By Marie C. Peinado
Aviation Division
AUSTIN – The 22nd Annual Texas Aviation Conference (TAC) was held on April 14-16, 2004, at the Townlake Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin. TAC was co-hosted by Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division and the Texas Airport Management Association (TAMA).
TxDOT recognized airports and individuals who have led the way in significantly enhancing their airport operations and passenger service, as well as increasing economic development in their community. Participants included airport managers, city, county and state officials, consultants, exhibitors, the general public and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Additionally, three students were honored from among 450 Texas entrants in the 2004 International Aviation Art Contest. They all received the top awards in their age categories. The theme of this year’s art contest was “Flying Saves Lives.”
Among a spirit of friendly good-fellow ship, there were over 500 participants who were treated to a wide-range of workshops, presentations and a general summary of the “state of aviation” in Texas. The program was well-received and timely for all participants as they noted on their overall conference evaluation sheet.
New exhibitors were added to TAC this year for a total of 60 exhibitors. We expect to keep improving our accommodations to our exhibitors as we book future conferences. Next year’s TAC will be held at the Hyatt on Tuesday through Thursday, March 22-24, so please mark your calendars!
At the Awards Banquet, the following aviation and art contest awards for the Year 2004 were presented:
GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Isabelle Blanchard, airport manager for Pecos Municipal Airport. Blanchard’s devotion to aviation and education has been displayed in her work with the Young Eagles youth aviation group and pilots, including teaching flight instruction at the airport. Additionally, she oversaw a $1.6 million reconstruction project to improve pavement conditions at the airport in 2002.
GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OF THE YEAR – Brenham Municipal Airport. The airport was recognized for various developmental improvements allowing it to remain a vital asset to the community. The airport houses 34 privately owned aircraft hangars, eight large corporate hangars, a fixed-based operator, a restaurant and aircraft mechanical/repair services.
RELIEVER AIRPORT OF THE YEAR – Dallas Executive Airport. Airport administrators have developed a comprehensive development program that includes construction of a new terminal building and air traffic control tower. Since 1998, more than $8 million in private investments have been committed to the development of the airport. The airport is a 1,000-acre facility owned and operated by the city of Dallas.
MOST IMPROVED AIRPORT OF THE YEAR – Coleman Municipal Airport. The city-owned facility is a public-use general aviation airport that provides several community-based services and programs that enhance the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of area citizens. The airport offers full -time staff for fueling and even provides a car and golf cart for passenger convenience.
The 2004 International Aviation Art Contest Awards:
Category I (Ages 6-9):
- First Place: Brooke Campbell, age 8, Princeton Elementary School, Princeton
Category II (Ages 10- 13):
- First Place: Jessie Kelly, age 12, Holy Trinity Catholic School, Grapevine
Category III (Ages 14- 17):
- First Place: Alice Xu, age 15, Cinco Ranch High School, Katy
The Golf Tournament was held at the Riverside Golf Course and the winners were: Team Leaders Bill Looke, Robert Baker, Kyle Wommack and Larry Shields. Additionally, the 3rd Annual Pool Tournament was held at the Slick Willies Family Pool Hall and winners were:
- 1st Place Chris Wall
- 2nd Place Bill Jinkins, Terrell Airport Board Vice President
- GUPPY Margie Gandy, TxDOT Lufkin District RAMP Coordinator
And last, but not least, the Hawaiian Night featuring live music and door prizes sponsored by TAMA was outstanding! The social took place outside on the hotel patio overlooking Town Lake.
Once again, this was a great conference! We would like to thank our exhibitors and sponsors for their contributions to TAC especially the “Get Acquainted Reception.” We appreciate their support and efforts in helping us provide another successful conference to our public. Also, we thank the Art Contest judges – Mel Brown, Texas Aviation Artists, Michelle Hannah, TxDOT Aviation Division, and Kristi Harms, Graphics Designer, TxDOT Travel Division – for their assistance in selecting the art contest winners for the State of Texas.
See you next year!
