Latest Declaration Adds To Host Of Similar Decrees From States Across the U.S.

Lots of states are officially singing the praises of aviation, and on Wednesday, the NBAA today applauded the State of New Jersey for its proclamation designating September 29, 2010 as "Aviation Awareness Day," to highlight the value of all general aviation, including business aviation, to the Garden State.

The decree, issued by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R), is the first such recognition by New Jersey in recent memory. The proclamation notes that New Jersey's aviation community includes "a cross-section of professionals… with emphasis on the special needs of the state's business community."  It cites general aviation's role in supporting "direct employment for approximately 18,000 New Jersey residents," and notes that general aviation is vital for many state businesses and farms, as well as providing disaster relief and a wide array of travel options.

The benefits of business aviation highlighted in the proclamation echo the themes of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which is jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. "Business aviation has long been important in New Jersey," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, "but its value hasn't always been well understood. "We applaud Governor Christie for issuing this proclamation, which will help underscore the essential role business aviation plays in serving New Jersey's citizens, companies and communities."

Gov. Christie (above) will officially declare Aviation Awareness Day on September 29 at a luncheon of the New Jersey Aviation Association, where several awards will be presented to legislators and others who have helped aviation grow in the state. According to the latest New Jersey State Aviation System Plan, the jobs supported by general aviation in New Jersey provide at least $624 million a year in combined wages, and generate an estimated $1.7 billion in annual economic benefits. Another study shows that community airports in the state host nearly 850,000 visitors yearly, who spend almost $200 million.

In addition to official recognition of aviation's value in the state, New Jersey was the first state to address the obstruction hazards caused by wind energy towers near airports. On January 16, Assembly Bill 3740 became law, requiring that tower builders comply with all FAA requirements protecting  airports from obstructions. Only two other states, Oklahoma and Louisiana, have so far followed New Jersey's lead. The New Jersey designation of Aviation Awareness Day follows similar declarations this year in Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

FMI: www.noplanenogain.org