National Aviation Organizations Praise The Proclamation
National aviation organizations Friday applauded Illinois
Governor Pat Quinn for declaring June 2011 “General Aviation
Appreciation Month.” In Illinois, general aviation generates
$6 billion in economic impact annually, supporting over 3,102
full-time and 1,145 part-time jobs.
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“We thank Governor Quinn for recognizing the critical role
general aviation airports play in communities throughout
Illinois,” Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance
for Aviation Across America, commented. “We appreciate the
efforts of the Illinois Pilots Association and their work in
supporting this proclamation and for helping to recognize the value
of general aviation across their state. These aircraft and
community airports are a lifeline for businesses, charities, law
enforcement, and hospitals both in Illinois and throughout the
United States.”
"We commend Governor Quinn for his support of general aviation
in Illinois," stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National
Business Aviation Association (NBAA). "We know that the good-news
story about general aviation’s impact in Illinois is the same
story for the nation as a whole: General aviation, including
business aviation, supports 1.2 million jobs, is responsible for
$150 billion in economic impact annually, and helps local towns and
cities across the country to attract businesses and support jobs in
their local community.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of
State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Across the United
States, local airports serve as a integral part of our
communities. 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 Quinn and Illinois Department of
Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig and Illinois Division of
Aeronautics Director Dr. Susan Shea.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air
Transportation Association (NATA), stated “This proclamation
is yet another positive step in emphasizing the importance of the
general aviation industry. By declaring June ‘General
Aviation Appreciation Month,’ Governor Quinn and Illinois
have joined a long list of states in recognizing how vital general
aviation is to local and our national economy.”
James Coyne
“Across communities throughout the United States,
helicopters are utilized to provide lifesaving services, along with
many other vital missions conducted on behalf of the greater
good,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter
Association International (HAI). “We commend Governor Quinn
for signing 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.”
Matt Zuccaro
"With 112 airports across Illinois, general aviation is a
significant lifeline and economic engine for local communities
throughout the state," said AOPA president and CEP Craig L.
Fuller. "We look forward to working with the Illinois Pilots
Association and the Governor to continue raising awareness of the
value of these important airports and aircraft.”
FMI: www2.illinois.gov/gov/Pages/default.aspx