From Delaware To Wyoming ... States Celebrate General Aviation

Governors from nine states have officially recognized the importance of general aviation to their economies with official proclamations in the month of June.

The list includes Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Wyoming Governor Matt Mead. All have issued proclamations during the month of June which specifically recognize the value of general aviation in their respective states.

“These proclamations highlight the crucial role of general aviation as an economic driver, and an industry that supports communities large and small around the nation,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance. “General Aviation is a vital tool to businesses and communities across the country, and we thank these Governors for recognizing this important industry.”

“General aviation plays an important role in connecting businesses with customers, suppliers and far-off plants, and providing essential services to communities in states across the country,” stated Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “These proclamations highlight the value of general aviation to residents of these states, and we thank each of the Governors for their effort bringing attention to its essential role.”

“We commend these Governors for raising awareness about the role of general aviation in helping businesses to stay competitive and communities to stay connected,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “General aviation helps companies stay connected and save time and resources, and this industry helps to sustain millions of American jobs. We appreciate these proclamations, and look forward to working with all of these Governors in the future.”

“We are very pleased that nine Governors across the United States have the important role general aviation plays in their respective states, and across the country,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We hope that the importance of these proclamations sparks interest in learning about aviation and engaging in all aspects within the world of flight, especially in young people.”

Kim Stevens, interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) noted, “General aviation across the country supports vital medical, law enforcement and public-safety services. From a medevac helicopter taking someone to a hospital, to a plane sending supplies to a remote community after a storm, general aviation assists millions of people. We thank the Governors and NASAO members in each of the states for their work and support of these proclamations.”

“General aviation supports an enormous number of jobs, and helps to drive economic activity for thousands of communities,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies applaud these Governors for their proclamations.”

“Helicopters play a key role in supporting our country's first-responder and law enforcement-network,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “These nine state proclamations make clear the vital contributions of the general aviation industry to our states, and the nation as a whole.”

FMI: www.aviationacrossamercia.com