Palmetto Aviation


Wow!? I can’t believe 2024 is halfway over. It has been a very busy past few months for SCAA, especially on the legislative front.
Many members got involved earlier this year, calling their legislators, writing letters and collaborating with airport consultants and industry partners in order to stop H.5310, which would have decimated the revenue sources that fund airport investment from SC Aeronautics each year. This bill would have been especially damaging to our general aviation (GA) airports. SCAA represents all airports, and our state needs strong GA and commercial airports in order to maintain a strong statewide airport system. Thank you for everyone’s help on H.5310!
On the budget side, it was another push all the way to the finish, but the Senate and House just approved a budget that provides SC Aeronautics additional funding for FY25 that will allow many SC GA airports to proceed with some much-needed projects. The new budget also provides over $40 million in onetime named funding for many of our commercial service airports through the SC Department of Commerce. There were a lot of phone calls and hard work from the SC aviation community that helped push this across the goal line. Thank you again!
Thank you to my fellow members of the SCAA Board of Directors, who worked hard on the phones, over email and in person. Thank you also to the SC Aeronautics Commissioners for your hard work and continued support. I would like to also publicly thank SCAA Lobbyist Ben Homeyer of 1101 Public Affairs for his help this year. Without Ben’s guidance and hard work on SCAA’s behalf in Columbia, much of this year’s success would have been impossible.
But SCAA’s work is not done. The budget wins this year are all considered “one-time” funding. Very soon, we will be back at it and getting geared up for the next budget cycle. Our goal does not change. For South Carolina to be competitive with other southeastern states when it comes to aviation and aerospace projects, SCAA is calling for annual recurring funding plan that provides $100 million annually for airports and airport infrastructure investment.
SC airports need a funding program that is secure and can be counted on each and every year to plan and manage their airport capital improvement programs. Meaningful and recurring airport funding is SCAA’s top priority and, just like this year, we will need every SCAA member to step up and spread the word. I hope you will join our legislative efforts. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help make this possible.
As I write this, the 125th South Carolina General Assembly has adjourned the second regular session and is nearing the completion of the special session to finalize the budget. It has been an eventful and interesting session, and yes, also successful.
As far as the budget goes, South Carolina’s airports should have a good year based on what is in the Aeronautics budget and what is coming through the Commerce budget.
I would like to say that with the budget process complete, I can now breathe a sigh of relief and get a little rest. Unfortunately, it is already time to think about next year’s budget. Over the last two years, the Aeronautics Commission’s strategy has been to request special legislative allocations based on the list of unfunded or underfunded projects at our airports.
I believe the legislators now understand that our airports, especially the primary ones, have more projects than they do money. With that in mind, Aeronautics’ strategy for the upcoming budget cycle is to request $100 million in recurring funding, with $80 million allocated to primary airports and $20 million allocated to general aviation.
This will be a significant ask of our legislators, and Aeronautics will need your help in spreading the word to justify this request. If we are going to accomplish something like this, we need all our airports to come together and collaborate with a unified message. We understand that this collaboration comes with challenges. Differing stakeholder interests, bureaucratic hurdles, communication gaps, and funding limitations are just a few challenges that come to mind.
But these challenges can be overcome with communication and planning to develop a coordinated message and strategy for getting this important message to the right people well in advance of the next budget cycle. The Commission will be asking for the SCAA’s help in the upcoming months to coordinate this effort, so stay tuned for more information.
As far as this upcoming year goes, we look forward to another successful year of helping you fund your projects. The Commission is considering changes to our state participation levels for our funding programs that we think you will like. Hopefully we will have more information on this after the August Commission meeting.
And finally, we have two new Commissioners coming on board, which means all districts are represented again! Please help me in welcoming Denise Bryan, who will represent District 2 and Terry Connorton, who will represent District 4. We know that their airport management experience will bring the Commission valuable knowledge and insight and we look forward to working with them over the next several years.
Thank you again for your support over this last year. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Fair skies,
Leo Berube, CFI, CFI-I, MEI, FAASTeam Representative
This study was produced by The Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) and The National FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam). The 2024 January / February issue of the FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on the FAA’s Compliance Program and how its foundational concepts have helped advance a ‘just culture’ within the general aviation community. We are transitioning from reactive cultures where we wait for something to go wrong and then fix it to proactive just cultures. The term ‘human factors’ refers to the wide range of issues affecting how people perform tasks in their work and leisure environments. The course modules contain Basic, Advanced and Master levels of the WINGS Program. Completion of any WINGS Phase satisfies the knowledge requirement for a flight review.
