Dear VABA Members and Friends,

The successful completion of the Artemis II mission marked a historic moment, returning humans to deep space and reinforcing what is possible when we invest in innovation, talent, and long-term vision. The Artemis II trip also did something else that I personally believe has been missing in this country for a very long time: it is allowing us all to dream about something spectacular and great. It is an event that can inspire our children to dream big and work toward something life-changing…

Here in Virginia, we continue to see what that investment and commitment can achieve. Companies like Electra.aero, Tidal Flight, and others are choosing to grow in the Commonwealth, bringing new ideas, new technologies, and new jobs with them. Their expansion, however, depends on the Commonwealth building an ecosystem to support that growth, an ecosystem with a strong talent pipeline, a positive business environment, and infrastructure that not only develops core companies but also provides the impetus for support companies to locate within the same communities. Such a community better positions our state for positive, sustainable growth, placing us at the forefront of next-generation aerospace.

In Virginia, we are proud to celebrate a legacy that has shaped our industry. The opening of the new Tuskegee Airmen exhibit at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center is a meaningful tribute to the individuals whose courage and excellence helped define aviation history. That spirit is reflected in the work of the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society’s Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. The Society is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Aviation Hall of Fame. These efforts ensure that the stories and contributions of aviation leaders are preserved for generations to come.

Within this issue, we spotlight Charles “Chuck” Tippett, Jr., whose decades of dedication to aviation, from restoring vintage aircraft to mentoring the next generation of aviators, represent the very best of our industry.

Virginia’s greatest challenge continues to be developing the talent pipeline. We have so far to go, but at the same time, it is encouraging to see our members leading the way. In Northern Virginia, AvDyne’s partnership with the University of the District of Columbia is helping address the growing need for FAA-certified maintenance technicians through hands-on training and real-world experience. Initiatives like this are critical to building the pipeline of skilled professionals who will sustain and grow our industry in the years to come.

Bud Oakey

President of the VABA

Tidal Flight Expansion Signals Momentum for Virginia’s Aviation Future

In an official press release, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that Tidal Flight, Inc. is investing more than $500,000 to expand operations in Chesapeake, adding hangar space and growing its workforce. This private investment builds on ongoing support from the Commonwealth, which has actively backed the company’s technology development through programs like the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation’s Commonwealth Commercialization Fund, including a grant to support early-stage prototype development and testing.

As highlighted in the Governor’s announcement, Virginia continues to partner with companies like Tidal Flight to accelerate innovation, workforce growth, and next-generation aviation capabilities. The company’s Polaris hybrid-electric seaplane, designed to reduce fuel burn by up to 85 percent, is also gaining traction in the market, including a Mid-Atlantic partnership with Coastal Seaplanes and a letter of intent for aircraft purchase. Together, these efforts demonstrate how Virginia is not only attracting private investment but actively supporting the development, testing, and real-world deployment of advanced aviation technologies.

Building the Aviation Workforce Pipeline: From D.C. Classrooms to Virginia’s Airports

A new partnership between AvDyne AeroServices and the University of the District of Columbia is creating hands-on training opportunities at AvDyne’s operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, directly connecting this workforce initiative to Virginia’s aviation ecosystem. Designed to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges, the partnership focuses on building a strong pipeline of FAA-certified maintenance technicians through internships and real-world experience in active aircraft maintenance environments. These efforts are preparing students for high-demand aviation careers while helping meet the workforce needs of airports and aviation businesses across the region. Further strengthening this connection, AvDyne’s Vice President, Greggory Hodge, also serves as Chairman of the VABA, reinforcing how initiatives like this are helping develop the next generation of talent supporting Virginia’s aviation industry.

Pictured from left to right: Diamond Ventures Founder and Managing Partner C. Earl Peek; UDC Vice President for Innovation and Transformation Maria Byrd; UDC Chief Academic Officer April Massey; UDC President Maurice D. Edington; AvDyne CEO and President Jerome Hodge; AvDyne Vice President Greggory Hodge; UDC Community College Dean Marilyn Hamilton; and AvDyne Strategic Partnerships Advisor Vanessa Butler Andrew.

The Virginia Aviation Historical Society Spotlight: Charles Stanley “Chuck” Tippett, Jr.

