RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division has been honored with three awards from the North Carolina Airport Association.
NCDOT Aviation Director Bobby Walston was presented with the 2021 Willard G. Plentl Aviation Professional of the Year Award in recognition of his service to North Carolina’s aviation sector that exemplifies Plentl’s ideals.
Walston, who has served with the NCDOT Division of Aviation for nearly 30 years, initially worked under and was mentored by Plentl. The former NCDOT director of aviation and founding member of NCAA’s predecessor organization contributed more than 50 years of professional service to the business of aviation in North Carolina.
Nominators said Walston demonstrated the same brand of leadership, commitment to aviation and community involvement, working tirelessly to raise awareness and impact of aviation in North Carolina and the nation.
In addition, the NCAA belatedly honored the NCDOT Division of Aviation with the 2020 President’s Award for its “unsurpassed support and unwavering dedication in developing and enhancing North Carolina’s system of airports along with promoting the statewide aerospace industry and its valuable impact.” The award was presented this year at the NCAA’s August conference because the 2020 conference was cancelled.
NCAA also recognized the Division of Aviation and North Carolina State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education with the 2021 President’s Award for “their creativity and dedication in the pursuit of elevating the collective knowledge and skills of North Carolina airport professionals” through the N.C. Airport Technical Assistance Program, which ITRE manages for the Division.