National Association of State Aviation Officials

THIS IS NASAO

Founded in 1931, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) is one of the most senior aviation organizations in the United States, predating even the Federal Aviation Administration's predecessor, the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The states first established NASAO to ensure uniformity of safety measures, to standardize airport regulations and develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state, and regional needs. Since 1931, NASAO has been unique among aviation advocates. Unlike special interest groups, which speak for a single type of aeronautical activity or a narrow band of the rich spectrum of the American aviation community, NASAO represents the men and women, in state government aviation agencies, who serve the public interest in all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. These highly skilled professionals are full partners with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world.

NASAO members organize, promote, and fund a wide variety of aviation programs across the nation. All states develop statewide aviation system plans and airport capital improvement plans. The states invest about $800 million annually in planning, operations, infrastructure development, maintenance, navigational aids and management at the system of over 5,000 airports across the country. Many states also build, own, and operate their own airports. Countless aviation activities including statewide meetings, airport symposiums, pilot safety seminars, and aviation education forums are also organized annually by the states.

The role of state programs and the responsibilities of the state aviation agencies are expanding. In 1996, Congress made the state block grant program permanent. As a result, nine states are already fully responsible for directly administering federal Airport Improvement Program funds. In an era of declining federal budgets and downsized government programs, the states' involvement in aviation is growing.

In 1986, the non-profit NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education was created to "enhance the public good through an increasingly safe air transportation system." It is also a major participant in the International Aviation Art Contest for children and other aviation education efforts.

The NASAO Washington staff presents the views of the states to Congress and the Administration. It works very closely with the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Transportation Research Board and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It is also the only organization of its type to have an official Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Aviation Administration. The staff also maintains strong relationships with all aviation groups and similar associations such as the National Governors' Association, the Southern Governors Association, and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Direct Contact:

Kim Stevens
Director, Communications/Operations
National Association of State Aviation Officials
8400 Westpark Drive, 2nd Floor
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-0223; Fax 703-995-0837
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