Aviation Organizations Offer Congratulations, Support
The so-called "letter groups" representing GA are congratulating
Governor Deval Patrick and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for
the governor's declaration of November as “General Aviation
Appreciation Month.” The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
becomes the 34th state to recognize the importance of general
aviation. Governor Patrick was on hand to present the proclamation
during an event held at New Bedford Regional Airport. General
aviation activities at Massachusetts' 39 airports generate $3.8
billion annually in economic activity and support roughly 28,000
jobs.
“We thank Governor Patrick (pictured) for joining the
growing list of Governors to recognize the important role of
general aviation for communities not only in Massachusetts but
across the country,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director
of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General
aviation and small airports serve as a vital lifeline for business,
law enforcement, medical services, and charities, and recognize the
efforts of the Massachusetts Airport Managers Association in
helping to support this proclamation.”
"With 39 publicly-owned airports and more than 8,300 pilots,
general aviation helps to keep the communities of Massachusetts
connected, providing essential services and supporting local
businesses,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the
Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look
forward to working with Governor Deval Patrick to raise awareness
about the tremendous value that general aviation airports and
aircraft provide to local communities.”
“Across the United States, general aviation, including
business aviation, supports 1.2 million jobs, and is responsible
for $150 billion in economic impact annually. This proclamation is
crucial in helping to raise awareness about the vital importance of
general aviation in helping local communities across the country to
attract businesses, supporting much needed jobs,” stated Ed
Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation
Association (NBAA).
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of
State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Local airports serve
as an integral part of our communities across the United States.
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 Patrick and Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission
Executive Director Christopher Willenborg.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air
Transportation Association (NATA), stated “We welcome
Governor Patrick’s proclamation, which is an important
recognition of the immense value of the general aviation industry
here in the United States. In declaring November ‘General
Aviation Appreciation Month’ the governor and the state join
33 others in recognizing how vital general aviation is to local and
our national economy.”
“In communities throughout the United States, helicopters
provide vital lifesaving services - just one of more than 50
mission profiles, conducted for the greater community or economic
good,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter
Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor
Patrick's signing of 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.”