Industry’s National Organizations Praise The Move.
National aviation organizations today commended Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper’s proclamation of July 2013 as “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” This proclamation is the third of its kind by Governor Hickenlooper (pictured), who also named June 2011 and 2012 “General Aviation Appreciation Month.”
The proclamation notes that General Aviation and Community Airports play a critical role in the lives of its people, as well as in the operation of its businesses and farms. The state of Colorado has a significant interest in the continued vitality of General Aviation, Aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions and aviation organizations and community airports and airport operators.
Colorado is home to 76 airports, which serve 17,819 pilots and 5,483 general aviation aircraft. Colorado general aviation airports contribute $2.1 billion or $479 per capita, to the state’s economy yearly and GA plays a vital role in the state’s response to emergencies and natural disasters. It recognizes that General Aviation sustains 22,650 jobs and a payroll of nearly $750 million. These figures increase substantially when factoring in general aviation jobs at commercial-service airports across the state.
“This proclamation helps to raise awareness about the important role of general aviation in Colorado,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank the Governor for his advocacy on behalf of an industry that supports millions of jobs and provides critical services to many communities throughout Colorado and across the United States.”
“Business aviation and small aircraft are invaluable to helping companies to maximize productivity, reach far-off markets, and serve customers,” noted Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “Not only does Colorado benefit from business aviation, but throughout the United States, it generates 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic activity. We thank the Governor for his proclamation and support of businesses across the state and the entire United States.”
“Colorado’s network of 76 airports allows businesses, law enforcement and other public safety providers across the state to stay connected and provide crucial services to the citizens of Colorado,” mentioned Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We at NASAO thank the Governor for his proclamation and look forward to working with him and David Gordon, Division of Aeronautics Director on issues regarding general aviation.”
“General aviation connects businesses, provides public safety and links services to communities across the state,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Hickenlooper to highlight the value that general aviation and small airports provide to Colorado and the national economy.”
“The impact of general aviation and the services it provides are crucial to Colorado businesses, farmers, first responders and medical providers,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA, and our members across the state, commend Governor Hickenlooper for his recognition of general aviation as a major source of business growth and an important connector for communities.”
“Across Colorado, helicopters are crucial to helping to contain forest fires and respond to disasters,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “By proclaiming July, ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month,’ Governor Hickenlooper recognizes the importance of these services provided by helicopters and general aviation as a whole to towns and communities around the state and country.”
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