Aviation Research

dave's hangar

Dave’s Hangar

Federal Administration Funding Approved for FY 2015

Congress has approved, and the President has signed, a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill to provide funding for most federal agencies, including the FAA, through September 30, 2015. The legislation provides $3.35 billion in funding for the Airport Improvement Program, the same level of funding allocated for FY 2014. It also includes $1.445 million for the Contract Tower Program, an increase of $4.5 million from last year’s funding level. The funding is sufficient to keep all existing contract towers operating, with the possibility of adding a few new towers to the program.

NASAO Selects News President

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has appointed Greg Principato as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Greg most recently served as head of the Airport Council International. He also served as a Trade and Transportation Specialist at Hunton & Williams from 1991-2005 and as Executive Director of the National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry in 1993.

“I am excited to be joining the NASAO team as its President and CEO,” said Principato. “I have become convinced that the states are ‘where it’s at” when promoting aviation as a force for building modern communities to the national and global economy.”

I fully expect Greg to provide the leadership necessary to continue the outstanding work that Henry O. and others have provided us in the past. You will have an opportunity to meet Greg at the Texas Aviation Conference in April. This year’s conference will be at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos on April 15-17. I am proud to announce that our Keynote Address speaker this year is Captain Gene Cernan, the last astronaut to walk on the moon. You may find more information, including registration, at the conference website at http://ttigroups.wpengine.com/conferences/tac15/. See you at the conference!

Dave’s Hangar

TxDOT welcomes new Aviation Division staff

We take a lot of pride in the fact that most employees who join TxDOT’s Aviation Division remain with us for their entire career.  We believe that is because our staff enjoy their jobs and are committed to the betterment of Texas aviation.  However, time marches on and retirements do occur.  During the past year, we have added four new employees to our aviation team that we would like to introduce to you.

Megan McLellan joins our Planning and Programming Section as the assigned planner to the West Texas Region airports.  She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management.  Her background includes airport operations and security positions at Air Carrier airports, as well as the planning and development of airport projects for both general aviation and air carrier airports during her time at Louisiana’s State Aviation Office.  Although she calls Louisiana home, Megan was born in New Mexico and lived in El Paso for 5 years during her self-described “Army Brat” years.  She has worked at airports of all sizes and is eager to provide a seamless transition and continued support for her newly assigned airports.

Aaron Ford joined the Aviation Division in December 2013 as our Property Acquisition Specialist, replacing Scott Bryan who has moved on to our Planning and Programming Section.  Aaron, an Alabama native, graduated from Faulkner University in Montgomery Alabama and started his career in Land Acquisition and Right of Way in 2005 with the Alabama Power Company.  He comes to TxDOT Aviation with several years of experience in property rights acquisition with oil and gas and electrical transmission and distribution companies.  Aaron is fully engaged in the land acquisition process and looks forward to working with you to meet your airport expansion needs.

Trudy Hill, a member of our Grants Administration Section, is a Contract Specialist, responsible for overseeing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Historically Underutilized Business Program compliance.  She also administers grant and contracting processes for airport improvement projects in the Atlanta District as well as managing some of our planning projects.  Prior to joining the Aviation Division, Trudy worked for a consulting engineering firm dealing with transportation related contacts.

Lisa Maraden is a contract specialist in our Grants Administration Section responsible for administering the Davis Bacon Act regulations in our construction projects.  She also assists with the administration of our Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) and supports internal IT initiatives.  Lisa has 10 years of customer service experience and 7 years of procurement and contract management experience.  Her work experience with the public as an employee of the City of Austin and Williamson County and her knowledge of government purchasing, procurement, and contract management make her a great addition to our Grants Management section.

Megan, Aaron, Trudy and Lisa are committed to good customer service and look forward to meeting and working with our airport owners and aviation stakeholders throughout Texas.

Dave’s Hangar

TxDOT Has a New Executive Director

Lt. Gen. Joe Weber

Lt. Gen. Joe Weber, USMC, (Ret), the new executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Texas Department of Transportation has a new Chief Executive Officer, Lieutenant General Joe Weber, USMC Retired.  On April 4, 2014, the Texas Transportation Commission met in a Special Called Meeting at which time General Weber was appointed as the new TxDOT Executive Director.  A Texas A & M graduate, General Weber retired from the Marine Corps in 2008, at which time he became Vice President of Student Affairs at Texas A & M.  In that role, he was responsible for the strategic planning, direction, and development of fiscal and human resources, and how they impact the overall experience of nearly 57,000 students at the university.

