Wingtips Spring 2025

Letter of Intent
Due between September 1st and December 31st of anticipated development year. (LOIs received after December 31st will be held until the following September.)
Contact: Your Planner

RAMP
January 31st, 2025: RAMP grants must be executed for FY25 ramp projects.
May 31st, 2025: RAMP reimbursement requests must be submitted in eGrants.
If RAMP funds have not been expended by May 31st, 2025 and you have executed contracts or POS for eligible work between June 1st, 2025 to August 31st, 2025, please contact the RAMP manager to discuss.
Contact: RAMP Manager

CRRSSA
May 1st, 2025: CRRSSA reimbursement requests must be submitted in eGrants.
Contact: Grant Management Team

ARPA
July 1st, 2025: ARPA reimbursement requests must be submitted in eGrants.
Contact: Grant Management Team

IIJA
May 1st, 2025: IIJA funds for 2022 must be negotiated or bid or the funding will be swept.
Contact: Your Planner

The link to the approved ACIP on txdot.gov is also included here: txdot.gov/content/dam/docs/aviation/acip-fy25-20240819.pdf. Changes will be coming soon regarding revisions to the project management and funding process.

As published in Community Impact by Jonathan Perriello 

The first students of the new Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences at Texas Woman’s University took flight this September. 

The flight program launched this year after TWU landed a $15 million gift from the Doswell Foundation last year. As the only flight school and four-year aeronautical degree option in North Texas, it creates a pipeline for students in aviation. Only 5.2% of certified airline pilots are women as of December 2023, per the Federal Aviation Administration. TWU officials hope to offset the disparity, Grant said. 

“To our knowledge, TWU is the only public four-year university that is primarily women-focused and offers a flight program,” said Clint Grant, the school’s director. 

What to know 

TWU selected Grant to start and head the program after he helped start the aviation flight program at Tarrant County College in 2012 and served as the dean of aviation, business and logistics. A private pilot himself, Grant also brings decades of knowledge to the position with an aviation technology degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and experience in aviation maintenance at Delta Air Lines. 

Since taking the position at TWU, Grant has secured an FAA certification for the school — which is required for colleges to train pilots — hired an associate director and chief instructor for the program, and established a partnership with the US Aviation Academy, which operates out of the Denton Regional Airport. 

Through the program, students can choose a bachelor’s in aviation sciences with two tracks: professional pilot training or aviation management. The professional pilot track is targeted to students interested in airline piloting, which requires certified flight instructor training. The management track is intended to certify students as commercial pilots while teaching flight operation management skills rather than instructor training. 

“If students wanted to fly in the corporate or private industry or work for law enforcement, they wouldn’t need to become instructors, so the management track is for them,” Grant said. 

Students will study aviation sciences, which lay the basic framework for pilot training, at the university with US Aviation Academy instructors leading the flight instruction. Students spend time at both TWU and the Denton Regional Airport over the course of the program and have access to any available plane in the academy’s 70-unit fleet at the Denton airport. 

The program launched with 24 students, two of which are male. The enrollment is just shy of the 25 student cap, which mirrors the limit at most flight schools, Grant said. TWU leases planes from the academy funded through program tuition and tracked through logged flight hours.

“I am thrilled to see a program that not only offers innovative pathways in aviation but also empowers women in this field,” said Lori Walker, Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce president. “[We’re] proud to support initiatives that strengthen our local economy and inspire the next generation of professionals.” 

The impact 

The university program can take longer to complete than a dedicated flight school since students do complex coursework alongside flight hours and continue training after graduation while working as certified flight instructors. Students can earn around 300 flying hours over the course of their degree. 

“As opposed to just hitting on what you need to pass the exam, we have a full-blown course in aerodynamics, meteorology, systems, advanced systems and navigation,” Grant said. 

Pilots must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Certification to fly commercially, which requires 1,500 flying hours. Pilots graduating from a four-year program can apply at 1,000 hours. 

“Building up those hours is what holds back a lot of people, and college programs can help overcome that barrier,” said aviation freshman Danah Alramahi. “A degree can also give people options to branch out within the aviation field. Having a program nearby also benefits local students,” Alramahi, a Coppell resident, said. 

The context 

The U.S. aviation industry has long had a gender disparity among pilots. Over the last decade, the number of certified female airline pilots has grown around 1%, per FAA data. 

TWU staff hope the program can help combat the disparity, Grant said. 

“Some women want to become pilots, but maybe they’re intimidated by the [gender] ratio,” said aviation freshman Sydney Greiner. 

Onward and upward 

Aviation program staff are working on creating a seamless transfer pathway into TWU for TCC aviation students. TCC’s program also operates in partnership with the US Aviation Academy and will provide the largest funnel of students. 

Eventually Grant hopes the university has its own flight center at the airport and TWU-owned aircraft while running 250 students through the program at any given time. 

Two new members of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee were recently appointed by the Texas Transportation Commission. The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee provides input to the Texas Department of Transportation on its aviation development programs and serves as the representative among aviation users. Committee members also work with members of the Texas Legislature on various aviation issues.

