SCAA advocates on behalf of South Carolina’s 58 publicly owned, public-use airports, and you, our members, are an important resource to the state legislature on aviation and airport-related issues. I want to thank each member who came together this spring to prevent H.5310 and H. 4912, legislation that would drastically decrease the revenue comprising the State Aviation Fund, from passing through the Statehouse to the Governor’s desk.
Our association’s work is not done yet. The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) conducted a study on airport funding between 2021 and 2022. The SC Competes study published in 2023 reported that SC was on the “low end of regional funding” when compared across the Southeast. That report stated South Carolina invested an average of $68,002 per facility for general aviation and commercial airports combined. Whereas the average Southeastern State investment was $607,777 per facility for general aviation and commercial airports combined.
At the time of that report, South Carolina’s airport funding in FY 22-23 was approximately $13.5 million compared to the average annual funding of $48.7 million per state across the Southeast. At the same time, South Carolina’s system-wide airport capital investment needs were estimated to total at least $70-$80 million more per year than was allocated – each year for the next decade.
The South Carolina legislature provided some much-needed one-time funding in 2022 and 2023 to the six commercial service airports and it was greatly appreciated. Currently, as the FY 2024-2025 budget is being debated, GA and commercial airports may see additional one-time funds for projects. Still, the airport funding gap in South Carolina grows while other southeastern states increase their investment in airports and aviation infrastructure.
Right Picture: During SC Aviation Week, GSP held a career fair, underscoring the airport’s role as an economic driver in the community. For more SC Aviation Week coverage, turn to page 8.
In 2023, North Carolina funded its airports with over $140 million, Tennessee committed over $110 million to its airports and Florida invested over $400 million towards airport funding. In comparison, South Carolina is expected to receive $13 million this year for the State Aviation Fund funded from airline property tax revenue and the aviation fuel tax combined.
The 2023 study from SC Competes stated the key fact to its analysis was that every state dollar invested in South Carolina airports generated a significant positive return on that investment. In fact, every $1 invested in airports by the State generated a return of $3,000.
If South Carolina intends to be competitive for aviation projects and aviation economic investment, the reality is that there needs to be increased and recurring funding for the entire state airport system. SCAA is calling for the State of South Carolina to create a funding plan of at least $100 million per year recurring for airport and aviation infrastructure investment at GA and commercial service airports combined.
Such a fund will address much needed aviation infrastructure investment and allow the Palmetto State to compete in the aviation/aerospace sector, in turn growing the state’s economy, creating additional new high-paying jobs, generating additional state and local revenue, and expanding the overall economic growth in South Carolina.
Increased annual funding for airports makes good sense and greater dollars and cents for South Carolina, benefiting everyone—state and local governments, businesses, and communities. Competing for economic development is South Carolina’s top priority. Greater airport investment means the South Carolina economy is cleared for takeoff.
At an EAA Chapter event in Gilbert, S.C., I met a man named Dave Gardner. He told an interesting story about flying an ultralight with no GPS on a coast-to-coast trip. The planning and building process took almost two years, from 2001 to 2003. Then on June 14, 2003, Dave and his brother John, Natives of Dayton, Ohio, departed from Perris Valley, Ca. for Dayton, then on to Kitty Hawk, N.C. in honor of two other brothers from Dayton, Orville and Wilbur Wright.
I’m pleased to share this story with you here.
While reading the United States Ultralight Flying magazine in 2001, I read an article about a commemorative flight from Dayton, Ohio to Kitty Hawk, NC to celebrate the Wright Brothers’ 100 years of flight. Being from Dayton myself, this sounded like an opportunity to have fun and be part of history. Soon after reading the article my wife and I went to Dayton to visit family and friends which presented the opportunity to meet with Richard Jennings, the mastermind of this commemorative flight. Rich had very good initial plans and we shared a few ideas. I quickly told him to count me in! I had planned and flown some fairly long cross-countries in the southwest and was now ready for a long haul.
Considering a trip from the west coast to the east coast I realized the need for a new plane. I currently owned a Beaver RX-550 that had been a very good trainer for the previous 12 years and realistically, as much as I liked the Beaver, it wasn’t the plane for the flight across the states. I decided to sell this faithful bird to a local flyer and put that money down on a Rans S12-XL kit.
