CHA’s Aviation Insights: Spotlighting Our People, Projects, and Clients | Issue 15
Project Highlight Pages 5-6
NYSDOT Aviation Statewide Term Agreement
Client Spotlight Pages 6-7
Delaware Municipal Airport (DLZ)
Employee Interview Pages 8-9
Brittany Smith
By: Mike DeVoy
Throughout my career, the aviation industry has faced numerous major disruptors, including the introduction of regional jets, the attacks of 9/11, the Great Recession, the removal of regional jets, COVID-19, and the rise of ultra-lowcost carriers. Despite these changes and challenges, the aviation industry has proven to be resilient and continues to thrive.
Currently, several changes are being proposed and implemented at the federal level. Here are some key highlights and their potential impacts on our business:
Regulatory Adjustments
✓ Deregulation
Could expedite project timelines by easing environmental reviews and permitting processes.
✓ Compliance Uncertainties
Evolving regulations may cause delays, making it crucial to stay informed.
We are thrilled to introduce our newest team members who have joined the CHA aviation group. Each of them brings unique skills and experiences that will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing projects and overall success.
We encourage all of you to reach out, introduce yourselves, and offer a warm welcome to our newest team members.
Trade Policies
✓ Construction Materials
Potential impacts on cost and availability.
✓ Air Cargo Clients
Trade policies will affect these companies directly.
Focus on Traditional Infrastructure
✓ Bi-partisan Support
Strong backing for infrastructure spending.
✓ Eliminating Wasteful Spending
Increased focus on reducing unnecessary expenditures.
Funding
✓ AIP Funding
Annual funding remains steady at $4 billion, with BIL funding continuing until 2026.
✓ CHA Projects
No cancellations to date.
Our future remains bright, and we will continue to actively participate in industry organizations such as ACC, AAAE, and ACI-NA to stay updated on these issues.
Bhavya Patel Engineer I Indianapolis, IN WELCOME BACK!
Engineer I Providence, RI
Employees can nominate their coworkers or themselves (new!) when they observe or do something “green” (think recycling those K-pods, carrying found trash from a field site, or incorporating sustainable practices into project work).
A team of impartial judges comprised of marketing, Green Team members, and previous Superheroes will review nominations each quarter and choose the next Sustainable Superhero. This year, both the Sustainable Superhero AND the winning Nominator (new!) will receive a prize*.
*Sustainable Superhero prize = $250 gift card, Nominator prize = $100 gift card
Each quarter, the next Sustainable Superhero will be announced and recognized on CHA’s communication channels!
Please help us in recognizing and celebrating the dedication and hard work of these three CHA aviation employees. Their commitment and contributions over the years have been instrumental in driving our success and growth.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for being an integral part of our team!
*Acknowledged by HR in Q1/Q2 2025.
Sustainable Superheroes Nomination Form (New!)
Note: Winning self-nominations will receive the Sustainable Superhero prize only.
YEARS
YEARS
CHA was selected by NYSDOT Aviation Bureau for a multi-year term agreement which includes design, construction administration, Grant writing support, land acquisition, environmental and Planning services. The Term agreement allows CHA to submit a scope and Fee on any project that the NYSDOT Aviation Bureau manages and specifically across NYSDOT airports including (FRGRepublic Airport and SWF- Stewart International Airport).
The New York State Aviation Bureau is part of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and plays a crucial role in overseeing aviation-related activities across the state. Its mission is to provide leadership in addressing New York’s diverse aviation needs, including airport operations, safety regulations, and infrastructure development.
While detailed historical records of the bureau’s origins aren’t readily available, aviation has been an integral part of New York’s transportation system for decades. The bureau coordinates various transportation facilities, including highways, bridges, railroads, mass transit, ports, waterways, and aviation services. The New York State Aviation Bureau has played a significant role in shaping aviation in the state.
While detailed historical milestones specific to the bureau are not widely documented, here are some key developments in New York’s aviation history that are relevant:
• Early Aviation Pioneers – New York has been home to aviation innovators like Glenn Hammond Curtiss, who was instrumental in early aircraft development.
• Flight Museums & Historical Sites – The state has several aviation museums showcasing milestones, including the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum.
