Texas Aviation Conference

• 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.   TxDOT RAMP Coordinators Site Visit
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• 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Exhibitor Setup (Frisco 6)
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• 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.   Registration/Check-In
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• 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Adopt an Airport Program Overview
•                                             New Participant Orientation (Bass-Bush-Erudia Schools)
•                                             Becky Vick, TxDOT Aviation Division
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• 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.   Exhibits Open (Frisco 6)
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• 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.   Get Acquainted Networking Reception (Frisco 6)
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• 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.   Dinner and Networking (on your own)
 

Pro tip for first timers:
If you are attending for the first time, traveling solo, or want the chance to meet other attendees before the Get- Acquainted Reception begins, we urge you to attend the New Participant Orientation. Attending a conference for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. This orientation will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet friendly faces before the conference begins. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the Adopt an Airport program. This is an informal event on Tuesday afternoon, before the opening reception in the exhibit hall.

• 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.   Registration Desk Open
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• 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.   Breakfast in Exhibit Hall (Frisco 6)
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• 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.   Opening Session (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Presentation of Colors
•                                             Frisco Fire Department
•                                             National Anthem
•                                             Sabrina Frost
•                                             Welcoming Comments
•                                             Introduction of Aviation Advisory Committee
•                                             Dan Harmon, Director, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Justine Ruff, Chair, Aviation Advisory Committee
•                                             State of the Aviation Division Address
•                                             Dan Harmon, Director, TxDOT Aviation Division
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• 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.   State Legislative Update
•                                             Moderator: Shelly deZevallos, Ed.D.
•                                             State Senator Robert  Nichols, Senate District 3
•                                             State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez, House District 39
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• 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.   Keynote Speaker (Frisco 1-5)
•                                              Norman Garza, Executive Director, Texas Space Commission
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• 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.    Buffet Lunch (Frisco 1-5)

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.     
• I: Aviation Education (Frisco 7)
•                                             Moderator: Dana Donati,
•                                             CEO, Breaking Barriers
•                                             Steve Poston,
•                                             Southwest Region STEM/Aviation and Space Education Program Analyst, FAA
•                                             Nicole Johnson,
•                                             Aviation Planner, North Central Texas Council of Governments
•                                             Miller Scanlan, 
•                                             AMT Instructor, Crowley Independent School District
•                                             Michelle McConnell,
•                                             Business Development Manager - Maintenance Academy, 
•                                             US Aviation Academy
•                                             Christopher Coley, 
•                                             Corporate Director of Student Affairs, US Aviation Academy
•                                             Marvin Diaz, 
•                                             Director – Aviation Program, The University of Texas at Arlington
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• Preparing the workforce of tomorrow is critical to the continued success of the aviation industry. Our panel of experts will share insights into various aviation educational and outreach programs as well as initiatives designed to cultivate interest and talent in aviation and aerospace. This session will highlight efforts for K-12 students to encourage interest in STEM and aviation. 
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• II: Environmental Requirements Overview (Frisco 8)
•                                             Sana Drissi, TxDOT Aviation
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• Gain a clear understanding of key environmental requirements for airport planning and operations. This session provides a practical overview of federal and state compliance obligations, including NEPA reviews, permitting, noise, air quality, and wildlife considerations. Learn when an environmental review is required and who to contact as well as how to navigate the process to meet the needs of your airport.
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•  III: Compliance (Frisco 9)
•                                             Gary J. Loftus,
•                                             A.A.E. Lead Airports Compliance Program Manager
•                                             Airport Certification Safety Inspector, FAA Southwest Region 
•                                             Michael Van Vliet,
•                                             Director of Planning and Programming, TxDOT Aviation Division
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• This session will summarize the importance of the airport compliance program and airport grant assurances. It will allow airport stakeholders to speak about current or past experience, gain clarification, and engage with the FAA and TxDOT Aviation staff on questions related to airport compliance.
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• 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.      Break
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• 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.     
• I: Airfield Inspection Techniques and Practices (Frisco 7)
•                                             Dakota Shaw, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Konner Young, 
•                                             Airport Operations Manager, Meacham International Airport
•                                             Clinton Tuggle, C.M.,
•                                             Airport Manager, Cleburne Regional Airport
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• Learn effective airfield inspection techniques to ensure safe, compliant airport operations. This session covers inspection best practices, common deficiencies, documentation requirements, and coordination with maintenance and operations staff. Gain practical tips to identify hazards, meet regulatory standards, and enhance airfield safety through consistent, thorough inspections.
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• II: Promoting Your Airport: Branding and Marketing for Small Airports (Frisco 8)
•                                             Lori Walderich,
•                                             IdeaStudio Branding & Marketing
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• Discover practical branding and marketing strategies tailored for small airports. This session explores how to define your airport’s identity, strengthen community engagement, leverage digital tools, and communicate your unique value. Learn actionable tactics to elevate visibility, attract partners, and build a compelling, sustainable brand presence.
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•  III: Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) (Frisco 9)
•                                             Michelle Burcham,
•                                             Director, Grants and Administration, TxDOT Aviation
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• TxDOT’s Aviation Division oversees the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP), a cost‑share program that offers grants to eligible Texas airports, for maintenance of qualified airside and landside airport asset/infrastructure needs. This session will provide more information on the RAMP program, including funding and eligibility requirements.
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• 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Texas Airports Council Annual Meeting and Elections (Frisco 7)
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• 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.      Networking in Exhibit Hall  (Frisco 6)

