stateaviationjournal-specialedition-oct2011

State aviation Journal

Music City Serves as Backdrop for NASAO 80th Anniversary Conference & Tradeshow

NASAO Conference Edition

Special Edition October 2011

State aviation Journal 2011 NASAO Special Edition

From the Publisher

This year’s NASAO Annual Conference and Tradeshow, held in Nashville, represented 80 years of dedicated men and women serving

the public good in the arena of aviation, not only in the individual states, but for the na-tion at large. I feel privileged to have been associated with this group for a quarter of that time span and to have made the acquaintance of so many that have come

and gone through the turnstiles of state avia-tion. There are no better people. There were a number of former and retired state aviation directors in attendance this year and I was thrilled to see a gentleman that influenced me in my early years in state avia-tion. Lloyd Parr was the director in Missouri when I served as the director in Nebraska. Lloyd said that he was encouraged to see the enthusiasm of the present group of direc-tors and staff and that it was easy to see that NASAO is alive and well and being driven by dedicated people. I believe the lifeblood of this organization is indeed the people and I think that as the as-sociation moves forward it is important for members to welcome, embrace and mentor the new arrivals and tap their experience and expertise. Don’t forget, however, to soak up the contributions of those that led the way before. An understanding and appreciation of

history goes a long way. “It was so good to see so many of the ‘old gang’ and remember things past,” said Parr, “but it was kind of sad to not see so many faces that were there when I was an active member.” Parr said that his time with NASAO was particularly satisfying for him because of the fabulous people he was privileged to serve with. Let me echo something Lloyd Parr used to say. “It was great to see so many aviation people working for the states, as opposed to a lot of state people work-ing for aviation.” I continue to be pas-sionate about publish-ing a special NASAO Conference edition each year that focuses on the fun as well as the busi-ness end of things. I hope you enjoy the pho-tos and the articles. For those of you that were in Nashville, I hope they bring back wonderful memories. For those that missed the event this year, I hope it helps keep you plugged in. For those of you who think of state aviation and NASAO as family, I hope it encourages you and propels you forward as you move closer to a century of service.

Contemplating 80 Years

Lloyd Parr


FeaturesAn Interview with Incoming Chair Joe Pestka. Page 6.

Tennessee, A Taste of Rich Aviation History. Page 8.

Country Music on Tap for NASAO. Page 10.

NASAO Conference Focus: Meeting Challenges. Page 18.

FAA Unveils New and Updated Programs. Page 20.

HAI Releases DVD’s - Spotlight on Women in Aviation. Page 27.

Airspace Awareness Tool Page 32.

Life Changer - FedEx Flight 705 Page 33.

Inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN.


Publisher/Editor/ Kim J. StevensGraphic Design/ Andrew StevensLayout Design/ Andrew StevensPhotography/ Kim Stevens Shahn Sederberg Chris BildilliAdvertisingDirector Kathleen Stevens

Conntributing Writers Andrea Brennan Scott Malta Penny Hamilton Steven Callahan Lara Jackson Stacy Howard

On The COver

Outgoing NASAO Chairman Randy Burdette, left and incoming Chairman Joe Pestka. Set in the Country Music Museum.

Inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN.


An Interview with Joe Pestka

New NASAO Chair Discusses Goals, Challenges Joe Pestka, Administrator of Aviation at Missouri De-partment of Transportation, is the incoming NASAO Chairman. State Aviation Journal asked Pestka about the upcoming year.

Pestka: “I’m proud and honored to be a part of the NASAO family,” said Pestka. “As Henry O (Ogrodinski, NASAO CEO and President) and others have said, NAS-AO is not an association but a family.”

SAJ: What are the top personal goals for NASAO in the next year?

Pestka: It is imperative for NASAO members to reach out to new members and to each other. I was welcomed into this family a number of years ago by Jack Ferns from New Hampshire and John Eagerton from Alabama. NASAO members will work together to meet the chal-lenges we face on a day-to-day basis. Randy Burdette (outgoing chairman) and Victor Bird (past chairman) have done a fantastic job leading NASAO over the past two years. I plan to work on a number of exciting initiatives that Randy and Vic put into place, including:

Implementing the NASAO strategic plan that includes investment, technology, and communication objectives, Working closely with the FAA on a number of Memorandum of Understanding agreements that NASAO has signed with the agency, and Continuing our participation in the FAA National Airport System Strategic Evaluation Task.

SAJ: What primary NASAO goals will you champion?

Pestka: I will continue to: Work toward reauthorization of the long-term FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Build upon the strong relationships NASAO has developed within the aviation industry, and Work on identified NASAO strategic plan objec-tives.

SAJ: What are the main challenges NASAO will face in the year ahead?

Pestka: One challenge is that airports of all sizes across the country must meet the needs of the airlines, general aviation, defense and security, postal and cargo delivery, emergency medical, and disaster relief services every day. Another challenge NASAO faces is making prudent investments in our infrastructure while preparing for increases in demand. We have the opportunity today to strengthen our aviation network, modernize air traffic control through NextGen, and stimulate our economy through needed infrastructure projects, and promote avia-tion at the local, state, and Federal level. Aviation professionals throughout the United States in the public and private sector have built the safest and most efficient aviation network in history. All Americans enjoy the benefits of our transportation system, which is one of the primary foundations of our economy.

Joe Pestka


Michigan’s Noel Recognized for Distinguished Service

Mike Trout accepts the Distinguished Service Award for Mark Noel who was not able to attend.

Mark Noel, P.E., manager of the Project Development Section for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics was the recipient of the 2011 Na-tional Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO),

Distinguished Service Award. Noel, who has held several positions within the Bureau, has worked for the state for twenty-three years. “We are very fortunate to have dedicated employees like Mark working for the State of Michigan,” said Mike Trout, Ex-ecutive Administrator for the Bureau. “There is no greater honor than to be recognized by peers in your field and this is certainly well deserved.” Noel, a graduate of Michigan Tech-nological University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineer-ing, is a registered Professional Engi-neer and a licensed private pilot. He was exposed to aviation at a young age by his father, also a general avia-tion pilot and has a life-long passion for aviation. “Since the vast majority of my accomplishments here have been the result of a team effort, I really do feel that this award honors the distinguished service that our entire office provides to our customers,” said Noel. “I’m glad to have played a part in bringing this national award to Michigan for the first time.” “We are extremely proud of Mark’s accomplishments and his outstanding leadership,” said Trout.

