Nevada Aviation Association News

Government Affairs Report

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:06:00 GMT

Click here to view the full Government Affairs Report.

NvAA - Assembly Bill 293

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:36:26 GMT

We’re excited to announce that the Nevada Aviation Association’s Bill Draft Request (BDR) to establish the Governor’s Office of Aerospace has officially been introduced as Assembly Bill 293 (AB293). The bill has been read into the record and assigned to the Government Affairs Committee.

AB293 is sponsored by Assemblymember Gregory S. Koenig (R) (District 38), Assistant Minority Floor Leader North, and we’re pleased to share that Assemblyman Ruben D’Silva (D) (District 28) has joined as a co-sponsor. D'Silva is a high school history teacher with strong ties to the Rancho High School Academy of Aviation. Assemblyman D’Silva is a passionate advocate for this legislation and the future of aerospace in Nevada.

The Future of Aviation in Nevada is Now

This year’s NvAA Conference theme—“The Future of Aviation in Nevada is Now”—perfectly aligns with the urgency of this moment. Nevada’s aviation industry stands at a critical inflection point, and its future will significantly impact the state’s economy. As industry leaders, we must take an active role in shaping the conversation and ensuring a strong aviation infrastructure, including the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA) and improved air service connectivity between Nevada’s economic centers. If we don’t lead this effort, someone else will—and a lack of vision could stall our economic growth for years to come.

Next Steps & How You Can Help

To build momentum for AB293, we’re hosting a virtual call next week to discuss the bill in detail and develop an FAQ one-sheet. This will help you effectively advocate for the bill with local businesses, government officials, and your state assemblymember and senator. Please review the bill beforehand, jot down any questions, and join us as we work through them together.

Three-Pronged Strategy for Success

We need a strong, coordinated effort to move AB293 forward. Here’s how you can help:

1. Educate Local Legislators

Speak with your local assemblymember’s and senator’s staff to introduce them to AB293.
Explain its importance to Nevada’s economy and the future of aviation.

2. Schedule a Legislative Visit

Set up a meeting to visit your assemblymember and senator in Carson City before the NvAA Conference on March 31st.
Personal engagement is key to building support.

3. Gather Letters of Support

Secure endorsements from local businesses, city and county officials, and other stakeholders.
We are working with our legislative committee and our lobbyist, Black & Wadhams, to draft a template letter for supporters.

AB293 Bill

NvAA Representatives Engagement Guide

Proposal for an Office of Aerospace

It’s up to us to champion this bill and ensure it moves forward. Your engagement will make the difference.

I look forward to continuing this conversation and working together to drive AB293 to success!

Women in Corporate Aviation Scholarships

Desirae Barquin — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 22:08:15 GMT

Scholarships are available through Women in Corporate Aviation. Scholarships are available for Pilot & Maintenance Training, Flight Attendants and Regulatory & Professional Development. Please see the link below for additional details. Please note that the scholarship deadline is September 8.

https://www.wca-intl.org/scholarship-opportunities/

APMS Update: Virtual Meeting

Desirae Barquin — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:54:08 GMT

Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. was recently selected to complete an update of the State of Nevada airport pavement management system (APMS) for twenty-two project airports.

A virtual meeting will be conducted on August 31^st from 1pm to 2pm PDT. This meeting will provide background information on the project, the collection of pavement construction records for related work completed since the last update in 2018, what to expect during the condition inspections at each airport, and a summary of the project deliverables.

Please join this meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://www.gotomeet.me/pavements01

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (646) 749-3112

Access Code: 248-268-157

Nevada legislature passes and Governor signs AB58 appropriating $2M in the Nevada Fund for Aviation.

