The Oklahoma State Fair has come and gone, representing a traditional good-bye to summer. Hopefully you and your family had a chance to attend and see some exhibits, try some games or rides, enjoy the food and take in some of the many activities offered. This month, the Direct Report Team (DRT) participated in an offsite meeting, with discussions centering on culture, collaboration, communication and cost effectiveness. The conversations evoked stepping back and looking to see if you are part of a healthy team, and if not, why not. And, what are ways to improve and communicate better within our organizations, while fostering real collaboration in an honest and trustworthy environment. The DRT also traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in a session of “Policy Dynamics” and sit-in on a hearing, to watch the dynamics of the Aviation Subcommittee. It’s been an educational and a reflective month, one that has us looking at our services and thinking about how we can strengthen our interactions with one another and our customers.

On October 3rd, everyone should have received a text from FEMA known as a “Presidential Alert.” This was nationwide broadcast test to ensure that the Emergency Alert System is working well. This was the first time they have ever used this Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) method to ensure that communities across the nation are prepared for disasters and emergencies.

This month, I also had the privilege of speaking at the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) 87th Annual Convention and Tradeshow. Topics of conversation included reauthorization, NextGen, Unmanned Aerial Systems and many other issues impacting aviation across the U.S. In addition, the Center hosted community executives from the Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce who had a strong interest in visiting our facility.

You may have seen the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has granted Oklahoma an extension to meet the requirements of the REAL ID until October 10, 2019. What this means for Oklahoma license and ID card holders is that the federal government will continue to recognize Oklahoma’s driver license and ID cards until next October. Oklahomans will still be able to gain access to federal buildings and military installations using these documents.

September 30th marked the end of fiscal year 18 funding, and October 1st signifies that we are now into our 2019 budget. Special thanks to all our folks in accounting and acquisitions for working diligently to keep us on track and closing the fiscal year without any major difficulties.

H.R. 302: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 has passed. After six extensions that kept the FAA’s funding at a level originally set in 2012, it now has funding in place for the next five years. “This is something we’ve been trying to do for many years,” Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., said, noting that a five-year bill had not been passed since the 1980s. “It’s really a big, major deal.” The funding reauthorization allows for various changes in airport and aircraft operations, and some changes in FAA’s safety and training directives.

As you can tell, a lot is going on this month, and a lot of engaging activities are being planned in the upcoming months. We just kicked off the 57th Annual Combined Federal Campaign with the theme “Show Some Love.” There are some great activities planned throughout this campaign and we hope you’ll consider giving, whether through payroll deduction, a one-time donation, or volunteering your time. Many stand to benefit from your contributions, please consider giving and I encourage you to find a cause that is close to your heart.

Kindly,

Michelle Coppedge

Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center