Points Out The Upside, Efficiencies Of Aircraft Ownership

The Florida Aviation Trades Association (FATA) has issued an open letter to newly-elected Governor Rick Scott, who announced last week he was making good on a campaign promise and putting the state's two airplanes up for sale. The Beech King Air 350 and Cessna Citation Bravo were expected to bring about $6 million on the open market, and save the state $2.5 million per year in ongoing costs, according to the Governor, a long-time business executive. He said that he would use his personal jet to transport him around the state, and not bill the taxpayers for its use.

The Governor said other state officials could use commercial airlines for transportation.

In the letter, FATA urges Governor Scott to reconsider his position on selling the two airplanes. It is reproduced below in its entirety.

Dear Governor Scott:

As a leading advocate for general aviation we applaud your use of your own aircraft while campaigning in Florida. It demonstrates you know the advantages of convenient and efficient travel. You realize your time is valuable and to make the best use of your time you have chosen to travel by private aircraft. You can work and communicate while traveling; something that cannot be done in an automobile and most likely not on a commercial airline.

Yet you have chosen to sell the state’s aircraft because they cost too much. Several reports show the state will actually lose money on the sale of the aircraft because of payments that must be made if the terms of the lease are not met  A good businessman should realize the potential in keeping these assets.  You know your time is valuable and so is the time of your trusted staff.

When you surround yourself with people you admire and rely on then providing them access to convenient travel goes along way to show your respect for them. You stated that there was misuse of aircraft in the past. Being the good manager you are, set the standards and requirements for who can use the aircraft to best serve the needs of Florida. That is the most sensible thing to do as opposed to punishing everyone for the misdeeds of others.

Should you continue with your plans to sell the aircraft, we hope you will consider using air charter as needed to make it convenient and efficient for your staff to travel as necessary. FATA began a program last year called, Beyond the Runway, Why General Aviation Means Business. Our message is that community airports and general aviation aircraft are resources that build communities. We encourage businesses to look at ways GA might be a good business tool for them.

We know you appreciate and use the products and services of general aviation and will continue to do so. The myth we are trying so hard to dispel is that flying is only for the rich. I’m sure you can see the picture you are portraying is just what non-aviation critics believe!

Aviation is so important to Florida. If the Association can be of assistance to you and your office regarding aviation issues, we are here to assist.

FMI: www.fata.aero, www.myflorida.com