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:32:12 GMT

Dear Members,

Beginning in June 2022, the NvAA went through an RFP process to hire a lobbyist to carry out that task of obtaining an appropriation for the Nevada Fund for Aviation. The NvAA Board appointed a panel (Ken Moen, Phil Derner, Bob Switzer, and Dave Dietz) to review RFP submittals and create a short list for an interview. Following the interviews, the selection panel agreed unanimously to hire Susan Fisher of the McDonald Carano. In addition to the appropriation, the NvAA lobbied for supporting Elko’s need for air service support. Ultimately, politics played a big role in the Legislature pulling an appropriation for air service development but did approve amendments to the Air Service Development Commission. I am working with Kurt Haukohl to schedule a NATAC meeting and ultimately approve a plan for funding local matching funds at the full 6.25% . This is a big accomplishment for the NvAA and its membership. This support from the legislature for Nevada NPIAS airports (Clark and Washoe County airports are not able to participate in the Nevada Fund for Aviation). NvAA is already planning for the 2025 legislative session. But let’s celebrate this one by thanking our state representatives who approved its passage by a vote of 41-0 (with 1 member excused). The Senate approved AB58 13-8 (last minute wrangling removed the appropriation for air service development commission). Governor Lombardo signed AB58 into law on June 15th. Please take time to email thank the legislators and the Governor for supporting Nevada airports. I want to thank all of you who reached out to your local representatives and encouraging their support.

Below is the press release drafted for submittal to statewide media.

The Nevada Aviation Association (NvAA) and its membership encouraged Nevada’s 82nd legislature to appropriate $2 Million for the Nevada Fund for Aviation. Assemblyman Bert Gurr, representing parts of Elko, Eureka, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine Counties introduced legislation appropriating money for the Fund. The Nevada Fund for Aviation helps rural counties meet local match requirements for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. AIP grants are awarded to airports to maintain and improve facilities and infrastructure. The $2 Million in appropriated funds will leverage over $32 Million in FAA AIP grants for local airport projects with funding available July 1, 2023.

The legislation also amended existing law regarding the Air Service Development Commission (ASDC). Changes include moving the ASDC from the Department of Tourism to the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). ASDC members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, a representative from a county with a population of 700,000 or more (currently Clark County), Nevada Association of Counties (NACO), the Nevada League of Cities, Nevada Resort Association, Nevada Aviation Association (NvAA), and a representative from a county with a population of less than 100,000. ASDC will develop a strategic plan for connecting the three economic hubs of the state (Elko, Reno, and Las Vegas) and opportunities to expand commercial air service to support communities and industry.

Best Regards,

Ken

NASAO Legislative Alert – What’s in the Senate-passed Tax, Climate and Healthcare Bill?

Desirae Barquin — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:31:33 GMT

Please see the NASAO Legislative Alert from August 8, 2022 below.

NASAO Legislative Alert | August 8, 2022

Yesterday, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R.5376) along party lines with a vote of 50 to 50 with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. This is the largest investment in combating climate change in the United States and is projected to help cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent from 2005 levels by the end of the decade. The bill will now go to the House, which will reconvene on Friday to consider the bill.

The bill includes more than $300 billion to address climate change and promote clean energy, a new minimum tax on large corporations, and provisions to lower prescription drug prices. Specifically, the bill includes a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blenders tax credit (BTC) for SAF producers and an enhanced value for SAF under the Clean Fuel Production Credit (CFPC) for a total of five years combined. It also includes $297 million for the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide grants to state and local governments, airport sponsors, air carriers, nonprofits, and others to support SAF and low-emission aviation technology projects. View below for more details of the SAF BTC and the new U.S. DOT grant program.

View bill text, one-page bill summary, and summary of energy/climate change investments

SAF BTC

The SAF BTC would be in place from 2023 to 2024 only (2 years) at $1.25-$1.75 gallon. The CFPC, applicable to all transportation fuel and providing an enhanced value for SAF relative to ground transportation would apply from 2025 to 2027 (3 years) at up to $1.75.

The SAF BTC provision was originally introduced as the Sustainable Skies Act by Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Dan Kildee (D-MI-5) and Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) and Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Patty Murray (D-WA). NASAO worked as part of a broad coalition of stakeholders to encourage inclusion of this provision in a reconciliation package.

· View the full list of SAF BTC Coalition

· View Coalition Letter of Support for SAF BTC – April 2022

U.S. DOT Alternative Fuel and Low-Emission Aviation Technology Program

The bill provides $297 million for a competitive grant program carried out by the U.S. Department of Transportation for projects that produce, transport, blend, or store SAF, or develop, demonstrate, or apply low-emission aviation technologies. Of the $297 million:

· $244.5 million is for projects related to the production, transportation, blending, or storage of SAF;

· $46.5 is for projects related to low-emission aviation technologies; and

· $5.9 is to administer and oversee the program.

