Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia officially recognized general aviation within their states during the month of October.
Kitzhaber declared the month as “Aviation Appreciation Month,” making it the 49th state to issue such a proclamation. In addition, Patrick declared October “General Aviation Month” in Massachusetts and Tomblin announced that October was “General Aviation Appreciation Month” in the state of West Virginia.
In Oregon, aviation supports 197,000 jobs and general aviation contributes $1.8 billion to the state’s economy each year. Across Massachusetts, general aviation supports more than 4,300 jobs and an economic output of nearly $444 million annually. In West Virginia, general aviation contributes $616 million to the state in annual economic activity and supports about 3,200 jobs.
“We thank each of the Governors for their proclamations underscoring the importance of general aviation and the critical role it plays throughout the United States,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation provides access to critical life-saving services, especially in rural communities where other transportation methods can be limited. It also aids businesses of all sizes, fuels economic growth and creates jobs at the community level. ”