(a) This article may be cited as the "State Aeronautics Commission Act".

(b) The West Virginia State Aeronautics Commission is hereby continued. The current members shall retain their seats until the expiration of their terms and may be reappointed. The commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member shall be the Secretary of Transportation ex officio, whose term shall continue for the period that he or she holds the office of Secretary of Transportation. The other four members of the commission are initially appointed by the Governor, one to serve for a term of one year, one to serve for a term of two years, one to serve for a term of three years, and one to serve for a term of four years. The successors of the members initially appointed as provided herein shall be appointed for terms of four years each in the same manner as the members originally appointed under this section, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Each member shall serve until the appointment and qualification of his or her successor. No more than three members of the commission shall be members of the same political party. All members of the commission shall be citizens and residents of this state. The members of the commission who are appointed by the Governor as provided by this section shall be selected with due regard to their fitness by reason of their aeronautical, legal, administrative, or management knowledge. In making such appointments, the Governor shall, so far as may be possible and practicable, select the several members from different geographical sections of the state.

(c) No member may receive any salary for his or her services, but each shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred by such member in the performance of his or her duties in accordance with state travel rules.

(d) Three members are a quorum, and a quorum is necessary to conduct business. Members may participate in any meeting by phone.