Every August 19th, National Aviation Day reminds us of how far we’ve come in the world of flight and the innovations that continue to shape the industry. This holiday was established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to honor Orville Wright’s birthday and celebrate the broader impact of aviation in our society. My own interest in aviation began early in my career, and over the years it’s grown into a meaningful part of my work. With over 40 years of engineering experience, I’ve been fortunate to see the evolution of airport infrastructure and design firsthand.
Since joining Sain in 2020, I’ve had the unique opportunity to help establish aviation as a dedicated service within the company. I work with a team that understands the technical demands of aviation and the responsibility that comes with designing for safety, efficiency, and long-term use. The work we do goes beyond design; it’s about every aspect of an airport’s function.
Some recent aviation-focused projects include:
- 25k Gallon Jet A Fuel Tank – Huntsville Executive Airport: This project involved installing a 25,000-gallon Jet A fuel tank, complete with new pumps, gauges, and associated equipment. It also included the construction of a new concrete pavement area for truck access, installation of new fencing, and a 20-foot gate.
- Rehabilitation of Runway 18-36 – Huntsville Executive Airport: The goal of the runway rehabilitation project was to rehabilitate the surface condition of the runway that was constructed over 20 years ago. The project included the mill and asphalt overlay of the 6,200 feet runway, with approximately 74,000 square yards of milling and 8,500 tons of asphalt wearing surface. Work was performed at night, for the runway to be open each day from 6 am to 6 pm.
- Parallel Taxiway Rehabilitation – Huntsville Executive Airport: Completed in May 2024, this project consisted of milling and repaving with two inches of P-401 asphalt pavement. Work was phased to allow portions of the taxiway to remain throughout the project.
- Runway Safety Area Embankment Design – Huntsville Executive Airport: This project is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in September 2025. It includes installing approximately 3,200 linear feet of fencing, 10 feet in height, on the north end of Runway 18.
- Air Cargo South Access Road Extension – Huntsville International Airport: Sain provided survey and design services for the milling and overlay of the existing Air Cargo Road section and the widening and extension of the same road at the Air Cargo Center at the Huntsville International Airport. The milling, overlay, widening and extension of the road was approximately 2,500 feet in length.
Whether it’s rehabilitating a runway, adding new infrastructure, or guiding an airport through the grant process, Sain can provide comprehensive engineering services tailored to the unique needs of each airport. National Aviation Day is a good reminder of the importance of this work, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s helping airports grow stronger, safer, and better equipped for the future.