I went with the Rans Airaile based on the good service and safety record it provided for a few local pilots in less-than-desirable conditions. I was ready for a side-byside anyways.
In late August of 2001, I received two large wood crates with all the many parts to build an ultralight. Wow! What did I get myself into? Unfortunately, the crate arrived just a week before the Alaskan big game hunting trip my four brothers and I had planned many months before.
While I was gone my wife did me a great favor, she inventoried and categorized all the hardware and stapled it up
on plywood for easy access. This put me at ease knowing that this project was moving forward even without me. What a great savings to have this very tedious aspect out of the way. Things were organized and ready to build when I returned. While on this hunting trip, over 9/11 when all the flights were canceled and we were stranded for days in the bush, I shared with my brother, John, all the fun it has been for me over the years flying and teaching in ultralights. John had always liked all the aspects of aviation and really wanted to learn to fly. He has been able to fly with our other brother, Richard, who owns a Piper PA-11 (now a PA-18 Super Cub) although it’s mostly been on trap line runs and local fun flights. If John was to learn to fly, ultralights would be a good place to start. The training would have to be thorough and condensed to a relatively short period of time due to his unknown firefighting schedule in Alaska. I suggested a cross-country flight from Perris Valley, Ca. to Dayton, Ohio our hometown, and onto Kitty Hawk. A trip like this would indeed cover a wide range of training in a variety of conditions. If the timing was right we then could join the group flying from Dayton to Kitty Hawk. John knew that if he was to learn to fly, this would be it.
It wasn’t until late September I finally began building the Rans in our garage. Fortunately, the garage is carpeted, heated, and well-equipped for the task. At the onset, I was determined to build this plane enhancing safety and durability without changing the design or adding too much weight. From the many years of working on nuclear subs in the Navy, working as a machinist at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, being a jet engine mechanic for the Air Force Reserves, and attending many tech schools, this past training and experience has greatly helped me to understand and build a safe flying machine.
https://bit.ly/4dM2HPI
Click the link above to read the full story of this once-in-alifetime coast-to-coast trip.
The FAA defines a distraction as anything that reduces our focus on successfully completing the task at hand.
Recently, the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) published this excellent Safety Enhancement Topic that identifies common operational interruptions we face as pilots and ways to successfully mitigate their risks.
Distractions and interruptions can severely compromise flight safety if they occur during critical phases of flight. To help prevent this, the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) recommends awareness training on how to properly cope with interruptions and distractions while flying. General aviation pilots are particularly at risk because they usually do not have additional flight crew members to assist them.
Interruptions and distractions may be brief, but they can be deadly. They can cause you to lose focus, which could lead to catastrophic errors.
Interruptions and distractions break your train of thought, but sometimes they can also convey information that is critical for safe flight. The key is to learn how to safely manage the inflow of competing information.
Examples of interruptions/distractions include air traffic control (ATC) communications or alerts, head-down work, or having to deal with an unexpected situation. If not managed properly, distractions can set a deadly chain of events in motion.
Pilots are trained to manage several tasks concurrently, and for the most part, this is a skill pilots execute well. However, it’s important not to become preoccupied with one task over all the others. Do you remember the December 1972 L- 1011 crash, where the crew became so preoccupied with a landing gear light malfunction that they failed to notice that someone had erroneously turned off the autopilot? Similar events can happen to the GA pilot. Don’t let it happen to you!
• Realize that you may have control over some interruptions and distractions, and not over others.
• Realize that the actions under your control, like head-down work, including standard operating procedures and checklists, should be conducted during periods of minimal disruption.
• Observe the FAA’s “sterile cockpit rule,” and make sure that passengers understand your need to focus at critical junctures of the flight.
• Keep communications clear and concise.
Because some interruptions and/or distractions may be subtle, the first priority is to recognize and identify them. Then, you will need to re-establish situational awareness. Identify what you were doing, and where you were in the process when you were distracted. Determine what action you need to take to get back on track.
Prioritization is key. Remember:
---->Aviate ---->Navigate ---->Communicate, and ---->Manage
Be ready to postpone some lower-priority actions until you are in a position to safely address them.
•Recognize that conversation is a powerful distracter.
•Recognize that head-down tasks greatly reduce your ability to monitor the status of the aircraft.