Mark Noel


A Taste of Rich Aviation History Tennessee has always been in the lead of aviation history pres-ervation and promotion. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in the early 1990s, the National Endow-ment for the Arts worked with 16 pilot areas in four states, which included Tennessee, to measure the economic and tour-ism results of cultural heritage, because jobs, new businesses and strengthened local economies, are often the result. In addition to preserving rich history, cultural heritage tourism is generally considered a “green-clean” industry in a commu-nity. These visitors usually spend more days and more money in an area with developed heritage sites. Local residents use these historic sites for important community events. NASAO host city, Nashville, made sure Tennessee aviation history was shared with the many attendees. Bob Woods, Director of the Tennessee Division of Aeronau-tics, and his talented staff even asked The Hermitage Hotel his-torian, Tom Vickstrom, to prepare an in-depth “Air Transportation and Historical Links” resource for NASAO guests, including historic photographs. According to Vickstrom, an American Airlines ticket office operated in that hotel for more than 50 years, starting in 1932. Over the years Brannif, Delta and Eastern also had hotel ticket offices. The glamour of early air travel was also reflected in the location of the ticket office in the opulent hotel, an American Land-mark since 1910 in downtown Nashville. On June 22, 1910, according to this historian, “the first noc-turnal flight ever made by an aviator driving an airplane” took place. Early aviation pioneer and “test pilot,” Charles Hamil-ton, flew for 18 minutes. He is quoted as saying, “I am glad the record was made in Nashville. It proves that night aviation is possible. Hereafter, airships will go day and night. One by one the barriers in aerial navigation will disappear…I have flown at night and it will not be long before the aeroplane will be carry-ing passengers.” Not too many years later, according to the Nashville Interna-tional Airport web site, in 1935, future passengers would see the dirt flying on their new 340-acre airport. Constructed as a Federal WPA (Works Progress Administration) Project, the newly completed airport opened in June of 1937. It was named Berry Field, in honor of the administrator of the State WPA, Harry Berry. BNA, the three-letter identifier for Nashville

International Airport, stands for “B” as in Berry and “NA” as in Nashville. Although not in Nashville, a very important aviation heri-tage project is the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, located in Sevierville. According to Bob Minter, Chairman, the 10th Annual Gala and Induction Ceremony will be held on November 12. The Gala will be held at the Tennessee Mu-seum of Aviation. Learn more and register on line at www.tnaviation-hof.org “We are so proud of our aviation history,” explained Minter. “In fact, The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame and Tennessee Museum of Aviation have been designated by the General Assembly as Tennes-see’s Official Repository and Archive for Aviation History and Official Aviation Hall of Fame. Our legislators recognized the importance of this legacy.”

By Penny Rafferty Hamilton

Tennessee

A country-style lunch was served at the Hermitage.

Bob Woods

WWII Aviation Poster.


Susan Shea, left, Director of the Illinois Division of Aeroanu-tics and Mary Christy enjoy lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Ms. Christy is Shea’s Mom and a GA pilot.NASAO attendees meet outside the Hermitage Hotel

NASAO attendees take in the history and luxurious lobby of the Hermitage Hotel. Presidents Wilson, Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Nixon, Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson were guests at the Hermitage.


Country Music on Tap for NASAO A moment of silence is observed by NASAO attendees in recognition of 9/11 prior to departing for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

NASAO 2011 Chairman, Randy Burdette (Virginia Depart-ment of Aviation Director), working closely with Bob Woods, Director of Tennessee Division of Aeronautics, as host commit-tee Chair, planned many opportunities for formal and informal networking at the recent NASAO annual conference and trade-show held in Music City. After early NASAO committee and Board meetings held at

the Marriott Air-port convention hotel, Bob Woods and his wife, Wanda, organized an educational and informal network-ing tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nash-ville. Dr. Susan Shea, Director of the Illinois Division of Aeronautics said on the tour, “This museum shows the depth and impact of Country-Western performers. Avia-tion played a sig-

nificant role in the expansion of this art form. Entertainers and their careers today still benefit from the use of business and general aviation.”


Wanda Woods, left, hands a ticket to Sher Reene for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Hosts Bob and Wanda Woods.


National Aviation Business Developer, Claudia Holliway of The LPA Group, a former Nashville resident, had toured the Country Music Hall of Fame many times in the past. “Recent additions to the exhibits as Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood help the museum stay current as a premier attraction for all ages. The stories of many of the entertainers are so inspira-tional. Using the new technology preserves and shares past and present with visitors. This is a good venue to visit with NASAO members informally.” A member of the host committee, Wanda Woods, said the host committee spent almost two years planning for the 2011 meet-ing. The less structured setting at the Music Hall of Fame tour and later at the luncheon held at The Hermitage Hotel, provided ample opportunities for information exchange. The unique architecture of the Country Music Hall of Fame

Top: Ashish Solanki checks out album covers. Above: Mike Ferguson, left and Paul Werts, check out a display. Right: Victor Bird and John Eagerton check out gold and platinum records.

Continued on next page.


celebrates Southern culture and musical heritage. Accord-ing to the web site www.CountryMusicHallofFame.org and on-site tour guides, the windows on the front of the building resemble black piano keys. The giant sweeping arch on the right side of the building portrays a 1950s Cadillac fin. The four disc-shaped tiers on the Rotunda’s roof represent recording technology evolution from the 78, the vinyl LP, the 45 and the compact disc. The cylindrical shape of the Rotunda also reflects Southern water towers and grain silos found in rural settings. Even the interiors of the elevators were designed with wooden floors, giving the feel of a barn floor which harkens back to the country origins of the music and many of the entertainers.

