State Aviation Journal - NASAO 2014

State Aviation Journal NASAO 2014

Providence, Rhode Island and

RIAC Hosts NASAO 83rd Annual Convention and Trade Show 2014 NASAO Special Edition

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

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Contents

Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Layout Design Photography

From the Publisher

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Newport Offers Pleasant Distraction

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Kim J. Stevens Andrew Stevens Kim Stevens Kim Stevens Shahn Sederberg

State Aviation Journal 3535 S. Ball Street, #627 Arlington, VA 22202

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STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

2014 NASAO Special Edition

Breakers Tour

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NASAO/FAA Annual Summit

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Opening reception with Exhibitors

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2014 NASAO Class Photo

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Clambake at Squantum

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NASAO Awards Banquet

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Michigan Takes Newsletter Award

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General Session Line-up Packs Powerful Punch

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On The Cover

The Breakers

Melissa Womack and Tommy Booth enjoy the sunset at Squantum on the river outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Photo by Andrew Stevens.

2014 NASAO Special Edition

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From the Publisher

Behind the Scenes You’ve heard the saying; ‘Behind every successful man is a woman.’ Then there is Groucho Marx’s version… behind every successful man is a woman and behind her is his wife!

Well, the same might be said of a successful convention. A lot of good things happened at this year’s NASAO Convention and Trade Show in Providence, Rhode Island. I’d like to think that it was one of the best, and of course the only reason I can say that is because of the hard work and sweat provided by an amazing group of folks behind the scene. Most notably, Bridgette Bailey, NASAO’s Director of Administration and Meetings.

Those of you that have been engaged in planning an event the size of NASAO’s, know that the work begins more than a year in advance. In fact if possible it helps to have a location selected at least three years out. What makes this year’s event unique is that it was put together in less than a year. Not an easy task. Kudos to Bridgette!

I also want to thank my son Andrew, his wife Kate and my lovely wife, Deb for contributing to the cause behind the scenes.

Andrew assisted Bridgette and I in numerous ways for the six months prior to the Convention and during the week of. Also doing an outstanding job was Jennifer Boehm from South Dakota.

Jennifer, who did an amazing job assisting NASAO last year in Sioux Falls, brought her experience to Providence to provide some much needed help.

A special thanks to Kelly Fredericks and his team at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. HavContinued on next page.

Dinner at the Harley Davidson Dealership.

NASAO’s Bridgette Bailey and Jennifer Boehm (South Dakota).

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2014 NASAO Special Edition

Alicia Spearing and Liberty Luciano with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, provided excellent support during the NASAO Convention.

Kate and Andrew Stevens both helped behind the scenes at NASAO’s annual conference.

ing boots on the ground on location is a tremenof Aeronautics team is well underway, and I can’t dous help and Alicia Spearing and Liberty Luwait to see what’s in store for 2015. ciano helped make it all happen.

This year, we’ve already hit the ground running as we prepare to meet in Boise, Idaho. The planning by the NASAO staff and the Idaho Division

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Enjoying the beach in Newport.

Newport Offers a Pleasant Distraction for NASAO Attendees A Sunday road trip to Newport, Rhode Island provided a nice distraction for NASAO Convention attendees.

Folks loaded buses in the morning for the thirty minute drive from the Omni Providence Hotel, south to the coastal community steeped in history. “The area has so much to offer,” said Kim Stevens, NASAO Interim President.

Gary Chernenko, left (West Virginia) and Steve Summers (New Mexico) were among those enjoy the view.

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“There is so much to explore including the late 1800s and early 1900s of American history and European-influenced architecture. Newport was a major 18th-century port city and now contains among the highest number of surviving colonial buildings of any city in the United States.”

Attendees were able to take the journey back in time to experience how many of America’s wealthiest families lived during the Gilded Age as they visited the Breakers, one of many Newport mansions. (See page 8).

Newport is also the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center.

For those that like sailing, Newport Harbor was the home of the American’s Cup from 1930 to 1983. Yachting

2014 NASAO Special Edition

Yachting is a major sport in Newport.

is a major sport in Newport still, and its history is strong, especially at the Newport Museum of Yachting.

Many attendees said they caught a glimpse of potential romantic weekend getaways. Families with children will enjoy equally the simple pleasure of strolling through downtown, past Colonial-period buildings. Attendees on this day were able to brunch at the Atlantic Beach Club, one of Newport’s excellent dining establishments which range from simple clam shacks to the historic White Horse Tavern.

Melissa Womack and Tommy Booth of Mississippi stroll on the beach.

See you !