•Schedule or reschedule activities to minimize conflicts, especially during critical phases of flight.
•When two tasks must be performed at the same time, avoid letting your attention linger too long on either task.
•Remember that your job as pilot in command is to fly the aircraft. That is your primary focus.
•Treat interruptions as red flags.
o Remember, “Interruptions Always Distract.”
o Identify the interruption when it occurs.
o Ask, “What was I doing before I was interrupted?”
o Decide what action you will need to take to get back on track.
Fly regularly with a flight instructor who will challenge you to review what you know, explore new horizons, and to always do your best. Be sure to document your achievement in the WINGS Proficiency Program. It’s a great way to stay on top of your game and keep your flight review current.
Resources
---->Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Chapter 2 – Aeronautical Decision-Making https://bit.ly/3WV1U9o
---->FAA Safety Briefing — “Why Do I Lockup in the Cockpit?” Sep/Oct 2019 https://adobe.ly/2ZDa8FK
---->FAA Safety Briefing — “When the Best Made Plans Go Awry,” Nov/Dec 2010 https://bit.ly/3wL9usj
The 2024 SCAA Annual Conference, held at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes from February 14-16, was a resounding success with a diverse range of activities and informative sessions. Thank you to all those who attended, including sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers.
On Wednesday, February 14, attendees connected at a reception with exhibitors, fostering networking opportunities. Thursday, February 15, featured sessions with updates from the FAA and SC Aeronautics Commission, including discussions on leveraging data sources for airports. Presentations covered airport growth, advanced air mobility, and a lively game night dinner and entertainment. Friday, February 16, commenced with sessions highlighting FAA awards and economic outlook. The event concluded with closing remarks and giveaways, providing a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration. Additionally, a Silent Auction raised $4,200 for the SCAA Scholarship Program, supporting aspiring aviation professionals in South Carolina.
The stunning successes from the week is shown in the list of media coverage that was generated throughout the week.
Columbia Airport Unveils Improvements
News clips were released by WIS News 10, Watch ABC Columbia, WLTX, celebrating the airport improvements that will meet growing needs at CAE.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
WSPA 7 News, FOX Carolina released clips of the airport’s first career fair.
Greenville Downtown Airport
Fox Carolina released a clip of GMU’s press conference, celebrating the community corridor.
• SC Aviation Week was promoted in the Columbia Regional Business Report.
The news clips and full stories are available in the Aviation Week News Room (Scan the QR Code below). Thank you to the SC Aeronautics Commission for partnership with SCAA to make this event a sucess!
aviation careers at the Career Signing Day at Jim Hamilton - L.B. Owens Airport.
4) Georgetown County Airport celebrated with an open house & B-29 Doc History Restored Tour.
5) Lowcountry Aerospace Academy hosted LIFT Camp for high schoolers at Berkeley County Airport.
6) Columbia Metropolitan Airport hosted a Press Conference announcing a checkpoint expansion project.
7) Marion County Airport hosted an open house, showing off airport improvements and future ideas.
8) Fairfield County Airport held discovery flights. Three high school seniors wre introduced to aviation careers by Emma Steed of S&S Aviation.
The Barnwell Regional Airport, located at 155 Airport Road in Barnwell, S.C., is a county-owned, public-use airport. Barnwell County has a population of 20,000 and sits close to Augusta, Ga., and the Central Savannah River area.
Like many of South Carolina’s airports, Barnwell Regional Airport’s history is closely connected to the military. The airport was constructed as between September 1942 and March 1943 by the United States Army Air Force and was used as a training base for B-25 Bombers during World War II. Then known as Barnwell Airfield, the airport’s original runways were 5,000 feet long by 150 feet wide.
Since 1947, much remains the same at Barnwell Regional. However, improvements have been made. Presently, the airport has two active asphalt runways. Runway 17/35 measures 5,119 feet long and was recently resurfaced and widened to 100 feet. Runway 5/23 is 4,526 feet long by 75 feet wide. The ramps have been refurbished, the taxiway and runways have been updated with LED lights, T-hangers and community hangers have been constructed, the aprons have been extended and a new, modern terminal building exists. These projects were made possible by funding from the FAA and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
Future projects for Barnwell Regional Airport include construction on the taxiway in 2024, a fuel apron rehab, a possible fuel apron expansion in 2025 and rehab to the 5/23 runway in 2026.