In carrying out the program, the U.S. Department of Transportation must consider:

· The capacity for the eligible entity to increase the domestic production and deployment of SAF or the use of low-emission aviation technologies among the U.S. commercial aviation/aerospace industry;

· Projected GHG emissions from a project, including emissions resulting from the development of the project, and the potential the project has to reduce or displace on a lifecycle basis U.S. GHG associated with travel;

· The capacity to create new jobs and develop supply chain partnerships in the United States;

· For projects related to the production of SAF, the projected lifecycle GHG emissions benefits from the proposed project, which must include feedstock and fuel production and potential direct and indirect GHG emissions, including resulting from changes in land use; and

· Benefits of ensuring a diversity of feedstocks for SAF, including the use of carbon oxides and direct air capture.

Entities eligible to apply for the program are state and local governments, air carriers, airport sponsors, higher education institutions, research institutions, and nonprofits, among others. The federal share is 75 percent of the proposed project but increases to 90 percent if the eligible entity is a small hub airport or nonhub airport.

State Infrastructure Bank now accepting applications for affordable housing, charter schools, and other priority infrastructure projects

Desirae Barquin — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 21:39:42 GMT

Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine announced the State Infrastructure Bank is now accepting applications for qualified infrastructure projects. Please use the document linked here for full details and a link to the application to apply for low interest or no interest loan from the state infrastructure bank. This might be a great avenue to acquire the installation of revenue generating or vital infrastructure project. Some examples might include installation of a water line or other utilities, airport road access, fuel systems, etc.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Frequently Asked Questions

Desirae Barquin — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 14:34:19 GMT

Please see the document linked below for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law frequently asked questions.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Frequently Asked Questions

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Aviation Nevada Airport and Heliport System Plan (NAHSP) and Airport Economic Impact Study (AEIS) Update

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 00:40:56 GMT

The Nevada Department of Transportation's Nevada Airport and Heliport System Plan (NAHSP) and Airport Economic Impact Study (AEIS) will establish a new basis for future decision making on aviation needs. The state of Nevada last completed an aviation system plan study in 2004, and there have been many changes to the national, state, and local aviation and economic environments over the past 15 or more years.

NAHSP Goals and Performance Measures were recently completed. You can read a status update of the NAHSP project by clicking here.

Nevada Airports Association Announces Name Change to Nevada Aviation Association

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 00:03:14 GMT

The Nevada Airports Association, an association of airport executives, policy-makers, and corporate supporters announced today that it has changed its name to the Nevada Aviation Association. Click here to read the press release.

Nevada Tax Commission to hold public hearing on proposed regulations regarding determination of taxable situs and allocation of value of locally assessed aircraft

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 21:22:26 GMT

The Nevada Tax Commission will hold a public hearing on December 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. to receive testimony from all interested persons and consider and take action on proposed adoption of amendments, additions and deletions to the Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 361, regarding determination of taxable situs and allocation of value of locally assessed aircraft.

The need and purpose of the proposed regulation is to provide necessary guidance to assessors for the determination of the taxable situs of aircraft. In the event that an aircraft has more than one taxable situs, the regulation provides a standardized formula for the allocation of value between Nevada and other locations. Click here for more information.

Free FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification training program

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:42:52 GMT

The Nevada Business Aviation Association (NVBAA) provides

free FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification training for young Nevadans (16-25 yo), high school educators, and military veterans. NVBAA provides a professional self-paced online learning management system, with full access to all the training materials, and also holds weekly training calls every Saturday from 9-10 am PDT.

NVBAA Part 107 learners have a 100% passing rate for the FAA Drone Pilot Certificate, and some have already obtained paid work. There are opportunities all across Nevada for drone pilots.

Click here for more information and the enrollment application.

Nevada’s airports to receive over $231M in CARES Act grants

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 23:39:00 GMT

Nevada’s airports will receive $231,448,014 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) act (H.R. 748, Public Law 116-136), signed into law by the President on March 27, 2020.

McCarran International and Reno-Tahoe International will receive $195,485,334 and $30,957,866 respectively and Boulder City and Elko will each receive more than $1M in grants. Twenty-six other airports in Nevada that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) will receive a total of $957,000 with individual awards ranging from $20,000 to $157,000.