• Regulatory & Infrastructure Development – The Aviation Bureau oversees airport operations, safety regulations, and infrastructure improvements.
• FAA-Funded Projects – The bureau has worked on federally funded aviation projects, including those at Republic Airport, with a focus on safety and accessibility
• Capital Planning Services
• Pavement Management Study
Rotating Beacon Construction Inspection Services
Runway 1-19 Runway Safety Area Improvements
Tenant Alteration App Tech Reviews
Building Demo/Conklin Property
CHA was first selected in 2018 for the NYSDOT Aviation Term Agreement and performed exceptionally over the 3-year term period receiving outstanding client reviews while earning the respect of the NYSDOT Aviation PM Denise Authement, PE and Aviation Bureau Director Lowell Lingo, PE.
CHA worked to ensure that a critical Runway 1-19 Safety area improvement project was completed on time while dealing with over 41 change orders on the plans which led to extensive re-work and RFIs completed on behalf of the NYSDOT Aviation Bureau by CHA. The efforts by the team at CHA were acknowledged in excellent client reviews; however, upon re-selection for the next term agreement the scoring was geared towards larger DOT firms and not aviation-specific experience. CHA unfortunately was not reselected for the next term assignment to the disappointment of both Denise and Lowell; however, we continued to support the NYSDOT Aviation Bureau over the past 3 years by completing several grant applications and consulting on land acquisition that the airport FRGRepublic Airport wanted to complete.
Recently in 2024 with the current term agreement came back up for re-selection and CHA was determined to get back on the term agremeent so CHA put together an outstanding proposal with the help of our marketing team and ended up not only getting re-selected but being ranked the #1 Consultant.
Moral of the story: Don’t give up, build lasting client relationships, and stay the course!
First Term: 2018-2023
Project Manager: Todd Ewell, PE, LEED AP (Rochester, NY)
Project Name: NYSDOT Aviation Statewide Term Agreement
Client: NYSDOT Aviation Bureau
Term Agreement (not selected): 2024-2027
Term Agreement Reselection Start Date: 2025
Term Agreement Completion Date: 2030
Key Staff:
✓ Todd Ewell
✓ Nikki Abney
✓ Matt Florell
✓ John DelBalso
✓ Jeremy Martelle
✓ Mark Heckroth
✓ Paul McDonnell
“Would highly recommend for similar assignments. The firm (CHA) is very dependable and produces quality work. Cognizant of hours and overall costs of contract.”
Pavement Management Study at FRG
“The consultant firm (CHA) has good management skills and QA/QC oversight is thorough. They are also well versed in building design. It is recommended this firm be given additional work of this type within the state.”
Upstate Airport ED&R - Ithaca Airport
“Would highly recommend working with this firm (CHA) again. They produce high-quality work and are dependable.”
Rotating Beacon CI at FRG
“Would highly recommend working with this firm (CHA) again. They are very dependable and consistently produce exceptional work. As the Dept transitions to Airport projects, we have been able to utilize CHA’s FAA expertise and knowledge t complete projects at Republic Airport”
Runway Safety Area Improvements CI at FRG
Q: The recently completed Sawmill Parkway linked the Columbus metro area with the City that led to a lot of off-airport development on the south side of the airport. Have there been positives with this development? Any aeronautical interests?
Shane: Really we haven’t seen anything impactful to the airport with the Sawmill Parkway extension or the buildings that have gone up just south of the airport. It’s mostly warehousing and manufacturing. There is potential for development on the other side of Sawmill – roughly 100 acres – that could bring in more clientele which might lead to a corporate hangar or something along those lines.
Q: What are some of your biggest challenges?
Shane: Funding! In my opinion, the FAA doesn’t provide enough funding or grant opportunities to really generate revenue for an airport to be self-sustaining. They do a great job at providing funds for pavement, but when it comes to helping airports with revenue generation, that’s where they fall short. An example is our aging underground fuel tanks and system. As you know, a new above-ground system is pushing $1.5M and the FAA won’t participate. Makes things difficult.
