Virginia Department of Aviation

This Air Transportation System Plan for Virginia outlines a 20-year blueprint for the development and maintenance of the state's aviation system, spanning from 2022 to 2044. Key objectives include enhancing a safe, accessible, and technologically advanced airport system, promoting economic development, and fostering environmental stewardship. The plan identifies over 1,000 recommended system improvements and addresses a projected funding shortfall of $2.9 billion to meet future needs.

The Virginia Air Transportation System Plan (VATSP) is an update to the 2016 system plan, serving as a blueprint for airport development in the Commonwealth for the next 20 years. This plan focuses on key goals including developing and maintaining a safe and accessible aviation system, leveraging economic development opportunities from airports, effectively utilizing technology, and promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability. It serves as a comprehensive resource for federal, state, and local stakeholders in maintaining and evolving Virginia's robust airport system.

This study provides a twenty-year outlook for the Virginia Department of Aviation's (DOAV) ownership and maintenance of navigational support systems, adapting to the shift from ground-based to performance-based navigation and integrating with the FAA's Minimum Operational Network (MON). Key focus areas include inventory and assessment of NAVAIDs and instrument approach procedures, analysis of ground-based versus performance-based navigation, and considerations for Advanced Air Mobility. The plan aims to optimize the non-federal NAVAID network to lower maintenance expenses, ensure safe operations, enhance airport access, and align with federal initiatives while maintaining resilience.

The Virginia Aviation Board meeting included updates from the Director of DOAV on completed projects and the impact of the Blacksburg-Roanoke Regional Airport runway extension. The VAOC discussed support for DOAV's online airport directory and focus on derelict aircraft, workforce development, and sustainability. VABA emphasized airport infrastructure as an economic driver and the need to build interest in aviation careers early. The board also discussed rural runway rehabilitation projects, updates to the Airport Program Manual, and reviewed VRAF loan applications for Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and Virginia Highland Airport. Additionally, they considered amended FY24 Entitlement Utilization Plans and tentative allocations from the Commonwealth Aviation Fund. Public comments were heard regarding airport safety and career fairs, and board members provided updates on their respective regions.

The Virginia Aviation Board meeting included presentations of resolutions to Dave Darrah and Hank Rempe for their service to Warrenton-Fauquier Airport and Hanover County Municipal Airport, respectively. Mark Flynn was recognized for his service as director of the Virginia Department of Aviation. Updates were provided on department news, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the Virginia Air Transportation Systems Plan. The board discussed and approved a bridge loan extension request for the Virginia Highlands Airport and reviewed airport licensing, including updates on Lunenburg County Airport and Lake Anna Airport. A VRA loan application for Chesapeake Regional Airport was endorsed, and amended FY22 Entitlement Utilization Plans for Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport, Norfolk International Airport, and Richmond International Airport were approved. The board also reviewed and approved tentative allocations from the Commonwealth Aviation Fund for various airports across different regions. Board members provided comments and reports, and Acting Director Cliff Burnette announced his retirement.