Originally published in 1997
Almost 400 people attended the 15th Annual Texas Airport Operators conference, including airport managers, sponsors, consultants, speakers, TxDOT district staff, and Aviation Division staff.
This annual conference, sponsored by TxDOT’s Aviation Division and the Texas Association of Airport Executives (T AAE), provides presentations and workshops designed specifically for airport sponsors and operators of general aviation airports.
Wednesday afternoon a get-acquainted reception was hosted by 38 companies exhibiting their latest products and services for the aviation industry.
Texas Transportation Commission Chairman David Laney and TxDOT Executive Director Bill Burnett kicked off the conference by providing the welcoming address and opening remarks.
Conference workshops covered a variety of airport safety and environmental issues, an overview of the Routine Airport Maintenance Program, how to prepare an airport for a new global positioning system approach, and a session on implementing airport action plans. Mr. Vane Hugo, Director of Aviation for Wal-Mart, Inc., provided a business perspective on the importance of general aviation.
David Fulton, TxDOT’s Aviation Division Director, and Otis Welch, Manager of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Texas Airport Development Office, conducted an hour-long session answering questions and accepting suggestions from conference attendees on how TxDOT and FAA can better serve them.
The Aviation Division is already looking forward to next year’s conference. A new look and theme are planned that will open the conference agenda up to a variety of aviation concerns and interests in Texas, and will encourage a broader base of participants. Plans for next year include renaming the annual conference the Texas Aviation Conference.
During Friday’s awards luncheon, Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Chairman George Mitchell (right), presented TxDOT’s Career Contribution to Aviation Award to Mr. Leland Snow, President of Air Tractor, Inc., Olney, Texas. “Mr. Snow is highly respected for his outstanding achievements in the agricultural aviation industry. His contribution to aviation in Texas has been enormous, and is particularly evident through his commitment to the success of Air Tractor,” remarked David Fulton, TxDOT’s Aviation Division Director.
The Career Contribution to Aviation Award is presented by TxDOT to individuals whose contribution to aviation in Texas has been exceptional. Past recipients include Herb Kelleher, President and CEO of Southwest Airlines, and Edward J. Swearingen, Chairman of Sino Swearingen Aircraft Company.