The FAA Safety Team offers a comprehensive Human Factors for Pilots online course catalog hosted on FAASafety.gov. This program includes ten modules spread across nine courses, each designed to enhance pilots’ understanding of critical aspects such as human performance, safety culture, communication, teamwork, situational awareness, decision-making, threat and error management, human information processing, and the impact of design and automation. By exploring these topics, pilots can gain valuable insights into optimizing their performance and ensuring safer flight operations.
If we want to improve the ways people – individually and collectively – conduct and support flight operations, we’ll have to understand how humans think, what motivates them, what are their needs, fears, and biases
Module 2 - Safety Culture
The truth is that we ’ re all subject to cultural influences – good or bad Module 2 discusses organizational and individual safety cultures
Module 1- Introduction
For more than a century, we ' ve been producing and flying powered aircraft Each new design flies more payload farther, faster, and more efficiently then those that have gone before
Module 4 -
Effective communication is critical to safe flight operations Misunderstandings and communication failures at best cost time and money, and at worst, compromise safety
The truth is, there is a huge network of individuals and services available to every pilot and working with these assets as a team, we can fly to more places, more efficiently, and more safely than we can on our own
Situational Awareness involves an appreciation of everything we need to know with respect to flying, controlling, or maintaining an aircraft
Module 7 - Decision-making
This module teaches us how to make good decisions, even in tough situations
This module gives us knowledge and tools to manage threats, errors, and undesired aircraft states
We'll begin our discussion with an overview of how our information processing system works and how a process intended to lead to success can occasionally contribute to failure
Technology and automation have advanced aviation safety But they have also changed the way pilots interact with their aircraft and that has created some challenges
The South Carolina Aviation Association proudly announces the 2024 lineup of scholarship winners: LeeAnne Aganos, Colin Crader, John Gay, Karlie Hayes and Oswaldo Trejo
LeeAnne Aganos
LeeAnne Aganos, a standout student at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, began the Aviation Maintenance Program in January 2024 and quickly impressed her peers and instructors with her hard work and determination. LeeAnne’s passion for aviation maintenance, inspired by her grandfather’s military stories and her own automotive mechanics experience, is evident in her performance. She was recently selected for the MRO Americas’ AMC competition due to her exceptional team skills and active participation in extracurricular activities. Despite personal challenges, LeeAnne remains dedicated to creating a better future for her family through her education and career in aviation maintenance.
Colin Crader, a dedicated student in the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program at Greenville Technical College, has achieved significant milestones. Since starting the program in Fall 2023, Crader has maintained perfect attendance and passed his general written exam. He has also been accepted into the PSA Airlines Maintenance Student Pathway Program and earned his ASE Refrigerant Recycling/Recapture certification. Crader plans to take his airframe exams in April 2025 and his powerplant exams in February 2026, aiming to start his own Aircraft on Ground business in the future.
John Gay, an exceptional student at Polaris Tech, has shown remarkable growth and passion in their Aerospace Program. Known for his enthusiasm and keen aptitude for both theoretical and practical aerospace concepts, John stands out among his peers. He plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, renowned for its prestigious aviation programs, where he will study
aeronautical science to become a pilot. Beyond academics, John is recognized for his outstanding character, leadership skills, and dedication to helping others, making him a deserving candidate for any aviation scholarship.
Karlie Hayes, a standout student in the Aeronautics – Professional Pilot degree program at Charleston Southern University, has demonstrated exceptional potential as a future commercial pilot and leader. One of only two Professional Pilot students in the prestigious Honors Program, Karlie excels despite a demanding course load and rigorous flight training. Known for her intellectual curiosity, preparation, and performance both in the classroom and on the flight line, Karlie aims to become a cadet for Republic Airlines. Her long-term goal is to fly for a major airline like Southwest or Delta, eventually becoming an international wide-body captain.
Oswaldo Trejo, valedictorian for the class of 2024 at Hardeeville Junior and Senior High School, will be the first in his family to attend college this fall. He plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering at the College of Charleston. Oswaldo stands out as one of the most dedicated and driven students, consistently demonstrating a high level of intelligence, curiosity, and commitment to excellence. In addition to his outstanding academic performance, he possesses remarkable leadership skills and a genuine passion for aviation and technology. He actively engages in aerospace engineering, having attended the Jasper County Career and Advanced Technology Education Center as well as the Technical College of the Lowcountry, from which he graduated in May 2024. Oswaldo dreams of working for NASA or The Boeing Company and aims to become an aerospace engineering instructor.
