Texas Aeronautics Commission

The Texas Aeronautics Commission (TAC) was created in 1945 by House Bill 309, 49th Legislature. The commission was established to assist in the development of aeronautics in the state and cooperate with the federal government and other states in establishing a uniform aviation system. Some specific responsibilities were to assist communities and state agencies in the establishment, construction, improvement, and financing of airports and other air navigation facilities; to administer clinics and courses for general aviation pilots; to certify intrastate airlines and oversee the intrastate air transportation network; to hold investigations and hearings to ensure aviation rules and regulations were met; and to represent state aviation segments before the Civil Aeronautics Board and other policy-making groups.

The commission was composed of three members (later expanded to six) appointed by the Governor, with concurrence of the Senate. Qualifications for members were ten years continuous residence in the state and ten years successful experience in business, government, or professional activities. A chair was elected by the commission and an Executive Director was appointed to handle the administrative affairs of the Commission. In 1989 the commission became the Texas Department of Aviation by House Bill 94, 71st Legislature, 1st Called Session. In 1991, the Department of Aviation was merged with the Department of Highways and Public Transportation (72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session, House Bill 9) to create the Texas Department of Transportation and the Department of Aviation became the Division of Aviation in the new agency.