Rick Hudgens snaps a shot of Claudia Holliway inside the Coun-try Music Hall of Fame.

The Country Music Hall of Fame celebrates Southern culture and musical heritage.

Country MusicContinued from previous page.


Lobby of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Insert - From left, Joe Pestka, John Eagerton and Randy Burdette.


Nashville Welcomes Attendees, Reunites FriendsBob Woods and Dave Fulton.

Registering attendees are from left, NASAO’s Alison Entringer and from Tennes-see, Rick Hudgens, Belinda Hampton, Jackie Hernandez and Steve Upshaw.

Wanda Woods, left and Charlotte Fulton. Above are from left Kenny Howard, Mike and Jeanie Ferguson and Stacy Howard.

David Wartofsky and Nel Stubbs.Chris Roy, left and Bill and Nancy Blake.


Welcome Reception with Exhibitors Randy Burdette, Kathryn Solee and Bill Haskitt. Tommy Booth and Sonja Murray.

James Bland.

From left are Roy Sakata, Steve Hatter and Hank Verbais.

From left are, Ken Gilbert, Tom Henderson and Mike Corkern.

From left are George Laliberte and GCR’s Joyce Piacun and David Murla.


Lou Dirkes From left are, Larry Taborsky, Sher Reene and Richard Kirkland with Crouse-Hinds and Kyle Wanner.

Victor Bird, left and David Gordon.Cheri Haynes, Geoff Bing and Debbie Alke.

Left to right are Vaisala’s Jerry Kirkpatrick, Riika Pikkuvirta, and Michael Trosclair.

Tennessee’s Kathryn Dettwiller and Bob Woods.


Vivek Khanna. Susan Chernenko. Susan Shea.

Bob Woods, right, congratulates David Ploeger for winning a door prize.


NASAO Conference Focuses on Meeting Challenges In Nashville, Tennessee, NASAO members representing 33 states met with Federal agency officials and aviation business leaders to discuss current issues, innovation, and initiatives that affect state aviation. It was apparent, from the information provided during the convention, that state aviation officials and their teams are

active participants in research, policy discussions, and program implementation. Christa Forn-arotto, Associate Administrator for Airports at the FAA, pointed out how outreach to NASAO had resulted in multiple states par-ticipating in the ASSET study to create new airport classifications. “There are 2900 GA airports in the system,” said Fornarotto, “that are helping the FAA prepare for a better way of explaining and planning airports.” The FAA is

also working with airports, includ-ing Denver International and the Port Authority of New Jersey, on a NextGen project that will help officials plan how airports feed into the data collection process. Fornarotto also informed the attendees of two new outreach programs that will improve airport safety: a bird strike reporting process and runway pro-

tection zone planning.

The State of GA Today: “Uncertain” The convention provided multiple opportunities for NASAO members and speakers to discuss challenges facing the aviation community. One such forum, “The State of General Aviation Today,” examined the uncertainty of funding, changing tech-nology, and the current economic climate. “This is an unsettled time for us,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the NBAA. Craig Fuller, President and CEO of AOPA, identified issues and the powerful response of the aviation community partnered with Congress. Proposed legislation for a user fee increase, for example, could adversely affect general aviation, whose “im-portance can’t be overstated,” said Fuller. However, Fuller continued, the General Aviation Caucus, comprised of 140 House and 33 Senate members, reexamined the legislation and the user fee “vaporized.” Fuller also men-tioned a NextGen Advisory committee that includes the CEO of Jet Blue, Dave Barger. “It is time for all of us to stick together,” said Fuller. Bolen touted the importance of the organizations at the state, regional, and airport level to affect decisions made in Washington D.C.: “the future of General Aviation will be determined at the grass roots level.” The panel raised another issue: training. Randy Burdette, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, asked how to get youth involved in aviation. The airline industry, said Fuller,

By Andrea Brennan

Taking Care of Business

The National Anthem is played to kick off the 80th Annual NASAO Conference and Tradeshow. Insert - Performer Mke Snyder fires up the attendees.

Christa Fornarotto


is in a panic because there might not be enough pilots. Stating that 80 percent of student pilots leave aviation training pro-grams, and that experienced maintenance and service workers are recruited into non-aviation industries, Fuller said that states “need to change their training paradigm.” Specifically noting a shortage in air traffic controllers, Fuller stressed the need for experienced people in the system. The panel also discussed aviation fuel, specifically the pend-ing requirements for low lead fuel and the effect on GA air-

ports. Duel-fuel aircraft would be cost prohibitive and FBOs can’t handle the requirement, Fuller suggested. Some high-performance piston engines need fuel with lead, he continued, and alterna-tives that work well might emit some-thing worse. The industry will continue to work on this issue, he said. The forum panel agreed that aviation is a great industry and that “we’re all blessed to be a part of it,” said Bolen;

“we just need to let our public officials know.” Acknowledging the absence of

NASAO President Henry Ogrodzinski, Bolen encouraged avia-tion officials: “We owe it to Henry ‘O’ to keep traction going.”

The State of GA Security Today

Another panel assembled at the convention examined the positive and negative impact of implementing security at GA airports. The good news, said Craig Spence, Vice President of Operations and International Affairs at AOPA, is that security teams are more focused on the threat, not the threat vector. However, general aviation continues to face security chal-

lenges, such as credible reports linking a September 11, 2011 terrorist threat to GA airports, while still evolving. GA security is woefully inadequate, said Spence. Only nine percent of AOPA members secure their aircraft, he stated.