O A S NA Thanks for visiting us in Providence! APTech looks forward to the next 83 years, working with NASAO members to continue aviation excellence in pavement management systems, pavement evaluations, structural analysis including PCNs , and PAVER™ and PCI training.

Gary Cathey (California), left and Vic Bird (Oklahoma).

www.appliedpavement.com

2014 NASAO Special Edition

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Sunday Afternoon

Tour of the Breakers Highlights Sunday Excursion

The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America.

As NASAO Convention attendees strolled through the impressive iron gate and down the tree-lined sidewalk to the main entrance, you could hear the oohs and ahs and almost sense the imagination of every visitor as they fancied themselves as a Vanderbilt.

Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (17941877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad, which was a pivotal development in the industrial growth of the nation during the late 19th century.

The Commodore’s grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, became Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system in 1885, and purchased a wooden house called The Breakers in Newport during that same year. In 1893, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the earlier wood-framed house which was destroyed by fire the previous year. Hunt directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin.

Allard and Sons of Paris assisted Hunt with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters.

Many NASAO couples paused on the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the expansive grounds and breathtaking Page 8

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coastline and then continued on the self-guided audio tour of the masion.

The Vanderbilts had seven children. Their youngest daughter, Gladys, who married Count Laszlo Szechenyi of Hungary, inherited the house on her mother’s death in 1934. An ardent supporter of The Preservation Society of Newport County, she opened The Breakers in 1948 to raise funds for the Society. In 1972, the Preservation Society purchased the house from her heirs. Today, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Dennis and Nel Stubs pose in front of the Breakers.

2014 NASAO Special Edition

Melissa Womack and Tommy Booth (Mississippi).

Kelly and Jerry Chism (Arkansas).

Brad and Julie Brandt (Louisiana).

Kyle and BriAnna Wanner (North Dakota).

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BriAnna Wanner picks up a Mead & Hunt door prize from NASAO Interim President, Kim Stevens. Regan Schnug, Mead & Hunt is on the

Opening Reception with Exhibitors Sets Stage for Great Convention A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Sunday evening officially opening the National Association of State Aviation Officials’ (NASAO) 83rd Annual Convention and Trade Show in Providence, Rhode Island. NASAO Chairman, Chris Willenborg (Massachusetts), Kelly Fredericks, President of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and Kim Stevens, Interim President of NASAO participated in Continued on page 12.

Steve Summers (New Mexico) and Stacy Howard (NBAA).

Chris Willenborg (Massachusetts), left and Kelly Fredericks (Rhode Island), were part of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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Frank Farmer, left and John Eagerton (Alabama).

2014 NASAO Special Edition

Joseph Navarrete and Christine Gerencher with TRB.

An exhibitor signs an attendees vendor checklist.

Arlan Sheets, Business Development Manager, Thales.

Ralph Petragnani, Belfort Instrument, left and Kim Stevens, NASAO.

Photos by Andrew and Kim Stevens

James Stephens (South Carolina), left and Richard Walls (North Carolina).

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Mike Trout (Michigan), left and David Greene (Wisconsin).

Dave Olster, left and Matt Massiano (Saab Sensis).

Opening Reception Continued from page 10. the ceremony.

More than eighteen sponsors and 24 exhibitors helped make this year’s convention a success, said Stevens. “The feedback from our exhibitors was very positive.”

For the second year NASAO arranged for Alex Lynch, Multimedia Producer for Sixel Consulting Group to video tape the convention. “We’ve found having a video is a great way to preserve each year’s convention and promote the following year’s event,” said Stevens.

Chris Willenborg (Massachusetts), left and Ashish Solanki (Maryland).

From left are, Robert Mallard, Airport Solutions Group, Scott Sanders, CDM Smith and Gary Cathey (Caltrans).

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2014 NASAO Special Edition

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Monday afternoon panel on Wildlife and Bird Strike Reporting, from left with Mike Begier (USDA-APHIS) at the podium, Cody Baciuska (Loomacres), Michael O’Donnell (FAA) and Paul Werts (South Carolina).

General Session Lineup Packs Powerful Punch The general session lineup of speakers and presenters at most conferences can be considered the meat and potatoes of that event. It could be argued that attendees of the 83rd Annual National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Convention and Trade Show in Providence, Rhode Island, were served prime rib this year with a Governor, a Congressman, the head of the FAA and whole

mash of high level federal, state and aviation association and business officials on the roster.

The Monday morning session began with the presentation of colors by the Rhode Island State Police Honor Guard, followed by the singing of the Gov. Lincoln Chafee (D-RI).

National Anthem by “Wake the Neighbors.”

