Press Releases
Governor Lee Declares March ‘General Aviation Month’
March 27, 2019
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  • Today, national general aviation organizations applauded Governor Bill Lee for declaring March 2019 “General Aviation Month.” In Tennessee, the total economic impact of general aviation is over $1 billion.

    “General aviation and local airports support communities of all sizes throughout Tennessee,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Local airports are a vital resource that connect towns and cities, and support farmers, businesses, law enforcement, and first responders. We thank Governor Lee for issuing this proclamation and for recognizing the importance of general aviation.”

    Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said, “General aviation is a crucial lifeline for communities throughout Tennessee. Especially in rural parts of the state where airline service can be limited and time-consuming, general aviation provides a more direct and flexible alternative. We’re grateful Governor Lee has issued this proclamation that highlights the critical importance of general aviation and local airports.”

    “General aviation, including business aviation, helps businesses of all sizes to reach their full potential,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “Business aviation can help small businesses reach new markets, enhance their competitiveness, operate more efficiently and meet production deadlines. We thank Governor Lee for issuing this proclamation and for highlighting on the benefits of general aviation, including business aviation.”

    Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International said, “General aviation, including helicopters, support the public in a number of ways. For example, in the event of natural disasters, general aviation is vital to bring supplies in and injured people out. We thank the Governor for issuing this proclamation which raises awareness around the importance of general aviation.”

    “General aviation and local airports are an economic engine that support towns and cities throughout Tennessee,” Gary Dempsey, president of the National Air Transportation Association. “Often many of the community businesses rely on the airport; it is a central part of the local economy and infrastructure. We thank Governor Lee for this proclamation and for acknowledging the importance of general aviation and local airports.”

    Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association said, “General aviation  inspires both children and adults, as well as the next generation of future pilots. We thank the Governor for issuing this proclamation, and look forward to working with him on issues related to flying and aviation.”

    “Community airports are a critical part of our infrastructure that connect communities, support emergency services, support economic growth, even aid in power line repair and public land management,” said Shelly Simi, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. “We thank Governor Lee and Michelle Frazier, Director of the Aeronautics Division of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, for issuing this proclamation and for raising the awareness around general aviation.”

    According to the proclamation:

    “The State of Tennessee has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions and aviation organizations and community airports and airport operators.”

    To view the proclamation click here.

    Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 6,300 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interests of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.

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