The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) held their annual three-day conference at the Hotel Roanoke in August. This large-scale event for Virginia’s aviation industry serves as a meeting point for industry professionals to discuss educational programs, industry developments, and more. Since 1976, the DOAV has administered the Virginia Aviation Awards and recognized individuals across the Commonwealth who have made significant contributions to Virginia’s $26 billion aviation industry. At the banquet ceremony, Virginia Aviation Board Director Greg Campbell honored three Virginians with 2025 Virginia Aviation Awards: Airport Manager of the Year, Aviation Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement.
For her never-ending dedication to aviation in Virginia, our own Judy Sparks was Aviation Person of the Year for 2025. The DOAV received nominations for Judy from many corners of Virginia as well as from EAA-Oshkosh. Recently, Judy was instrumental in developing the ideas behind a multi-chapter one-dayworkshop and individual flight for several kids. This was carried out at Shannon Airport with three other Chapters (231 Richmond, 1099 Shannon and 1563 Gordonsville). Judy has been involved with every Chapter 186 event including the Ford Tri-Motor visit, Chili Cook-off, December holiday party and Young Eagles rallies. She has for decades managed the Chapter 186 membership and annual directory process. Judy is also active at Virginia EAA Chapters in Richmond and Shannon/Stafford and the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society and has, for several years, volunteered at the Chapters Blue Barn at EAA AirVenture. For almost two decades she managed the EAA Regional Fly in/Airshow later called the Virginia State Fly-in. Most of all, Judy’s passion for aviation shines through whether she is talking to a new or prospective Chapter member, a first time Young Eagle, a long-time member, a new or experienced pilot. She welcomes all and shows an interest in what everyone is doing. Judy’s passion for volunteering is infectious. Congratulations Judy Sparks!
Young Eagles pilots and ground volunteers: Soon after the September 13 Young Eagles rally, we will send out volunteer requests for the October 18 rally at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport. We would like to make this a big rally. Pilots, this is a good chance to fly Young Eagles away from the SFRA and Class B and D airspace. If you are not on the list of Young Eagles pilots, go to https://eaachapters.org/ and click on Volunteer Registration to create your volunteer profile. Let me know you have done that, and we will send you a volunteer invitation for the Oct 18 rally.
Parents: The 2026 Air Academy dates, tuition costs and camp descriptions have just been published. These are 6 to 9-day camps in June and July at EAA headquarters for aviation minded kids from age 14 to 18. Tuition includes room and board in the Air Academy Lodge. These camping sessions will fill up quickly. We may be able to help with your tuition costs. More details to follow.
Blue Skies,
Bob