FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 30, 2015
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
Rebecca Mulholland (NATA): (202) 774-1535
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 610-0223
National Aviation Organizations Commend California Legislature for Recognizing the Importance of Aviation
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended the California State Legislature for recognizing general aviation in the state of California. The Senate recently passed a measure designating April “Aviation Awareness Month,” and the Assembly is expected to vote on it soon. In California, general aviation contributes over $30.2 billion to the state’s total economic output and supports 139,100 jobs.
“We commend the state Legislature for this resolution, which highlights the critical importance of general aviation and community airports throughout California,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation supports local communities and businesses, and plays a vital role in disaster relief operations, firefighting and medical transportation services.”
“California’s system of airports supports agriculture, the technology, tourism and movie industries, law enforcement, firefighting and many other local services and business activity throughout the state,” said Mark Baker, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank the Legislature for recognizing the significance of local airports and general aviation in communities throughout California and our nation.”
“Business aviation helps companies in California and across the United States to compete globally, reach new and far-off markets and enhance their productivity,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “This resolution will certainly help to raise awareness about the critical importance of business aviation and our network of local airports.
“Aviation is a critical component of the nation’s infrastructure and economy, as well a source of passion and inspiration for so many in our country,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “On behalf of EAA and its members, we commend the California Legislature for this measure and look forward to working with California’s EAA members to raise awareness about the critical importance of aviation in their state.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “California’s network of airports supports local businesses, farms and critical services for communities across the state and country. We thank the California Aviation Caucus, Gary Cathey, Division Chief of the Division of Aeronautics, and local leaders for their work to educate people about the contributions of general aviation.”
“General aviation businesses provide opportunities for companies to compete in the global marketplace, stay connected and provide better customer service,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in California thank the state Legislature for their support of aviation and for recognizing the importance of aviation businesses to communities across the state.”
“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft are incredibly important to local law enforcement, disaster relief, medevac and firefighting efforts throughout California and the United States,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We look forward to working with members of the Legislature to raise awareness about this important form of transportation.”
To view the California resolution, 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.
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