Kevin: I completely agree with Shane. As far as funding, I will say the City has done a great job of providing us with the equipment we need even if it’s used. And we were able to finally get additional staff to keep up with our growth. When someone comes to your airport, you’ve got to be able to provide the service that is expected. In 2021, when Murfield County Club told it’s members and patrons of the PGA Memorial Tournament to utilize DLZ instead of OSU Airport (where they had been flying into previously), I could tell a lot of their members that were coming in were a little skeptical. Leaving OSU Airport and coming to us was very important. There was just the two of us at the time. We gave them a high level of service so they didn’t feel like it was a mistake, if you will, to start using us. Over the last four years, we’ve proven ourselves to the corporate community that we are an airport where you received top-notch service.
Q: CHA recently completed the apron expansion, which doubled your capacity of jet traffic. It’s been about 7 months since completion. Have you seen more frequent business jet traffic?
Kevin: When Muirfield members were told to utilize DLZ in 2021, we had days where the ramp was full, and we were taking the tug and stacking them on the ramp because we just couldn’t park them anywhere else. So the expansion has helped us in that regard. Prior to the expansion, we only had one connector to get in and
out of the terminal apron area, which caused logistical headaches. We’ve had days where we had 14 jets in one day, and all of them were Muirfield members. Sometimes we don’t know how long they’ll be here. We don’t know what type of aircraft it is until it lands on the runway, and we’re trying to figure out if we have a tow bar for that. The apron expansion is going to make the smoothness of the operation much, much better.
Q: One of the drivers for the apron expansion was the Murfield County Club and the organizers of the PGA Memorial Tournament sending more traffic your way. What are your expectations this year during tournament week since this will be the first Memorial with no construction taking place?
Kevin: Muirfield County Club has got 2 entities. It’s got someone who’s over club members and someone who’s over the tournament. We have a great relationship with the people that take care of the members. When it comes to the tournament, they’ve just always gone in/out of OSU Airport. We don’t have any problems with OSU, but maybe in time, some of that traffic would start to trickle to us.
Q: We have been your airport consultant since 2006, and I have personally worked with you all since 2009. From your perspective, what are the most important things you all need from your airport consultant?
Shane: We just need a Mark Heckroth and a Tyler Bicknell! I think about all the things you guys do for us. You go above and beyond. You really understand the airport and our strengths and weaknesses. From willingness to help with grant projects and ACIP development to all other aviation-related questions, there’s a sense of insurance I feel with you guys.
Kevin: I completely agree. You guys are engaged with the vision we have for the airport. I can tell how engaged consultants are when I talk with airport managers at other airports. Like Shane said, you guys go above and beyond. It’s very much appreciated!
Shane: I’ll also add one more thing to that. As you know Mark, the growth around our airport brings a lot more challenges to protect our airspace, future development, etc. There are so many little tasks that aren’t project or grant related that we lean on you guys for. You could easily just tells us “we don’t have a task order for that”, but you never tell me that. You always jump on our problem and help us out. You go above and beyond to help us get through those challenges. Those are the little things that make a difference!
Brittany joined the Aviation team in Cleveland as a recent college graduate from Ohio University in 2011. She quickly became one of the “go to” people on the team for anything needed on projects and proposals. She is always eager to help, ready to take on new challenges, organized, and full of ideas that make us all better. She continued her formal education while working by completing her master’s degree in marketing from West Virginia University. With her abilities and contributions, we knew her role needed to grow within the firm. She took control of her own career growth, developed strong relationships within the team and is a key contributor in all of the aviation marketing initiatives and proposal efforts. I am proud I took the advice of the Cleveland team and said yes to Brittany when she was starting out in this industry. I am privileged to be a part of Brittany’s professional growth at CHA, seeing how she has navigated career and personal growth with grace and exceptional performance. I now ask Brittany for advice and her opinions on all marketing and communication initiatives. She does not disappoint! If you do not know Brittany, please reach out and connect. You will be glad you did. She is one of the best!
Bill Barley
Q: What is something that might surprise us about you?
A: I think some people know I grew up riding and showing horses from the age of 5, but less people know I also grew up racing Quarter Midgets from ages 7 to 15. My great grandpa, grandpa, and dad all raced, and my grandpa was actually a 3-time ARCA Series champion. When I hit high school, my parents made me pick between racing and horses – something about me having expensive hobbies. Ultimately, I picked my horse and went on to ride in college where I was the president of the equestrian team for three of the four years.
Q: What is something you learned in the last week?