These funds can be used for any purpose for which airport revenue could otherwise be used. This means these funds are available for operating costs (salaries, utilities, etc.)

In addition, the CARES Act provides funds to increase the federal share to 100 percent for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and supplemental discretionary grants already planned for fiscal year 2020. Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients in Nevada must contribute 6.25 percent of the project costs.

Click https://www.faa.gov/airports/cares_act/ for more information on the CARES Act grants for airports, including a detailed listing of grants by State, city and airport.

From Governor Sisolak: Interstate Travel Advisory

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 15:29:44 GMT

Please click the links below to view the travel advisories from Governor Sisolak:

Travel Advisory 1

Travel Advisory 2

You are urged to self quarantine and monitor your health for 14 days as the state works to contain the spread of COVID-19. DO NOT visit public places or come into contact with persons not in your household. Learn more at nvhealthresponse.nv.gov.

CORTEZ MASTO, ROSEN APPLAUD $2 MILLION GRANT FOR BATTLE MOUNTAIN AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 00:52:19 GMT

November 21, 2019

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) applauded $2,000,000 in grant funding awarded under the Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program to Battle Mountain Airport in Battle Mountain, Nevada. The funds will go to reconstruct the airport’s apron.

“Airports in our rural communities in Nevada are economic hubs and vital parts of their health care delivery, which is why we’re glad to see this Department of Transportation grant to aid Battle Mountain Airport. With many Nevadans living hours from the closest hospital, it’s key to invest in our airport infrastructure to protect Nevadans in emergencies and keep businesses running smoothly day-to-day. We’ll continue to work in the U.S. Senate to improve infrastructure in Nevada and across the country.”

BACKGROUND:

The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides grant funding to airports across the country in order to strengthen our nation’s aviation infrastructure. Airports are awarded funding based on their passenger volume and demonstrated project needs.

Senator Cortez Masto has championed legislation that strengthens innovation and promotes critical infrastructure in Nevada and throughout America, including the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Bill.

As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s Aviation and Space Subcommittee, Senator Rosen is a strong supporter of investing in Nevada’s aviation infrastructure.

Kurt Haukohl presents the history of general aviation in Nevada as part of the Frances Humphrey Lecture Series at the Nevada State Museum

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 22:17:37 GMT

NEVADA STATE MUSEUM LECTURE: “GENERAL AVIATION IN NEVADA AND THE NEVADA AIRPORT UPDATE” BY KURT HAUKOHL

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:50:54 GMT

Kurt Haukohl, NDOT State Aviation Manger, will share the history of general aviation in Nevada and the Nevada Airport Update as part of the Frances Humphrey Lecture Series at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Thursday August 22nd beginning at 6:30 pm.

Cost: Admission is $8 for adults; Free for members and children age 17 and under.

Seating is limited. Click HERE for more information and to make a reservation.

DESCRIPTION

Nevada has a long history in aviation. From early exhibition flying in Carson City and Reno to WWII Army Air Corp pilot training all over the state to the present day Reno Air Races. Today in Nevada there is a wide variety of aviation happening every day. Our skies are full of commercial, military, general and glider aviation. Kurt Haukohl, NDOT State Aviation Manger, will share the history of general aviation in Nevada and the Nevada Airport Update.

Kurt Haukohl has been a pilot for 50 years and has over 9,900-hours of flight time. He has been working in the aviation industry since he was 19 years of age. He has degrees from Florida Institute of Technology in Air Commerce and Flight Technology. In addition to working as a pilot, flight instructor, and aerobatic competitor he has also worked for the FAA, California Department of Transportation, and as a private consultant. Kurt is on the Board of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and is currently the Director of the Western Pacific Region.