Travelers know the Barnwell Regional Airport and for its welcoming atmosphere, for its great customer service, and for its low fuel prices. “Our fuel prices are competitive, and most of the time are the cheapest or in the top five of the state,” said Brandon Chavis, Airport Manager at Barnwell Regional Airport.
In addition to Jet A and 100LL, the airport offers 93 Octane MOGAS for automobiles—the only airport in South Carolina to do so.
Thirty percent of the airport tenants live in Barnwell County while some tenants are from the Columbia and Aiken areas. Its customer base is from all over the United States including many travelers from New York, Ohio and Virginia.
“We even get Bahamas traffic at our small airport,” said Chavis. “Travelers heading to the Bahamas or folks with summer homes in Florida stop by Barnwell to fuel up.”
There’s a map hanging on the wall inside the airport terminal showcasing where Barnwell’s travelers are from.
“If everyone’s stuck a pin on the map showing where they were from, we wouldn’t have room on the map. We see lots of traffic during Master’s Week, hunting season and of course, football season,” said Chavis.
The airport is close to excellent hunting lodges and Lake Edgar Brown, a 135-acre lake that sits only a half-mile from the airport.
Barnwell Regional Airport is bustling. Learn more and plan a flight at barnwellregionalairport.com.
Like so many South Carolina airports, Barnwell Regional Airport has a rich history. Artifacts from the original air base and beyond are on display for visitors to view.
The friendliness and hospitality of Barnwell County is evident in the modern, welcoming terminal.
Several burial pilots are located on the airport ground, perhaps a relic from the area’s history as farmland.
The South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation (SCHAF), which preserves South Carolina’s valuable contributions to aviation from its very beginnings, hosts a regular open house on the second Saturday of each month. SCHAF Open House events occur from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hangar Y-1 at Jim Hamilton – L.B. Owens Airport, 1400 Jim Hamilton Boulevard, Columbia, S.C. 29205.
The April Open House commemorated the 82nd Anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, the first American air operation to strike the Japanese archipelago, demonstrating that Japan’s mainland was vulnerable to American air attacks. During World War II, Columbia Army Air Base (now Columbia Metropolitan Airport) and other South Carolina airfields served as advanced training grounds for B-25 crews. The 17th Bombardment Group based at Columbia Army Air Base was selected to provide the pool of crews from which Doolittle Raid volunteers were recruited.
The jewel of SCHAF is its B-25C Mitchell Bomber. According to SCHAF, their B-25 is the only known intact aircraft remaining from the fleet used to train airmen at Columbia Army Air Base. The aircraft has a storied history in South Carolina. While on temporary assign-
ment to Greenville Army Air Base, the aircraft crashed into Lake Greenwood, where it remained until it was recovered in 1983.
After changing owners several times, the aircraft underwent cosmetic restorations and served as centerpieces for the 50th and 60th Doolittle Raiders reunions. Following the 60th reunion, the aircraft languished with little being done to preserve or restore the plane. At this time SCHAF was formed and secured ownership of the B-25C, and the group has been working to restore the bomber ever since.
Aviation Enthusiasts can view the B-25C Mitchell Bomber in person during an Open House event. Below is a list of upcoming anticipated Open House event dates.
• June 8, 2024
• July 13, 2024
• August 10, 2024
For more information visit https:// schistoricaviation.org/ or follow South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation on Facebook.
Thirty-two students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at Colleton County Middle School soared to high heights when they attended the two-day 2024 Aviation Take Flight! Camp sponsored by USC-Salkehatchie (USC-Salk), Tuskegee Airmen, Boeing, and Colleton County Middle School District.
On Wednesday, April 24, Camp Coordinator Tracey Beach welcomed the students to Lowcountry Regional Airport.
She encouraged the students to learn about aviation, science, and opportunities to use those skills in the low country.
On the trip back to Walterboro the students discussed the experiences that they had during their two-day Take Flight! Camp. They were encouraged to pursue science fields that would help them to accomplish their dreams. When asked to describe his favorite part of the trip, Keegan Ponte said, “We flew paper airplanes and saw the eight Boeing planes.”
