Five States Release Official Recognition As Month Draws To A Close

As September draws to a close, the governors in five states have officially recognized the importance of GA to the economies in their respective states, according to the Alliance for Aviation Across America.

Governor Paul LePage has issued a letter recognizing the vital role of general aviation in connecting communities and supporting jobs throughout the state of Maine. He says general aviation airports support an economic impact of over $103 million annually and support over 1,500 jobs.
 
“General aviation supports fishing, manufacturing, and the operations of businesses of all sizes throughout Maine,” explained Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and local airports support economic growth and development, and connect these communities with critical services. We thank the Governor for his letter and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Governor Bill Walker of Alaska declared September 2016 “Aviation Appreciation Month”. In Alaska, general aviation contributes over $1.1 billion to the state’s total economic output.

“General aviation in Alaska plays a unique and critical role in daily life and is often a primary mode of transportation for the state’s remote communities,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Many Alaskans rely entirely on general aviation to access medical care, transport goods and materials, and connect with the rest of the state. We thank Governor Walker (pictured) for issuing the proclamation and acknowledging Alaska’s continued interest in supporting aviation.”

According to the proclamation:

“Alaska has more private plane per capita than any other state in the union and, on average, Alaskans fly more than eight times as often as residents of other states. Alaska is currently home to 747 registered airports and seaplane bases, supporting 9,346 registered aircraft utilized by 7,933 active pilots.”

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy also declared September 2016 “General Aviation Appreciation Month”. General aviation in Connecticut contributes over $7.4 billion to the state’s total economic output.

“General aviation and local airports play a critical role supporting Connecticut’s communities and businesses,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation, particularly aviation manufacturing, drives economic growth. We thank the Governor for issuing the proclamation and recognizing general aviation.”

“General aviation aircraft, including helicopters, support jobs, businesses, and emergency and law enforcement operations throughout Connecticut and the United States,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Malloy for recognizing the importance of aviation in keeping our communities safe and thriving.”

Maryland is on board as well. Governor Larry Hogan Jr. named September 2016 “General Aviation and Community Airport Month”. In Maryland, general aviation airports support more than $704 million in business-generated revenues and 6,317 jobs across the state.

“General aviation is an important tool helping Maryland’s businesses, farms, and communities grow and develop,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation at local airports supports key emergency services, such as medevacs, firefighting, search & rescue, and law enforcement. We thank Governor Hogan for the proclamation and look forward to working with him to support Maryland’s local airports and general aviation community.”

“Community airports support local jobs, businesses and critical services throughout Maryland,” said Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We thank Governor Hogan and Ricky D. Smith Sr., Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration, for working to highlight the important role of general aviation and community airports.”

The same recognition has been made in Kansas. Governor Sam Brownback said that in Kansas, general aviation and community airports contribute over $13.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.

“Kansas has a rich aviation history and remains a hub for general aviation activity,” said Shilad. “General aviation supports agriculture, businesses of all sizes, emergency services, law enforcement, and firefighting. We thank Governor Brownback (pictured) for issuing this proclamation and recognizing the significant role of general aviation in Kansas. '

“Business aviation continues to thrive in Kansas, helping companies reach their customers, transport employees and supplies, and expand their market,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank the Governor for this proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues critical to business aviation.”

General aviation and community airports are tremendous resources for local communities, serving as lifelines for business and economic growth,” stated Martin Hiller, President of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Kansas appreciate Governor Brownback’s support of general aviation and its contributions across the state and around the nation.”

(Source: Alliance for Aviation Across America. Images from file)

FMI: www.aviationacrossamerica.com