State Has 121 Public-Use Airport Serving 4,000 Resident Pilots

Montana Governor Steve Bullock has declared August "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the state.

In a letter, Governor Bullock (D) (pictured) said that GA is vital to the economic growth and prosperity of our nation. "It connects major airports to rural communities and efficiently moves goods and services which could otherwise take several days for transport. General Aviation allows for people to reach faraway places, fulfilling their dreams of travel and adventure. Montana's 121 public-use airports are used by more than 2,500 aircraft, 4,000 pilots, and 290,000 visitors to our State each year. General aviation plays a critical role in Montana's economy and well-being.

"I encourage all Montanans to recognize August 2014 as "General Aviation Appreciation Month," Governor Bullock said.

National aviation organizations commended Montana Governor Steve Bullock for his proclamation.

“We applaud Governor Bullock for recognizing the importance of general aviation in the state of Montana,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation is an essential economic resource that supports thousands of jobs and communities across Montana.”

“General aviation and our local airports connect thousands of people, businesses and communities across Montana,” said Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “This connection is important to the daily lives of many Montanans. We thank Governor Bullock for his recognition of the benefits of general aviation for Montana and across the country.”

“In Montana, business aviation helps companies to transport supplies and employees, and reach far-off markets, and it ensures the delivery of medical care and disaster relief,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “These aircraft support local jobs and help to strengthen local communities and economies. We commend Governor Bullock and look forward to working with him to support business aviation.”
 
“General aviation is a vital resource to both large and small communities across Montana and the nation,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We applaud the Governor for his recognition of general aviation’s benefits and importance, and believe that this proclamation will also help to promote interest in aviation and encourage young people to learn more about the industry.”

Kim Stevens, interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Montana’s network of airports helps the state’s companies, farms, and communities reach necessary goods and services. We commend Governor Bullock and Aeronautics Division Administrator Debbie Alke for their work in recognizing the benefits of general aviation in Montana.”

“General aviation and local airports are a significant resource to communities, providing opportunities for businesses and economic growth,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Montana commend Governor Bullock for recognizing general aviation’s benefits to the welfare of businesses and communities across the state.”

“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft are vital tools for agriculture and livestock and wildlife management, and are also used to support communities and assist first responders,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank the Governor for his support of this important asset.”

FMI: Gov. Bullock Letter