FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 13, 2013
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Dick Knapinski (EAA): (920) 426-6523
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Jim Coon (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 417-1884
National Aviation Organizations Commend Ohio Governor for Declaring December ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— National aviation organizations today commended Ohio Governor John Kasich for proclaiming December as “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” General aviation airports contribute more than $5.5 billion to the state’s economy and support more than 17,000 jobs.
“We applaud Governor Kasich’s recognition of general aviation as an economic driver in Ohio,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “This proclamation helps to raise awareness about the critical economic impact that general aviation has on businesses and the communities throughout Ohio.”
“Local airports and the general aviation industry help to connect communities across the state and contribute to the health and safety of its citizens,” stated Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Kasich on issues impacting pilots and local airports, and thank him for supporting the efforts of the general aviation industry.”
“Business aviation is an integral part of the economy in Ohio, helping companies to be more productive, transporting staff, supplies and parts, and providing access to the broader marketplace,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We appreciate the Governor’s proclamation, which acknowledges the vast and diverse value of general aviation.”
“Ever since the Wright Brothers, Ohio has had a long history and deep ties to grassroots aviation,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank Governor Kasich for bringing attention to general aviation and helping us to grow participation, especially in regards to introducing the possibilities of flight to young people.”
“Ohio’s 105 publicly-owned airports comprise a vital network through which businesses and communities across the state are able to connect,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We appreciate the efforts of Governor Kasich and Ohio Aviation Administrator James Bryant, and look forward to working with them.”
“The general aviation industry of Ohio continues to drive economic growth and connect communities to critical services, including medical care, disaster relief, law enforcement, and fire fighting,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “NATA and our members thank Governor Kasich for highlighting the benefits general aviation has in the state and across the United States.”
“Emergency responders rely heavily on general aviation, particularly helicopters, to provide life saving and disaster relief services,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI) “We commend Governor Kasich for acknowledging the importance of helicopters and general aviation.”
To view the proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 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.
####