Aviation Organizations Offer Congratulations, Support

The so-called "letter groups" representing GA are congratulating Governor Deval Patrick and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the governor's declaration of November as “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” The Commonwealth of Massachusetts becomes the 34th state to recognize the importance of general aviation. Governor Patrick was on hand to present the proclamation during an event held at New Bedford Regional Airport. General aviation activities at Massachusetts' 39 airports generate $3.8 billion annually in economic activity and support roughly 28,000 jobs.

“We thank Governor Patrick (pictured) for joining the growing list of Governors to recognize the important role of general aviation for communities not only in Massachusetts but across the country,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and small airports serve as a vital lifeline for business, law enforcement, medical services, and charities, and recognize the efforts of the Massachusetts Airport Managers Association in helping to support this proclamation.”

"With 39 publicly-owned airports and more than 8,300 pilots, general aviation helps to keep the communities of Massachusetts connected, providing essential services and supporting local businesses,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Deval Patrick to raise awareness about the tremendous value that general aviation airports and aircraft provide to local communities.”

“Across the United States, general aviation, including business aviation, supports 1.2 million jobs, and is responsible for $150 billion in economic impact annually. This proclamation is crucial in helping to raise awareness about the vital importance of general aviation in helping local communities across the country to attract businesses, supporting much needed jobs,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Local airports serve as an integral part of our communities across the United States. These airports support millions of jobs to hard-working individuals and allow businesses to expand and access essential services while remaining a part of the local community. We welcome this proclamation and, in the future, look forward to continuing to work with Governor Patrick and Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission Executive Director Christopher Willenborg.”

James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated “We welcome Governor Patrick’s proclamation, which is an important recognition of the immense value of the general aviation industry here in the United States. In declaring November ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’ the governor and the state join 33 others in recognizing how vital general aviation is to local and our national economy.”

“In communities throughout the United States, helicopters provide vital lifesaving services - just one of more than 50 mission profiles, conducted for the greater community or economic good,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor Patrick's signing of this proclamation, and look forward to working with him in the future to further highlight the tremendous economic and operational benefits of helicopters and general aviation.”

FMI: www.aviationacrosamerica.com