David Ulane

Under the direction of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, Dave leads the Colorado Department of Transportation’s innovative and forward-leaning Aeronautics Division.  In collaboration with 76 public use airports, the users of Colorado's aviation system, and numerous other stakeholders, Dave and the Division endeavor to support the state’s multi-modal transportation system by advancing a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment, and advocacy.

Dave joined the Division of Aeronautics in July 2015 and has over 32 years of aviation experience in the Northwest Mountain Region.  Prior to his current role, Dave was the Northwest Mountain Regional Manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), where he managed the association’s airport advocacy, state and local legislative and governmental affairs, and member engagement in seven northwestern states.  Before he joined AOPA in 2011, Dave served over six years as the Assistant Aviation Director at the Aspen/Pitkin County (Colorado) Airport and has managed the St. George (Utah) Municipal Airport and the Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming.  He began his aviation career in 1989 as an intern at Denver’s Centennial Airport, where he held a variety of airport operations positions.

Dave has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver and has been an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) since 1995.  Over the past 30 years, he has served the Northwest Mountain Region in a variety of aviation leadership roles.  He is currently serving as Vice Chair on the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Executive Committee, and previously was President of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and President of the Wyoming Airport Operators Association.  An active pilot since 1987, Dave is a seaplane rated private pilot, with a Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems rating as well.