Columbus, OH - On May 3-4, 2023, the Ohio Aviation Association (OAA) held its Annual Conference at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. The event brought together aviation professionals, legislators, and other stakeholders to discuss the current state of aviation in Ohio and explore future opportunities for the industry.
The event began with a welcome message from outgoing OAA President Elton Cultice and an introduction of incoming OAA President Lisa Dalpiaz. In his first year as the OAA Executive Director, Tony Fiore, also addressed attendees. The opening general session was led by Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., Associate Administrator of Airports for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Later that evening, the OAA hosted a legislative reception welcoming lively conversation amongst all who attended.
The next morning, attendees were engaged in a Legislator Aviation Panel. The panel featured Ohio legislators including The Honorable Adam Holmes, Chair of the House Aviation & Aerospace Committee, The Honorable Richard Brown, Member of the House Aviation & Aerospace Committee, and The Honorable Bill Reineke, Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and The Honorable Nickie Antonio, Senate Minority Leader and Ranking Member, Senate Transportation Committee.
Jim Bryant, Director of the ODOT Office of Aviation, and Matthew Preisler, Aviation Planner/Project Manager, Consultant, ODOT Office of Aviation, provided an update on the Ohio Airport System Plan to Ohio airport stakeholders.
Additionally, a congressional panel discussion on "A View from Capitol Hill" with U.S. Representatives Mike Carey and Emilia Strong Sykes engaged the audience and offered insights into federal initiatives.
Breakout sessions included a range of topics: aviation fuel and safety, aircraft ownership, UAS and advanced air mobility, hangar and terminal development, pavement and taxiway improvements.
After lunch, Joe Zeis, Aerospace & Defense Advisor for the Office of Governor Mike DeWine, addressed attendees. As the first individual to hold the title, Zeis spoke about protecting and promoting Ohio’s military aerospace installations, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and NASA Glenn Research Center.
The final day of the event welcomed remarks and guidance from Federal Aviation Administration, DET-ADO. Speakers included Susan Mowery-Schalk, Director of Airports Division for the Great Lakes Region of the FAA, and John L. Mayfield Jr., Manager of the Detroit Airports District Office.
The Advanced Air Mobility Strategy Panel followed, featuring Tom Mackie, Aviation Program Director/VP at Woolpert, Rich Fox, Director of the Ohio UAS Center at the Ohio Department of Transportation, Tim Sweeney, Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace at JobsOhio, and Tom Franzen, Assistant City Manager of the City of Springfield.
Breakout sessions included discussions on sustainable aviation fuel, pavement rehabilitation toolbox, AOPA initiatives, and evaluation of airport pavements using non-destructive testing.
Ending the event was an annual Awards Ceremony and Scholarship Presentations:
Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport's recognition as Airport of the Year is well-deserved for their pioneering efforts in advanced air mobility. Their innovative and ground-breaking facilitation of this emerging technology has set a new standard in the industry, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation and fostering a more connected future.
Winning the OAA’s Aviator of the Year award was Terry Slaybaugh, JobsOhio Vice President of Infrastructure and Sites. Terry's passion for aviation and airports has helped to increase air service at Ohio airports and increase investment into airport communities around the state. As an outstanding champion, spokesperson, innovator, and advocate for aviation in Ohio, Terry's efforts have been pivotal in the state and beyond.
OAA awarded two Norman J. Crabtree scholarships at this year's conference. Norman J. Crabtree was a lifelong aviator and committed many years to the development and support of civil aviation, numerous aviation organizations, and air shows around the world. He was a graduate of Ohio University with both a bachelor’s and master's degree and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Erin Walling is currently attending Sinclair College in the Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Technology Associates Program. She received the scholarship designated to an individual enrolled (or to be enrolled) certificate-seeking A&P student at one of Ohio's technical colleges, universities, or technical trade schools.
Abigail Stockmeier is finishing her sophomore year in the Flight Education Department at The Ohio State University Airport. She received the scholarship designated to an individual enrolled (or to be enrolled) as a aviation degree-seeking student at one of Ohio's colleges or universities. The areas of study include, but are not limited to Flight Technologies, Aviation Engineering, Aviation Management, and Aviation Maintenance.
For more information on the Ohio Aviation Association, membership and future events, please visit www.ohioaviation.org.
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Thank you to all of our conference sponsors and exhibitors!!!
8-foot table exhibitors
6-foot table exhibitors
Coffee All-Day Sponsors
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Welcome to the Ohio Aviation Association
The Ohio Aviation Association is a non-profit association that brings many together to strengthen the voice of aviation in the State of Ohio. Members consist of:
- airport management & staff
- city & county commissioners
- aviation engineers/planning professionals
- fixed base operators & direct service providers
- aviation students
- aviation education institutions
- aviation enthusiasts
OAA Political Action Committee - Call for Support
The Ohio Aviation Association Political Action Committee (OAA PAC) would like to thank those who have supported our efforts in 2021. Without your assistance, the OAA PAC would not have been able to provide over $5,500 in donations to Ohio legislators that support aviation in 2021. We ask you to consider supporting our efforts into 2022 because our work is not done. The latest federal legislation that provides funding for airports brings the need to continue to talk about airports with state legislators. We will work to ensure Ohio can fully realize all the federal funding that is due to our eligible airports.
We cannot do this without your assistance! To learn more about OAA PAC, or to contribute, please click the button below:
Member Highlight
Our Member Highlight program will periodically highlight members. The purpose is to bring attention to recently completed airport projects, or upcoming projects, in Ohio as well as highlight airport economic impacts in one, easy-to-read document. Once completed, this one-page speaking piece can be used by members when speaking with officials, OAA will use it to spread the news of Ohio's airports, and more! Contact us at [email protected] for more information on how to get your airport or business highlighted!
Our newest member highlight:
Students are Our Future!
The Ohio Aviation Association supports Ohio's aviation students in several ways:
Do you want to help support the future of aviation in Ohio? Click the button below to donate now to the Norm Crabtree Scholarship via credit card. This button will take you to a Square.com payment page. Donations are also accepted via check. Please send your check to:
Ohio Aviation Association
PO Box 340257
Columbus, OH 43235
OAA Scholarship Donation:
*The Norm J Crabtree Scholarship is maintained as a restricted account by OAA as part of its 501(c)(6) business operations.