Previously, General Weber spent 36 years in the United States Marine Corps,   serving in Iraq as Chief of Staff of the Multinational Forces, his final duty assignment as Commander of U.S Marine Forces Command, responsible for some 70,000 marines and sailors.

General Weber will provide the leadership much needed as we face the transportation challenges of a rapidly growing state.

Dave’s Hangar (Winter 2014)

Congress Passes Federal Budget

Recently, Congress passed a budget to provide funding for all federal programs through the end of FY 2015. That’s great news for FAA programs, as we anticipate being able to begin issuing FY 2014 federal grants soon, continuing through the end of September 2015. It should also provide needed funding to continue operation of our contract towers for the same period of time. There is still the issue of the federal debt ceiling that must be dealt with in February 2014. However, this new budget is a huge step forward in the continued improvement and development of the Texas Airport System.

General Aviation Pilot Protection Act of 2013

A new bill has been introduced in Congress, H.R. 3708, named the “General Aviation Pilot Protection Act of 2013.” This act would allow pilots to use the driver’s license medical standard for non-commercial VFR flights in aircraft weighing up to 6,000 pounds with no more than six seats. That includes virtually all single-engine airplanes with six or fewer seats, including Beech Bonanzas, as well as many light twins like the Piper Aztec, Beech Baron 55 and 58, and Cessna 310. Pilots would be able to carry up to five passengers, flying at altitudes below 14,000 feet msl, no faster than 250 knots. The act would also require the FAA to report on the safety consequences of the new rule after five years.

FAA currently permits “Light Sport Pilots” to pilot specific small aircraft under certain conditions without an FAA medical if they possess a valid state driver’s license. This bill simply increases the number of pilots/aircraft that would come under this exemption. If this bill becomes law, it is likely that it will result in a significant increase in the number of active pilots as well as an increase in the number of aircraft purchased each year.

Dave’s Hangar

Mark Baker standing beside a Cub Cadet airplane

AOPA President Mark Baker

AOPA Names New President

Mark Baker, a native Minnesotan, has been selected by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as its new President.  He becomes the fifth president in AOPA’s 75-year history.  As a pilot for the past 35 years, Mark has accumulated more than 7,500 hours of flight time.  He has been an aircraft owner and AOPA member since 1987.  In his professional life, Mark has been involved in the home improvement industry, most recently as Chief Executive Office of Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation, a leading retailer of home improvement and garden products.  Mark took office as the new AOPA President on September 6, 2013.  We welcome Mark to his new post with AOPA and look forward to meeting him at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Fort Worth October 9-12, 2013.

We also thank Craig Fuller for his outstanding leadership during his tenure with AOPA and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

In this issue, on pages 14 and 15, we have also provided you with AOPA’s checklist on what to do if stopped by law enforcement.

Mike Nicely, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Texas Airport Development Office Manager, Retires

By the time you read this article, I expect that most of you will already be aware that Mike Nicely, FAA Texas ADO Manager, has retired.  Although I am happy for Mike as he reaches this milestone in his life, I am truly sad to see him go.  For many years, Mike has been my friend, supporter, advocate, and partner in our efforts to improve and maintain the Texas Airport System.  On July 11, 2013, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee presented Nicely with an award that acknowledged “his outstanding leadership in fostering the relationship between FAA and TxDOT’s Aviation Division that has maximized the success of both agencies.”

Mike and his wife plan to spend the next five years touring American in their brand new recreational vehicle.  Good for you Mike!  Please stay in touch.

Dave’s Hangar

Fiscal Cliff Looms Large

For those of you who follow the activities of Congress, you know that we temporarily avoided falling off the fiscal cliff on December 31, 2012. The Budget Control Act of 2011, “sequestration,” will affect virtually every federal agency, requiring dramatic cuts in federal spending. Congress, unable to reach a consensus on ways to avoid the fiscal cliff by the end of last year, passed new legislation to postpone the cuts until March 1, 2013. Since Congress did not reach a consensus by the March target date, the FAA—its programs and personnel—will be seriously affected. Fortunately, programs and projects funded under the Airport Improvement Program are exempt from sequestration and will continue at current funding levels.