In July 2023, Mount Pleasant teenager Alina Scott embarked on a solo flight to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Spanning six days, 1,000 miles, and six states, Alina was 14 years old when she completed her flight. As a Part 103 operator of an Aerolite 103, Alina was able to fly to Oshkosh before she had a driver’s or private pilot’s license.
Aviation runs in the Scott family. Her father, William, is a pilot, and Alina was inspired by her older brother’s ultralight journey from the family’s previous home in Virginia to Oshkosh in 2019. She prepared for the flight over months of practice, beginning with back and forth runs on the grass strip in the Scott’s neighborhood.
Because she was inexperienced with creating flight plans, William assumed the responsibility for creating the cross-country flight plan. As Alina flew, William would follow along on the roads below. Often, Alina landed before her father arrived, and she struck up conversations with the individuals at the airports where she landed. “At the airports where I landed, the people were kind and welcoming,” Alina said.
During the six-day trip, Alina kept in communication with her father via cell phone. Lacking a place to store her phone, she would sit on it and pull it out to check in when conditions allowed. “As I kept flying, I gained a better understanding of when it was safe to use my phone to check in.”
As with any cross-country flight, Alina’s journey had unexpected developments. The year’s extreme Canadian wildfire season caused smoke to decrease visibility in numerous states here in America. When flying through Indiana, Alina had to end the day’s flight earlier than anticipated. “There came a point where I was flying 400 feet above ground that wasn’t perfectly flat. I didn’t want to push too far and potentially run into trees,” she said.
As Alina flew into Oshkosh, she was communicating with the tower. Her ultralight’s muffler broke off. After six days of flying, she had gotten used to the aircraft’s sounds, and knew the hollow, high, louder sound was not right. Despite the then-unknown source of the noise, and with a few prayers for a safe landing, Alina was welcomed to Oshkosh by volunteers.
Alina spent her time at Oshkosh flying with other ultralight pilots. At the end of the week, she was invited to the EAA banquet and awarded the Pilot of the Year award.
A humble young lady, Alina did not expect her journey to draw attention. “When I arrived at Oshkosh, I didn’t expect many people to react to what I did. I wasn’t expecting crowds of people or the interviews that followed,” she said. “I am proud of my accomplishment.”
Alina dreams of attending the Air Force Academy and becoming a pilot in the Air Force.
To view a video about Alina’s journey visit: https://bit.ly/4cI19Fe Oshkosh 2024 is July 22-28.
F E B R U A R Y 1 2 - 1 4 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 5 S C A A A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E
H Y A T T R E G E N C Y G R E E N V I L L E
R O O M R A T E : $ 1 6 5
TAKE YOUR AIRPORT TO NEW HEIGHTS
A strong relationship exists between South Carolina’s economy and aviation. South Carolina’s system of airports helps to both lead and sustain growth and economic diversification. At the SCAA Annual Airports Conference, professionals from around the state meet to learn the latest in aviation technology and management practices, connect with one another and hear what’s upcoming from state and federal agencies.
When people meet Gary “Yam” Richardson of Georgetown, it’s often his smile they notice first and remember later. It’s warm and genuine. It makes people feel at ease and want to smile back. That smile paired with a polite, friendly demeanor opened the door to a successful career for Richardson, 34, who is now an airplane mechanic at the Georgetown Airport. His work ethic and drive to succeed did the rest, allowing him to make the most of the opportunity presented.
It all started because Richardson worked at a gas station near the airport where Airport Manager Jim Taylor would buy gas.“Gary worked the counter there. Every time I walked in, he would be smiling,” Taylor recalled. “He conversed with me; he’d seen the Georgetown County Airport logo on my shirt and asked me what we did, who’s out there.” In turn, Taylor would ask Richardson questions, like if he played football. Richardson did and had been something of a star player for Georgetown High School as a student.
“It was always a good conversation, no matter what we talked about,” Taylor said. So when Taylor had a job opening at the airport, he asked Richardson if he’d be interested in applying. He’d advertised the position and hadn’t found the right applicant. “I got to thinking, ‘maybe Gary,” Taylor said. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. Airport staff are usually the first point of contact for prospective businesses, destination travelers and many other visitors.
