwealth. Connor clearly typifies the DOAV's motto, "Virginia is for flying lovers." | |
 | Ajay, Aditi Anand and Anand Mohan #664, #665 and #666 August 14, 2024 Completing the Virginia Aviation Ambassadors program was a family affair for one northern Virginia family! Anand Mohan and his nine year old son Ajay and daughter Aditi all reached Gold level in the program. They said their favorite part of the program was being able to travel the Commonwealth as a family and experience many great memories along the way! We will be celebrating all of our new Gold level Ambassadors at Williamsburg Jamestown Airport (JGG) on 9/14/24. Our Ambassador ceremony will be held in conjunction with the airport's Second Saturday Breakfast that is held to raise money for private pilot scholarships! Find more details at doav.virginia.gov. | |
 | DOAV Honors Virginia's Top Eagles Pilots August 9, 2024 Many pilots would tell you that one of the greatest gifts they could give in aviation is sharing their love of flying with the next generation. The EAA Young Eagles program is designed to do just that – matching pilots with children to give them their first ride in an airplane. Nationally since 1992, the Young Eagles program has flown 2.3 million young people – all of them for free. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. | |
 | Susan & Tracy Gasperini Ambassador's # 662 and # 663 July 26, 2024 Congratulations to Virginia Aviation Ambassadors #662 Susan Gasperini and #663 Tracy Gasperini for completing the requirements for Gold level! The couple visited 65 public-use airports in Virginia, four aviation museums and attended a Virginia fly-in and safety seminar. Their favorite part of the program was seeing how diverse the Commonwealth is and they enjoyed using the program as a way to explore all that Virginia has to offer.
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 | Jimmy Hart Ambassador # 661 July 19, 2024 Recently out of high school and with a freshly printed Private pilot's license, Jimmy Hart (Ambassador #661) has flown his 1966 Cessna 172 to complete Gold level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador's Program... The Ambassador flight jacket he earned will look great with his leather boots! Congratulations Jimmy.
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 | Daniel Schwartz Ambassador # 660 July 19, 2024 The DOAV wants to congratulate Daniel Schwartz (# 660) for reaching Gold level in the Ambassador program. Daniel finally finished the Ambassador Program after starting in 2018!
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 | Cody Lucas Ambassador # 659 July 19, 2024 The DOAV wants to congratulate Cody Lucas (# 659) for reaching Gold level in the Ambassador program. Cody flew his Cessna 150L all over the Commonwealth to reach his goal.
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 | Central Virginia School Airlift August 3, 2024 Need the Fly-In section stamped in your Ambassador passport? Do you want to support teachers and students at the same time? On Saturday, August 3rd, Farmville Regional Airport (FVX) is sponsoring the Central Virginia School Airlift. Please bring in schools supplies for donation and get your Fly-In stamp too!
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 | Alex Berger Ambassador # 658 July 19, 2024 Since 2016, Alex Berger has been participating in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. Yesterday, the Henrico resident and his Piper Cherokee attained his goal - Gold Level. Congratulations Alex and good luck with your CFI!
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 | John Somiak Ambassador # 657 July 19, 2024 It took John Somiak several years, but he did it! Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program. His passport was filled with stamps earned from around the Commonwealth - including the sorely missed Virginia Aviation Museum. If you're an aviation lover and don't know what the Ambassador program is, check it out at doav.virginia.gov. | |
 | Summer Transportation Institute Program Held at VSU July 2, 2024 The Virginia Department of Aviation participated in the annual Summer Transportation Institute program at Virginia State University. The purpose of the program is to create awareness and stimulate interest in secondary school students to take maximum advantage of the opportunities that exist in the transportation industry. | |
 | WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT SELECTED FOR NASA/NREL STUDY June 28, 2024 Winchester, VA – June 28, 2024  The Winchester Regional Airport (OKV) was selected as the sole general aviation airport nationwide to participate in a study, “Airports as Energy Nodes,†or ÆNode for short. ÆNode is an activity within NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). | |