After opening remarks by NASAO Chairman Chris Willenborg and Convention host, Kelly Fredericks, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, the Governor of Rhode Island, Lincoln Chafee welcomed attendees to the beautiful state of Rhode Island.

Todd Hauptli, President of the

‘Wake the Neighbors’ performed the National Anthem.

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2014 NASAO Special Edition

Congressman Todd Rokita (R-Ind.).

Greg Pecoraro (AOPA), left and Steve Summers (New Mexico).

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) was the next speaker followed by Congressman Todd Rokita of Indiana, who talked about his efforts to eliminate the 3rd Class Medical for pilots and the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act, introduced in 2013 by him and Sam Graves (R-MO).

Additionally, important presentations on the topics of piston aviation fuels, wildlife, remote towers, UAS, NextGen, Transportation in Alaska and a new carbon neutral program in Massachusetts were in the lineup. For the fifth year in a row, the NASAO/FAA Summit took place with FAA Regional Administrators and state aviation officials (See page 18).

Jerry Chism (Arkansas), left and Joe Pestka, Jviation.

Continued on page 16.

Todd Hauptli (AAAE).

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UAS panel moderated by Randy Burdette (Virginia) included, from left Burdette, Jim Williams (FAA), Mario Mairena (AUVSI) and Mark Dombroff (McKenna, Long and Aldridge).

Massachusetts Carbon Neutral Program

General Sessions Continued from page 15.

“I would like to sincerely thank our NASAO staff of Kim Stevens and Bridgette Bailey and our host state, Rhode Island, led by Kelly Fredericks, for an outstanding and successful convention in Providence,” said Chris Willenborg, NASAO Chairman and Aviation Administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

“With over 170 attendees, 34 states represented, and 26 exhibitors, we had the opportunity to have robust discussions regarding relevant topics facing our aviation industry.”

General Marke “Hoot” Gibson, NextGen Institute.

John Binder (Alaska).

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STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

Explaining the Massachusetts Carbon Neutral Program are from left, counter-clockwise, David Arthor, USDOT Volpe Center, Doreen Hamilton, Honeywell, Katie Servis, MassDOT Aeronautics Division and Noah Karlberg, Nantucket Memorial Airport.

Matt Massiano (SAAB Sensis).

Wildlife Panel

Monday Sessions

Mike Begier (USDA).

Cody Baciuska (Loomacres).

Paul Werts (South Carolina).

Mike O’Donnell (FAA).

Alternative Fuels Panel

Peter White (FAA).

Walter Desrosier (GAMA).

Rob Hackman (AOPA)

Photos by Andrew Stevens

Greg Pecoraro (AOPA).

Kim Stevens (NASAO).

Ashish Solanki (Maryland) and Phil Jones (Louisiana).

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State directors and FAA personnel from Western Pacific and Northwest Mountain Region gather to discuss issues.

Annual NASAO/FAA Summit Popular Draw Among State Aviation Officials The fifth annual NASAO/FAA Summit took place on Tuesday morning giving FAA Regional Administrators and state aviation officials the opportunity to discuss current issues, opportunities and challenges facing the states and the aviation industry.

Barry Cooper, Great Lakes Regional Administrator and FAA liaison to NASAO welcomed Summit attendees and gave a brief overview of the history of the Summit and the objectives. “As FAA regional administrators in the nine FAA regions, we all interface regularly with the state aviation directors within our respective regions on issues of state and local scope,” said Cooper. “However, rarely do the FAA regional administrators and state aviation directors have a chance to assemble on a national level to Continued on next page.

Abigail Smith (FAA).

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Chris Willenborg, left, presented the 2014 NASAO Chairman’s Award to Doug Murphy, FAA Regional Administrator for Southern Region.

From left are, Susan Chernenko, Carmine Gallo and Randy Burdette.

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

2014 NASAO Special Edition

Barry Cooper

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta (seated on right) was the Keynote Luncheon speaker during the NASAO Convention. After his remarks the Administrator joined NASAO Chairman Chris Willenborg at the table for an official signing of an MOU with NASAO on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Observing the signing behind the table are NASAO UAS Committee members and Jim Williams FAA’s UAS Integration Office lead. Standing from left are, Ashish Solanki (Maryland), Kyle Wanner (North Dakota), John Binder (Alaska), Jim Williams (FAA) and Randy Burdette (Virginia).

Continued from previous page. discuss issues of mutual, more global interest.” The FAA/ NASAO Summit, conducted as part of the annual NASAO national convention and trade show, provides that opportunity.

