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A Local Pilot Shares Her Story for World Pilots’ Day Today marks an exciting celebration in aviation! April 26th is World Pilots’ Day - a day where we celebrate the many contributions of pilots around the world. In honor of World Pilots’ Day, I had the pleasure of interviewing Hannah Freepons, a pilot who took her first introductory flight at Blue Ridge Aviation and graduated with her Airframe and Powerplant Certificate and an Associates Degree in Aviation Maintenance from Blue Ridge Community College. Here’s more about Hannah’s inspiring...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nick Swartz, Ph.D., SHD Air Service Task Force Chair (540) 568-5272 swartznj@jmu.edu Weyers Cave, Virginia, April 22, 2021- It has been an incredible three years for Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD). After announcing their non-stop United Express jet service powered by SkyWest in April 2018, SHD experienced record passenger numbers added additional flights in the fall of 2018 as a result of the passenger increase, and was endorsed as the Official Airport of James Madison University (JMU) in December of 2019. A...

Today marks the 76th annual celebration of International Civil Aviation Day! Since 1996, the aviation industry has taken part in spreading worldwide awareness on December 7th about the importance of civil aviation for social and economic development. On a global scale, air transport provides 65.5 million jobs and generates $2.7 trillion in revenue while safely transporting an average of 12 million passengers per day. Civil aviation is crucial for achieving seamless global supply chains, supporting the tourism economy, and more.  Here in the...

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching next week, and for many of us, this holiday season is going to be much different than ever before. While SHD and United are fully prepared to welcome travelers this holiday season with safety measures in place, we also know that many of you may not be able to connect in-person with friends and family. To make the holidays a little brighter, we’re sharing some fun ideas of ways to connect virtually with your family and friends. We would love to see how you use these ideas, so feel free to snap a picture and...

National Aviation Day marks a nationwide celebration of the history and development of aviation started by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939. For those history buffs among us, August 19th also coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright. The Wright brothers are credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. National Aviation Day this year feels a bit different for all of us. We know 2020 has been especially challenging for anyone who has had travel plans disrupted as well as those of...

We know your travel plans have been put on hold right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still visit some of your top destinations! Virtual tours are providing homebound travelers with incredible experiences. We’ve compiled some of the best virtual tour destinations for your travel pleasure. From diving into the deep blue sea to wandering the halls of the White House, adventure awaits you! The White House in Washington, D.C. Have you ever wanted to see the Oval Office or stroll through The White House Rose Garden? Now is your chance! Click...

We know that with more time at home, it can be challenging to find fun, educational activities to keep your students busy. Since we’re always looking for ways to spark interest in aviation, we’ve compiled some of our favorite educational resources for kids of all ages. From virtual tours to hands-on activities for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!   NASA Can’t go to space? NASA will bring space to you! NASA’s website has resources for all ages, plus virtual tours, podcasts, educational activities, and more! For...

This week all eyes will be on the friendly skies for a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh! To make tracking Santa’s flight easier, you can use the same tools we do to keep tabs on the big guy on Christmas Eve. Our friends at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) are working hard to make sure everyone knows where Santa is during his flight around the world! It all starts when radar indicates Santa has lifted off from the North Pole and then special satellites 22,300 miles above Earth begin to pick up Rudolph’s bright infrared nose. When...

Last week marked two important milestones at SHD! Not only did our new flights to Washington-Dulles (IAD) and improved schedule to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) start last Wednesday, but we have an exciting new partnership that’s making us feel very purple and gold! On Thursday President Alger announced that Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) is now the official airport of James Madison University! As President Alger remarked in his email to all faculty and staff, this partnership is a great example of how institutions of higher education can...