Aviation & Aerospace

In Daytona Beach, you’ll find the world’s leading aviation and aerospace university, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the nation’s most user-friendly international airports and five smaller airports serving general and corporate aviation.

And Volusia County’s proximity to the Space Coast is of particular interest to spaceflight contractors. And Florida offers sales and use tax exemptions on maintenance and repair of aircraft; equipment used in aircraft repair and maintenance; sale or lease of fixed-wing aircraft and commercial space activity. 

Airports. In addition to Daytona Beach International Airport, five smaller airports serve the community. Most are in Class C airspace and are within short flights to Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Jacksonville International Airport.

• Daytona Beach International Airport. Runways of 10,000’, 8,000’ and 3,500’ serve DAB. Several FBOs are on airport property. Industrial land is available, some parcels with taxiway access. And commercial carriers include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and jetblue Airways.
• DeLand Municipal Airport (DED) runways measure 4,000’ and 6,000’. Corporate and private hangars are available. The airport is flanked by an industrial park.
• Ormond Beach Municipal Airport (OMN) also has an industrial park. The airport runways measure 4,000’ and 3,700’. Two FBOs serve the facility with flight training and aircraft rental.
• New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport (EVB) is situated on 770 acres of land with industrial plants flanking the facility. Runways of 4,000’, 5,000’ and 4,323’ serve the airport.
• Massey Ranch Airpark is a public use airport with a 3,845’ runway and has industrial property adjacent to the facility.
• Spruce Creek Fly-In is another private airport serving residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In community.
  
  

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Embry-Riddle produces more than 25% of the nation’s commercial pilots and is at the leading edge of research relative to avionics, simulation, aviation physiology, air traffic control, aviation-related cyber security and more.  It is conducting extensive research on the NextGen air traffic control system in collaboration with the FAA.  Its flightline flanks Daytona Beach International Airport, which has the distinction of being a “teaching airport” in collaboration with Embry-Riddle.  The university offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees in various disciplines of aviation, aerospace and engineering. 

ERAU Research Park

FAA NextGen Test Bed.  The FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is transforming the nation’s air traffic control system, equipping it to accommodate growing demand for air travel and bringing greater precision and accuracy to flight.  Embry-Riddle ahs created one of only three NextGen Test Bed facilities in the nation. Based at Daytona Beach International Airport, Volusia County’s NextGen Test Bed has the capability to model, test and complete large-scale technology demonstration projects for new satellite-based programs to supplement – and potentially replace – current radar systems. 

Space Florida. Space Florida was created through the State to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace economic development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, we believe Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed.

DeLand Sport Aviation Village. DeLand’s Sport Aviation Village will be a premier location for manufacturers of recreational aircraft and related components. Already a major commerce center for the parachute industry and home to some of the world’s largest producers of sport parachutes, MT Propellers USA, and more, DeLand Municipal Airport will create a similar center for recreational aircraft manufacturers, dealers, and owners.

The Convergence Zone: Where Entrepreneurs & Opportunity Meet

The MicaPlex, the cornerstone building of the Research Park at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida presents a unique collaborative opportunity for business and the university community to develop, refine and bring new products and technological services to market.

Start-up companies have a tremendous advantage when there is a network of support to shepherd them through the stages of product/service development toward market readiness. As an incubator space, the facilities and occupants of the MicaPlex will provide such a network which extends to the University, not only at the Daytona Beach Campus but to resources on the Prescott, Arizona, campus and the extensive network that is the Worldwide Campus.

Areas of Focus
Embry-Riddle, a world-renowned university, is equipped for and experienced in research, specifically associated with its seven areas of focus:

Applied Science
Aviation
Business
Computers & Technology
Engineering
Safety, Security & Intelligence
Space