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.