Brad Moran 

Brad Moran is a lifelong broadcaster, starting, developing and operating 20 TV and radio stations in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Stations include FOX34 Lubbock, Telemundo in Lubbock and Albuquerque, Double T 97.3 (Sports), Magic 106.5 (Tejano) and many others. His business leadership roles include the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors and the FOX Affiliate Board of Governors. Moran is an active community volunteer, having served as president or chairman of various organizations such as the Lubbock Area United Way, All Saints Episcopal School, Lubbock Airport Board, Greater SW Lubbock Rotary Club and the Lubbock Advertising Federation. Moran’s exposure to general aviation began in the 1970s from the back seat of a Cessna 310 with his dad as the pilot. In 1998, he became a pilot and has flown over 3,700 hours in a 172, Bonanza, Barron and Meridian. He currently flies a Citation. 

Dan Dalton 

Dan Dalton is the vice president of Global Partnerships at Wisk, where he leads the company’s global regulatory initiatives and business partnerships. Working with regulators, policymakers and industry partners, Dalton is a key contributor to driving Wisk’s strategic efforts to bring its self-flying air taxi to the sky. Prior to joining Wisk, Dalton served as executive vice president of strategic partnerships at Airspace Systems, Inc. and as a visiting scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dalton has also held a variety of engineering and leadership roles at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the U.S. Department of Energy. As a commercially rated pilot, Dalton has a passion for innovation in the aerospace industry and enjoys flying drones, land and seaplanes, as well as teaching the next generations about the wonders of flight. Dalton holds a Master of Arts in international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of California, San Diego. 

The Hidden Valley Airpark Experience

Imagine a place where your home and your aircraft share the same space — where runway access is just steps from your backyard. This is what life in an airpark offers: a rare opportunity to live in a community where aviation seamlessly integrates into daily life. 

Hidden Valley Airpark, located just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, is a prime example of this distinctive way of life. Spanning 300 acres, this residential community offers a peaceful, private setting where residents can enjoy the benefits of living close to nature while staying connected to the world of aviation. Hidden Valley Airpark is designed with the understanding that for many aviation enthusiasts, the connection to flight is not just a pastime — it’s a central part of their daily experience.  

At the heart of the airpark is a paved, lighted 2,600-foot runway that allows residents to fly when they wish. Whether they’re keeping a hangar on their own lot or leasing space in a shared hangar, homeowners at Hidden Valley Airpark have direct access to the skies. In this community, seeing planes take off and land is a common sight, and the presence of aircraft is as natural as seeing someone driving down the road or walking their dog. This constant connection to aviation creates a lifestyle that few communities can offer.  

The airpark has over 100 acres of shared space, including walking trails, a lake and horse pastures. It offers the peace and quiet of a rural setting while maintaining the conveniences of modern living. With the nearby DFW metroplex, residents have easy access to major amenities and services.  

Community events, such as barbecues, neighborhood parties and community projects, further strengthen the bonds between residents. The residents of Hidden Valley Airpark form a close-knit community united by a shared passion for aviation and the lifestyle it offers. One resident described the atmosphere as “friendly and helpful — if you need a tool you don’t have, just ask, and someone will loan it to you or help you.”  

With private homes, direct runway access and a tight-knit community, Hidden Valley Airpark brings together comfort, convenience and the freedom to fly. For those who call it home, it’s a place that offers both relaxation and adventure.

 

The Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division has established the Emerging Aviation Technology Section, led by Director Sergio Roman, to safely and proactively integrate emerging aviation technologies into the Texas aviation system. With a focus on fostering innovation, economic growth and enhanced mobility, the section will provide guidance to aviation planners and engineers as they prepare for the future of air travel. 

Roman’s team is William Graffis, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program manager, and Emily Lambert, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) planning and integration. Graffis is a seasoned UAS expert with a focus on Group 1 through 4 UAS integration into infrastructure operations and will lead efforts for Uncrewed Traffic Management into the aviation system. Lambert, an expert aviation system and operations planner, will lead efforts on AAM planning and integration into the aviation system. 

From AAM and vertiports to uncrewed traffic management systems and airport electrification, aviation technology is rapidly evolving. The Emerging Aviation Technology Section will work proactively to assess these advancements, ensuring that Texas remains at the forefront of aviation while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, environmental responsibility and collaboration with stakeholders.  

For more information, contact: 

Explore Texas’ Aviation Museums

From training military pilots to contributing to space exploration, Texas has played a pivotal role in aviation’s development. Across the state, aviation museums stand as living tributes to this legacy, preserving stories, artifacts and aircraft for future generations. 

