Pilot to run Aeronautics Dept.

LINCOLN — Ronnie Mitchell will move from the pilot's seat to the director's chair within the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, Gov. Dave Heineman announced Wednesday.

Mitchell, 68, will replace the current director, Stuart MacTaggart, who is retiring, effective Aug. 10.

Mitchell has been an executive pilot with the department since 2002. He is the writer and photographer for the PIREPS state aviation newsletter.

Heineman said Mitchell has a good understanding of state aviation issues and a wealth of flying experience.

“He has piloted many of the flights I have taken,” the governor said.

Mitchell has logged more than 13,000 flying hours since beginning his aviation career in 1965. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years, achieving the rank of full colonel.

While at the Strategic Air Command in Bellevue, he was selected as command pilot for SAC's senior staff. He managed 14 air crews flying worldwide reconnaissance missions and flew more than 100 highly-classified long-range reconnaissance missions during the Cold War era.

He also served for three years at the Pentagon. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent 11 years as a commercial pilot and captain for United Airlines.

The department maintains and directs the Nebraska Aviation System Plan and the use of state and federal funding for airport development. The department oversees 81 public-use airports, manages three airports and provides air transportation for state officials.

Mitchell's salary will be $70,000.

Contact the writer:

402-473-9583, martha.stoddard@owh.com