 | U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.1 Million to Support Aviation Workforce Development in Danville, Virginia June 26, 2024 WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.1 million grant to the city of Danville, Virginia for construction of a new aviation training facility. | |
 | King's Korner Restaurant Re-Opening June 20, 2024 The longtime King’s Korner restaurant at the Chesterfield County Airport has reopened under new ownership. Logan and Candace Vaden bought the business, which includes a buffet style restaurant and catering service, from founder and Logan’s stepfather, Dickie King. The full article can be found in the Richmond BiZSENSE article. | |
 | LaManque Hired as Senior Aviation Planner June 11, 2024 Bill LaManque has joined the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) as a senior aviation planner. He will help dozens of airports across the Commonwealth improve their infrastructure to better serve the flying public. Bill fulfills a role in the Planning and Environmental Section vacated by Scott Denny as he assumed the role of program manager for Advanced Air Mobility for DOAV. | |
 | Two Virginia Students Earn Top Honors in International Aviation Art Contest June 12, 2024 The Commonwealth’s art students are some of the finest in the world. That is not just the opinion of the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), but also that of the judges of the International Aviation Art Contest, sponsored by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FAI chose the theme, “Air Sports for a Peaceful World,†and received almost 100 entries from multiple continents. | |
 | Keny Kueny Ambassador # 656 June 13, 2024 Ken Kueny has become the 656th Gold Level Virginia Aviation Ambassador! He visited all of the Commonwealth's 65 public-use airports and five air museums. He asked for his picture in front of the DOAV's ICON A5 because of his love for LSA flying. Welcome to the club Ken! Keny is the 656th registered Ambassador! | |
| Francis Wilson Brown, Jr. Ambassador # 655 June 11, 2024 Congratulations Francis Wilson Brown Jr., for earning Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. Francis visited all of Virginia's 65 public-use airports, four air museums, completed a safety seminar, and attended a Virginia fly-in. Francisis the 655th registered Ambassador! | |
| Eddie Jones, Ambassador # 654 June 11, 2024 Congratulations Eddie Jones for earning Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. Eddie visited all of Virginia's 65 public-use airports, four air museums, completed a safety seminar, and attended a Virginia fly-in. Eddieis the 654th registered Ambassador! | |
| Alex Henry, Ambassador # 653 May 20, 2024 Congratulations Alex Henry for earning Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. Alex visited all of Virginia's 65 public-use airports, four air museums, completed a safety seminar, and attended a Virginia fly-in. Alex is the 653rd registered Ambassador! | |
 | College Scholarships Award Winners Announced May 17, 2024 The next generation of aviation professionals will soon be heading off to college – and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) and the Virginia Airport Operators Council (VAOC) are helping some of them get there. | |
 | Stafford Regional Airport Unveils Aerodrome No. 5 May 8, 2024 Stafford Regional Airport unveiled an exact reproduction of Samuel Pierpont Langley’s Aerodrome No. 5 at a viewing event inside the terminal on Monday, May 6. | |
 | Your Friendly Neighborhood DOAV on TV May 8, 2024 Chesterfield, Charlottesville, and Richmond are some of the cities where viewers saw the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) on their local news. Like a stunning movie star, sharing the screen in each of these stories was DOAV’s strikingly attractive ICON A5 aircraft. | |
 | James Carlton, Ambassador # 652 April 29, 2024 Congratulations James Carlton for earning Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. James visited all of Virginia's 65 public-use airports, four air museums, completed a safety seminar, and attended a Virginia fly-in.
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| James C. Andrews, Ambassador # 651 April 29, 2024 Congratulations James Andrews for earning Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. James visited all of Virginia's 65 public-use airports, four air museums, completed a safety seminar, and attended a Virginia fly-in.
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 | Kasey Boyer, Ambassador # 650 April 24, 2024 Congratulations Kasey Boyer for earning Gold Level in the Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program. Kasey visited all of Virginia's 65 public-use airports, four air museums, completed a safety seminar, and attended a Virginia fly-in.