Four institutions — the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the Lone Star Flight Museum and the Texas Air Museum — offer visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the evolution of flight. Through unique exhibits, each museum showcases a different facet of aviation’s impact on Texas and beyond, offering a chance to educate and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

 Fort Worth Aviation Museum:  

The Fort Worth Aviation Museum’s roots trace back to the OV-10 Bronco Association, Inc., founded in 1999 to honor the legacy of the OV-10 community. Over time, the museum expanded its mission, evolving into the Forward Air Controllers Museum and Veterans Memorial Air Park before rebranding in 2014 as the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. Today, the museum focuses on aviation’s pivotal role in shaping the region, offering a one-of-a-kind experience with 36 aircraft, including the largest walk-up-and-touch warbird collection in Texas. A standout addition is a Marine Corps F/A-18, currently being demilitarized, with plans to join the museum’s collection in 2025.   

The museum goes beyond planes, offering immersive educational programs from flight simulators to drone classes and outreach initiatives that take helicopters and exhibits to schools and parades across the region. Special events, such as a craft beer festival and seasonal markets, bring the community together, while the annual Texas Aviation STEM magazine reaches 2.5 million readers, fueling the next generation of aviators. Looking ahead, the museum is preparing for a significant expansion into a 110,000-square-foot facility, with the first phase opening at 25,000 square feet, ensuring it continues to inspire and engage for years to come. 

 

Frontiers of Flight Museum:  

The Frontiers of Flight Museum’s journey began in 1963 when George Haddaway donated his extensive aviation collection to the University of Texas. Decades later, it found its permanent home at Dallas Love Field, which has become a global destination, drawing 158,000 visitors annually from 49 countries. With a team of multilingual volunteers, the museum offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages.   

The museum’s exhibits highlight aviation and aerospace history, featuring iconic artifacts like the Apollo 7, the rare Pancake Spy Plane and the SR-71 Blackbird. With displays spanning early aviation, military aircraft, space exploration and Southwest Airlines’ history, there’s something for everyone. The museum’s educational programs, including STEM initiatives, field trip opportunities and scout programs, inspire future aviation and aerospace professionals. Hosting various family-friendly events, fundraisers and guided tours, the museum serves as a hub for the community. Looking ahead, the museum’s Destination: Frontiers initiative will continue to transform the visitor experience with a renovated store featuring a new coffee bar and the addition of an innovation lab onsite, solidifying its commitment to education and innovation. 

Lone Star Flight Museum:  

The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) opened in 1990 at Scholes Field in Galveston, Texas, with founder Robert Waltrip’s vision of showcasing his historic aircraft collection. In 2017, the museum relocated to Ellington Airport in Houston, marking the transformation of the flight museum and a world-class STEM learning center. Its mission is to celebrate flight and achievement in Texas aviation history and educate and engage our youth through STEM.   

With nearly 30 aircraft on display, including the North American B-25 Mitchell — the only flying B-25 painted in the colors of the Doolittle Raider — LSFM offers visitors a unique connection to history. Exhibits like the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Flight Academy and the Space Gallery immerse visitors in aviation and the science of flight. Interactive experiences such as flight simulators, the MAKER! Hands-on STEM Learning series and the Boeing Toddler Terminal engage all ages, while the museum’s outreach programs, including mobile flight simulators and partnerships with schools, extend its impact. Signature events like Girls in Aviation Day and Hangar Bash bring the community together, and fundraising efforts support the museum’s public and educational programs. Looking ahead, LSFM is expanding its educational initiatives with programs like ACES that give students hands-on opportunities to explore aviation careers and build aircraft. The museum remains committed to inspiring future aviators and preserving Texas’ aviation legacy. 

Texas Air Museum:  

The Texas Air Museum Stinson Chapter, founded in 1999 by John Douglas Tosh, is located at the historic Stinson Field in San Antonio, the second-oldest general aviation airport in the United States. Part of the Texas Air Museum network, the Stinson Chapter preserves artifacts from early aviation through modern aerospace achievements, with a focus on World War I and World War II and San Antonio’s pivotal role in aviation history. Notable exhibits include a 1910 Curtiss Model D, military aircraft like the F-4 Phantom and a historic helicopter, along with displays on space exploration and a tribute wall honoring Texas pilots from both World Wars.   

Honoring the legacy of pioneering aviators Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, founders of Stinson Field, the museum showcases the history of the flight school and the women pilots who trained there. Recent updates, including history panels reconstructed by H-E-B, enhance the exhibits, offering visitors a deeper connection to the past. Each year, the museum welcomes around 5,000–6,000 visitors, from aviation enthusiasts to high school Air Force ROTC students taking guided tours. Hands-on experiences, like sitting in a T-37 cockpit simulator, bring history to life, while community events — including Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances and the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Day — make the museum a gathering place beyond its exhibits. Looking ahead, efforts to restore aircraft from the 1920s and 1930s reflect the museum’s ongoing mission to preserve aviation history and inspire future generations.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lifelong aviation enthusiast or someone seeking a unique day out, these museums invite you to explore the magic of flight. As stewards of Texas’ aviation history, they ensure the state’s contributions to the skies will never be forgotten — and they stand ready to inspire the next generation to take to the air.