Randy Burdette

Craig Fuller Ed Bolen Michael Garvin


This leaves the owners vulnerable to theft. One aircraft owner installed theft prevention equipment on the ignition switch after his aircraft was stolen. In response, aviation officials have developed programs that have reduced crime. One program, the Airport Watch Pro-gram, has been very effective and “cheap,” said Spence. He cited an Emory study that showed a dramatic drop in crimes against people and property at airports that implemented the watch program. Kansas DOT has developed an airport security training program, added Spence. National Business Aviation Association Senior Vice President Steve Brown announced that new airport security rules are being proposed this winter, and will be open to comments in Spring 2012. Panel speaker Chris Willenborg of Massachusetts DOT explained a statewide airport badge program and security protocols to identify and classify people and secure airport areas. For example, a Class 2 airport (municipal, public service) would use identification badges with an integrated chip. An airport security plan is required to receive state funding, and the badge is re-quired for any personnel working in an airport operations area. Around 650 badges were issued in 2010, said Willenborg. The protocols are used for incidents, accidents, weather, and security adviso-ries. The programs have their share of challenges, such as keep-ing the badge information up to date and enforcing security at an airport staffed by only one or two people, said Willenborg. MA DOT also implemented a asset management system, ACAMS, that is used in accidents and emergencies, said Wil-lenborg. The information can be used to stockpile supplies, he added. Brown noted the advancements in airport security across the country. “Investments in security don’t cost a lot,” Brown suggested, such as new lights and/or gates, hangar security, and proximity warning.

The Airport Cooperative Research Panel Needs You Another speakers forum featured an organization that is relatively new, the Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Panel. In the past five years, nearly 100 research panels have published papers (http://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRP.aspx). Two ACRP projects are nearing completion: a GA business planning guide (ACRP 01-17), sponsored by Joe Pestka of Missouri DOT, and a guidebook for airport irregular operations contin-gency planning (ACRP 10-10). Both projects will provide a book and CD/DVD to aviation officials. Stephanie Ward, an aviation planning manager at Mead & Hunt and ACRP 10-10 member, stated the panel’s plan to roll out over 400 guides to airport directors. The ACRP program encouraged aviation officials to get involved by submitting research ideas/problem statements. Michael Salamone, ACRP program manager, is working on out-reach to NASAO members, including making the ACRP library available on the new NASAO Web site in late 2011.

NextGen Focused on Partnership and Implementation

The two days of forums and panels wrapped up with an update from the NextGen Institute about the status of Next-Gen today. Michael Garvin, Executive Director at the institute, touted the partnership between industry and government, who are working on their 22nd continuing resolution. One example of this partnership is the RNAV system at KMSP airport in Minneapolis. Aircraft tracking, made possible by GPS navigation, indicated non-uniformity in landing patterns.

Continued from previous page.

NASAO Conference

Stephanie Ward

Chris Willenborg

Tennessee’s Bob Woods welcomes attendees.

NASAO Executive Committee Members, from left are, Debbie Alke, Joe Pestka, and Thomas Booth.


More effective landing paths, guided by RNAV, have consolidated the flight paths. This has helped reduce aircraft noise pollution in neighborhoods close to, but not directly on, the final approach flight path.

A Mix of Business and Business

In addition to the many aviation officials attend-ing, the NASAO convention attracted numerous vendors and businesses, selling out 41 booths in the exhibition hall that was open for three days. As FAA administrator Barry Cooper observed, “There is no better time than right now to take care of business.”

Ashish Solanki, foreground left and Chris Willenborg.

Cheri Haynes, Director of Quality Management for XCelar gave a pre-

sentation on SMS.

Fred Dettwiller, Chairman of our Tennessee Aeronautics Commission gives a welcoming address.


FAA Unveils New and Updated Programs at NASAO Conference

The Federal Aviation Administration is updating programs to improve airport planning and safety, including runway protec-tion zone standards and guidelines, bird strike awareness and reporting, and airport classification codes. At the 2011 NASAO Convention, Christa Fornarotto, FAA Assistant Administrator for Airports, announced a major update to the national ASSET study to classify airports. “This will pro-vide a better way of explaining and planning airports,” Forn-arotto said to convention attendees. The study, thanks in part to cooperation by NASAO members in 11 states, has identified and classified 2900 general aviation airports. “It is not ‘one size fits all,’” said Fornarotto. Based on the information provided over the past year by the study participants, the FAA has created five new preliminary airport categories:

1. National Service Airport (the busiest of the air-ports, serving a metropolitan area)2. Regional Service Airport (serving jets and multien-gine aircraft in a regional area)3. Community Service Airport (smaller, also serving a regional area)4. Local Service Airport (remote area with limited number of aircraft)5. Limited Service Airport (few or no based aircraft, used for emergency or medical access) These categories are “reflective of what’s going on the states,” said Fornarotto. The ASSET study is subject to change; an FAA spokesperson stressed that the categories have not received final approval. The next step for the study is gathering com-ments from NASAO members, she said. A full explanation of the categories should be complete by 2012.

Fornarotto also announced a “major safety effort” that facili-tates bird strike reporting and runway protection zone plan-ning. These programs, she said, resulted in part from the FAA working with its Airport Improvement Program and Office of Airport Planning and Programming, as well as with NASAO. Currently only six percent of GA airports report bird strikes, and the new FAA outreach to the GA population hopes to increase reporting, explained Michael O’Donnell and James White, Directors in the FAA Office of Airport Safety and Stan-dards. The FAA wants airports to know it is okay to report bird strikes, said O’Donnell. The new program uses the latest bar code technology to send a report from a smart phone, O’Donnell explained. Scanning the bar code square will take the user to a bird strike reporting Web site (http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/wildlife/strikenew.aspx). When the user sends the report it will update the national database, which already has over 100,000 strike reports. The new process will be explained in a poster scheduled for release in late Fall 2011. Although the USDA has been publish-ing an information poster for many years, the new poster will include the bar code image. The poster focuses “on how easy it is to report bird strikes,” said O’Donnell.

