The department shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To supervise, maintain, and schedule all state aircraft;

(2) To maintain a detailed record of all flights made by state aircraft;

(3) To initiate a proficiency program for pilot employees;

(4) To discontinue the employment of any pilot employed by the Department of Transportation to fly state aircraft upon such pilot's reaching 65 years of age;

(5) To establish priorities concerning the use of state aircraft;

(6) To execute such contracts as may be necessary to carry out this article; and

(7) To assign special purpose state aircraft and personnel to any other department or agency of state government.