Nevada airports awarded AIP funding

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 19:49:46 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States. The Nevada grants include awards to:

Austin
Battle Mountain
Fallon Municipal Airport
Ely Yelland Field
Hawthorne Industrial
Reno/Tahoe International Airport
Reno Stead
Silver Springs
Minden-Tahoe Airport
Winnemucca Municipal Airport
Henderson Executive
McCarran International
Beatty
Tonopah
Elko Regional

A listing and project summaries of all AIP awards can be found at: https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grantapportion_data/media/FY19-AIP-Grants-Announced.pdf

The Federal Aviation Administration recognizes White Pine County with the 2019 Outstanding Airport Award

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:03:32 GMT

2019 Legislative Summary

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 17:50:58 GMT

The 80th (2019) Session of the Nevada Legislature adjourned sine die on June 4, 2019. Despite widespread recognition of the importance of Nevada's General Aviation Airports and support from many legislators throughout the Session no funding was appropriated for the Nevada Aviation Trust Fund for the 2019-2021 Biennium. We have already begun working with our aviation partners and other stakeholders in business and public safety to pursue dedicated funding for Nevada's airports during the interim.

Aviation related bills that were enacted during the 2019 Session include:

AB 242 which creates the Nevada Air Service Development Commission and the Nevada Air Service Development Fund.

AB 400 which prohibits the approval of abatements of the taxes imposed for local schools under certain circumstances.

AB 406 which revises provisions relating to the Carson City Airport Authority.

SB 421 which appropriates $1 million to establish and carry out a program relating to certain unmanned aircraft systems.

  provides that the Commission may accept monetary gifts,

  bequests,

  grants

,

  appropriations

  and donations from any source for deposit in the Fundrequires the Commission to establish a program for the award of grants of money from the Fund to air carriers who will serve, or enhance service to, small airports, nonhub airports or certain large hub airports in this State for the – 2 – - 80th Session (2019) purpose of recruiting, retaining, stabilizing and expanding regional air service in this State. Section 14 of this bill establishes criteria for awarding grants of money from the Fund to certain air carriers. Section 14 provides that a grant of money from the Fund must be used to pay the costs associated with an agreement entered into between the Commission and an air carrier for the air carrier to commence or continue air service to a certain airport in exchange for a guarantee of receiving certain revenue or subsidies from the Commission. 

  may accept monetary gifts,

  bequests,

  grants

,

  appropriations

  and donations from any source for deposit in the Fund

Nevada Aviation-Aerospace-Airports Day at the Legislature April 22nd

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 01:36:54 GMT

Nevada Aviation - Aerospace - Airports Day at the Nevada Legislature in Carson City will be held on Monday April 22nd. This is a great opportunity for NvAA Members to network with aviation and aerospace industry professionals and tell legislators about the important role that airports have in serving our communities and State. For more information please visit the Nevada Business Aviation Association website at: http://nvbaa.org/ or contact NvAA Executive Director, Jeff Fontaine at: ccjfontaine@gmail.com or 775-443-7667.

NvAA's 20th Annual Conference a Great Success!

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 01:06:12 GMT

Thanks to our sponsors, presenters and attendees for making NvAA's 20th Annual Conference a great success! NvAA's 2020 Annual Conference will be held in Tonopah.

Could You Be a LAANC Service Supplier?

Marissa Adou — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 16:20:51 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking for a few good suppliers – for the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), that is.

In October 2017, the FAA deployed LAANC (pronounced “LANCE”) at several air traffic facilities to evaluate how well the prototype system functioned for drone operators who want to fly in controlled airspace and for the facilities themselves.

The FAA is now considering agreements with additional entities to provide LAANC services. The period for new entities to apply will run from April 16 to May 16, 2018. Interested parties can find information on the application process here. This is not a standard government acquisition; there is no Screening Information Request (SIR) or Request for Proposal (RFP)

related to this effort.

“We want to enable technology and remove barriers so that’s why we’re simplifying the authorization process,” said FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell. “If you’re in the drone business, this is a great opportunity for you.”

The agency is also planning a nationwide beta test that will roll out from April to September of this year, which will incrementally activate LAANC at nearly 300 air traffic facilities covering almost 500 airports.

LAANC uses airspace data including UAS facility maps that show the maximum altitude around airports where the FAA may automatically authorize operations under Part 107. LAANC gives drone operators the ability to interact with industry developed applications and obtain near real-time authorization from the FAA. LAANC is a foundation for developing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management System (UTM).

The FAA expects LAANC will ultimately provide near real-time processing of airspace authorization and notification requests for Part 107 drone operators nationwide. The system is designed to automatically approve most requests to operate in specific areas of airspace below designated altitudes.

NvAA Blog

Marissa Adou — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 14:49:10 GMT

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