Fly the Pelican State

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development created the Louisiana Airport Passport Program to promote aviation safety, education, general aviation, and tourism.

All certificated pilots, from any state, and their passengers are invited to participate and can earn three different levels of participation and awards for those who collect a certain number of qualifying check-ins. Participants are required to check in via the AOPA Pilot Passport feature on the AOPA app by flying to or attending a qualifying airport, seminar, or other activity.

“Everyone can participate in this program, not just pilots,” Renee Lapeyrolerie, Louisiana DOTD commissioner of multimodal commerce, said. “It is our hope to encourage aviation throughout the state and even open the door for others to learn about this exciting industry.”

Featured airports and activities include the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum at the Monroe Regional Airport. The museum honors veterans and soldiers from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom. Visitors can learn about General Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers of World War II.

Those looking for a shoreline excursion can check out the New Orleans Lakefront Airport along the southeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Opened in 1934, this historic airport was once the main airline airport for the city of New Orleans and features a 1930s art deco main terminal that was restored after Hurricane Katrina battered the airport in 2005.

Warbird lovers should visit the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum located in Tallulah, at the Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport. Featuring a World War II and aviation museum, the foundation’s aircraft collection includes a Waco biplane, an amphibious Husky, an AT–6 Texan, and a P–51 Mustang in which visitors can purchase rides.

The Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum in Patterson, less than 10 minutes from the Harry P Williams Memorial Airport, highlights aviation and the cypress lumber industry, two important industries in Louisiana’s history. Aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams became nationally known for their world record-breaking aircraft designs, and the museum houses several Wedell-Williams airplanes and trophies from their racing careers.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Aviation Safety and Compliance Officer Ryan Landry said, “Although there are multiple airport passport programs around the country, we will be the first state to have a fully digital platform and the first Gulf State to introduce an airport passport program.”

Those interested in participating can learn more online.