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.
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