Written by Sue Baker, Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society

Inducted in 2016, Charles S. “Chuck” Tippett, Jr.’s dream of flying began when he was a young child watching planes go over his house. As of 2026, his aviation career has spanned 39 years with 23 years as a performer and active supporter of the Flying Circus in Bealeton, Virginia. He has shown enormous dedication to the restoration of antique and vintage airplanes and the preservation of aviation performance disciplines in danger of disappearing.

He is an accomplished wing walker with a very unique act, including many feats of daring such as actually walking on the wing without any safety lines or harness and hanging from the wing struts held only by his ankles. Some parts of his performance are so distinctive that they have been patented. He has also been active with the Flying Circus program which provides rides in vintage airplanes to children and interested adults, with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Young Eagles Program of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He has taught dozens of students how to fly and takes great pride in the return of some of those students to the Flying Circus as performers.

Of great significance is his participation in the Wounded Warrior Program. He provides or assists with providing airplane rides to wounded warriors each week, often using a "bucket truck" to lift them into the cockpit. His many varied accomplishments - his commitment to the Wounded Warrior Project, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Young Eagles, his dedication to historic preservation with the VAHS, his years of work with the Flying Circus, and his dedication to the almost lost art of wing walking - make him a true ambassador for aviation. 

Chuck and his family are hosting the 2026 Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society’s Annual meeting on his farm in Warrenton on May 2nd. Everyone is welcome to attend, admission is free. If you haven’t been to “Horsefeathers”, you don’t know what you are missing. You are going to truly enjoy the day. We will have a quick business meeting and there will be lots of Virginia Aviation Artifacts, several Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame Inductees you can meet and chat with, auctions, entertainment, food trucks, wine, beer and rides.

For more information call or email VAHS.

STEM Takes Flight - Summer Opportunities for Community College Students

Are you a Virginia community college student seeking a summer internship/research experience with NASA? Please see the link below and attached flyer for a paid amazing opportunity! Due Date April 30!

Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is accepting applications for the STEM Takes Flight (STF) NASA Research Experience Program. STF provides summer research experiences for students to work directly with NASA research advisors.

STF summer research experiences are open only to Virginia community college students!

Placements are available at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton and at Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore.

Students receive a stipend of $7,500 for ten weeks of full-time research. In addition to conducting research, there are numerous educational and networking possibilities through various tours and events throughout the summer.  

For more information, visit the VSGC's website or apply here directly.

Questions? Please contact Nicole Shaw.

A Legacy of Valor; Virginia Air and Space Science Center opens new Tuskegee Exhibit

By Staff Sgt. Michael Bowman

Air Combat Command Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, joined U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt (former) Thomas Newton, Documented Original Tuskegee Airman, and others in cutting the ribbon of a new exhibit at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center on Mar. 26, 2026, officially cementing the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The newest exhibit centers around the history of the Tuskegee airmen, exemplifying the spirit of the Airmen’s Creed. “My mission is to fly, fight, and win. I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor…” 

“The Tuskegee Airmen set a standard that all airmen aspire to,” said Spain. “Excellence is a part of our creed and was core to their performance. They fought for their opportunity to defend our nation and when they got it, they delivered. In the airpower and warfighting business performance, character, and integrity is what matters and the Tuskegee Airmen exemplified those values for all of us.”  

NASA's Artemis II Launch

Official Press Release from the Artemis II Blog 

The Artemis II crew of NASA astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen – has returned to the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston following their historic lunar flyby mission. 

The first crewed test flight of NASA’s Artemis program lifted off from Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT April 1, carrying the first astronauts to travel to the Moon in more than half a century. 

During their nearly 10-day mission, the crew completed a record-setting lunar flyby, taking them 252,756 miles at their farthest distance from Earth and 4,067 miles above the lunar surface at their closest approach. 

Artemis II splashed down at 8:07 p.m. April 10 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Following splashdown and recovery, the four crew members underwent post-mission medical evaluations before returning to shore and boarding an aircraft bound for Houston. Upon arrival, the crew was welcomed by and reunited with their families, friends, and agency workforce. The crew now will begin their postflight reconditioning, medical and human performance evaluations, and lunar science debriefs.

As our industry evolves, so does our organization. We have recently strengthened our back-office operations, with Jamie Macaroni returning to us leading day-to-day efforts for membership development, communications, and event planning. Jamie will continue to be supported by Becky Hall continuing to support key initiatives like the Legislative Reception, newsletter development and the like. With this team in place, we are well-positioned to continue expanding our impact and supporting our members across the Commonwealth.