For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2011
Contact: Aren Ghazarians (202)-334-1131
Alliance for Aviation Across America Statement on President Obama Comments on General Aviation
Washington, DC – Today, the Alliance for Aviation Across America released the following statement in response to comments made by President Obama about general aviation at a press conference today:
“We were deeply disappointed by the President’s comments today, which not only mischaracterized general aviation and its importance for our economy, but discussed an increased tax burden for general aviation operators.
“Contrary to the President’s comments, the truth is that the vast majority of those who depend on general aviation are small to mid-sized businesses, charitable groups, medical providers, law enforcement, flight schools and disaster relief personnel that use general aviation to better serve customers, deliver crucially needed goods and services, and reach plants and far off places. In fact, for thousands of rural communities around the country, general aviation is a literal lifeline, allowing local officials to attract business, and retain access to medical care, resources and services. All told, these businesses and aircraft support over 1.2 billion jobs and $150 billion in economic impact nationally.
“At such a vulnerable time for our economy, we need to do everything we can to support these businesses and groups, which represent a significant segment of our national economy, and serve as a lifeline to small towns and local economies around the nation. We will continue to work with the Administration and Members of Congress to counter these types of mischaracterizations about general aviation and ensure that we protect these aircraft and our network of airports.”
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,700 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
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