SCAA extends a special thank you to SCHAF for hosting the second-ever Aviation Career Signing Day event during Aviation Week, where 22 Midlands-area students committed to careers in aviation with the B-25C serving as backdrop. For a complete summary of SC Aviation Week 2024, see pages 8-9.
Established in 1991, the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame honors pioneers and leaders in the aviation industry who have made significant contributions to the development, advancement or promotion of aviation and have close ties to the state of South Carolina.
Nominations for the 2025 SC Aviation Hall of Fame Induction will be accepted through November 1, 2024. An application is available in this publication or on the SCAA website and should be accompanied by verifiable documentation of the individual’s contribution to aviation to include no less than the following: a biographical resume (as detailed as possible) and documentation, clippings, citations, and awards regarding the contribution to aviation. Letters of reference may also be included.
Nominees must be of good character, and they may be living or deceased. Their contribution to aviation must be substantial and performed with a high degree of excellence, above and beyond the performance of the nominee’s vocation or political position. This contribution may be a single gallant event or achievement over time that has made a positive lasting impact on aviation. A single gallant event will be defined as an event, which was brave, spirited and honorable, such as Ronald McNair’s sacrifice as part of the final Challenger mission.
The nominee must have made their contribution to aviation in South Carolina. The nominee may have significant contributions to aviation outside South Carolina, but those will be considered secondary.
Please visit scaaonline.com for more information and a full description of nomination criteria.
The SC Aviation Hall of Fame is on display on the SCAA website. Navigate to scaaonline.com, click the “SCAA Promotes” drop down, and select “Hall of Fame.” You can also visit in person at the Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport in Columbia.
Please attach all documentation. Applications are due November 1.
Full Name of the Nominee
Nominee’s known living address City State Zip
) ( )
Nominee’s Phone Number Fax Number
Date of birth Date of death (if deceased)
Nominee’s place of birth (city, state)
Nominee’s nearest living relative
Nominee’s nearest living relative phone number
Address of the Nominator
Verifiable documentation should be provided with the application to support the accomplishments of the nominee. Mail to: SCAA Hall of Fame, PO Box 80994, Charleston, SC 29416 Questions? Call 1-877-FLY-SCAA (1-877-359-7222).
The Global Aerospace commitment to aviation safety is unrivaled in our industry. Since 1924, we have been dedicated to supporting the aviation industry and we will continuously evolve our safety tools to help maintain a robust safety culture.
As aviation advocates, we’ve designed this safety program for both general aviation and commercial airports. This program is designed to not only provide airports with affordable and comprehensive insurance*, but to also enhance their safety efforts.
We have designed this program for not only airports, but also the associations that represent them. We recognize the value airport associations bring to their local airports and we want to do our part to support their efforts. Under this program, every airport that binds their insurance with Global Aerospace can expect:
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• Global will reimburse membership dues for your local ASAP contracted airport association for one year, up to $250, for any member that binds their insurance with Global Aerospace.
• SM4 Safety Benefit - an important component to this program. Every airport and association that becomes part of this program will have access to our Online Safety Learning Management System (LMS).
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**guaranteed rates do not apply if there is a change in exposure, coverage selection or limits. Part 139 airports and airports with limits above $20mil do not qualify for guaranteed rates.
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Every other Sunday since 1938, pilots and aviation enthusiasts have met for breakfast at an airport somewhere in South Carolina and a few surrounding states – missing only events during World War II when aircraft fuel was not available. The Breakfast Club resumed meetings two years later and continues to this day.
Following is a schedule of the remaining dates for 2024. Please visit southcarolinabreakfastclub.com for updates.
Nov.
CAROLINA AVIATION
PO Box 80994, Charleston, SC, 29416 (P) 1-877-FLY-SCAA // (E) scaa@scaaonline.com (W) www.scaaonline.com
$250 Airport Membership (Includes 8 members)
Corporate Membership (Includes 10 members, logo in all newsletters & email spotlight)
Individual Membership
$25 Student Membership
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Membership Category
Circle the category that best describes you:
Pilot Government Official* FBO Consultant
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*Includes airport commission member, state, federal, or other government agencies.
Please include any additional descriptions that apply to you on the line below. (Examples: Commissioner, Commission Chair, Airport, Executive Director, Manager, FBO, Consultant, Vendor, Pilot, etc.)
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