WINGTIPS
In collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, TTI helps produce Wingtips, the division’s quarterly newsletter and official publication that keeps the aviation community and the public informed about developments across the state. TTI staff serve as managing editor, creating original content and coordinating design, printing and electronic distribution to more than 4,000 readers nationwide.
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TxDOT Selected for Futuristic Air Taxi Testing Program
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
(FAA) have selected a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) proposal to
be part of the new Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot
Program. The agency made the announcement March 9, 2026 saying these
pilot projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next
generation aircraft in the world.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Airport 101 Guide Offers Reference for Airport Sponsors and Managers
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…
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Meteorological Evaluation Tower Registration
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…
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Adopt-an-Airport
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….
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Across Texas Aviation: TxDOT Aviation Division’s Statewide Impact
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…
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Bay City Regional Airport Strengthens Role in Communityand Disaster Response Under James Mason
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…
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Scholes International Airport Charges into the Future ofAviation
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…
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TxDOT Selected for Futuristic Air Taxi Testing Program
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…
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On the radar
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…