The runway protection zone (RPZ) program, said White, pro-vides an opportunity for airports to work with local agencies to identify roads, parking facilities, and other encroachments on runway protection zones that might impede safe aircraft takeoffs and landings. In Winter 2012, the FAA will publish an advisory circular that clarifies RPZ standards and guidelines. The FAA circular AC 150/5300-13 was last updated with RPZ information in 2007. “We want to make sure our guidance is clear,” said White, “by having an ongoing conversation with the FAA and the airport industry.” Each airport has a unique situation; “we have to look at each situation on a one-by-one, case-by-case basis,” he added. In her remarks to NASAO, Fornarotto stressed the importance of minimizing problems while planning RPZs. O’Donnell added, “one of the frustrations is protecting the airspace around the airport.” The updated FAA guidelines will include infor-mation for a GA airport manager to contact the local airport district office.

By Andrea Brennan

FAA’s Barry Cooper, left and Christa Fornarotto, with Phil Jones, Louisiana DOT.

With signed MOU from left are, Tommy Booth, Joe Pestka, Barry Cooper, Randy Burdette and Debbie Alke.


Christa Fornarotto reported the current status of FAA fund-ing to NASAO members during the 2011 NASAO Conven-tion and Trade Show. Earlier in the year, funding for the FAA was temporarily suspended when the U.S. Congress did not approve allocation. The FAA was again in danger of shutting down on September 16 if funding was not ap-proved, said Fornarotto. However, Forn-arotto said, the $3.3 Billion program was in the system, working its way through the approval process. [Note: the Senate and House of Representatives approved the funding on September 15 and 16, respec-tively.] The funding includes a $2 Billion obligation for the Office of Airports, said Fornarotto. “We’re in a much better place today,” she said. The uncertainty of funding has af-fected allocation from the FAA for grants. “We’re working to allocate grants by the end of the year,” Fornarotto assured NASAO. The carryover of grant fund-ing has grown from $450 Million last year to $626 Million this year—a record

Fornarotto, Assistant Administrator for Airports, Gives FAA Funding Update

NASAO Chair, Randy Burdette, welcomes attendees to the 2nd Annual NASAO/FAA Summit.

number, Fornarotto lamented, because the FAA budget will be reduced if the unused funds are not allocated within the carryover year. The temporary extension of funding will expire in January 2012. “We have four months before FAA reauthorization,” said Fornarotto.


Exhibitors Fill Hall at NASAO 2011Provide Goldmine of Information

Every industry has a very unique language and uses acro-nyms. Technology is changing daily at blinding speed. Knowl-edgeable exhibitors are always eager to assist state aviation leaders with meeting these challenges with product and indus-try updates. This year’s NASAO Exhibit Hall was a gold mine of impor-tant information. The booth space available for the 80th annual convention was sold out weeks in advance of the meeting. For attendees, this was a chance to research, compare, and learn about products and services. Taking the time to visit with these passionate industry professionals is a mini-continuing educa-tion class in itself. Take a moment to test your skills at these aviation specific acronyms. If you don’t know, then just guess to see how closely your can “speak NASAO exhibitor language.” You already know the basics-AIP, ADB, AWOS, FAA, LED, and NAVAIDS. Think of this as “going to the next level.”

ACN, ACRP, AQP, CIP, EPIC, GIS, LTE, NDI, NDT, PCC, PCI, PCN, PMMP, PMS, SAAMS, SeMS, SMS.

Here are the answers?

ACN-Aircraft Classification Number, according to William Weiss of Applied Research Associates ACRP-Airport Cooperative Research ProgramAQP-Airline Quality Program, according to Cheri Haynes of XCELAR.CIP- Capital Improvement ProgramEPIC-Enhanced Pilot Information Center

GIS- Geographic Information System, of course. You knew that. LTE Load Transfer Efficiency NDT- Sabrina Seiler of API says it means Nondestructive De-flection Testing.PCC Portland Cement ConcretePCI- Pavement Condition IndexPCN-Pavement Classification NumberPMS-No, silly. According to Dr. Wayne Seiler of All About Pavements, Inc. (API), PMS means Pavement Management Systems. SAAMS-Spatial Airport Asset Management System SeMS-Security Management System, according to Geoff Bing of XCELARSMS-Safety Management System


Ralph Petragnani, Belfort Instrument Company and Andre Aman, Nebraska Department of Aeronautics.

Scott Sarver, Cessna Aircraft. Bill Weiss, Applied Research Associates and Paul Werts, South Carolina.


Other exhibitors who assisted with “NASAO speak” are ADB Airfield Solutions, Aerometric, Airport Development Group, All Weather, American Association of Airport Executives-AAAE, Applied Pavement Technology, Inc., Assura, Belfort Instrument, Bright Portal, Cessna Aircraft Company, CommA-via, Delta Airport Consultants, Esco-Zodiac Aerospace, FAA Aeronautical Navigation Products and Runway Safety, Flint Trading, Garver LLC, GeoEye, Grip-Flex, Hali-Brite, Inc. Helicopter Association In-ternational, Mead & Hunt, Neel-Schaffer, Potomac Aviation, Southern Illinois University, Thales, ACRP, University Research Foundation Dynamic Sys-tems Integration, USDA, Virginia Department of Aviation, Wilbur Smith Association, and Young Enterprise Systems. How did you do? 100%. Good for you. You can navigate easily through future exhibit halls and stop by each booth to speak “the local language” with the aviation profes-sional staff. Pick up some “bling,” such as a new pen or key chain during your next visit. Missed a few? No worries. Just spend some quality time visiting with the knowledgeable and passionate exhibit hall staff next year in Salt Lake City. Soon you will be speaking NASAO.

Utah’s Pat Morley and David Dague, ICF SH&E.

AOPA’s Stacy Howard and Mary Torres from Guam.

Brad Brandt, Louisiana DOT.

Richard Wall, North Carolina and Sheryl Mayes, Thales ATM, Inc.


Exhibitors Fill Hall Photos by Kim Stevens

Chris Blum with Young Enterprises. NASAO’s Kathryn Solee presents Jerry Chism with a door-prize.

Lorena de Rodriguez and Chase Stockon. Benson Hadley Jennifer Whitacre and Daniel Feinberg.

Regan Massey of Mead & Hunt. Susan Shea and Sabrina Seiler with All About Pavements.