A: Not necessarily last week, but over the past few months, I’ve discovered that everything people say about the “second child” is 1,000% true. They’re like tiny tornadoes with mischievous grins, constantly testing the limits of your patience and household durability. My second child, Tucker, is wild, unruly, and stubborn but is evened out by his infectious energy that turns everyday into an adventure. While he leaves me exhausted and questioning my sanity some [most] days, he is so full of life and brings so much joy and laughter to our family.
Q: How do you balance your career and family?
A: This is honestly something that I struggle with. As I’ve entered this new season of my life since having kids, I’ve realized how important it is for me to manage my workload and actually turn off ‘work mode’ at night – easier said than done, but I’m committed to doing better. My babies are only going to be young once.
Congratulations to these AVN employees on obtaining their Professional Engineer licenses! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are proud of your achievement. This milestone reflects your commitment to excellence and will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success Well done!
AL
✓ Smithville Municipal Airport, TN
On-Call Engineering Services (Re-selection)
✓ Connecticut Airport Authority, CT
On-Call Planning Services
On-Call Environmental Services
✓ Columbus Regional Airport Authority, OH
On-Call Energy and Environmental Services
✓ Bridgeport Memorial Airport, CT
Architectural and Engineering Services (Re-selection)
✓ Bridgeport Memorial Airport, CT
Architectural and Engineering Services (Re-selection)
✓ Palm Beach International Airport, FL
Program Management Services (sub to EXP)
✓ Fayetteville Regional Airport, NC
Master Plan ALP and Narrative Report (new client!)
✓ Indianapolis Department of Transportation (INDOT)
Pavement management System Update (sub to AP Tech – reselection)
✓ Grissom Air Reserve Base, IN
Joint Use Airport National Plan Integrated Airport System
✓ Akron-Canton Airport, OH
Rehabilitate Runway 1/19 Design
Anderson Municipal Airport
✓ AID Rehab T-Hangar Taxilane (Env/ Dsn)
Akron-Canton Airport
✓ CAK Rwy 1-19 Lighting Replace CACI
✓ CAK West Side Hangar Dev EA
Air Force
✓ AFCEC AFTF Standard Design
Blue Grass Airport
✓ LEX Terminal Road Relocation
Cleveland Hopkins Int’l Airport
✓ CLE Taxiway V Extension Dsn/Const
Columbus Regional Airport Authority
✓ Energy & Environmental TO #1
DHL
✓ DHL - CVGH B777 Hangar 2025 CACI
Grissom
✓ GUS MRO Hangar Siting Study
✓ GUS New Fire Alarm System Design Hangar
Knox County
✓ Runway 10 - 28 Light Replacement
Miami-Dade County
✓ MDAD In-House Engineering Support Services
Niagara Falls Int’l Airport
✓ IAG NFARS Site Work for Bldg 317
Rhode Island Airport Corporation
✓ PVD Stormwater Improvements C/A
✓ PVD Article A Terminal
Improvements Owners Rep.
✓ PVD Article B Terminal
Improvements Owners Rep.