• 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.      Registration Desk Open
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• 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.      Breakfast in Exhibit Hall (Frisco 6)
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• 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.      Airport 101 Guidebook Overview (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Michael Van Vliet, 
•                                             Director, Planning and Programming, TxDOT Aviation Division
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• 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.      Texas Aviation Economic Impact Study Update (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Daniel Benson, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Jeff Borowiec, Aviation Program Director, Woolpert
•                                             Greg Sanders,
•                                             Senior Planner & Project Manager, Woolpert
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• 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.    Capital Improvement Program Overview (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Sean Newton, TxDOT Aviation Division
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• 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.   Break (Frisco 6)
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• Morning Breakout Sessions
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• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. I: Advancing/Emerging Technologies I: Advanced Air Mobility in Texas (Frisco 7)
•                                             Sergio Roman, 
•                                             Director, Emerging Aviation Technology, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Ernest Huffman,
•                                             North Central Texas Council of Governments
•                                             Ghassan “Gus” Khankarli, Ph.D., P.E.,
•                                             Director, Transportation and Public Works Department, City of Dallas
•                                            Mitchell Davies,
•                                            Director of Aviation, Sugar Land Regional Airport
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• With recent developments at the federal level, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is moving toward reality. This session will explore how Texas is preparing for the future with AAM at both the state and local levels. Panelists will discuss statewide and regional planning efforts, landside access needs, and how airports can prepare for AAM.
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• II: Airspace Protection and Procedure Development (Obstruction Surveys) (Frisco 8)
•                                             Daniel Benson, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Derek Mayo, Garver
•                                             Tony Lombardi, Airport Manager, Gillespie County Airport
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• This session focuses on safeguarding navigable airspace through accurate obstruction identification, data collection, and analysis. The session covers survey methods, new tools to support analysis, and procedure design to support safe instrument and visual flight operations while enabling compatible land use development around airports.
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• III: IIJA and Federal Funding Overview (Frisco 9)
•                                             Moderator: Dan Harmon, 
•                                             Director, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Jesse Carriger, 
•                                             Manager, Infrastructure Branch, Planning and Programming, 
•                                             Office of Airports, Federal Aviation Administration
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• This session provides a high‑level overview of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the federal funding programs available to support airport and pavement maintenance projects. Participants will hear from the FAA on accessing the remaining funding and have an opportunity to ask questions on IIJA programs as well as federal funding for airports more broadly.
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• 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.    Plated Luncheon (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Art Contest Awards
•                                             sponsored by National Business Aviation Association
•                                             Texas Aviation Awards Program sponsored by the Texas Airports Council
•                                             National/Regional Airport of the Year
•                                             Local/Basic/Unclassified Airport of the Year
•                                              State Airport of the Year
•                                             Airport Professional of the Year
•                                             Airport Project of the Year
•                                             Aviation Educator of the Year (K-12)
•                                             RAMP Coordinator of the Year
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• Afternoon Breakout Sessions
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• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  I:  Advancing/Emerging Technologies II: Digitization of Airports for Planning and Maintenance (Frisco 7)
•                                             William Graffis, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Daniel Benson, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Bret Gardner, Enterprise Sales- North America, gNEXT
•                                             Tony Lombardi, Airport Manager, Gillespie County Airport
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• Digitization of Airports explores how new tools can transform airport asset management. The session will highlight the experience with digitizing one Texas airport; lessons learned, benefits, and challenges.
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• II:  Importance of AWOS (Frisco 8)
•                                             Troy Kimmel AMS CBM,
•                                             Owner/Meteorologist, KimCo Meteorological Services
•                                             Victor Murphy,
•                                             Meteorologist, KimCo Meteorological Services
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• This Importance of AWOS session examines how Automated Weather Observing Systems provide timely, accurate aviation weather data. The session discusses system components, siting, maintenance, and data dissemination, and explains how AWOS supports flight safety, operational decision-making, regulatory compliance, and continuity of operations at towered and non-towered airports during all weather conditions nationwide. In addition, we'll talk about how the weather observations that they produce actually improve and validate weather forecasts and serve as an economic growth engine for your community!! Bring your AWOS and weather questions and Troy and Victor will try to answer them for you!
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• III: Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) (Frisco 9)
•                                             Michelle Burcham,
•                                             Director, Grants and Administration, TxDOT Aviation Division
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• Missed the first RAMP breakout session? Here’s your second chance to learn all about the Routine Airport Maintenance Program. TxDOT’s Aviation Division oversees the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP), a cost‑share program that offers grants to eligible Texas airports, for maintenance of qualified airside and landside airport asset/infrastructure needs. This session will provide more information on the RAMP program, including funding and eligibility requirements.
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• 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.     Break (Frisco 6)
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• 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.     Sponsor/Agent Process (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Michael Van Vliet, 
•                                             Director, Planning and Programming, TxDOT Aviation Division
•                                             Sean Newton, 
•                                             TxDOT Aviation Division
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• 4:30pm                           Dinner on your own