But this does not mean that TxDOT Aviation and our programs will necessarily escape unharmed. TxDOT Aviation has spent millions of dollars to construct new “non-federal” air traffic control towers at many of our reliever airports. Historically, the FAA has provided funding for private sector companies to man these towers, markedly improving safety of operation. Since sequestration is taking place, the FAA may find it necessary to cancel future operational funding for many or all of these towers. If this occurs, the operational funding would be the responsibility of the airport owners, placing a major financial burden on them. Some communities might be unable to meet this financial obligation, requiring the towers to close.

Dave’s Hangar–Fall 2012

For this issue’s column, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome three new staff members at the Aviation Division.

Matthew Felton, Airport Planner

Matthew graduated from Auburn University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and logistics. His first position out of college was for a small/med-sized A&E consulting firm as an aviation planner. He conducted planning studies for a variety of airports throughout Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi ranging in size from general aviation to nonhub primary commercial service.

In 2007 he accepted a position with the Department of Aviation at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the Planning Division. While at Hartsfield-Jackson he aided in the development and management of planning studies (directly related to over $2 billion in capital improvement projects) such as the consolidated rental car center, new airport feasibility study and the new international terminal.

“Relocating to Austin and taking a position with TxDOT has given me an opportunity to continue working closely with local governments while still enjoying my love of aviation,” says Felton. “I am truly excited to be a part of the great work being conducted in the Aviation Division.”

Molly Lamrouex, Environmental Specialist and Airport Planner

Originally from Ohio, Molly spent most of her childhood in Michigan’s upper peninsula. She attended a small liberal arts college on a track/cross country scholarship and graduated with
a bachelor of science degree in biology/chemistry. After college, she spent several years working for an environmental consulting firm as a chemist/bobcat operator. She then worked for over 10
years with the state of Michigan’s environmental protection agency. Hoping to get another chance at operating a bobcat, she transferred to the State of Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) where she worked primarily on aviation projects.

“From a hangar project that might improve an airport’s revenue generation to a runway project that improves conditions for the flying public, I think general aviation is a huge asset to the communities being served,” says Lamrouex.

Sophia Gonzales, GIS Analyst

Sophia earned a bachelor of science degree in geography in 2006 and in 2009, a master of applied geography degree in geographic information science (GIS) from Texas State University-
San Marcos. Her graduate study focused on integrating GIS in water resources and land use planning.

She began her career as a geographer for the U.S. Geological Survey Texas Water Science Center in Austin. At the USGS, she worked on national water resources studies including the High Plains Groundwater Availability Study as well as local land use studies for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and numerous other data-intensive projects integrating GIS.

“I’m excited to be joining the Aviation Division team and bring in a new flavor of geo-spatial data integration,” says Gonzales.

Dave’s Hangar/Summer 2012

Finally!!!  New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Program Reauthorization:

After a delay of almost five years, Congress has finally passed a new FAA programs reauthorization.  Since September 1, 2007, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been receiving FAA funding piecemeal through a series of continuing resolutions; 27 to be specific.  This new four-year legislation will enable the TxDOT Aviation Division to better plan funding allocations for future airport improvement projects.

Highlights of the new legislation include:

(1) Authorizes FAA funding for a period of four years;

(2) Establishes a $ 3.35B level of funding for the Airport Improvement Program for each of the four years.  This is a reduction of approximately 4% as compared to previous legislation;

(3) Retains the current tax structure that existed in previous legislation.  No new taxed were authorized;

(4) Allows “Thru-The-Fence” access to FAA obligated airports when certain conditions are met;

(5) Permits diversion of revenue from on airport mineral rights to other local governmental needs under certain conditions;

(6) Increases the federal participation for construction of “non-fed” towers from $1.5B to $2.0B;

(7) Allows 16 new non-stop commercial airline flights to Washington Reagan National Airport from points in the western region of the United States.

If you have any questions regarding this new legislation contact the Aviation Division at 1-800-68PILOT.

