National Organizations Praise The Proclamation

National aviation organizations are commending Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman for declaring May “General Aviation Appreciation Month.”   Alliance Press Secretary Devin Osting, Nebraska Department of Aeronautics Director Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska Aviation Council President Sandi Decker and Nebraska Aviation Trades Association President Brian Wilcox, among others, were present for the signing of the proclamation with the Governor Wednesday morning at the Capitol. Across the state, general aviation has an annual economic impact of $721 million, and the air transportation industry supports over 5,000 jobs.

“We applaud Governor Heineman (pictured) for recognizing the significant contributions of general aviation to the state of Nebraska,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Across the state, general aviation supports commerce, local farms and helps communities get access to critically needed supplies and resources. We also thank the Nebraska Aviation Council for their continued efforts to support general aviation in Nebraska.”
 
“With 86 airports and more than 2,700 pilots, general aviation is a critical part of the local economy and infrastructure in Nebraska, supporting flight training, local businesses, agriculture and local communities throughout the state,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Heineman to highlight the enormous value that general aviation and small airports provide to local communities and economies across the state and country.”
 
“Across the country, business aviation is a crucial tool for businesses, helping to provide access to far off markets and customers, and allowing for the transport of goods, resources and services. All told, the industry supports 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $150 billion annually in economic activity. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and officials around the country to raise awareness about the value of this critical business tool,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
 
“Local airports provide important connections to local communities across the country. Nationally, general aviation airports sustain millions of jobs, supply essential services to rural areas, and help to support local businesses.” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We welcome this proclamation and look forward to continuing work with Governor Dave Heineman and Nebraska Department of Aeronautics Director Ronnie Mitchell on issues affecting general aviation in Nebraska.”
 
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated, “We commend Governor Heineman for his proclamation of ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month.’ This proclamation will help to raise awareness in Nebraska and around the nation about the critical importance of general aviation and local airports, which support life-saving services and commerce in all 50 states.”
 
“With their unique capabilities, general aviation and helicopters in particular provide vital life-saving services to the citizens of Nebraska and help to support businesses, hospitals, law enforcement and disaster relief,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI).”We thank Governor Heineman for spotlighting the economic and operational benefits that these aircraft provide to the people of Nebraska.”

FMI: www.governor.nebraska.gov