Forty State Chief Executives Have Signed Proclamations Extolling Aviation, 29 Single Out GA

Advertisers learned long ago that to be able to say "four out of five" in almost any venue shows pretty strong support for a product or service, so when the Alliance for Aviation Across America on Tuesday announced that four out of every five US governors, 40 in total, have signed proclamations recognizing the value of aviation to the national and their local and state economies, it would certainly be considered pretty good news for the industry.

The majority of those proclamations, 29 in total, have specifically recognized the general aviation. The general aviation industry not only supports over 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact, but these aircraft and the airports they utilize lifeline to many rural communities, supporting health care, disaster relief, law enforcement and a host of other important services and resources. Most recently, Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington and Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada have recognized this important industry by designating June as “General Aviation Appreciation Month” and “Aviation Appreciation Month” respectively.
 
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to educate the public and raise awareness about general aviation,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “It demonstrates that there is a growing understanding around the country by governors and other local officials who understand the critical importance of general aviation and local airports for the economy and rural communities throughout their state.”
 
In addition to these proclamations, Governors John Lynch of New Hampshire, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, C. L. “Butch” Otter of Idaho and Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota have all sent letters to President Obama outlining the important role of general aviation to the national and local economies, as well as the need to protect this industry from burdensome taxes. In addition, just this February more than 100 mayors sent a letter to President Obama highlighting the critical importance of general aviation and local airports to their local communities.

FMI: www.aviationacrossamerica.com