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Executive Summary

This proposal respectfully requests that the Gulfport-Biloxi Airport Authority consider the addition of “Taylor Dickey Field” to the official name of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. This naming addition would honor the life, legacy, and impact of Taylor Dickey, a distinguished flight instructor, aviation leader, and community contributor who tragically passed away during an instructional flight originating from Gulfport.

The requested naming convention would align with established precedents such as Gulf Shores International / Jack Edwards Field, where a field designation honors an individual while preserving the airport’s established brand and operational identity.

Background and Rationale

1. Legacy of Excellence in Aviation Instruction

Taylor Dickey was widely recognized as a highly skilled and dedicated Certified Flight Instructor, known not only for her technical proficiency but also for her exceptional ability to mentor, inspire, and connect with her students. Her contributions significantly strengthened the quality of flight training emerging from Gulfport, and her professionalism reflected positively on the region’s aviation community.

2. Leadership in Women’s Aviation Advancement

Taylor served as President of the Bayou Beacons, the local chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI). Under her leadership, the chapter grew in visibility, outreach, and impact. She worked tirelessly to expand access to aviation careers, encourage young women to pursue flight training, and advocate for diversity throughout the aerospace field.

Taylor’s commitment to these values aligns closely with the Gulfport community’s longstanding support of aviation education, workforce development, and regional leadership in aerospace training activities.

3. Community Impact and Representation

Through her instructional role and her community advocacy, Taylor became a well-known figure at the airport and among flight training stakeholders in the Gulf Coast region. Her loss has deeply affected students, colleagues, airfield personnel, and aviation partners. Designating the airfield as “Taylor Dickey Field” would stand as a lasting testament to her contributions and her embodiment of the spirit of aviation.

It would also send a meaningful message about the airport’s support of aviation education, safety, and leadership—principles that Taylor championed every day.

Naming Precedent

Airports across the United States have successfully incorporated honorary field designations without disrupting operations, branding, or certification structures. Notable examples include:

• Gulf Shores International Airport / Jack Edwards Field
• Boulder City Municipal Airport / Earl B. Curtiss Field
• Fayetteville Executive Airport / Drake Field

These examples illustrate a widely accepted naming practice within the airport industry:

Maintaining the primary airport identity while formally honoring an individual at the field level.

This approach allows the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to preserve its established name, international designation, and commercial recognition while providing a meaningful, permanent honor.

Proposed Name Format

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport / Taylor Dickey Field

This structure:

Maintains full continuity with FAA, ICAO, and commercial identifiers.

Preserves all branding used by airlines, travel agencies, regulators, and community partners.

Adds a field designation that honors a local aviation leader whose contributions embody the airport’s mission and values.

Benefits of Adoption

1. Cultural and Community Value

The designation would honor a figure who directly advanced the region’s aviation culture and workforce development pipeline.

2. Recognition of Aviation Leadership

Taylor’s advocacy for women in aviation represents progress, diversity, and excellence—values increasingly central to modern aviation ecosystems.

3. Positive Public Relations

The renaming would reinforce the airport’s connection to the local community and highlight its support for aviation education and outreach.

4. Alignment with Airport Naming Standards

The field designation model is consistent with industry precedent and requires no significant operational or regulatory changes

Conclusion

Adding “Taylor Dickey Field” to the name of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport offers a meaningful opportunity to memorialize a respected instructor, community leader, and aviation advocate whose contributions greatly enriched the Gulfport aviation community.

Her legacy, leadership, and dedication to flight training and inclusivity in aviation merit recognition at the highest local level. This naming would preserve her memory and inspire future generations of pilots who begin their journey at Gulfport.

We respectfully request that the Gulfport-Biloxi Airport Authority review and approve this proposal.

Link to share below:

Taylor Dickey Field - Proposal