Salina, Kan (October 15, 2006) - The Salina Airport Authority is pleased to announce that Ryan E. Rocha, A.A.E., Manager of Operations, Maintenance and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), has successfully completed all three phases of the American Association of Airport Executive's (A.A.A.E.) accreditation program and earned the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive, A.A.E.

To qualify for this accreditation, Ryan had to pass a comprehensive written exam, submit a management thesis, and demonstrate in a final interview his knowledge of airport administration, finance, planning, construction, environmental compliance, operations, safety, security, maintenance and marketing. Ryan's achievement attests to his ability to meet stringent professional requirements and apply his expertise to the management of a public airport.

By fulfilling all the requirements leading to the title of Accredited Airport Executive, Ryan joins a select group of individuals who have earned this designation. At present, fewer than 10 percent of A.A.A.E. members throughout the country have earned the distinction.

Ryan's leadership has enabled the Salina Municipal Airport to receive the FAA Central Region's 2006 Airport Safety Enhancement Award. This achievement is awarded for three consecutive years with no discrepancies during annual FAA Part 139 inspections. "This is a great accomplishment for the airports that receive the award. It takes a lot of effort by airport personnel to successfully implement and maintain all the operational, safety and design standard required of a commercial service airport," said Jim Johnson, Manager of the Safety and Standards Branch of the Federal Aviation Administration in Kansas City.

Ryan's management skills have been essential for the successful completion of many federally funded airfield improvement projects including two runway rehabilitations, vehicle purchases and airport planning reports. As an airport security coordinator, Ryan ensures that the safety and security of scheduled passenger services meets the requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Previously, Ryan was an airport operations officer at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA. He also brings expertise from airport and industrial center redevelopment from the San Bernardino International Airport and Kelly USA Business Park. Ryan earned his private pilot license in 1992, a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Aviation Management from Wichita State University in 1995, and completed his Masters of Aeronautical Science Degree through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2004. Ryan is also an adjunct instructor for the K-State at Salina, Department of Aviation.

Salina Municipal Airport is home base for numerous aviation businesses and operations. These include America Jet, Aerospace Systems & Technologies, Inc., EagleMed air ambulance, Kansas Wing Headquarters - Civil Air Patrol, Flower Aviation, Kansas Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility, Kansas State University at Salina, Kansas Highway Patrol Aviation,Professional Flight Training, LC, Raytheon Aircraft Company - Salina Division, Salina Aircraft Services, and the corporate flight departments for ADM Milling Company, Blue Beacon International, Geoprobe Systems, Pepsi Cola - Salina, Plains Environmental, Premier Pneumatics, Inc., and Bradley Trucking Co.

The Salina Aviation Service Center available hangar space and room for growth to accommodate a wide array of aviation related industries. The SLN Air Traffic Control Tower logs more than 86,000 annual aircraft operations. Two FBOs annually deliver over 4 million gallons of aviation fuel to the aircraft using the Salina Municipal Airport. For more information regarding expansion opportunities at "The SLN Aviation Service Center," contact us at 785.827.3914 or visit the available properties link at www.salinaair port.com

Laura Robertson

Marketing and Public Relations Specialist

email: laurar@salair.org

phone: 785.827.3914

James Gregory Consultancy

James Gregory

email: jim@jimgregoryworks.com

telephone: 316.832.9733