HAI Releases DVD’s Spotlight on Women Hearing the word “helicopter” might bring to mind the early drawings done in the 1500s by brilliant, Italian inven-tor, Leonardo Da Vinci, which might be thought of as a forerunner to today’s rotorcraft. But, most aviators think of Russian-born Igor Sikorsky as the “father of helicopters” because he built the first successful models upon which all of our current types are based. Helicopters and their highly-trained crews impact our lives

daily. From emergency evacuations, fire fighting, and routine business trans-portation, these important flying machines are now an integral part of our aviation system. Recently, the Heli-copter Association Interna-tional-HAI, produced two DVDs to promote careers in the rotor-world and explain the importance of helicopters in our commu-nities and lives.

Recently David York, Vice President of Regulations and International Affairs

for HAI-Helicopter Associa-tion International, shared two DVDs that HAI produced to promote careers and outreach. “Helicopters: A Day in the Life explores the world of helicopters at work. Even though it is only 22 minutes long, it documents the important tasks and daily services. Produced in 2008, community and avia-tion groups will find it interesting. Students and educational organizations will see the career opportunities. We feel it would be a good resource for public libraries, too.” David York narrated the DVD as well. Newly released DVD, Spotlight on Women in Helicopter Aviation, features 30 minutes of cutting edge women of today’s rotorcraft industry. “This brand new DVD takes viewers into cockpits and hangars to hospitals and board rooms. HAI wanted to celebrate the bright future of women in helicopter aviation,” explained York. Learn more at http://www.rotor.com Since the 1970s, the military began to train women in their helicopters. The most recent statistics for female rated helicopter pilots indicate their numbers are growing signifi-cantly. HAI is trying to foster that growth with outreach to

David York

women pilots and females considering a new career. HAI is also hosting Heli-Expo 2012 this coming Febru-ary 11-14 in Dallas. Billed as the world’s largest trade show dedicated to the international helicopter community, 65 heli-copters with be on display at the Dallas Convention Center. Also, over 20 educational programs and 600+ exhibitors will be part of this important aviation event. Learn more at www.rotor.com/heliexpo.


David York and SAJ contributor, Penny Hamilton


Wildhorse Saloon Sets Stage as NASAO Celebrates 80 Years

Novice and expert alike took the opportunity to try out their line dancing and two-step.

Hosts Bob and Wanda Woods Jeff and Denise Tarkington


Mike Ferguson says just like home in Montana.Wildhorse performer sings Happy Birthday to Randy Burdette.

Jim Bildilli

Ronnie Mitchell calls the corner pocket.

Chelsea Gordon


Wildhorse photos by Jackie Hernandez and Kim Stevens

Nancy Thomsen

Kathryn Solee

Linda Burdette

Nevada’s Matthew Furedy, left and Eric Glick.

Alabama’s John Eagerton. Hosts Belinda Hampton and Rick Hudgens.


Photos by Jackie Hernandez and Kim Stevens

Spouse Tour Focuses on Culture in and Around Nashville

Cina and Dan Burkhart took time after the confernce to tour the Carn-ton Plantation, South of Nashville near Franklin, TN.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Schermerhorn, Founders HallBelle Meade Mansion

Belle Meade Mansion

Harding House Restaurant at Bell Meade

Near 5th Avenue and W. Main Street in Franklin.


At the 2011 NASAO Convention, Kansas DOT Aviation Director Ed Young demonstrated how the Kansas Airspace Awareness Tool (KAAT) is used to educate and increase awareness of the “imaginary” air surfaces around public-use airports and to help determine if temporary or permanent structures might become dangerous airspace obstacles. The web-based tool, developed in partnership with consult-ing firm Burns & McDonnell, combines visual data available from the FAA, USDA, DigitalGlobe, and Google® Earth and then creates a three-dimensional simulated image of objects within a defined area. This tool, said Young, will depict proposed structures and their proximity to airport airspace to assist developers in choosing appropriate locations for such things as wind turbines. It also helps airports explain airspace issues and how economic development and airspace protec-tion can work in concert. . The tool displays data based on different airport requirements, in-cluding generalized TERPS, Part 77, vertically guided airspace (VGAS), military airspace, and other special uses. Without the graphical depiction of the tool, municipalities might not real-ize that they have approved the construction or placement of airspace obstructions, said Young. For example, a construc-tion crane might seem to be a reasonable distance from the airport on a two-dimensional map; however, the KAAT may display a potential vertical breach of the takeoff or final ap-proach path and then it becomes obvious that the crane will adversely impact traffic near that airport. Working with planners, Young said, helps airports and com-munities maintain a safe environment near the airport. For

example, a local business might request a permit to construct wind turbines on a site that is outside of but near the local air-port’s takeoff and landing approach. The KAAT allows the user to plot the turbines at their proposed site and height, and can make the plan-ners aware of the interaction between the objects and the airspace. Builders should be aware of the impact their structure—even a grain silo on a farm, for example—might have on the airport. Young said that KAAT has been used during the permit process to help contrac-tors plan their projects responsibly. The KAAT has proven to be more than a great technological achievement, but also a useful tool in evaluating airspace issues across the state. The tool could be used in other states to help foster coop-eration between airports and surrounding communities, said Young, and his office provided a webinar to explain KAAT functions and features.

Kansas DOT Introduces Airspace Awareness Tool By Andrea Brennan

Kansas Aviation Director Ed Young introduces the Airspace Awareness Tool.

