News Summary
Baldwin County Regional Airport has been awarded by the Georgia Department of Transportation for its outstanding promotional efforts in aviation. Recognized for community engagement and educational initiatives, the airport has fostered a strong interest in aviation among local residents, particularly youth. The award underscores significant contributions by community members and efforts to promote aviation education in local schools. The ongoing support from various stakeholders has established Baldwin County Regional Airport as a respected institution within Georgia’s aviation landscape.
Baldwin, Georgia – Baldwin County Regional Airport Receives GDOT Award for Outstanding Promotions in Aviation
Baldwin County Regional Airport has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for its exceptional efforts in aviation promotion, earning the Outstanding Promotions in Aviation award. This prestigious honor highlights the growth and development of the airport since its establishment, positioning it as one of the finest airports in Georgia.
The GDOT award was presented to local airport officials, selected from a competitive pool of 102 eligible airports across the state, emphasizing the significant accomplishments of Baldwin County Regional Airport in community engagement and aviation education.
Baldwin County Manager Carlos Tobar has underscored the critical role played by Jim Wolfgang, who has served as the chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee for several years. Wolfgang’s vision focused on hosting community-wide regional events aimed at enhancing public awareness about aviation.
Among Wolfgang’s initiatives were efforts to promote aviation within K-12 education, which included establishing high school aviation camps and fostering a presence at Baldwin County High School. Further, the introduction of a drone class at Baldwin High School since the hiring of Roberto Hornung-Filho as the aviation instructor in 2021 was a significant step forward in engaging students with aviation technology.
Hornung-Filho successfully launched the Georgia Pathway Program, involving drones in the curriculum, and also serves on the Airport Advisory Committee. His proactive approach includes bringing students to local airport meetings and events, ensuring hands-on exposure to the aviation world.
In December 2024, Hornung-Filho was honored with the Pursuit of Excellence Award from the Baldwin County Board of Education, recognizing his significant contributions to educational initiatives in aviation.
The promotion of the Baldwin County Regional Airport is further bolstered by the efforts of Kalina Milani, a retired Emirates Airlines pilot, and her husband, Andy. Since March 2023, Kalina has established the first-ever Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter at the airport, which now holds monthly meetings every third Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the airport conference room.
The chapter offers programs such as the VMC Club, Young Eagles, and Eagle Flights, all aimed at increasing public interest in aviation and providing educational opportunities. Other individuals contributing to the airport’s promotion include Bruce Hood, the general manager of Sinclair Aviation, who coordinates student tours and raises awareness regarding the Young Eagles Program and EAA Chapter activities.
In acknowledgment of their collective efforts, Tobar extended gratitude to all pilots and community members who dedicated their time, skills, and resources to enhance the profile of Baldwin County Regional Airport. The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners has also expressed appreciation to everyone involved in promoting aviation throughout the community.
Background on Baldwin County Regional Airport
Established with the goal of serving the growing needs of the local aviation community, Baldwin County Regional Airport has evolved significantly over the years. Its development has been marked by a commitment to providing advanced aviation education and fostering community engagement. This dedication has not only enriched the airport’s role in the region but also transformed it into a respected institution among Georgia’s aviation facilities. The GDOT award serves as a testament to the ongoing initiatives that have greatly benefited the airport and the local community as a whole.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