That makes a winning smile, a bright personality and being a good conversationalist huge assets for airport staff.
“To shine, to smile, to extend your hand for a handshake and help people with their bags, it puts a great first impression in people’s heads,” Taylor said. So the next time Taylor stopped in for gas, he decided to find out if Richardson wanted an opportunity to try something new.“I’m thinking ‘what would I do at the airport,’” Richardson recalled. “He said ‘just come on out here, I’ll give you a tour and you let me know if you like it.’”Richardson decided to give it a shot. And he excelled.
He excelled so much that it wasn’t long before someone else made him an offer. Sam Boyle, president and CEO of Tumeq, the company that owns the airport’s fixed base operator Seven Rivers Aviation, saw how Richardson conducted himself at the airport. “He was impressed by his skill set – and demeanor is a skill set,” Taylor said. Boyle asked if there would be any ill feelings if he “stole” Richardson for his company. “He approached me and said, ‘How’d you like to learn how to work on planes? You’re a little too smart to be cutting grass,” Richardson said of Boyle. He accepted and the company created a maintenance apprenticeship position for him, where he has learned to work on aircraft.
Richardson graduated from Georgetown High School in 2008 and attended Georgia Military College for a semester before deciding that wasn’t a good fit for him. He moved to Springfield, Mass., for a while and got his commercial driver’s license. He drove trucks and traveled for a bit, but his hometown was always calling to him. He took custody of his daughter, now in
middle school, and decided to settle back in Georgetown near family in 2018. That’s when he took the job at the gas station where he met Taylor. Before that fateful conversation about a job helping Taylor at the airport, Richardson said he had never given any consideration careers in aviation or really even known it was an option to be considered.
“I mean, I guess I knew somebody had to work on airplanes, but it’s not something I thought about,” Richardson said. “I didn’t know anything about planes. To be honest, I couldn’t have told you the difference between a metric wrench and a standard one. I’ve been training since September of last year and in April I installed my first motor.”
Though it’s a career path he never imagined for himself, Richardson said its one he enjoys and intends to continue on. “It’s a great opportunity and there’s lots of room to grow, so I like that. It’s also cool to tell people, ‘Hey, I work on planes,’” he said, flashing that radiant smile. “You’re never really doing the same thing every day, and there’s so many different planes – some I haven’t even seen yet. It challenges you every day. That’s what I like about it.”
Appropriately for a job in Aviation, Taylor said the sky is the limit for Richardson if he stays on this track.
“At the end of two years, hopefully he has acquired the skillset to take the test to become a certified A&P – airframe and powerplant mechanic,” Taylor said. “If he puts in another five years beyond that, he legitimately could write his own ticket and go anywhere in the country. It’s awesome.”
Charles Taylor has been in the aviation industry for more than 45 years and became the airport director for Marion County Airport in 2023. Marion County Airport, a general aviation airport located at 225 Airport Court, Mullins, South Carolina, has been serving the community since its humble beginnings as a grass strip in 1963. Officially opening in 1974 with a 4,000foot runway, the airport has seen significant development over the years. The latest upgrade, completed in November 2023, extended the runway to 5,004 feet, ensuring better service and safety for all aircraft.
Under Taylor’s leadership, the airport operates as a fixed-base operation, providing essential services such as low-lead 100 and jet A fuel, with 10,000-gallon self-service tanks available. The airport’s operational hours are from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the facilities remain accessible to pilots and visitors around the clock. Amenities include restrooms, a conference room, a pilot’s lounge with TV and refreshments, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
Marion County Airport plays an active role in the community. It hosted an event during SC Aviation Week in April 2024, which had 128 attendees, including representatives, senators, and members of U.S. Senator
Tim Scott’s office. The event highlighted the importance of aviation and its opportunities, as well as airport improvements and future ideas, with participation from various cities such as Greenville, Columbia, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach and more. Charles Taylor himself cooked a delicious lunch for everyone, fostering a sense of community and hospitality.
Looking ahead, the airport aims to engage with local schools. Plans are in place to host field trips for students from fifth to eighth grade, introducing them to aviation careers. These visits will feature demonstrations from pilots and helicopter operators, showcasing the diverse opportunities within the aviation industry.
Marion County Airport has ambitious plans for expansion, including the construction of a new 9,480-square-foot terminal building. This modern facility will include conference rooms and a small restaurant named “The Hangar,” enhancing the airport’s appeal to the general public and business travelers. The airport has also set aside 11.4 acres for potential corporate hangars, aiming to attract more business to the area.