Kim Stevens, NASAO Interim President said state directors and their staff really appreciate the regional administrators being here. “Early on during the planning of this year’s convention, we heard that only three of them were going to be able to make it to the convention this year,” said Stevens. “NASAO Chairman [Chris] Willenborg called Barry Cooper to stress the importance of having all regional administrators there, and shortly thereafter, we heard the good news that most of them would be!”

Speaking on behalf of FAA’s regional executives, Cooper said they greatly appreciate NASAO’s demonstrated commitment to sponsoring these sessions each year, as a means of strengthening the alliance of the two organizations and promoting strong collaboration – “a key to our mutual success.”

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NASAO Class of 2014

Women of NASAO include from left, Debbie Alke (Montana), Susan Shea (Illinois), Carol Comer (Georgia), Cassandra Isackson (Minnesota), Susan Chernenko (West Virginia) and Amy Ludwig (Missouri).

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2014 NASAO Special Edition

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NASAO attendees enjoy an evening meal and entertainment at Squantum. (Photos by Andrew Stevens)

Convention Attendees Treated to Clambake at Squantum Monday night in Providence was a time to relax for all the attendees of the 83rd NASAO Conference and Trade Show. After convention attendees spent all day in conference rooms listening to a great lineup of speakers talk about different aviation subjects, Monday night at Squantum provided the perfect change of pace to complete a successful day. Lobster anyone?

NASAO hosted a Clambake on the Squantum grounds which gave attendees a beautiful waterfront view on the Providence River and city of Providence. The Squantum Association is a private club in East Providence, Rhode Island. Its Colonial Revival building was constructed in 1870 and added to the National Register of Historic Places Page 22

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Guests had a choice between steak and one of these lobsters.

2014 NASAO Special Edition

Built out on rocky coastline of the Providence River, Squantum provides a beautiful venue for special events.

in 1980. And to set the stage with even more beauty was with each other and share stories. It was the perfect conone of the best sunsets anyone could ask for. It certainly clusion to an exciting Monday. Hmm! I wonder if Boise led to some great photographic opportunities! has lobster. Oh well, how about some tasty fries!

However, what really made the night a success was the choice of lobster on the menu. It wasn’t just about ordering a lobster and seeing it on your plate 20 minutes later - guests could go outside to watch the entire process of preparing a lobster. From creepy crawly to yummy in my tummy, it was very intriguing to watch as the cooks made all the preparations for placing the lobsters on the fire pit and then covering them up in a cloth to bake.

Overall the brisk September night in Providence ended up being quite the success. Attendees were quite pleased with their food and enjoyed a few tasty beverages as well. It also provided for some of Alex Lynch (Sixel) videotapes the process of preparing lobsters for the evening meal. the best opportunities for folks to connect 2014 NASAO Special Edition

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Annual Awards Dinner Tops-Off Eventful Week

Chis Willenborg

A talented jazz trio set the mood for some great networking and story telling during the Tuesday evening reception and NASAO Annual Awards Dinner. The Idaho Division of Aeronautics set up their booth for a preview of next year’s meeting location to be held September 20 – 22 and handed out little potato pins with numbers on them to be used for prize drawings next year in Boise.

Interim NASAO President, Kim Stevens, welcomed attendees and recognized the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission for the Most Innovative State Program award (See page 29) and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission for the Aviation Education Program award (See page 29) sponsored by the NASAO Center for Aviation Research & Education. “Both states deserved the honor,” said Stevens. “Each state invested a lot of time and resources into these programs.”

After the award presentations, Chairman Chris Willenborg, Administrator, Aeronautics Division, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, recognized the dedication and hard work exhibited by the Board of Directors during the last year. “As your immediate past chairman, it has truly been an honor and privilege to have served as chairman of Continued on page 30.

Gary and Susan Chernenko (West Virginia).

Chris Willenborg, outgoing Chairman from Massachusetts, left, shows his appreciation to the outgoing NASAO Regional Directors. From left with plaques are, Kelly Fredericks, Rhode Island, Susan Chernenko, West Virginia, Brad Brandt, Louisiana, Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska and David Greene, Wisconsin. Far right is Kim Stevens, Interim NASAO President.

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2014 NASAO Special Edition

Kicking Back Monday Night with Harley Davidson

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2014 Executive Board members from left, Chris Willenborg (Massachusetts), Gary Cathey (California), Carol Comer (Georgia), Brad Brandt (Lousiana), Tommy Booth (Mississippi) and Interim NASAO President, Kim Stevens.

Tommy Booth and Melissa Womack.

David Jackson and Carol Comer.

Tuesday Evening Awards Dinner

From left are Cassandra Isackson, Bill Orellana and Debbie Alke.

