Obituaries

Col. John “Duke” Snider, 71, of Manassas, passed away on June 28, 2024. Born in Oxford, Ohio, in 1953, Snider’s early life was marked by achievements such as achieving Eagle Scout rank and excelling in various sports. His academic and military careers were equally distinguished, beginning with his time at Duke University and extending through a 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot and held various command roles.

After retiring from military service, Snider continued to impact his community through various roles, including Chairman of the Manassas City Board of Elections and a Manassas City Airport Commission member. His efforts were integral to the expansion of the Manassas Airport, moving it closer to accommodating commercial flights, which was approved by the city council last year.


News

“Today’s achievement is monumental as our eSTOL aircraft has proven its capability to operate from spaces shorter than 300 feet,” said JP Stewart, Electra Vice President and General Manager. “The aircraft’s low-speed handling has been exceptional, closely matching our predictions and building confidence in the 9-passenger product design. We will continue developing our technologies to enhance the STOL takeoff and landing performance.”

The test flights, piloted by Cody Allee, were conducted in April and May 2024 at Manassas Regional Airport and Warrenton-Fauquier Airport in Virginia. The longest flight lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes, with the aircraft taking off in less than 170 feet and landing in under 114 feet. The aircraft reached an altitude of 6,500 feet and flew as slowly as 25 knots during takeoff and landing. Data from these flights will inform the design of Electra’s 9-passenger commercial eSTOL aircraft, targeted for commercial service in 2028 under FAA Part 23 regulations.


Business

Electra.aero, Inc. (“Electra”), a next-gen aerospace company committed to decarbonizing aviation and opening new air transportation markets, today announced a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Army valued at $1.9 million that funds powered wind tunnel testing of Electra’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.

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News

Director Juan Rivera highlights significant achievements and forward-looking initiatives in the latest update from Manassas Regional Airport, emphasizing the airport’s vital role in regional development. Key points include near-full hangar occupancy, upgrades to security and infrastructure, and the pursuit of commercial service certification.

Additionally, the report outlines upcoming projects like the rehabilitation of Taxiway B and Taxilane Y, plus a Master Plan update. These developments will be discussed in detail at the Manassas Regional Airport Commission Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Terminal Building’s 1st Floor Conference Room, located at 10600 Harry Parrish Boulevard in Manassas.


News

The airport followed the FAA’s Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), implementing a no-fly zone during the president’s visit to the Hylton Performing Arts Center, where he unveiled the “Restore Roe” campaign platform, promising to restore a federal abortion ban.

Berry said communication was crucial during this time, and the airport disseminated information to tenants through email and social media outlets.


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Exploding meat: Today, we debuted a new ad format on Potomac Local News for Dixie Bones, and I couldn’t be more excited.

An event for your Saturday: “ECPI University Open House; For adult learners looking to pursue their college and career goals in 2024, ECPI University is holding an Open House on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our Northern Virginia campus at 10021 Balls Ford Rd #100, Manassas, VA 20109.”


The Manassas Regional Airport is tearing down old airport hangars to make way for a $5 million street relocation project.

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With the prospect of new passengers using Manassas Regional Airport in 2025 to reach their destinations starting in 2025, airport officials continue pushing for a new flight tower.

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