The Airport 101 Guide serves as a practical reference for airport sponsors, airport managers and other stakeholders involved in the operation of general aviation airports across Texas. Designed as a living document, the guide is intended to be updated as needs evolve and will be accessible online through the TxDOT Aviation Division website. Rather than…
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have grown concerned about the increasing number of Meteorological Evaluation Towers (METs), which are used to evaluate locations for future wind turbines. In response, the 84th Texas Legislature added Transportation Code §21.071, requiring certain METs to be painted and marked to improve visibility and enhance…
Strengthening Texas Airports Through Community Involvement Texas airports play an important role in connecting communities, supporting local economies and providing access across the state. Through TxDOT’s Adopt-an-Airport Program, private citizens, organizations and community groups can take an active role in supporting their local airport and helping maintain a welcoming environment for visitors and pilots alike….
West Region Abilene Regional Airport The Abilene Regional Airport Air Tanker Ramp project, led by Garver in partnership with the City of Abilene, constructed a dedicated wildfire tanker apron to support aerial firefighting operations. This new infrastructure improves the efficiency and capacity for loading, staging and deploying aircraft used in wildfire suppression efforts. By enhancing…
Bay City Regional Airport serves as a vital asset for Bay City, Texas, supporting local economic activity, aviation access and emergency response operations. For Airport Manager James Mason, that role has evolved over nearly 13 years into a focus on readiness, collaboration and continuous improvement. As airport manager, Mason has guided decisions on airport upgrades…
For more than 90 years, Scholes International Airport has played an important role along the Texas Gulf Coast. Since opening in 1932, the airport has supported a wide range of operations, from transporting workers to offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of America to hosting medical, military, corporate and recreational flights. Now, Scholes International Airport…
From the Texas Department of Transportation Newsroom. By Julien Devereux AUSTIN – A new pilot project for the future of aircraft is coming to Texas that has the potential to generate new jobs, connect communities and help Texas lead the way in aviation innovation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration…
Dan Harmon, TxDOT Aviation Division Director I hope everyone is having a good summer so far. Things have been busy in Aviation, and it’s only going to get busier in the coming months. It was great to see so many of you in Frisco at the 2026 Texas Aviation Conference. As always, it was an…
The U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest, organized by the National Association of State Aviation Officials and the National Aeronautic Association, encourages youth aged 6 to 17 to illustrate the importance of aviation. This year’s theme, Fly to Save Lives, inspired entries from across the country highlighting the brave aviators who come to the rescue when disaster strikes….
The Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) was established in 1996 as a grant program to support general maintenance and improvement projects in our airport system. RAMP is supported by all 25 TxDOT districts and is available to nearly 300 airports statewide. RAMP coordinators are TxDOT district designated employees who work with the Aviation Division to…
Miller Scanlan, the 2026 Aviation Educator of the Year, is shaping the future of aviation by developing the next generation of skilled technicians and industry professionals. At Crowley ISD, Scanlan has built a learning environment where students are encouraged to dream big, develop strong technical foundations and pursue meaningful careers in aviation. As the leader…
Skylark Field Airport demonstrates how thoughtful planning and strong coordination can transform an airport’s capabilities and strengthen the region’s aviation infrastructure. The project delivered a 3,000-square-foot general aviation terminal building equipped with modern architectural finishes and state-of-the-art amenities for pilots, passengers and visitors. The project included a new parking lot and terminal apron, strengthening both…
Kirk Griffin, airport manager of the Kerrville–Kerr County Airport, has shown exceptional leadership and steady resolve during one of the most challenging moments the Texas Hill Country has faced. In the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, devastating floods swept through Kerr County, overwhelming the Guadalupe River and causing significant damage and loss of…
Mason County Airport has long served as a vital gateway to its community and, in recent years, has made significant progress in infrastructure, service capacity and regional economic impact. The airport recently completed a series of improvements to enhance safety and operational efficiency. These include new electrical and lighting systems, airfield drainage upgrades, pavement maintenance…
Hillsboro Municipal Airport experienced a transformational year, defined by the design and construction of a pavement reconstruction project that essentially replaced the airport’s entire airfield infrastructure. Significant failures in the runway and taxiway system required more than a typical rehabilitation, and addressing these challenges demanded a highly coordinated effort between the airport sponsor, TxDOT and…
