July 2025
Hello KAA Members and Friends, the June Board Meeting, held at Capital City Airport, in Frankfort, has been the most exciting meeting this new Board has held to date. We feel confident that although we have a lot of work to do, we are now moving in a direction and at a pace we feel confident will bear fruit.
New Executive Director Announced
The Kentucky Aviation Association Board is proud to welcome Jonathan Dixon as our new Executive Director, effective today, July 1, 2025. Jonathan brings extensive leadership experience, and the board is confident in his ability to guide the association through its next chapter of growth and engagement.
Please see the official release, distributed June 30th, for more details.
System Planning and ACIP Updates
Representatives from the Kentucky Department of Aviation (KDA) attended the meeting to provide an update on the progress of the statewide Airport System Plan.
To address ongoing communication challenges, KDA is also introducing a new Project Needs Request Form (KDA-PNR). This form is modeled after the FAA’s Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) and will replace the current pre-application process. The goal of the KDA-PNR is to more effectively identify and respond to airport infrastructure needs across the state.
Airports will be asked to update and submit this form annually. Be on the lookout, KDA will be distributing the new form soon!
Special Purpose Government Entities (SPGE) Task Force Initiated
One of the first priorities for the new Executive Director will be to assist airports operating under KRS 183.132 to 183.160 in seeking relief from the growing administrative and financial burden imposed by KRS 65A, which is overseen by the Department for Local Government’s Special Purpose Governmental Entity (SPGE) group.
Currently, the cost of annual audits and four-year financial reporting requirements often exceeds the net revenue generated by many of our smaller airports, placing an unsustainable strain on their operations.
We are committed to pursuing a responsible and ethical solution that reduces this burden while ensuring continued transparency and accountability.
2025 Annual Conference – Planning Underway
Conference planning is in full swing! Expect:
• Simplified registration fees, including early bird rates, discounted student fees, and state/federal government employee pricing.
• Engaging entertainment, including a Bluegrass Hall of Fame visit and a Thursday evening bluegrass performance.
• Draft Agenda Release coming soon!
Special thanks to Susan Harmon and Emily Herron, who are spearheading this year’s conference.
Financial Growth
The Association’s financial health remains strong. As of the meeting, our current balance stands at $402,788.33, reflecting continued growth and fiscal responsibility. The board also approved using a payroll service and budgeting software to streamline operations. We feel honored that so many believe in where we are headed, and we are committed to financial responsibility with your funds.
Statewide Engagement Initiative
KAA board members are stepping up efforts to visit and engage airports that have not yet received the KAA reconstitution and funding initiative presentation. Each board member has been encouraged to connect with at least three airports in their region, helping share important updates and strengthen ties across the network.
The NEW Kentucky Aviation Association Website is Live!
We are incredibly grateful to the website team who have worked with the website designer to make this a polished, all-encompassing platform!
Next Meeting Location
We are headed to Bardstown for our next board meeting, July 30th at 12:00 (ET). Board members are reminded to continue airport outreach and help us reach 100% of Kentucky airports with KAA’s message and mission.
If you are facing an issue or wish to gain an audience with the KAA Board, we encourage you to reach out to one of your Airport District Board Members. We’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to aviation in the Commonwealth. Stay tuned for more updates—and welcome Jonathan Dixon as he takes the helm!
Continued Board Member Vacancy
The West Airport District is seeking to fill a Board Member vacancy. If you know someone in the region who would be a strong addition—especially a community partner—please let us know. We’re aiming for well-rounded representation from across the region.
For more information about the Kentucky Aviation Association or to get involved, please contact info@kyaviation.org.