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Recognition of aviation’s contribution to the community it serves is key to building the support for aviation as a whole. It takes many forms, including specialty license plates. Two of newest are available in Colorado and Oklahoma. “Creating a specialty plate does more than recognize aviation’s contributions,” said Steve Hadley, southwest regional representative and senior director of NBAA’s regional programs. “It is an opportunity for the different aviation organizations within the state to join together as a team working toward a common goal.”

The Air Care Alliance (ACA) applauded the recent passage of The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which includes a provision that volunteer pilots who conduct flights to help those in need on behalf of nonprofit organizations will no longer have to worry about liability in excess of the limits of their insurance coverage. Pilots who have refrained from charitable flying because of these concerns can now join the ranks of countless thousands of other volunteers who contribute their skills and resources for the public good.

Reisch is the founder of the Reisch Law Firm, a personal injury and criminal defense law firm with headquarters in Denver, CO. Also a seasoned pilot, Reisch flies a Piper Malibu around the state to make court appearances and meet with clients, saving time and money for his clients as well as his law firm. “The plane is a time machine,” said Reisch. “I learned to fly because it was something I wanted to do, but the airplane has really turned into a very valuable tool for work.”

Operation Airdrop last week wrapped up its mission of providing supplies to the communities most immediately impacted by Hurricane Florence, which blew through North Carolina and other parts of the Southeastern U.S. earlier this month. More than 400 pilots volunteered with the organization during Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, delivering delivered about 300,000 pounds of supplies – including food, diapers, medicine, water and generators – in the days after the storm hit. “It was truly astounding to see. Every type from CRJ700’s and E145’s and an offer for a 737 down to Zeniths and Helio Couriers were involved in our mission,” said Operation Airdrop board member Ryan Spellman.

More than 6,000 students, ranging from kindergarteners to seniors in high school, experienced hands-on learning activities related to STEM (science, technology, education, math) at the 2018 Reno Air Races. Nevada-based Global Robot and Drone Deployment (GRADD) and the Nevada Business Aviation Association (NVBAA) hosted the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone at the races for the fourth consecutive year, introducing students to drones, robotics and more. “When a student sees what we do here, they can’t unsee it,” said Reza Karamooz, president of NVBAA and CEO of GRADD. “We plant a seed for that student to take back to their homes, friends and schools.”

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.