Originally published in 2010 Recently, on three different occasions, USA Today published editorials severely criticizing the use of aviation industry generated taxpayer funds to improve “small airports” that do not have airline service and “benefit only a few private pilots.” The following letter is my response to these editorials: USA Today, Letter to the Editor:…

Originally published in 2010 AIRPORT ACADEMY IN SUGARLAND A BIG HIT WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS By Chris Sasser Texas Transportation Institute In recent years, the Sugar Land Regional Airport (SLRA) has emerged as the destination of choice for business travelers in the Houston area. However, for local residents who watch planes, ranging from Cessna 172 Skyhawks…

Originally published in 2010 By Jeremy Smith Texas Transportation Institute Texas is a state full of rich history. While cowboys, agriculture and oil dominate the state’s storied past, 2010 will mark the centennial celebration of another part of Texas history. Since Frenchman Louis Paulhan’s first flight in Texas on February 18, 1910, the Lone Star…

Originally published in 2010 This is one of a continuing series of profiles featuring members of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. The six members are appointed by the Texas Transportation Commission for six-year terms and assist the Texas Department of Transportation with its aviation development programs. Committee members also work with the legislature on various…

Originally published in 2010 By Chris Sasser Texas Transportation Institute The cloudy cold weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of several hundred folks who turned out for the dedication of the U.S. Army Air Forces Memorial on October 10. The memorial stands as a tribute to all Army Air Forces cadets who served and…

Originally published in 2010 By Jay Carpenter Texas Aviation Association General aviation leaders from across Texas and the nation met in Austin, Texas, to address the challenges facing GA today. The one-day event was held on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency on Lady Bird Lake. The Texas Aviation Association hosts the annual event, which…

Originally published in 2010 Tiny Caddo Mills’ Airport is Home to an Unlikely Resident by Chris Sasser Texas Transportation Institute When I first contacted Phil Eaton, vice president of operations at Armadillo Aerospace, to set up an interview, we threw around potential dates – none of which coincided with the bi-weekly test of their lunar…