Proclamation Recognizes Over 13,000 GA Pilots In The State
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) (pictured,
right) recently declared October as "General Aviation
Appreciation Month" in the state, a move supported by numerous
organizations including the Alliance for Aviation Across America
(AAAA), AOPA, NBAA, and the National Association of State Aviation
Officials (NASAO).
Minnesota Director of Aeronautics, Christopher Roy stated,
"General aviation is a tremendous economic engine for the state of
Minnesota and it continues to be a vitally important industry that
brings many benefits to everyone. Aviation is an integral part of
conducting business, moving cargo, and traveling for leisure."
"We commend Governor Pawlenty for highlighting the immense value
that general aviation provides to the state of Minnesota," said
Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation
Across America. "General aviation is a literal lifeline for
small businesses, farmers, non-profit humanitarian organizations,
law enforcement, and medical care across the state, and this
proclamation is a great step forward in promoting the value of this
important industry."
"Governor Pawlenty's proclamation gives well-deserved
recognition to the more than 13,000 pilots and hundreds of airports
that support local economies and communities across the state,"
said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. "We commend this
important proclamation and look forward to continuing to work with
the Governor to promote the value of general aviation in Minnesota
and throughout the nation."
"The business aviation community commends Governor Pawlenty for
his support for general aviation in Minnesota," said National
Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. "General
aviation in the state allows businesses to reach places where the
commercial airlines do not fly. Businesses across Minnesota rely on
aircraft to reach customers in small towns and rural communities
that would otherwise take hours to reach. In total, Minnesota
airports generate $12.2 billion in economic activity in the state.
This impact includes the creation of 164,900 jobs in the state as
well as $6.5 billion in labor income."
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of
State Aviation Officials said, "Chris Roy, Director of the
Minnesota Department of Transportation's Office of Aeronautics has
been vital in continuing to promote a solid aerospace and aviation
industry within Minnesota. America?s massive network of community
airports is critical to sustaining the millions of jobs and
providing access to a host of important services and resources. I
applaud both him and Governor Pawlenty for their hard work and look
forward to continuing to work with them in the future."
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