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Joe Pestka and Amy Ludwig.

2014 NASAO Special Edition

South Carolina Takes Most Innovative State Program Award The most Innovative State Program Award was estabtect the investments they, the State, and FAA have made, lished by NASAO in 1984 to recognize state aviation pro- 3) meet the provisions of Title 55 of the South Carolina grams that push the barrier to offer something truly unique Code of Laws, and 4) to develop a network of “champito the industry. This year the South Carolina Aeronautics ons” at the local level that realize and defend the value Commission displayed that uniqueness with its statewide that airports bring to their respective communities. airport compatible land use evaluation tool. It’s an intense “This tool will be an asset that for years to come should interactive web based tool that has been featured in airport support the aviation community here in South Carolina,” trade magazines, presented at Transportation Research said Stephens, who thanked his staff and development Board annual meetings, and will be highlighted in an FAA team for a job well done during an acceptance speech in Advisory Circular update on Airport Land Use. Providence.

James Stephens, Interim Director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission said they were honored to receive the award this year. “We have spent countless hours and much effort in order to make our Compatible Land-Use Evaluation (CLUE) Tool an asset to the airport communities within South Carolina,” said Stephens. Their main objectives was to: 1) protect the airports from in-compatible land uses, 2) give the communities From left are Chris Willenborg, outgoing NASAO Chair, Stephens, Paul Werts, and Mihir Shah, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and Kim Stevens, NASAO Interim President. that own airports a tool to pro-

Aviation Education Award Goes to Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission showcased the importance of Aerospace and Aviation Education in 2014 by reaching out to Oklahoma students through a number of different programs. Having multiple platforms allow young people several opportunities to learn more about the aviation and aerospace industry through a variety of activities and programs rather than just offering a single platform. Victor Bird and Grayson Ardies were honored to accept the award at the 83rd Annual NASAO Conference with Bird stating that there isn’t anything more important state aviation directors can do than help encourage young Americans to choose aviation and aerospace as a career.

From left are Grayson Ardies and Vic Bird, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and NASAO Outgoing Chairman and Massachusetts Aviation Administrator, Chris Willenborg.

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Awards Dinner Continued from page 26.

NASAO this past year,” said Willenborg.

Despite a challenging year for the NASAO family and friends, they were able to move the organization forward and continue to be a strong voice for state aviation government leaders across the country. “I greatly appreciated the support and words of encouragement from our NASAO Staff, NASAO Executive Committee, NASAO Board of Directors, and NASAO Membership throughout the year,” said Willenborg. “I look forward to working with our current NASAO Chairwoman Carol Comer of Georgia and the entire Executive Committee over the next year in addressing the challenges that lay ahead for NASAO and the aviation industry.”

Willenborg then passed the gavel to the incoming Chair, Carol Comer, Director of the Division of Intermodal, Georgia Department of Transportation, who recognized the new NASAO Board of Directors. They are; Gary Cathey, Vice Chair, Chief of the Division of Aeronautics, California Department of Transportation; Brad Brandt,

Idaho Aeronautics staff invited attendees to Boise for next year’s conference. From left are, Tammy Schoen, Melissa Kaplan and William Statham.

Treasurer, Director, Aviation Section, Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development; Ronnie Mitchell, Secretary, Director, Nebraska Department of Aeronautics; and Regional Directors, Kelly Fredericks (Rhode Island), Ashish Solanki (Maryland), Winn Turney (Kentucky), Amy Ludwig (Missouri), David Greene (Wisconsin), Steve Summers (New Mexico), Mie Klein (Arizona) and Mike Pape (Idaho).

Sponsors for the evening dinner were W.D. Schock Co., Inc., McFarland Johnson and Clear Channel Airports.

Michigan Aeronautics Recognized with Newsletter Award The State Aviation Journal (SAJ) has recognized the Michigan Office of Aeronautics for its outstanding work in producing a state aviation newsletter that effectively promotes aviation and educates its readers on the programs and initiatives taking place within the state. Mike Trout, Executive Administrator accepted the award for the Division at the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Monday luncheon during their Providence Rhode Island convention.

The SAJ coordinates with NASAO each year to make the presentation during the Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. This year the judges included Margot Carmichael Lester, Founder of the Word Factory in Carrboro, North Carolina, T.J. Schulz, President of the Airport Consultants Council (ACC) and Melissa Sabatine, Senior Page 28

STATE AVIATION JOURNAL

Vice President with the American Association of State Aviation Officials (AAAE).

Mike Trout, left, accepts the newsletter award from SAJ publisher, Kim Stevens.

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