Wisconsin Airport Management Association - March 2020 Newsletter
NEWSLETTER
Sponsored in part by Mead & Hunt and Signature Flight Support
WAMA Leads the Way for Mechanic Lien Legislation

The WAMA supported initiative to pass Mechanic's Lien Legislation was signed into law by Governor Evers on February 21, 2020 at ATW Airport. Members of our association have worked on this legislation for several years and it's a big win for aviation in Wisconsin. Legislation to support aviation initiatives in Wisconsin is an important part of the work of our association and we thank those who contacted their legislators to make this happen!

This article in Midwest Flyer does an excellent job summarizing the need to update Wisconsin's laws to ensure that ownership of an aircraft or aircraft engine can be transferred free and clear of all mortgages, liens, leases or encumbrances and that there are no legal questions or ambiguities to the aircraft's ownership.

65th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference

The 65th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference is just a couple months away and will be held on Elkhart Lake at the historic Osthoff Resort, May 3-5, 2020. 

In addition to an exciting new venue, we have a great program planned for this year. Topics include Drone/LAANC technology, the Future of Aviation Education, Aviation Issues Panel, PFAS Updates, Airport Project Planning, Airports 101 AIP/CIP, Airfield Electrical, Solar/Going Green, Airport Marketing, Wildlife Management, and Hangar Development. New this year, we have added a general aviation airport and commercial service airport roundtable discussion for airports to confer with colleagues on issues impacting their airport. 

The conference will also include a pilot educational track through a new partnership with AOPA, starting with a Rusty Pilot seminar on Sunday afternoon and continuing with topics throughout the conference including EAA Air Venture NOTAM updates, Reasons to Fly Wisconsin, Great Lakes Weather Effects on Aviation, Pilot Jobs Beyond The Airlines and Advanced ForeFlight Discussion on IFR Applications.
 
Speed dating with the FAA will continue this year, so don't miss out on the opportunity to talk about projects and other issues facing your airport. Contact Bob O'Brien to schedule your speed dating slot.
 
The conference passport program will be offered again this year with the winner having an opportunity to win drone or visa gift card! Conference attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in the silent auction program to benefit the WAMA collegiate and professional development scholarship programs.

Registration is open at the following links. Don't forget to register by March 1 to get the early discount rate!

 
 
Call for WAC Sponsors & Exhibitors

The Wisconsin Aviation Conference isn't possible without the support of our sponsors and exhibitors. On behalf of the Wisconsin Airport Management Association and the WAC planning committee, please consider joining us again as a sponsor and/or exhibitor in 2020.
 
EXHIBITORS - Please register by March 1, 2020 to receive the early bird rate  HERE.
  
SPONSORS - Sponsorship options can be found  HERE. 
WAMA Awards

The Wisconsin Airport Management Association is seeking nominations for the 2020 WAMA Aviation Awards . To nominate a person or project, submit via this online  Award Nomination Form  (it's really easy!)

Your nomination must be submitted before  March 16, 2020 .  Award winners will be recognized at the 2020 Wisconsin Aviation Conference.

Nominees can be submitted for the following awards:  
  • Distinguished Service Award - Awarded to the persons who have made  an outstanding contribution to aviation.
  • Blue Light Award - Awarded to persons in the media who have distinguished themselves by their excellent reporting on Wisconsin Aviation.
  • Person of the Year Award - Awarded to persons who have distinguished themselves in Wisconsin Aviation during the past calendar year.
  • Lifetime Service Award - Awarded to persons who have devoted themselves to promoting and serving Wisconsin aviation for at least ten years.
  • Airport Engineering Award - Awarded to persons who have made significant professional contributions in the airport engineering or architecture fields in Wisconsin.
WAMA/TDA Fly-In

The Wisconsin Airport Management Association is partnering with TDA Wisconsin on a Washington, D.C. Fly-In. Federal funding represents a significant portion of the state's aviation budget and is, therefore, a significant piece of any long-term plan to improve airport infrastructure. Federal regulations also significantly impact airports and now is the time to make your voice heard on topics of importance to your airport.

Event registration includes meetings, congressional office visits, Tuesday dinner and Wednesday breakfast. When registering you can select your top choices for visits with your legislators and TDA will make the arrangements for you to be a part of a group visit with legislators. If you would prefer an individual meeting with your legislator you can make those arrangements by contacting the legislative offices directly.

Registration is being handled through TDA and you can register ONLINE.

One professional development grant of up to $1,500 is still available for a general aviation airport interested in participating in the fly-in. Depending on airfare and hotel choices, this grant should cover most, if not all, of your trip! Contact Bob O'Brien to indicate your interest in this grant opportunity.
Airport Manager Retirements

After more than 30 years, Keith R. Kasbohm, the  Airport Manager from  Door County Cherryland Airport will be retiring effective May 1, 2020.

Also, Dave Jensen, past President of WAMA and current Deputy Airport Director of the Dane County Regional Airport will retire in March after 29 years with the Airport.

Congratulations and best wishes to Keith and Dave!
WAMA Member Achievements

WAMA Board Member Abe Weber, Airport Director, Appleton International Airport, recently became an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Candidates in the A.A.E. program obtain the designation by completing a three step process - (1) a 180-question, multiple-choice examination; (2) a management research paper, case study, proctored essay examination, or proof of an advanced degree; and (3) a final interview with a panel of A.A.E.s.

WAMA Member, Chad Rasmussen, was recently awarded his Certified Member (CM) status from the American Association of Airport Executives. Chad is an Operations Supervisor with the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, WI.

Congratulations to Abe and Chad!