The Virginia Department of Aviation has announced the winners of the 2025 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest. The winning photography is posted to the DOAV website and will be featured in the Virginia Department of Aviation’s 2026 calendar.

A total of 13 photos were selected for the calendar from nine photographers across the Commonwealth. Each photographer highlighted aircraft around Virginia’s scenic views and airports. There was a total of 226 photos submitted for this year’s contest.

First place in the 2025 contest was awarded to Brian Burkett of Rural Retreat, Va. Burkett has served as the manager of Mountain Empire Airport (MKJ) for the past 35 years. His winning photo of a group of Cirrus aircraft gathered at Mountain Empire Airport will be featured on the cover of the 2026 calendar. It was one of two winning photos for Burkett.

“It is quite the honor to be chosen the winner of the Virginia Aviation Photo Contest,” Burkett said. “Being in the aviation business for over 35 years, I have had the privilege of seeing different types of aircraft and meeting people who share the same love for aviation as I do. I encourage everyone in the aviation community to share photos with their local entities and explain the importance of why airports exist and why it is very important to support them.”

Second place in the 2025 contest went to Braxton Via of Waynesboro, Va. Via’s photo showcased a Langley-based F-22 Raptor performing at the NAS Oceana Air Show in Virginia Beach, VA.

Third place in the 2025 contest was awarded to Nancy Lewis of Deltaville, Va. Lewis’ submission featured an instructor from Hampton Roads Paramotor coming in for a landing at Hummel Field (W75). Additional winners of the Virginia Aviation photo contest include the following:

• Mason Andrews – Chesapeake, VA
• John Blaine (2 Photos) – Chesterfield, VA
• James Clark (2 Photos) – Chesapeake, VA
• Bo Corbin – Chesapeake, VA
• Alex Hrapunov – Goldvein, VA
• Nancy Lewis (2 Photos) – Deltaville, VA
• Tim Morgan – Farmville, VA

The 2026 Virginia Aviation Photo Contest is now open and accepting submissions. Entry forms and complete contest details can be found on the DOAV website. The deadline for submissions is August 14, 2026.