Nov. 5, 2004

For more information contact:
Tim McClung
515-239-1689

John McLaughlin receives “Outstanding Involvement in Aviation” award

AMES, Iowa –  The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation announces John McLaughlin, well-known chief meteorologist at KCCI-TV in Des Moines, received the “Outstanding Involvement in Aviation” award Nov. 4 at the statewide annual Iowa Aviation Conference in West Des Moines.

The Outstanding Involvement in Aviation award is given annually to an individual who has had a significant impact in raising the awareness of aviation in the state through involvement in aviation activities and public education.

McLaughlin has spent considerable time and effort to raise the awareness of aviation in Iowa, including the following:

·        being an active pilot and flight instructor with more than 3,500 flight hours;

·        promoting aviation services;

·        incorporating aviation into his TV weather forecasts;

·        making appearances and giving rides in his Robinson R44 helicopter at fly-ins, airshows, town festivals, and county fairs; and

·        using his helicopter to visit schools to inspire thousands of children in the areas of physics, meteorology, and aviation as part of KCCI’s SchoolNet weather education program.

The Outstanding Involvement in Aviation award was presented by Michelle McEnany, director of the Iowa DOT’s Office of Aviation who said “John McLaughlin has been an excellent ambassador for aviation, especially in the area of youth education. Central Iowans are more aware of aviation and the positive impact it has on our state due to John. It was a great honor to present him with this award.”

The award was presented at a luncheon with approximately 200 airport representatives and state and federal aviation officials as part of the 2004 Iowa

Aviation Conference held at the University Park Holiday Inn in West Des Moines.

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