Colorado Division of Aeronautics Receives Special Recognition Award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame

Lakewood – The Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics
recently received a special recognition award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.

Each year, the Colorado Aviation Historical Society honors individuals and organizations whose vision, service, innovation and dedication have left a lasting impact on aviation across the state. CDOT's Division of Aeronautics is one of only a select few organizations to receive this prestigious honor.

Representing the Division at the ceremony were current staff members Shahn Sederberg, Hetty Beatty and Kip McClain, alongside current Division Director David Ulane and former Directors Dave Gordon, Travis Vallin and Dennis Roberts. Together, their collective leadership and service represent decades of commitment to elevating Colorado’s multi-billion-dollar aviation system.

"Receiving this award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame is an extraordinary honor, and it is a testament to the dedication of our current and former staff, board members and airport partners across Colorado" said David Ulane, Director of the CDOT Division of Aeronautics. "This recognition reflects decades of hard work, visionary planning and a steadfast commitment to enhancing safety, efficiency and opportunity in Colorado aviation."

Since its creation in 1991, the Colorado Aeronautical Board and Division of Aeronautics have spearheaded pioneering programs that have fundamentally transformed aviation safety, operational efficiency and workforce development throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including:

• Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant Program: The cornerstone of the Division’s mission, this state grant program has administered critical funding for airport infrastructure projects statewide for over 35 years. Powered by an innovative and unique state aviation fuel tax structure, the program has directly supported local airports while leveraging billions of dollars in matching Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funds.
• Wide Area Multilateration (WAM): A groundbreaking technology implementation that vastly improved radar coverage and air traffic operations in Colorado’s challenging high country and mountain airport environments.
• Colorado Mountain AWOS and amp; Weather Camera Program: A vital network of Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) installed on high mountain peaks and mountain airports. Enhanced with FAA weather camera integration, this program provides real-time weather data and visual weather information crucial for mountain flying safety.
• Colorado Surplus Airport Equipment Program: Operated in partnership with Denver International Airport and other Colorado airports, this initiative repurposes essential airport equipment—such as runway snowplows, sweepers and tractors—and transfers them to smaller regional airports, saving local communities millions of dollars while maintaining year-round operational readiness.
• Colorado Airport Management Internship Program: A dedicated workforce development initiative providing grant funding to sponsor student internships, launching hundreds of successful careers in airport management across Colorado and the nation.

These pioneering achievements represent only a fraction of the Division’s contributions over the past three decades. Through strategic funding, technological leadership and collaborative partnerships, the CDOT Division of Aeronautics continues to ensure Colorado remains a leader in aviation safety, infrastructure and economic growth.

For more information about the CDOT Division of Aeronautics and its programs, please visit codot.gov/programs/aeronautics.

About the Colorado Aviation Historical Society
The Colorado Aviation Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of aviation in Colorado. Through educational outreach, historical preservation and the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame, the Society recognizes the extraordinary achievements of pioneers, organizations and innovators who have shaped the state’s aviation heritage.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

About the Division of Aeronautics

Under the Direction of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics supports Colorado's multi-modal transportation system by advancing a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment and advocacy. In partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, 76 public-use airports and a diverse group of aviation system users, the Division also works to promote aviation safety and education through the efficient administration of the Colorado Aviation Fund. For more information, visit codot.gov/programs/aeronautics or check us out on YouTube, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.