Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) is proud to support MAMA’s Explore Maryland By Air program. The hard work and collaboration by your airport owners/managers is reflected within this newsletter. Our compliments to MAMA for a successful program.
For those readers that do not know who we are, MAA is the state agency charged with fostering and developing aviation across Maryland. While MAA owns and operates BWI Marshall and MTN, we like to say we are all things aeronautics in Maryland as well. Our current programs are focused on infrastructure (i.e. airports, airspace, nav-aids); we do provide education outreach for all ages and groups. If you have an event at your local airport, let us know. We’ll put it on our on-line events calendar (www.marylandregionalaviation.aero). Also, we have a mobile exhibit table and pilot handouts. Contact us to schedule participation at your event.
The MAA produces a biennial Airport Directory and recently completed the 2015-16 edition. The directory will soon be available at all public-use airports in Maryland. Pick up your free copy of this guide at your local airport/FBO. The Airport Directory contains information on public-use airport facilities within the State of Maryland and includes aerial photographs, airport layout drawings and noise abatement procedures to help pilots find their way around Maryland’s airport system. This guide is also a great tool for students of all ages interested in aviation! Also at your local airport/FBO is the free Maryland Aeronautical Chart. If your local FBO/airport does not have either of these publications, please let us know and we’ll be sure to replenish their stock.
MAA directly supports the airport system in Maryland. We do this through 2 main methods –airport licensing and airport grant programs – the carrot and stick, if you will. The stick is MAA’s regulatory oversight of all public-use airports. We inspect and the airports maintain minimum safety standards that comply w/ State regulations. The carrot is the grant assistance available to all public-use airports. In fiscal year 2014, MAA issued grants over $4.2 million. FAA and Airport Owners provided funds for same period totaling $13.2 million and $1.4 million respectively. In total, the Federal, state and local investment in Maryland’s regional airport system was $18.8 million (excluding BWI and MTN). Many of these projects you are seeing today as you fly in and out of your airports and heliport. So, be sure to check those NOTAMs. Some projects are planning or environmental efforts necessary for setting the stage for future construction. All are intended to improve safety, access and reliability of service for you – the flying public. SFY 2015 is only half over, and by all indications we will have a robust airport grant program again. In future editions, we will share with you details of the SFY 2015 grants issued.
We want to hear from you – the pilot, the flight school, the charter operator, the mechanic – let us know if there is something we can assist with or something we can improve upon. Together we can continue to make flying in Maryland safe, fun and productive for all who use our aviation system. My direct line is: 410.859.7064 or asolanki@bwiairport.com.