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operations ranging from small uncrewed aircraft to larger advanced air mobility vehicles, both
crewed and uncrewed. He stated that the initiative is intended to attract new aviation industries
and diversify airport revenue through advanced aviation activities while complementing, rather
than replacing, existing commercial and general aviation operations.
Mr. Wolfe explained that the proposed operational area will include a managed airspace corridor
extending from the airport through a portion of Newport News Park and to the radio-control
field, supported by surveillance technology to safely conduct long-distance uncrewed aircraft
operations. He stated that the location also provides access to military and research facilities,
enhancing opportunities for collaboration with federal and defense partners. The first phase
establishes the necessary infrastructure, FAA validation, and begins operational demonstrations
involving educational institutions, industry partners, public safety agencies, and advanced air
mobility companies. Mr. Wolfe emphasized that the grant-funded, three-year implementation
period represents only the first phase of a long-term initiative designed to establish a sustainable
regional asset.
Ms. Julie Young reported that she is the co-founder of eAviation and Drone Academy, which was
established in January 2024 to support aviation education, workforce development, and
sustainability by preparing students of all ages and professionals for careers in the rapidly
growing advanced aviation industry. Ms. Young described workforce development programs she
has helped create and will serve the MIC through existing partnerships including New Horizons
Regional Education Center, which offers certificate programs for 11th and 12th grade students and
current professionals. She also described certificate programs offered through Virginia Peninsula
Community College to students before graduating from high school and who may immediately
enter the workforce or continue their education through transferable college credits. She stated
that Hampton University and Old Dominion University and Christopher Newport University
each offer complementary uncrewed systems programs that provide multiple educational
pathways. Ms. Young stated that the MIC will provide a critical resource for advanced workforce
training by offering capabilities that currently do not exist in the region, including beyond-visual-
line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight operations and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS)
training.
Chair Smith thanked all presenters for their information and efforts in helping establish the MIC.
eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Mr. Morello reported that he recently received
communication from DOAV indicating that the FAA's eIPP coordinator for the multi-state effort
led by the Pennsylvannia Department of Transportation would be organizing a meeting with him
and the Airport Traffic Control Tower for the following week. He said this represents the first
step in understanding what participation in the eIPP will mean for the airport and the Hampton
Roads region and reflects continued progress in advancing the airport's role in helping with R&D
and policy development for the nation. Mr. Morello reported that he will provide the
Commission with additional updates at a future meeting as discussions with the FAA continue
and the program evolves.
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