Three Recognized At Luncheon

The Virginia Department of Aviation recently presented the 2008 Virginia Aviation Awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

William T. "Tim" Gaylord was named Virginia Airport Manager of the Year for his achievements at the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport, including accomplishing numerous runway and facility improvements, important land acquisitions, and the construction and leasing of new hangars. He was also instrumental in bringing essential airborne critical care ambulance service to the Middle Peninsula, Peninsula, and parts of the Eastern Shore of Virginia by reaching agreement with LifeEvac of Virginia to base one of their helicopters at the airport.

David L. Young received the Virginia Aviation Person of the Year Award for his leadership role in training future aviation professionals and promoting aviation education. As Dean of the Liberty University School of Aeronautics, he has overseen the design and approval of a new facility at Lynchburg Regional Airport that will house the Liberty University aviation program. Mr. Young serves on the Lynchburg Airport Commission and is a currently certified flight instructor who regularly flies with students and teaches the instrument ground school at Liberty University.

George Zahn was honored with the Virginia Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime contributions to aviation in Virginia; especially his role in the conversion of the existing West Point Municipal Airport into the Middle Peninsula Airport. After many years of planning, the first official meeting of the Middle Peninsula Airport Authority took place in July 1999. In his capacity as Chairman, Mr. Zahn oversaw approximately six million dollars of capital improvements to the airport and provided the leadership and expertise to bring together three county boards and one town board to agree on issues related to the airport. His insight and tireless dedication make him an important asset to aviation in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The recipients were recognized at a luncheon organized by the Virginia Airport Operators Council (VAOC) on August 19, 2008 at the Richmond Country Club in Richmond. Randall Burdette, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, made the presentations.

The Virginia Airport Operators Council (VAOC) serves the common interests of the owners, operators and users of the 66 public use airports located throughout the State of Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Aviation continually strives to become the standard of excellence amongst State Aviation Agencies through; its cultivation of an advanced aviation system, a system that is not only safe for consumers, but one that will provide economic development opportunities throughout the Commonwealth; its promotion and education of aviation and aviation related issues, subsequently raising aviation awareness in the Commonwealth and beyond; and by providing executive flight services for the Commonwealth leadership.

FMI: www.doav.virginia.gov/