Robert W. Crain, Project Manager with Burns & McDonnell


Life Changer Lunch Attendees Hear the Horrific Story of Flight 705 Every NASAO conference is packed with top notch speakers, educational programs, and important aviation industry informa-tion. This year Tennessee featured it own Captain David Sand-ers (Ret.), winner of the Airline Pilots Association Gold Medal Award for heroism, at the Monday luncheon. Earning his Navy wings on March 28, 1969, he joined Federal Express in the early 1970s. He worked his way up to be “living the dream” of being one of their International pilots by the end of the 80s. Then, his life changed forever on April 7, 1994, when Sand-ers, then 49 years old, and his crew of Jim Tucker, co-pilot 42, and, Andy Peterson, flight engineer who was 39 years old, liter-ally fought for their lives and saved those of many others back on the ground of the Memphis airport when they thwarted an attempted hijack of their fully-loaded DC-10. In 1994, seven years before the terror attacks of 9/11, being hijacked by a fellow employee intending to kill you and fly your fuel-laden airplane into the Federal Express Memphis headquarters building in a suicidal attack, was not a big consid-eration for this experienced flight crew. In true Southern story-telling fashion, with no Power Point or other visuals, David Sanders kept the NASAO audience on the edge of their seats as he described that horrific day on Flight 705. Because the “regular” crew was only ONE minute over their crew day, Captain Sanders and crew were called in for this routine Memphis to San Jose flight loaded with electronics. Who can say what might have happened had the original flight crew taken their scheduled flight that day. Auburn Calloway, the hijacker, had carefully planned for his result. According to Wikipedia, he intended to kill the crew using blunt force hammers to their heads so their injuries would appear consistent with those they would sustain in the explo-sive airplane crash. As a former Navy pilot and martial arts expert, he carried two claw hammers, two sledge hammers, a knife and a spear gun hidden in a guitar case on board to carry out his plan to inflict maximum damage on his employer, Federal Express. As a Federal Express employee “innocently” killed in an airplane accident, Calloway’s family would be eligible for $2.5.MILLION in company life insurance and, the possible dismissal hearing for lying about his previous flying experience, which was already scheduled for April 8, would be long forgotten in the aftermath of the devastating crash. Maybe he might even be portrayed as a “victim” because he was “just an innocent jump seat passenger.” According to Cap-tain Sanders, it all began at 18,000 feet on one of those glorious

CAVU days which pilots love, as they climbed out of Memphis International Airport airspace. “I head a strange metallic sound from the back where the bad guy went. I turned to my right to see him holding a 20 ounce framing hammer which he used to hit me in the head three times. Later, dazed, I tried to get out of my seat belt to confront him. He was standing in the door way with the loaded spear gun. He said, ‘Get back in your seat. This is a real gun and I will kill you!’ which was recorded on the cockpit voice re-corder, thought to have been disabled by the hijacker. But, Jim Tucker had fixed it earlier. This evidence proved to be very im-portant in his 1995 air piracy trial. “I instinctively dived on the floor when Andy Peterson grabbed the spear gun from him.” “I did not know that the bad guy had already struck Jim in the skull so hard some of his skull fractured. Jim’s injuries were so serious he could not use his right arm, hand or leg. Jim still took over the flight controls. When the bad guy hit Andy in the head, his temporal artery was severed. Andy was slowly bleed-ing to death. We had no idea how badly we were wounded,” Sanders shared with the crowd. You could have heard a pin drop in the now deafening silent luncheon room as the crowd waited for Captain David Sand-ers to continue. “Our blood was every where as we fought with the bad guy. Jim, with only one hand, used the only weapon he had, our airplane. Jim pulled up the nose and rolled the airplane in a 135 degree bank, disconnected the autopilot and rolled out of 13,000 feet with no severe damage to the airplane. “Andy and I were literally in hand-to-hand combat with the bad guy, rolling all around the cargo area. I was hit by this bad guy in the head three more times with a hammer. I was black-ing out. I realized this guy was going to kill us. I grabbed a hammer and hit him in the head twice. He seemed to quiet down and be subdued. “I asked Jim Tucker to put back on the autopilot and help

Captain David Sanders


Captain Dave Sanders, left and John Eagerton.



Andy while I took over the controls and landed the plane. Un-fortunately, the bad guy waited for that opportunity. The fight in the back now continued for the full 25 minutes it took me to land back at Memphis. “Committed to land, I had to fly the airplane. I flew the airplane as fast as I could safely. All my training told me to fly below 210 knots. But, not knowing how the hand-to-hand fight-ing would come out, I knew I was coming in high. I only heard one warning alarm in those final minutes because I was focused on getting us all down safely. If you listen to the cockpit tapes today, warning alarms are blaring. The controllers had given us runway 9. “Heavily loaded with fuel and cargo with lots of airspeed, I requested the longer 36 runway. They gave it to me. After we landed, the emergency responders had to climb into the air-plane via the escape ladder and emergency slide. It took them a while to get on board. “After they finally got in, they asked me, ‘Who is the bad guy?’ I pointed to Calloway. They hand cuffed him and asked me to stand on the chain so they could take care of Jim and Andy. Andy had no pulse and was near death from blood loss. “After they got Andy and Jim in ambulances, I went into the cock pit. I found my glasses which were only slightly damaged. I put them in my pocket, just in case the FAA asked me to sign something! When I got down from the plane, I was about to get into the ambulance…they asked me to give it to the hijacker. “You know they say how you deal with change is a measure of character. To be part of Federal Express and an aviation team is to be bigger than you are. It enhances your life. It is a life changer,” Sanders concluded. Additional information compiled from Dave Hirshman’s book, Hijacked: the True Story of the Heroes of Flight 705, “The Flight than Changed their Lives Forever” in Tennessee Aviation, and “Trauma of Flight 705 bonds three survivors” published in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, indicates hi-jacker, Auburn Calloway, was unsuccessful at a “mental health defense.” He was subsequently convicted of multiple charges, including attempted murder and air piracy. He is serving two consecutive life sentences in a Federal Prison. He fractured both Peterson’s and Tucker’s skulls. Tucker’s jaw was dislocated. Tucker had multiple cuts because Cal-loway had tried to gouge out one of his eyes and stabbed his right arm. In addition to the multiple injuries to his head, David Sanders suffered several deep gashes. Doctors had to sew his right ear back into place. Due to the extent and severity of their injuries, none of the brave flight crew has been able to medically return to com-mercial aviation. However, Jim Tucker took advantage of the Light Sport regulations. He taught his son, Andy, to fly in a Luscombe 8A. The DC-10 sustained about $800,000 in damage. As of Janu-ary 2011, it still flies in the Federal Express fleet with tail num-ber N306FE. David Sanders is sure one awesome pilot.

