CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice proclaimed October 2017 as General Aviation Appreciation Month in the Mountain State.
In West Virginia, general aviation and local airsports play a critical role in the lives of citizens, businesses, communities and the state of West Virginia, the proclamation stated.
General aviation supports 5,300 jobs, which results in $256 million in labor income, and contributes over $1 billion to the state’s total economic output annually.
General aviation also plays a vital role in the state’s response to natural disaters, medical emergencies, search and rescue opperations, firefighting, public safety and law enforcement, as well as recreation and tourism, according to the proclamation.
It is directly tied to the future growth and prosperity of the Mountain State, which is why Justice said he is working to make sure West Virginia continues to support the vitality of general aviation, the aerospace industry, local airports, aircraft manufacturing and repair stations, and aviation education.