TRANSPORTATION

Every year the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proud to recognize superior achievement by presenting awards in honor of the Aviation Professional of the Year, the Commercial Service Airport of the Year, the General Aviation Airport of the Year, and the Airport Project of the Year.

Any airport, airport authority, local or federal government official, consultant, contractor, industry partner, or FDOT staff who wishes to make a nomination in any category may submit a written nomination for each category to Mr. Aaron N. Smith, State of Florida Aviation Manager by mail (Aviation and Spaceports Office, 605 Suwannee Street, MS-46, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450), fax (850-414-4508), or e-mail (aaron.smith@dot.state.fl.us). 

All nominations must be received by FDOT no later than May 31st of each year in order to be considered for that year. FDOT will present a recognition award certificate honoring the recipient in each category at the annual conference of the Florida Airport Council, which is held in July/August.

To nominate an individual as Aviation Professional of the Year, please complete the general information section of the nomination form and use the narrative section to describe how the individual:

• Has been active in some aspect of Florida aviation during the year prior to the nomination; and
• Has made a significant contribution to Florida aviation or made a continuing commitment to and significant achievements in Florida aviation over a period of years.

The various aspects of aviation to be considered including but not limited to technological research or advancement, airport management, airport construction or maintenance, airport design, air safety, aviation legislation and Florida aviation business.

• Approach standards for each active runway
• Primary surface for each active runway
• General condition of each runway surface
• Secure terminal and airfield
• Emergency procedures, facilities and equipment
• Proper and correct airfield signage and marking

• General appearance of the airport and the impression left from arrival or departure by air or auto, including but not limited building appearance, landscaping, grounds maintenance, auto access roads, and parking areas
• Friendliness, courtesy, cooperation, and efficiency of airport staff

• Innovative programs
• Active participation by airport management to maximize service to the traveling public
• Financial stability and optimum use of resources
• Knowledge of and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations
• Adequacy and currency of airport master plan, and compliance with existing master plan

Completeness and financial feasibility of Joint Automated Capital Improvement Program data

• Approach standards for each active runway
• Primary surface for each active runway (cleared and mowed)
• General condition of each runway surface, including no edge drop-offs greater than 3 inches
• Secure airfield
• Proper and correct airfield signage and marking

• General appearance of the airport and the impression left from arrival or departure by air or auto, including but not limited to building appearance, landscaping, grounds maintenance, auto access roads, and parking areas
• Friendliness, courtesy, cooperation, and efficiency of airport staff, including privately contracted services such as Fixed Base Operators

• Innovative programs
• Active participation by airport management to maximize service to the flying public
• Financial stability and optimum use of resources
• Knowledge of and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations
• Adequacy and currency of airport master plan, and compliance with existing master plan

Completeness and financial feasibility of Joint Automated Capital Improvement Program data

Each year, the FDOT Aviation and Spaceports Office selects both a General Aviation project and Commercial Service project to receive Airport Project of the Year awards. To be considered for Airport Project of the Year, a project must meet all of the following criteria:

• Demonstrate exceptional professional skills and must represent a significant contribution to airport development, sustainability, efficiency, capacity and/or safety; and
• Be a project funded under the FDOT Aviation Grants Program (it must have an FM number); and
• Be completed in the state fiscal year in which it is nominated.

To nominate a project, please complete the general information section of the nomination form and use the narrative section to describe how this project demonstrates exceptional professional skills and represents a significant contribution to airport development, sustainability, efficiency, capacity, and/or safety. Also, describe how the project meets or exceeds one or more of the following success factors:

• Contributes to the mobility of people and goods;
• Contributes to the well-being of people and communities;
• Challenges presented by the project;
• Demonstrates resourcefulness in planning;
• Demonstrates pioneering use of materials, equipment. and methods;
• Benefits to the physical environment and aesthetic values;
• Cost-effectiveness.

To be considered eligible for the Distinguished Aviation Service Award, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Has retired or will retire within a year of presentation of the award;
• Has made significant contributions to Florida aviation and the community; and
• Has demonstrated exceptional professionalism through leadership and resourcefulness.

To nominate an individual for the Distinguished Aviation Service Award, please complete the requested general information section of the nomination form and use the narrative section to describe how the individual:

• Has provided outstanding dedication to Florida aviation during their career;
• Has made significant contributions to Florida aviation
• Has demonstrated exceptional professionalism

Click here to read more about the 2012 Florida Aviation Awards (PDF).

The winners of the 2011 Florida Aviation Awards were announced at the Florida Airports Council Conference in August 2011. Click here to read more about the winners (PDF,810 KB).