As part of its commitment to aviation safety across the state, the Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) Aeronautics Bureau conducted inspections this past week. The team visited Enterprise Municipal Airport and the Flowers Hospital helipad in Dothan.
Routine inspections keep Alabama’s aviation network safe, reliable, and prepared for daily and emergency use.
Airport inspection
“Enterprise Municipal is a critical access point for general aviation and business travel in southeast Alabama,” said Mark Bowron, an Aeronautics Specialist with the Bureau. “Our inspection looks at runway conditions, pavement markings, lighting systems, taxiways and approach clearances, all key components to ensure pilots and passengers can take off and land safely.”
Located just minutes from downtown Enterprise, the airport supports regional commerce, agriculture, military-related travel, flight training and medical transport helicopters. With a single asphalt runway and a growing base of aviation operations, maintaining top safety standards is crucial for this community gateway.
Heliport inspection
Meanwhile, in Dothan, the team visited Flowers Hospital’s helipad, which plays a vital role in medical air transport. Inspectors checked pad conditions, clearances, lighting, and visibility to ensure safe helicopter landings at any hour.
“Hospital helipads like the one at Flowers are lifelines,” added Bowron. “A safe and compliant helipad can make the difference in a life-or-death emergency. Our job is to make sure it’s always ready.”
Alabama is home to 78 public-use airports, 38 private-use airports, and over 130 hospital and private-use helipads. The Aeronautics Bureau works year-round to ensure each facility meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and state safety guidelines.
These inspections aren’t just checklists; they’re part of a larger effort to keep Alabama’s skies safe and its communities connected.
