National Aviation Organizations Applaud The Recognition Of General Aviation's Contributions To The State

National aviation organizations issued a joint news release Tuesday applauding New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez for declaring September “New Mexico General Aviation Appreciation Month.”  The proclamation highlights the vital role of aviation, and general aviation in particular, in supporting businesses, farms, medical care and fire fighting throughout the state.  The release of the proclamation coincided with the New Mexico Centennial Celebration Air Tour, which celebrating 100 years of New Mexico aviation at locations across the state.

“We thank Governor Martinez (pictured) for recognizing the importance and economic impact of general aviation in the state of New Mexico,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. General aviation and local airports support businesses and job growth, acting as a lifeline for small communities throughout the state. We would also like to thank Cathy Myers of the New Mexico Pilots Association for her help in raising awareness about this vital industry.”

The proclamation mentions the critical role GA plays in the lives and safety of New Mexico citizens, as well as in the operation of its businesses, ranches, and farms. It points out that according to the 2009 New Mexico airport system plan update, aviation in the state supports, 48,975 jobs and generates $3.1 billion in payroll annually and is responsible for $3.1 billion into the economy, and given the state’s size and geography, many businesses and communities depend upon general aviation aircraft and small aircraft of all types for mobility, access to medical treatment, economic opportunity, disaster relief, search and rescue, and a wide range of critical resources.

Governor Martinez said in the proclamation that "in this centennial year, communities are celebrating 100 years of New Mexico’s rich aviation heritage, including: the first use of aircraft in a us military mission in pursuit of Pancho Villa; Charles Lindbergh’s development of aerial archaeology; New Mexico’s key role in the first transcontinental air transport route; vital military training; and legacies of aviators such as William Cutter who flew the state’s first air ambulance in 1928."

FMI: www.governor.state.nm.us