National Aviation Organizations Welcome Proclamation

National aviation organizations on Monday welcomed Mississippi House of Representatives' declaration of May as "General Aviation Appreciation Month." General aviation in Mississippi alone generates about $860 million in economic impact annually, supporting over 1,563 jobs.

"We commend the Mississippi House of Representatives for recognizing the vital economic impact general aviation has across Mississippi," Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, commented. "The General aviation industry provides essential services to local businesses, charities, medical organizations, law enforcement, and farmers throughout Mississippi and the entire country.

"In Mississippi and across the United States, the business aviation community is a driving force of local businesses, communities and economies. We thank the Mississippi House of Representatives for its recognition of all general aviation, including business aviation, and the impact that this industry has on their communities," said National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Across the United States, the industry provides 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact. As a valuable economic tool, this proclamation emphasizes the immense role of this industry and other issues important to business aviation."

Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials said, "Local airports are the lifeblood of our communities all across the country. They provide good jobs to millions of hard-working people, and make it possible for local business to expand and access essential services while remaining a part of the community. This proclamation signifies the pivotal value of general aviation in the state of Mississippi. We welcome the signing of this proclamation and look forward in continuing to work with the Mississippi State Legislature, Aeronautics Division Director Thomas M. Booth Jr. and in the future with Governor Barbour."

James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated "We applaud the Mississippi House of Representatives for this proclamation recognizing 'General Aviation Appreciation Month.' The proclamation from the Mississippi State Legislature is yet another positive step in highlighting the critical importance of the general aviation industry for our economy and our nation as a whole."

"Across the United States, helicopters are utilized to provide lifesaving services to our communities, along with many other vital missions conducted on behalf of the greater good," said Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI). "We welcome the proclamation by the Mississippi House of Representatives, and look forward to working with them to further highlight the tremendous economic and operational benefits of helicopters and general aviation throughout their state."

"Mississippi is home to more than 6,830 pilots and 3,178 general aviation aircraft. With 79 airports across the state, general aviation is a significant engine of economic growth for local communities throughout the state," said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. "We appreciate the Mississippi House of Representatives' recognition of the importance of general aviation and the economic benefits it provides their communities, and look forward to working with state and local officials to continue to raise awareness of general aviation."

FMI: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us