FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2013
Contact:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Jim Coon (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 417-1884
National Aviation Organizations Commend Nebraska Governor for Declaring May ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC –National aviation organizations today welcomed Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman’s proclamation of May as “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” The proclamation was signed earlier today in Lincoln, and the signing ceremony was attended by Alliance Membership Director David Pourshoushtari. This proclamation is the third of its kind by Governor Heineman, following one in 2010 and one in 2012. Across the state, general aviation has an annual economic impact of $721 million each year.
“We commend Governor Heineman for his proclamation and his role in helping to highlight the crucial role of general aviation in Nebraska and beyond,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation supports critical services, and serves as a literal lifeline to communities across the country. We thank the Governor for once again recognizing the importance of general aviation.”
“General aviation is a key asset in providing public safety, connecting businesses, and supporting the delivery of goods and services to communities throughout the state,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Heineman to continue highlighting the enormous value that general aviation and small airports provide to their local communities and the economy as a whole.”
“The use of small, general aviation airplanes for business is important not only in Nebraska, but across the country,” noted Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “Nationwide, business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $150 billion annually in economic activity. In rural communities in particular, it serves as a vital resource to businesses of all sizes. We thank the Governor for helping to raise awareness about the business aviation industry and the opportunities and services it provides to communities of all sizes.”
“Nebraska’s network of 86 airports helps to keep the state connected to important services and resources that communities need.” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We welcome this proclamation and look forward to continuing to work with Governor Heineman and Nebraska Department of Aeronautics Director Ronnie Mitchell on issues affecting general aviation.”
“General aviation links communities across the Cornhusker state and provides opportunities for businesses and economic growth,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and its 16 member companies across Nebraska applaud the Governor’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
“Across the country, general aviation, especially helicopters, support vital services and connect businesses, first responders and law enforcement,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “By recognizing May as ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month,’ Governor Heinman has drawn attention to this important industry and spotlighted the many ways general aviation affects our lives.”
To view this proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is anon-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 6,000 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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