• 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.    Registration Desk Open
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• 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.       Breakfast Buffet (Frisco 6)
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• 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.      Airport Manager Roundtable (Frisco 1-5)
•                                             Moderator: Sharlette Wright, 
•                                             Airport Manager, Mid-Way Regional Airport
•                                             Stacey Batch, 
•                                             Airport Manager, Taylor Municipal Airport
•                                             Gary Lee Davis, 
•                                             Director of Airports, San Patricio County
•                                             Ty Helton,
•                                             Airport General Aviation Manager, 
•                                             Greenville Texas Municipal Airport
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• Got questions? We have answers! This session provides attendees with an open forum to ask questions and engage a panel of experienced airport managers.  No formal presentations will be made during the session, but the panel members will share their experiences and thoughts on questions and issues brought up by the moderator and those attending this session. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about any issues and concerns at their airports. This forum is designed to provide an exchange of information and ideas among airport professionals.       
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• 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.    FAA Update and TxDOT/FAA Listening Session
•                                             Doug Lane,
•                                             Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, 
•                                             Federal Aviation Administration
•                                             Ignacio Flores, 
•                                             Director, Office of Airports, Southwest Region, 
•                                             Federal Aviation Administration
•                                             Rodney Clark, 
•                                             Manager, Texas Airports District Office, 
•                                             Federal Aviation Administration
•                                             Dan Harmon, 
•                                             Director, TxDOT Aviation Division