✓ RIAC RIPDES Permit Support 2025
✓ PVD Landside Parking
Reconfiguration
✓ PVD Gate 20 PBB C/A Services
✓ PVD Preliminary Design for Landside
✓ RIAC RIPDES Support
Rochester Int’l Airport
✓ ROC Obs Rem RW 10-28 Design
✓ ROC Pavement Mgmt & Maintenance
✓ ROC Terminal Improvements
Schenectady County Airport
✓ SCH TW A and TW B Rehab CA/CI
Syracuse Hancock Int’l Airport
✓ SYR South Apron Enhancement Design
✓ SYR Terminal Apron Design
Toledo Express Airport
✓ TOL Replace Passenger Boarding Bridge
✓ TOL Replace Inbound Baggage Handling
Vermont Agency of Transportation
✓ 6B0 Environmental Assessment of T-hangar
✓ DDH Environmental Assessment Study
✓ FSO Taxiway Extension
Warsaw Municipal Airport
✓ TO 10 Airport Overlay District
✓ TO 11 Rehab Runway 9 - 27 Design
May 5-7: AAAE Rental Car Industry & Airports Workshop (Nashville, TN)
✓ Sunie Rahardja
May 6-8: Ohio Aviation Conference (Columbus, OH)
✓ Tyler Bicknell, Jamin Heldt, Meredith Zendlo, Brittany Smith
May 7-9: WTS International (Toronto, Canada)
✓ Taylor Koutropoulos
May 13-15: SAME JETC (Louisville, KY)
✓ John DelBalso and Dan Petno
Indianapolis Airport Authority
✓ IAA Fuel Farm Replacement
✓ IAA TO1 Enviro Staff Support
✓ IND Rehabilitate RW 5L-23R
✓ IND Runway 5L - 23R CA Services
✓ IND RW 5R - 23L Staff Augment
✓ IND Staff Augment & PM Services
Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
✓ TYS Rwy 5R - 23L Rehabilitation
✓ TYS Parking Structure CA - Phase 1
✓ TYS PBB Addition and Hold Room Conversions
✓ TYS Rwy 5R -23L Rehab Project 1 CA/CI
✓ TYS Staff Extension Services
✓ TYS Terminal Building Escalator Replacement
✓ TYS Terminal Sanitary Lift Station Upgrades
Fort Wayne Allen-County Airport Authority
✓ FWA Hangar 2003 Apron Expansion
✓ FWA Install RW 5-23 AAS Equipment
✓ FWA Construct Taxiway G E
✓ FWA ACIP Programming Study
✓ SMD Construct T-Hangar & Taxilane
June 8-10: WTC Central Region (Indianapolis, IN)
✓ Mary Kerstein, Taylor Hammill, and Taylor Koutropoulos
June 8-10: AAAE Annual (Atlanta, GA)
✓ Paul Puckli, Mike DeVoy, and Ken Coutain
June 8-11: ASCE Intl Airfield & Highway Pavements (Glendale, AZ)
✓ Ranjit Bhandari, Clint Weimer, and Jack Sims
ACC Webinars (Tentative)
✓ Airport Forecasting Best Practices Webinar –6/12
✓ Understanding Critical Aircraft from Identification to Implementation Webinar –7/10
✓ AIP 101 Webinar – 7/31
✓ Procore L&L – 8/21
✓ Identifying Projects & Securing Funding for ACIP Webinar – 9/18
✓ Baggage Handling 101 Webinar – 9/25
✓ CSPP Webinar – 10/2
✓ Complexities of Expansion Projects w/o Impacting Operations Webinar – 10/16
✓ Airfield Pavement Webinar – 11/13
✓ Obstruction Mitigation and Management Webinar – 11/20
✓ Airfield Electrical 101 Webinar – TBD
✓ Airfield Pavement Marking Webinar – TBD
LOOKING FOR LINKS TO WEBINAR RECORDINGS?
✓ ACC Webinars
✓ AVN Communities of Practice (CoP)
✓ AVN Plan Production Series (PPS)
Ryenne Thomas
Larry
If you or anyone you know is interested in these positions, please refer to our website listing to apply.
PROJECT ENGINEER
Job ID 7102
Indianapolis, IN
AVIATION SEGMENT LEADER
Job ID 7090
Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; Stanley, NC; Columbia, SC:; Duluth, GA; Savannah, GA; Winter Springs, FL; Tampa, FL; Doral, FL; Remote
AVIATION CONSTRUCTION
INSPECTOR
Job ID 7075
West Palm Beach, FL
AVIATION RESIDENT ENGINEER
Job ID 6959
Providence, RI
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Job ID 6952
Indianapolis, IN; Evansville, IN; Albany, NY; Rochester, NY; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Atlanta, GA; Knoxville, TN
SOUTHEAST AVIATION TEAM LEADER
Job ID 6927
Winter Springs, FL; Doral, FL
We will improve the lives of our clients and co-workers by:
✓ Operating a sustainable business line that provides our aviation clients exceptional service and industry thought leadership.
✓ Being the most admired business line at CHA through outstanding performance, career advancement, and staff retention.
Definitions:
✓ Delivering quality service and solutions (95% client retention; add minimum of 2 potential CLAD clients/year)
✓ Providing career opportunities through sustainable growth (5-10% NSR growth/year)
✓ Retaining our valued aviation employees (top industry quartile)
✓ Performing as a highly effective and efficient business line (MU > 2.0)
FINDING A BETTER WAY.