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 | NASAO Announces 2024 U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest Winners March 14, 2024 Washington, D.C. (March 14, 2024) – Today, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), in partnership with National Aeronautic Association (NAA), announced the winners of the 2024 U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest. | |
 | New Kent Airport Looks for Proposals March 12-19, 2024 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The County of New Kent, Virginia, (New Kent County Board of Supervisors), is requesting sealed proposals from qualified individuals/businesses to provide aircraft maintenance services at the New Kent County Airport, Quinton, VA. 2314 l... | |
 | Virginia Takes Action to Prepare Airport Infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility March 8, 2024 Up to $200,000 has been made available to each public-use airport in Virginia that is interested in improving its readiness for the launch of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services... | |
 | 2024 Virginia Aviation Art Contest Winners Announced February 28, 2024 Countless numbers of aviation enthusiasts have gotten in trouble for drawing airplanes in school. However, nine students from across the Commonwealth were awarded for their art skills this week by… | |
 | FAA Awards Funding For Projects At Two Virginia AIrports February 21, 2024 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded funding for projects at Dulles (IAD) and Norfolk (ORF) International airports. The grants were announced February 15, by the U.S. Department… | |
 | Weaver Recipient Completes Private Pilot License February 15, 2024 Congratulations to Caleb Payne on earning his private pilot's license! Payne earned his PPL through Aero Elite Flight Training at Norfolk International Airport and was a recipient of the Chad Weaver… | |
 | Alberta Smith Elementary Teaches with Drones February 15, 2024 The first graders at Alberta Smith Elementary School are learning about estimation and measurement with the help of two flying teachers – quadcopter drones. Teacher Annwyn Long created this… | |
 | 2024 Aviation, Aerospace and AAM Legislative Reception February 07, 2024 The Virginia Aviation Business Association held its annual Aviation, Aerospace and Advanced Air Mobility Legislative Reception February 7 at Main Street Station in Richmond. More than 700 guests from… | |
 | Stafford Regional Airport Holds ACES Day November 06, 2023 Stafford Regional Airport held an Aviation Careers Expo of Stafford (ACES) Day on November 1 to inspire and empower students to pursue aviation careers. Approximately 160 fifth grade students learned… | |
 | 9th Annual Shannon Airport Harvest Festival October 31, 2023 The 9th annual Shannon Airport Harvest Festival offered visitors a taste of aviation in a unique trick or treat experience on Saturday, October 28. The event brought in families with kids of all ages… | |
 | 2023 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest Winners Announced October 31, 2023 The 2023 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest Winners have been announced. The 2024 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest is now open and accepting submissions. Entry forms and complete contest details can be… | |
 | Virginia Highlands Airport Celebrates Completion of Runway Extension October 26, 2023 Virginia Highlands Airport (VJI) celebrated the completion of a runway extension project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, October 23. The ceremony represented the cumulative efforts by the… | |
 | Gordonsville Airport Hosts Cub Scout Aviation Day September 18, 2023 Gordonsville Airport hosted Cub Scout Aviation Day on Saturday, September 9 to introduce youth to various exciting opportunities available in aviation. A total of 200 Cub Scouts from across central… | |
| Women Can Fly at the Military Aviation Museum, September September 11, 2023 A Women Can Fly event was held at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Despite some less than idea weather, the dedicated volunteer pilots, supporting… | |
 | ICON A5 Visits Piedmont Christian School September 05, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation's ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team visited Piedmont Christian School in Bumpass, Va. for an educational program on September 5. Approximately 100 students… | |
 | Virginia Aviation Conference Held at the Williamsburg Lodge August 29, 2023 The 49th annual Virginia Aviation Conference was held at the Williamsburg Lodge August 9-11. The conference served as a great opportunity for airport managers from across the Commonwealth to come… | |
 | Virginia’s Aviation Siblings: The DOAV and CAP August 28, 2023 Pop quiz. What does the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) and the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) have in common? It turns out the two organizations have the same father - Allen C… | |
 | ICON A5 Visit with Young Eagles August 18, 2023 The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Team traveled to Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport on Friday, August 18 to visit with a group of youth from the Carol Adams Foundation. The visit… | |
 | Ambassador Ceremony to be held at Hummel Air Field August 28, 2023 Pop quiz. What does the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) and the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) have in common? It turns out the two organizations have the same father - Allen C… | |
| Stafford Airport Holds Wings and Wheels Event August 15, 2023 Stafford Regional Airport was bustling with activity for its inaugural Wings and Wheels event on August 5. The air fest and car show offered aircraft rides in three different vintage aircraft as well… | Read article |
 | 2023 Virginia Aviation Award Recipients Announced August 15, 2023 Each year, individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward the development of aviation in Virginia are selected for recognition at the Virginia Aviation Awards Banquet. While only… | |