The airport has recently launched the Breezy Flight School, with instructor James Wallace offering flight lessons. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning to fly, further embedding the airport’s role as an educational and community hub.
Marion County Airport, under the leadership of Charles Taylor, continues to grow and thrive, offering a blend of tradition, community spirit, and forward-thinking development. The airport not only serves as a vital transportation hub but also as a beacon of community engagement and educational opportunity.
A newly appointed airport advisory board held its first meeting on June 27, 2024, marking the first time the airport has had a board.
By: Robbie Albertson, Aerospace Engineering Instructor, Pickens County Career & Technology Center
The morning of May 17, 2024, was overcast with a slight drizzle over Pickens County Airport (KLQK). Even though the weather was not perfect, it was an ideal day for a group of eager students from the Pickens County Career and Technology Center (PCCTC). These students diligently completed the AOPA STEM curriculum, a rigorous program that marries science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with the exciting world of aviation. Their reward was not just the satisfaction of completing the courses but something far more exhilarating: a chance to take to the skies in a real aircraft.
As the students arrived at the airport, their excite ment was evident. The day began with a comprehensive tour of the airport facilities, guided by the airport manager (Carlos Salinas). The tour included visiting the maintenance hangars, where students were introduced to the intricate details of aircraft upkeep and the critical importance of safety checks.
After the tour, the students gathered for a safety briefing that included a demonstration of a complete ground inspection of an aircraft. This meticulous process ensures that every flight is safe and smooth and that the plane is ready for flight. The pilots emphasized the importance of following safety protocols and explained the basic principles of flight. Each student was given a headset, and their eyes widened with anticipation as they realized they would soon hear the same communications pilots use daily.
The real highlight of the day was the flight itself. The group was divided among three aircraft, each piloted by one of the seasoned aviators. Luke Spicer, Skeets Cooper, and Robbie Albertson shared their passion for flying as they prepared their planes for takeoff. For many students, this would be their first experience in a small aircraft, far removed from the commercial flights they might have taken.
As the engines roared to life, the moment’s thrill was undeniable. The planes taxied to the runway one by one and ascended into the overcast sky. The students still had a breathtaking view of the local area from above, including a flyover of their high schools. This aerial tour provided a unique perspective on the place they called home and underscored the tangible connection between their academic efforts and the real world.
Each student had the incredible opportunity to take the controls, guided carefully by their pilot. With hands on the yoke, they felt the aircraft respond to their inputs, a powerful and empowering experience. This hands-on flight time was a joyride and a practical application of their studies, transforming theoretical knowledge into real-world skills.
This program has been a cornerstone of the PCCTC’s aviation curriculum for the past four years. It has inspired many students to pursue further training, with several completing their Private Pilot training. The success stories are numerous, with former students continuing their studies in advanced aviation programs.
The impact of this program extends beyond just the individual flights. It is a powerful motivator, showing students that their hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary experiences and career opportunities. Introducing them to the realities of flying versus simulators bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, igniting a passion for aviation in the next generation.
As the planes landed back at Pickens County Airport and the students disembarked, a sense of achievement and exhilaration was evident on their faces. This day of flying was more than just an adventure; it was a testament to their hard work and a glimpse into their potential futures. For these young aviators, the sky was no longer the limit; it was just the beginning.
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.
HONORABLE IRA ELLIS
Inducted 2023, Elite Aviator
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.
RONALD E. MCNAIR Inducted 1992
B. “DUSTY” HUGGINS Inducted 1996
Inducted 2015
Inducted 2001
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 Fax 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).
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.
July 7 Mid-Carolina Regional
July 21 Spartanburg Downtown Memorial
Aug. 4 Berkeley County Airport
Aug.18 Triple Tree Aerodrome
Sept. 8 Pageland Airport
Sept. 22 Laurens County Airport
Oct. 6 Kershaw County Airport - Woodward Field
Oct. 20 Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport
Oct. 27 Orangeburg Municipal Airport
Nov. 3 Conway/Horry County Airport
Nov. 17 Beaufort Executive Airport
Dec. 1 Fairfield County Airport
Dec. 15 Florence Regional Airport
SOUTH CAROLINA AVIATION ASSOCIATION
PO Box 80994, Charleston, SC, 29416 (P) 1-877-FLY-SCAA // (E) scaa@scaaonline.com (W) www.scaaonline.com
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