Business Details
37 Years
experience
Airport Engineering & Consulting Services
Founded in 1989 by W. Stephen Bright and John T. Talbert III, Talbert & Bright has established itself as a leading airport consulting firm in the Southeast United States. With over 30 years of experience, our firm specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for General Aviation and Commercial Service airports, including planning, design, environmental compliance, grants management, and construction administration. Our team of seasoned professionals maintains a strong focus on client needs, delivering projects that adhere to FAA guidelines and engineering best practices. Operating from offices in Wilmington, NC; Richmond, VA; and Columbia, SC, we have successfully completed over 2,000 projects across five states. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing relationships with clients, many of whom have relied on our expertise for more than two decades.We prioritize practical, cost-effective approaches to airport development while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Our services extend to land acquisition assistance, program management, and environmental permitting, making us a one-stop resource for airport infrastructure needs. By combining technical proficiency with personalized service, we help clients navigate complex challenges in airport planning and development. Our track record of completing projects on schedule and within budget underscores our dedication to operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Talbert & Bright remains at the forefront of aviation consulting, continuously adapting to industry advancements while maintaining our core values of innovation and responsiveness.
Services
Airport Planning
Environmental Compliance
Land Acquisition
Grants Management
Construction Administration
Program Management
Airfield Design
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized airport consulting experience
- Proven success with 2,000+ completed projects
- Dedicated FAA compliance and grant specialists
- Multi-state expertise across five Southeast locations
- Principal-led project teams for personalized service
Services
Airport Planning
Our airport planning services develop strategic roadmaps for facility development, including master plans, airspace analysis, and capital improvement programs. We help clients identify funding sources, conduct feasibility studies, and create implementation strategies that align with FAA requirements. With expertise in runway analysis and stormwater management, we ensure projects meet current needs while accommodating future growth.
Environmental Compliance
We provide comprehensive environmental services including NEPA documentation, wetland permitting, and stormwater compliance. Our team secures necessary approvals for airport development projects while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. Services cover erosion control, spill prevention plans, and environmental assessments to facilitate smooth project execution without regulatory delays.
Land Acquisition
Our land acquisition assistance includes appraisal reviews, easement surveys, and relocation support while maintaining FAA compliance. We help airports expand capacity through fee simple acquisitions and avigation easement mapping. Our services ensure proper land use compatibility and approach clearance maintenance for safe airport operations.
Grants Management
We manage the complete grant lifecycle for airport projects, from application preparation to closeout documentation. Our specialists coordinate with FAA and state agencies to secure funding, process reimbursements, and ensure compliance with grant requirements. This includes budget tracking, compliance monitoring, and audit preparation to maximize available financial resources.
Construction Administration
Our construction administration services ensure project execution aligns with design specifications and budget constraints. We provide contract management, progress monitoring, and compliance verification during construction. With experienced resident project representatives, we maintain quality control while minimizing operational impacts on airport stakeholders throughout the development process.
People
Jay Talbert
Principal
Jay Talbert serves as Principal at Talbert & Bright, bringing extensive aviation consulting experience to our Wilmington, NC office. With decades of industry expertise, he oversees project execution and client relationships while maintaining our commitment to technical excellence and client satisfaction.
Steve Bright
Principal
Steve Bright, one of our founding principals in Wilmington, NC, contributes over 30 years of airport engineering expertise. He leads complex projects while ensuring adherence to FAA standards and regulatory requirements, leveraging deep industry knowledge to deliver successful client outcomes.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We specialize in airport consulting services across the Southeast United States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland.
How long have you been in business?
Talbert & Bright has provided airport consulting services since our founding in 1989, with over 30 years of specialized industry experience.
What FAA compliance services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive FAA compliance support including grant management, environmental permitting, design standard adherence, and construction phase compliance monitoring for airport projects.
Do you handle large-scale airport projects?
Yes, our firm manages projects of all sizes from small general aviation facilities to major commercial service airport developments across multiple states.
What differentiates your services from competitors?
We combine 30+ years of specialized airport experience with principal-led project teams and a proven track record of completing 2,000+ projects on schedule and within budget.
How do you handle multi-state projects?
With offices in Wilmington, NC; Richmond, VA; and Columbia, SC, we effectively manage projects across state lines while maintaining consistent quality and regulatory compliance.
