The aviation community mourns the loss of Robert Donald “Wip” Wiplinger, a respected pilot, engineer, innovator and longtime leader in the floatplane industry. Wip passed away peacefully on August 4,…
Category: People
Remembering Terry F. Norris
by Victor Krause The impact Terry F. Norris had on the aviation community far exceeds the string of remarkable accomplishments he left in the wake of his lifetime, November 7,…
Christopher Rocheleau Returns to NBAA as Chief Operating Officer
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced on July 30, 2026, that it is welcoming the return of Christopher J. Rocheleau as its chief operating officer (COO) following his service…
People In The News – Wisconsin CFII Turns 90
Middleton, Wisc. – CFII Harold Green of Morey Airplane Company in Middleton, Wisconsin, turned 90 March 7, 2026. A surprise birthday party was held at the airport in his honor….
People In The News – Aviation Community Honors Life & Legacy of Russell W. Meyer, Jr.
Washington, D.C. – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) issued the following statement on the passing of Russell W. Meyer, Jr., former longtime chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company:…
People In the News – Retirement of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves
Washington, D.C. — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) expressed appreciation for Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and his leadership as Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Committee on Transportation…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS – William “Bill” Amorde (March 8, 1943 – December 26, 2025)
William “Bill” Amorde, 82, pilot, airport manager, aviation businessman, and lifelong resident of Superior, Wisconsin, passed away on December 26, 2025. Bill was born on March 8, 1943, in Superior,…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS – James Lawrence Appointed Chair of Metropolitan Airports Commission Board
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MINN — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has appointed James Lawrence as chair of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) board, which oversees Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS – William J. Kinsman
March 17, 1932 — November 22, 2025 Pilot, aircraft owner and one of the powerhouses behind the weekly Friday lunches at Central County Airport (68C) in Iola, Wisconsin, William J….
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS – Al Whitaker
Waterloo, Wis. – Alvin (“Al”) E. Whitaker of Waterloo, Wisconsin, died peacefully on November 30, 2025. Al lived a full life of 86 years not easily defined by his many…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Names New Aeronautics Director
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is pleased to introduce Karla Knorr as the new Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) Director in the Division of Transportation Investment Management (DTIM). Karla has…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Sheboygan County Airport Manager Receives WAMA Presidential Award At 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference
Matthew Grenoble, Manager of Sheboygan County Memorial International Airport in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, received the “Presidential Award” from the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) during the 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Mead & Hunt Engineer Recognized At 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference
Joseph Schlimgen, P.E. of Mead & Hunt, was recognized as “Airport Engineer of the Year” by the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA). The award was presented during the 69th Annual…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: State Aeronautics Engineer Receives Distinguished Service Award At 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference
Lucas Ward of the Wisconsin DOT Bureau of Aeronautics received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) during the 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC 69),…
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Former Janesville Airport Director Receives Lifetime Service Award At 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference
Greg Cullen, former director at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (KJVL), received the “Lifetime Service Award” from the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) during the 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC…