The 42nd Texas Aviation Conference, hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT’s) Aviation Division, took place at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas from April 24–26. This year’s conference featured an outstanding lineup of speakers and informative breakout sessions, creating a dynamic aviation-filled event. It attracted over 533 attendees from all over Texas, providing a platform to discuss the latest innovations and pressing issues in general aviation within the state.
The sunny skies of Galveston set the perfect backdrop for the Texas Airports Council Annual Golf Tournament, kicking off the conference in high spirits. Following the tournament, a TxDOT Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) Coordinators site visit took place early Wednesday afternoon. Later, the day featured a Regionalization and Meet Your Team session that allowed aviation professionals to connect with their counterparts within their newly designated regions. In the spring of 2024, the new regionalization policy was launched, dividing Texas into four regions: North, East, South and West. Each region’s TxDOT team, consisting of two project managers, one contract specialist, one inspector and two planners, participated in the session, introducing themselves to their respective region’s airport professionals, discussing the new policy and answering any questions. This interactive, come-and-go session played a key role in fostering a sense of community and promoting collaborative working relationships among the different regions. The day concluded with a Get Acquainted Reception, allowing aviation professionals, exhibitors and enthusiasts to network and share insights.
The opening session commenced on Thursday morning, featuring the Presentation of Colors by the Galveston Fire Department, followed by the National Anthem sung by Amy Larison.
TxDOT Aviation Division Director Dan Harmon then greeted attendees and introduced Scholes International Airport Director Mike Shahan, who extended attendees a warm welcome to Galveston. After, Harmon delivered his State of the Division Address, where he discussed the historic levels of funding that general aviation has received over the past year.
“With this funding, we are ready to make the necessary changes to enhance the general aviation landscape in Texas.” In addition, Harmon further explained the transition to the regional development model and how this will impact general aviation in Texas. “Having a dedicated development team in each region allows airports within that region to know who to contact, providing consistency and better customer service.” Harmon continued, “The intent with this model is to streamline regional planning, allowing for improved communication.” Harmon ended his address with gratitude, highlighting this year’s record-breaking attendance. “This year marks the largest attendance for the Texas Aviation Conference ever. I want to thank everyone who played a part in planning this event and to the attendees for traveling all this way to participate.”
Following Harmon’s address was the State Legislative Update, moderated by TxDOT’s Director of the Government Affairs Division, Trent Thomas, along with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Regional Manager for the Central Southwest Area, Tom Chandler, and State Representative Ernest Bailes.
After a short break, a Fireside Chat with Congressman Randy Weber took place, moderated by Board Chair of TxDOT’s Aviation Advisory Committee Shelly deZevallos.
Harmon then gave an Agency Update, where he highlighted TxDOT’s role as a potential agent and the different avenues that airports can take regarding agency.
“Section 22.018 of the Texas Transportation Code outlines TxDOT’s capacity to act as an agent for the local sponsors. It’s important to note that this statute is permissive, meaning that while TxDOT can serve as an agent, it’s not mandatory. Traditionally, we have served as agents for the majority of airport projects.” Harmon continued, “I want to emphasize my support for the agency model; however, I believe there is room for evolution in our approach to agency.”
Harmon proceeded to outline three pathways airports can consider in relation to agency. The first pathway is reimbursable, granting airports more project control provided they adhere to procurement regulations. The second pathway closely resembles the traditional agency model, with TxDOT acting as the agent, conducting vendor evaluations and selecting project vendors. The third and final pathway offers a hybrid option, balancing the risks associated with the previous two options. This approach permits some project components to proceed as reimbursable, granting airports greater autonomy. However, TxDOT would still oversee vendor selection and serve as the agent for the construction phase.
Harmon concluded, “Again, I want to reiterate that I’m a big proponent of the agency model. The options I’ve discussed clarify the respective responsibilities of each party, offering flexibility while ensuring compliance with federal and state statutes.”
Attendees broke out for lunch. During lunch, the Art Contest Awards ceremony took place, celebrating the talented students who participated in the art contest.
After lunch, the Airport Compliance session, moderated by Cat Gomes, showcased Gary Loftus, regional airports compliance manager for the Southwest Region at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Michael Van Vliet, planner for the Texas Airports District Office. This informative session offered an overview on compliance, analyzed common grant assurance complications, and reviewed hangar use and Part 13 complaints.
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to two separate breakout sessions, each offering four concurrent presentations.
Among the topics covered during the first breakout session were aviation education, airport construction from a contractor’s perspective, airport 101 A – funding and a Historically Underutilized Business/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise session. The second breakout session featured topics like advancing/emerging technologies, airport consultants, airport 101 B – zoning and minimum standards and an airport pavement tool update.
The day concluded with the Annual Banquet, where the TxDOT Aviation Awards Program acknowledged and celebrated this year’s award winners.
Friday morning consisted of two general sessions. The first session was an FAA update, hosted by FAA Director of the Southwest Region Ignacio Flores. This forty-five-minute session included a questions and answers segment, providing aviation professionals with the opportunity to engage directly with an FAA representative.
The conference concluded with a RAMP session, presented by TxDOT Aviation Division’s Business Services Coordinator Fernando Hernandez and TxDOT Aviation Division’s Business Operations Project Manager David Kirkpatrick.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the success of this year’s conference,” Dan Harmon reflects. “We’re so excited and look forward to continuing to provide an exceptional aviation-filled experience for all our attendees in our new location, Denton, Texas.”