Profile
The Arkansas Department of Aeronautics was created by Act 457 of 1941, as amended by Act 373 of 1965. On July 24th 2019 the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics became a Division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce.
The Division currently has 5 staff members and a commission of 7 (commissioners are appointed to 5 year terms by the Governor). The Director (Jerry Chism) is also appointed by the Governor and serves at his will and pleasure. We promote aviation safety, encourage the establishment and planned expansion of airports to enhance economic development, and administer the State Airport Aid Program. We also help coordinate aviation planning efforts between local, state, and federal (FAA) governments.
The Division receives its funds via a Special Revenue sales tax on the sale of aircraft, aviation fuel/aviation related products, parts and repairs or service. It should be noted that no General Revenue funds are used – the agency operates totally from the aforementioned Special Revenue tax. All 90 public owned/public use airports are eligible for funding on a reimbursable, matching basis and all Arkansas airports are actively participating in this grant program. The percentage of funding depends upon the type of project requested. Projects eligible are: runway/taxiway/apron paving, land acquisition, navigational equipment and lighting, security fencing, obstruction removal, etc. All safety enhancement projects are priority #1.
We participate with the FAA in the 5010 safety inspection program. As the Safety/Security needs are addressed, our goal then becomes making sure all airports are in position to support local and statewide economic development efforts.
The Division offers airport planning assistance by maintaining a State System Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and Airport Layout Drawings for all public owned/public use Arkansas Airports. Aviation safety/education is promoted through the windsock program, wire marker program, and FBO Line Training video series. We also fund scholarships for the aviation maintenance technician programs at several public technical colleges throughout Arkansas and fund scholarships awarded by the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society. The Division sponsors the annual Certified Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic and the annual aircraft Inspection Authorization (IA) clinic (usually held in February).
We have a good relationship with the agricultural aviation industry in Arkansas and are active participants in the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association’s convention each year. We also work closely with the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in support of the Wings Safety Program for all pilots.
The Division Maintains a current air navigation chart and a pictorial directory, both of which are updated as needed. Support from the Governor, Lt. Governor, Legislators, State Commissioners, and the aviation industry in Arkansas has helped make this program highly successful.
The Division currently has 5 staff members and a commission of 7 (commissioners are appointed to 5 year terms by the Governor). The Director (Jerry Chism) is also appointed by the Governor and serves at his will and pleasure. We promote aviation safety, encourage the establishment and planned expansion of airports to enhance economic development, and administer the State Airport Aid Program. We also help coordinate aviation planning efforts between local, state, and federal (FAA) governments.
The Division receives its funds via a Special Revenue sales tax on the sale of aircraft, aviation fuel/aviation related products, parts and repairs or service. It should be noted that no General Revenue funds are used – the agency operates totally from the aforementioned Special Revenue tax. All 90 public owned/public use airports are eligible for funding on a reimbursable, matching basis and all Arkansas airports are actively participating in this grant program. The percentage of funding depends upon the type of project requested. Projects eligible are: runway/taxiway/apron paving, land acquisition, navigational equipment and lighting, security fencing, obstruction removal, etc. All safety enhancement projects are priority #1.
We participate with the FAA in the 5010 safety inspection program. As the Safety/Security needs are addressed, our goal then becomes making sure all airports are in position to support local and statewide economic development efforts.
The Division offers airport planning assistance by maintaining a State System Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and Airport Layout Drawings for all public owned/public use Arkansas Airports. Aviation safety/education is promoted through the windsock program, wire marker program, and FBO Line Training video series. We also fund scholarships for the aviation maintenance technician programs at several public technical colleges throughout Arkansas and fund scholarships awarded by the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society. The Division sponsors the annual Certified Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic and the annual aircraft Inspection Authorization (IA) clinic (usually held in February).
We have a good relationship with the agricultural aviation industry in Arkansas and are active participants in the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association’s convention each year. We also work closely with the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in support of the Wings Safety Program for all pilots.
The Division Maintains a current air navigation chart and a pictorial directory, both of which are updated as needed. Support from the Governor, Lt. Governor, Legislators, State Commissioners, and the aviation industry in Arkansas has helped make this program highly successful.
