The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame will induct J. David VanderVeen, Oakland County’s director of central services who oversees the county’s three airports, into its 2017 class of honorees. The hall of fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation. VanderVeen is the longest-serving, accredited airport executive in the United States.
“Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) is Michigan’s second busiest airport and a leader in aviation because of Dave VanderVeen,” Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.
“Those who travel in Michigan aviation circles are aware of the significant impact Dave’s had on the industry.”
Previous inductees have included flying pioneer Charles Lindbergh; World War I ace Edward V. Rickenbacker; astronauts Jerry Linenger, Jack Lousma, and Roger Chaffee; late broadcaster and World War II pilot Sonny Eliot; and Henry and Edsel Ford.
“It’s more than humbling to think I will be listed among such aviation giants,” VanderVeen said, “But I’m not asking for a recount.”
Among VanderVeen’s accomplishments at OCIA are:
• Constructing the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified general aviation terminal in the country. Features such as wind, solar and geothermal energy; advanced insulation; LED lighting; a living wall; and other energy efficiencies helped reduce its energy consumption by 45 percent.
• Installing the first fuel-water separator at a Michigan airport to protect five watersheds.
• Building the world’s first aesthetic ground run-up enclosure.
• Hosting Michigan’s first business aviation expo.
Other airport accomplishments under VanderVeen include an aggressive campaign to beautify the airport that captured three Keep Michigan Beautiful Awards in 1999, 2002 and 2011; extending the main runway 320 feet from 6,200 feet to 6,520 feet allowing large aircraft to take off from Waterford and reach any destination in the world without refueling; instituting a parallel runway system; never having to close the airport due to snow; and opening full-time U.S. Customs service for international flights.
VanderVeen, a private pilot, sits on the Michigan Aeronautics Commission which encourages, fosters and participates in the development of aeronautics within Michigan and creates rules and regulations for airports, flight schools, and other aeronautics activities. Gov. Rick Snyder appointed him to the body in 2011. He served as chairman from 2013-2014. VanderVeen is also a longtime member and on the board of directors of the Michigan Business Aircraft Association.
The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame will honor VanderVeen and four others on Saturday, May 13 at the Air Zoo in Portage, Mich.The other inductees are Gen. John Piotrowski, combat pilot and vice chief-commander of NORAD; James DeVoss, combat pilot; Cyrus Bettis, WWI and air racing pilot; and James Ramsey, aviation executive.
Established in 1987, the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history of outstanding air and space pioneers. The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame is located inside the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo. For more information, go to AirZoo.org.
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