Continued from previous page.Flight 705 State Aviation Journal Receives

NASAO National Journalism Award

“It took 30 years to finally realize my dream to combine my love of aviation and passion for journalism when I began the State Aviation Journal,” Kim Stevens said to the crowded ballroom of NASAO and aviation industry leaders gathered for the 80th Annual Awards dinner in Nashville. “Thanks to many of you here tonight and especially Henry O, for your encouraging words as I launched my dream. Thank you to the advertisers and subscribers who supported…and continue to help me share the positive stories of aviation, nationally and internationally,” Stevens concluded, after accepting the 2011 NASAO National Journalism Award. Stevens created the State Aviation Journal in 2009 to high-light the positive contributions which state aviation agencies and aviation businesses make in the nation. The electronic magazine is published six times a year in addition to a special NASAO conference edition providing exclusive coverage of the conference and tradeshow. Stevens recently created the Arizona Aviation Journal, another E-zine, available on-line which focuses on that state’s aviation leaders projects and events. (See www.azaviationjournal.com.) Stevens began his journalism career as a photographer in the early 1970’s but in 1979 his passion for publishing blossomed when he went to work for the Midlands Business Journal, which is known for its in-depth reporting on Midwestern corpo-rations and business profiles of industry leaders. Years later, Stevens, now a commercial-rated pilot, was ap-pointed Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics in 1992 by then Governor Ben Nelson. NASAO became an important organization to him. Friendships were built and strengthened over the years. According to a former Nebraska Aeronautical Commissioner, Kim demonstrated inspirational leadership during his years with the Department. He had great knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. Kim lead the Department in planning the use of Aviation Trust funds for building agricultural pads at airports across Nebraska and provided strong support for pilots to have access to free and current weather information at Nebraska community airports. In 2001, Kim became a part of the Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division, serving as Deputy Division Director. The NASAO National Journalism Award was established in 1997 by the Board of Directors. This prestigious award rec-ognizes superior news coverage of aviation issues by both the mass media and the aviation trade press.


Kim Stevens


The American Association of Airport Executives introduced the Spatial Airport Asset Management System (SAAMS) to NASAO members at the 2011 Conference and Tradeshow in Nashville. The application was released by AAAE in April 2011 after 18 months of development. SAAMS instantaneously gives airport personnel accurate asset information without requiring on-site data storage, explained Greg Mamary of AAAE. The program was cre-ated, said Mamary, after the FAA issued Advisory Circular 150/5300-18B, which involves Geographic Information Sys-tems (GIS)-related standards for airports that use Federal funds to gather geospatial airport and aeronautical data. As part of NextGen, Mamary said, the FAA created an AirportsGIS (AGIS) database to which many airports, large and small, will be required to submit data. AAAE members at smaller airports that cannot afford a customized GIS became concerned that their valuable, GIS-based data would not be available to them after it was submitted to the AGIS. SAAMS provides airports a platform on which to utilize this valuable data before or after it is sent to the FAA. The SAAMS platform is designed to be easy to use, said Mamary. SAAMS uses an Internet server—“cloud comput-ing”—to host the data. The platform is designed for non-tech-nical personnel at airports who need access to asset manage-ment data. The SAAMS tool includes a brief training video that acquaints users with SAAMS functions. A user needs only an

Internet connection to get started. Although SAAMS does NOT collect, verify or submit data, it instantaneously gives airport personnel accurate asset in-formation: identifying assets in terminals and on the airfield, such as runway lights; measuring buildings or paved areas on the airfield; creating buffer zones around terminals or aircraft; laying out aircraft on ramps to determine which and how many aircraft types can fit on an apron; redlining and exporting exhibits to share with colleagues such as areas that need pave-ment replacement. Mamary added that AAAE will provide a SAAMS applica-tion program interface (API) document by the end of 2011. The API will allow multiple developers to create sub-applications related to work order, lease management, Part 139 inspections, and utility management, among others. “Ultimately, airports will have a variety of apps created by different vendors from which to choose,” said Mamary. Because AAAE hosts the data on secured servers, the airport does not have to buy or maintain storage on-site and the airport does not need personnel to manage a database. Airports will be submitting GIS-based data to the FAA, and SAAMS helps airport planners make the most of this valuable information.

See more information about SAAMS at saams.aaae.org.

AAAE Introduces SAAMS to NASAO MembersLarry Taborsky, left and Kyle Wanner of North Dakota watch a presentation by Greg Mamary on SAAMS.


Reception and Awards Banquet

Mike and Jeanie Ferguson, left and AOPA’s Bill Hamilton.

Outgoing Chairman Randy Burdette welcomes attendees to the Annual Awards Dinner.

Ronnie and Doris Mitchell, left and Rick Bryant.

David Ploeger, left and Cliff Burnette Claudia Holliway and Alison Entringer


Dave Fulton proposes a toast.Pat Morley invites attendees to next year’s conference in Utah.

Rick Bryant, center, wins a Gibson Masterbuilt Gui-tar signed by Kelly Pickler, Kenny Chesney, Mike Snyder and Alan Jackson. The guitar was presented by Jessie Wayne and Juanita Gail Skinner of Bucks-nort Tennessee, home of the infamous Dale Earnhardt Memorial Municipal Airport.

Christy Yaffa and Dennis Byrne of Wyoming DOT.

Linda and Randy Burdette.

Stacy and Kenny Howard.

Randy Burdette on the left, in the two photos above congratulates Jack Ferns in the first photo on receiving the Ambassador of Aviation Award. In the next photo Mike Klein, Arizona DOT accepts the Most Innovative State Program Award. Joe Pestka, left and Randy Burdette.


State Aviation Journal Salutes

National Association of State Aviation Officials

Congratulations on 80 Years of Service

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stateaviationjournal-specialedition-oct2011

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arena of aviation

nasao special editionfrom

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