The school is named after Bill Noe — an accomplished pilot , Huntington native and former Marshall University Hall of Fame swimmer . In his professional career , Noe started out as a flight instructor before working his way up to become president and COO of NetJets . He currently serves as executive aviation specialist for Marshall ’ s new aviation programs , volunteering his time to advise on all major decisions as the flight school is being developed . He is also a member of the university ’ s board of governors .
The school is expected to be up and running by fall 2021 .
Funding Used to Improve West Virginia ’ s Airports
Governor Jim Justice designating January 16 , 2020 , West Virginia Aviation Day .
congratulates
BEN QUEEN
for being inducted into West Virginia Executive ' s Young Guns Class of 2021 and for fostering a reality of prosperity and optimism for West Virginians
www . cavabankocpa . com | 304-842-4499
The West Virginia Aeronautics Commission ( WVAC ) administers grant programs to encourage and support needed capital improvements to the state ’ s public airports . Airports meeting the criteria for Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) Airport Improvement Program ( AIP ) funds also qualify for funding from the state program . Currently , airports that meet the WVAC ’ s criteria can qualify for up to half of the local share required to match FAA funds . The grant program is supported by the state tax on aircraft fuel and general revenue funds . As of Fiscal Year 2019 , the WVAC had awarded $ 1.195 million to 20 AIP projects , which has been matched by $ 28.63 million in FAA funds .
In early 2020 , Governor Jim Justice and leaders with the WVAC announced that a combined total of $ 388,203 in grant funding has been secured for North Central West Virginia Airport ( CKB ) and Yeager Airport . The airports received grants from special revenue provided by the aviation fuel tax to provide a portion of the local match for additional FAA grants . CKB received $ 53,958 from the WVAC to go toward a project related to the extension and renovation of a de-icing system , and Yeager received $ 334,245 to rebuild the runway safety area , provide security improvements and improve upon energy efficiency of its operations .
In October , U . S . Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin , both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee , announced $ 3.8 million from the FAA had been designated for airport drainage and runway safety improvements , a portion of which was supported through the CARES Act , to the Huntington Tri-State Airport and Marshall County Airport .
“ Our airports are vital to West Virginia ’ s economy , providing access for tourism and industries while spurring economic development ,” says Manchin . “ As a pilot myself , I understand the importance of airport and runway upkeep . This funding will help the Marshall County Airport and the Tri-State Airport improve drainage to combat erosion and increase runway safety for those flying to and from the Mountain State . As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee , I will continue to fight for funding that helps our airports stay safe .”
West Virginia University Establishes Innovative Prototyping Center
A new full-scale prototyping center has been established within the Benjamin M . Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University that has the capability of manufacturing items for a wide variety of applications , including the aerospace sector . From producing personal protective equipment for local health care facilities in the state during the coronavirus pandemic to creating wind tunnel models for the U . S . Navy , the innovation hub is equipped with the tools , resources and talent to create , build , test and deliver ideas into fully functioning prototypes .
The hub is comprised of multiple spaces outfitted with advanced prototyping and manufacturing equipment . The rapid prototyping space is made up of small-scale prototyping techniques , including sheet metal and woodworking , while the custom manufacturing space provides waterjet cutting and more industry-like equipment for producing larger-scale prototypes of projects that can be used in the aerospace industry .
Mechanical and aerospace engineering faculty Patrick
114
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE