NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna and GAMA President and CEO James Viola recently took to the skies for another cross-country #GAAdvancesAmerica journey, highlighting the airports, aviation businesses, professionals, and communities that keep general aviation moving.
Traveling by helicopter, Castagna and Viola began their trip at Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with a visit to NATA member DC Metro Aviation Services. From there, the journey continued west, including stops at Indy South Greenwood Airport in Indiana and Quincy Regional Airport in Illinois.
At Lawrence Regional Airport in Kansas, the travelers visited Hetrick Air Services and connected with CW5 Keith Jones, a distinguished military aviator and former squadron mate of Viola. Each stop offered an opportunity to recognize the people whose commitment to service, safety, and operational excellence supports aviation throughout the country.
The journey also included a visit to NATA member Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Castagna and Viola joined the team in celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary. Karen Huggard joined Curt and James for the visit, which highlighted Duncan Aviation’s multigenerational family-business legacy, continued growth, and longstanding contributions to the aviation industry.
The next destination for the trio was Tarkio, Missouri, for the 21st Annual Wing Nuts Flying Circus at Gould Peterson Municipal Airport. The event brought together aviation leaders, government officials, pilots, local residents, and industry organizations for aircraft displays, aviation demonstrations, and the Congressional Aviation Town Hall.
NATA thanks U.S. Representative Sam Graves for the invitation and for his steadfast leadership on behalf of general aviation. The town hall provided an important forum for discussing the policies, infrastructure, workforce, and safety priorities shaping aviation’s future.
Viewed from approximately 500 feet above the ground, the journey also provided a vivid reminder of the communities, businesses, farms, cities, and transportation networks that general aviation connects every day. The #GAAdvancesAmerica journey demonstrates the flexibility of vertical flight and the essential role of local airports and aviation businesses in supporting economic activity, mobility, public service, and community access across the nation.
Following the return to Washington, D.C., the journey will continue to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh later this week, where the aviation community will gather for the world’s largest airshow and one of general aviation’s most anticipated annual reunions. View the photos and videos on NATA’s LinkedIn feed and other social media channels.