Welcome To Two New Members of the Aviation Division Staff:

I am pleased to announce the addition of two new individuals to the Aviation Division family: Molly Lamrouex and Barbara Linzey.  Molly came to us following several years with the Michigan Aviation Division and will be working in our Planning section primarily handling environmental issues.  Barbara came to us from the Motor Vehicle Department and will be working in our Grants Section.  We are very pleased to have both of these ladies join our Aviation Team.

Dave’s Hangar

Scott Gallagher Departs the Pattern:

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of my friend and fellow employee, Scott Gallagher.  For the past two years, Scott has admirably served as TxDOT Aviation’s Director of Planning and Programming bringing new creative and effective ideas to the way we conduct our business.

Scott came to the Aviation Division upon retirement following a distinguished career with the United States Navy.  His final duty assignment was Commanding Officer of an F-18 Hornet Squadron in Lemore California.  As a retired Naval Aviator myself, I am pleased for Scott that he has an opportunity to return to the cockpit to support the future training and development of Naval Aviation.  In his new position with Tac Air based in Patuxent River Maryland, Scott will be serving as a consultant for the F/A-18 community and a pilot for the air services arm of his new company, Tactical Air Support Inc.

I have no doubt that Scott will make a tremendous contribution to the future of the Navy’s flight programs.  We all wish him the best in his new career. (See related story )

Funding For Contract Towers May Be In Peril:

As a result of mandatory budget reductions, Congress has proposed and the White House has agreed to across-the-board cuts in January 2013.  The Office of Management and Budget has proposed eliminating operations funding for contract towers that serve airports without scheduled service or fewer than 10,000 military operations per year.  That would eliminate funding for all of the 125 general aviation airports with contract towers nationwide. In Texas, that would result in loss of funding for staffing of 15 existing airports as well as jeopardize other towers already planned for construction.  The contract tower program in Texas has made a major contribution to aviation safety and the development of Business Aviation in our urban areas.  It is certainly hoped that Washington can find other means of budget reduction instead of terminating this critically important program.

Boeing Adds 400 New Aviation Jobs At Port San Antonio:

Recently, it was announced that Boeing would be adding 400 new jobs at its facility in San Antonio.  The jobs are a part of a relocation from Wichita to San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Puget Sound.  The jobs involve future work on the KC-46 refueling tanker and the nation’s fleet of executive jets, including the President’s airplane, Air Force One, and the jets that transport the Vice President, Cabinent members, and other government officials.

Port San Antonio is home to 80 companies employing 14,000 people including 5000 highly skilled individuals working for 14 aerospace companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Chromalloy, Gore Design Completions and Pratt and Whitney.

Congratulations to the City of San Antonio and Port San Antonio. (See related story )

Dave’s Hangar, Summer 2011

FAA Furlough Begins and Ends

 Legislation authorizing the Federal Aviation Administration and its programs ended on September 30, 2007.  Since that date, FAA has been funded by a series of continuing resolutions, the latest, the 20th extension expired on July 22, 2011.  Attempts by Congress to enact a 21st extension failed due to a disagreement between the House and the Senate over changes in a program named “Essential Air Service”, a subsidy of passenger service in small airline markets.  As a result, 4000 FAA employees were furloughed on July 23rd and construction activities ceased for many airport projects nationwide.  Additionally, airline tax revenue collections ended resulting in a loss in tax revenue of $30M per day.  Fortunately, an agreement was finally reached to extend FAA programs through September 16th.  During the two week furlough period $380M in tax revenue was lost to the Aviation Trust fund. The good news is that there was no direct impact on TxDOT Aviation’s construction projects since grants for those projects had already been made.  If the failure to pass a new reauthorization bill or continuing resolution had continued through September 30th, TxDOT Aviation stood to lose $14M in FAA grant money for the year.   Fortunately, that did not happen.  Congress is currently in recess but will reconvene on September 6th.  That will leave only 11 days to pass new FAA legislation.  Otherwise, a 22nd extension will be necessary.  Hopefully, by the time you read this, Congress will have made significant process in passing a multi-year funding bill for FAA.

Welcome to John White, the newest member of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee

On June 30th, The Texas Transportation Commission appointed John White, Valero Energy’s Director of Corporate Aviation, as a member of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee.  Members of the Committee provide a valuable service to TxDOT serving as an advocate and statewide point of contact for the Department’s aviation program.  Additional information about John and his aviation background are included in the center spread of our newsletter.