News

South Carolina’s Mount Pleasant Regional Airport (LRO) is serving as central command for a local Operation Airdrop effort to bring relief to victims of Hurricane Florence. Mount Pleasant Regional Airport, which is owned and operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority, will serve as a drop off location for items the pilots will deliver. “It is with great pride that LRO join in the effort to help fellow South Carolinians as well as our neighbors in North Carolina,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., executive director and CEO of the aviation authority.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in cities and towns across the country, and in September, the mayors of cities in Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan and New Mexico officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. To date, hundreds of local officials from coast to coast have issues similar proclamations.

Former Lewis University Chair of the Board of Trustees Russ Smyth and his wife Dawn have made an historic investment in Lewis University, pledging more than $5 million to the new College of Aviation, Science and Technology. The gift will serve the growing number of students in STEM programs and enhance Lewis University’s national impact in these fields. “We’re appreciative of this gift that will help support various strategic initiatives in the new College of Aviation, Science and Technology,” said Dr. R. Eric Jones, co-chair of Lewis University Aviation and Transportation Studies.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and in September, the governors of Connecticut and Maryland officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. Every state, in addition to hundreds of communities throughout the United States, have highlighted general aviation over the years for its contributions to the success of companies and citizens around the country.

With the opening of a new facility for general aviation aircraft owners at Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students are enjoying an opportunity for valuable internships and part-time employment. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, airport officials were joined by EKU representatives and students to open WestLEX, a new facility specifically designed to provide support services to airport tenants leasing hangars on the west side of the airfield. “We are thankful for the exceptional partner we have found in Eastern Kentucky University,” said Eric Frankl, executive director for Blue Grass Airport.

Three aircraft are parked neatly inside the John Deere Global Aviation Services hangar in Moline, IL – a pair of Cessna Citation X business jets and a Gulfstream 550. And for Susan Potter, John Deere’s first female international captain, the view is still breathtaking. “Every time I walk into the hangar, I’m excited,” she said. “I used to fly for an airline and they do a great job, but we can get our passengers to places commercial aircraft might not be able to go, or to places that might take several days and several connections to get to. That saves us time and money.”

GAMA has opened registration for its 2019 Aviation Design Challenge, an annual competition the association hosts to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in U.S. high schools through aviation curriculum and a virtual fly-off. The role of business aviation in helping support more than 1 million jobs, including those in STEM fields, is a central tenant of the No Plane No Gain program.

Move over, Akron (OH) Fulton International Airport. Welcome, Akron Executive Airport (AKR). Thanks to the vision of a mayor, an encouraging task force study, an enlightened airport advisory board and supportive businesses and operators, Akron’s newly re-branded general aviation airport is being revitalized – to the benefit of the entire region. “I have witnessed, first-hand, that in most thriving cities the regional general aviation airport plays a critical role in fostering and supporting economic development activities,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan.

Denver-based non-profit Wings Over the Rockies recently opened the Exploration of Flight campus at Centennial Airport (APA) in Englewood, CO, aiming to provide inspiring and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. “Our mission is to educate and inspire all people about aviation and space endeavors past, present and future,” said Wings Over the Rockies President and CEO Maj. Gen. John L. Barry.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in cities and towns across the country, and in August, the mayors of cities in South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. To date, hundreds of local officials from coast to coast have issues similar proclamations.