(a) The secretary shall appoint necessary staff to oversee and manage the facilities and operations of the aeronautics section. Staff are covered by the Department of Transportation merit based system and the Career, Classification, and Compensation Plan. The division shall encourage, foster, and assist in the development of aeronautics in this state and encourage the establishment of airports and air navigation facilities. The division shall cooperate with and assist the federal government, the municipalities of this state, and other persons in the development of aeronautics and shall act to coordinate the aeronautical activities of these bodies and persons. Municipalities are authorized to cooperate with the division in developing aeronautics and aeronautics facilities in this state. The division is given the power and authority to make such policies as it may consider necessary and advisable for the public safety, governing the designing, laying out, locating, building, equipping, and operating of all airports and the conduct of all other phases of aeronautics.