 | Top Eagles Speech from the Virginia Aviation Conference August 11, 2023 August 15, 2023 Below is the speech that Greg Campbell, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), gave on August 11, 2023 at the Virginia Aviation Board Meeting held in Williamsburg… | Read article |
 | ICON A5 Visits Pamunkey Regional Library in Ashland July 26, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation's ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team visited the Pamunkey Regional Library in Ashland for an educational program on July 25. Approximately 200 people attended the… | |
 | DOAV Hosts Tour For Richard Bland STEM Program July 21, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation hosted a tour for 24 high school students as part of an aviation-based summer STEM camp through the Richard Bland College of William & Mary. Students visited… | |
 | Over $44 Million in Federal Funding for Virginia Airports July 20, 2023 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $44,606,006 in federal funding for Virginia airports. Funds were made available through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) FY… | |
 | DOAV Celebrates Innovations in Flight at Dulles July 13, 2023 On June 17, the "Innovations in Flight" event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center brought together planes, pilots, and the public into one space to celebrate the technical accomplishments achieved in… | |
| DOAV Participates in Summer Transportation Institute Program at VSU July 12, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation participated in the annual Summer Transportation Institute program at Virginia State University. The purpose of the program is to create awareness and stimulate… | |
 | Women Can Fly Event Held at Warrenton Fauquier Airport June 24, 2023 Warrenton-Fauquier Airport held its annual Women Can Fly event on Saturday, June 24. Despite low ceilings in the morning and a weather hold in the afternoon, 156 people were able to experience a… | |
 | ICON A5 Visits Schools Across the Commonwealth June 10, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation's ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team was on the road visiting three schools over the course of three days. DOAV Public Relations and Education staff traveled to… | |
 | Rod Hall Receives Recognition June 02, 2023 Virginia Aviation Board Member Roderick D. Hall (left) of Woodbridge recently received a plaque from current Virginia Aviation Board Chairman Randall Burdette (right) commemorating his years of… | |
 | Air Power Over Hampton Roads Returns to Langley AFB May 23, 2023 Returning after five years on hiatus, Air Power Over Hampton Roads returned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Thirteen aerial performers from across the country flew their aircraft into the storied air… | |
 | The 2023 FAA Airport Design Challenge Announced May 22, 2023 The FAA Airport Design Challenge (ADC) is an interactive learning and collaboration opportunity for students in grades K-12. During the Airport Design Challenge, students have the opportunity to… | |
 | ICON A5 Visits Amherst County HIgh School May 19, 2023 The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team was on the road at Amherst County High School on May 15. Approximately 70 students grades 10-12 had the opportunity to sit in the aircraft and operate the… | |
 | Aviation Events Held Across the Commonwealth May 08, 2023 Several aviation events in Virginia capped off the final weekend of April. The Virginia Department of Aviation was present at the Virginia Wing Civil Air Patrol Conference at the Virginia Crossings… | |
 | ICON A5 Visits Schools in Southwest Virginia May 04, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation's ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team hit the road for a southwest Virginia swing. The Public Relations and Education staff visited Galax Middle School, Shawsville… | |
 | ICON A5 Visits Laurel Lane Elementary May 04, 2023 The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight team was on the road at Amherst County High School on May 15. Approximately 70 students grades 10-12 had the opportunity to sit in the aircraft and operate the… | |
 | ICON A5 Flight in Tampa May 04, 2023 My Re-Education of ICON's A5 Soon after the plane left the runway, ICON Aircraft Company pilot Sean Stamps said, "I am going to show you what it's like when I stall it." As a non-pilot, I would have… | |
 | Danville Airport Open House and Free Flights May 04, 2023 On Saturday, April 29, 2023 the Danville Regional Airport held an Airport Open House and Free Fly Day. A total of 78 students, ages 8 to 17 completed plane rides. The airport also completed tours… | |
 | DOAV Travels to Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo April 12, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation traveled to Lakeland, Florida to exhibit at the 49th annual Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo March 28-April 2. A team of seven DOAV staff members promoted aviation… | |
 | Military Aviation Museum Summer Aviation Camps April 06, 2023 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… | |
 | Visit the DOAV at Sun 'N Fun March 29, 2023 The Virginia Department of Aviation traveled to Lakeland, Florida to exhibit at the 49th annual Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo March 28-April 2. A team of seven DOAV staff members promoted aviation… | |
 | Art Contest National Winners March 29, 2023 Two Virginia students won awards in the national aviation art competition sponsored by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). Callie Hu of Great Falls, VA, took second place in… | |
 | Lt Gov Earle-Sears Breaks Ground on WInchester Airport's New Terminal March 06, 2023 About 200 people assembled on a windy Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking of Winchester Regional Airport's new terminal building. With a golden shovel and a white hard hat, Lt. Gov… |
