Today, national general aviation organizations applauded Governor Jim Justice for declaring October “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In West Virginia, general aviation contributes more than $1 billion to the state’s economy annually.
“West Virginia is home to 17 public general aviation airports; these airports support businesses, law enforcement, first responders, and so much more,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation airports are also a vital resource in the aftermath of a natural disaster, such as a mudslide, where they can serve as a hub for relief and recovery efforts. We are grateful for Governor Justice’s proclamation, which helps to raise awareness about the value of general aviation to West Virginia.”
Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said, “General aviation is an important lifeline for communities. In West Virginia, general aviation aircraft can play a critical role in helping rural communities connect to with other parts of the country and access vital services. We appreciate the governor’s proclamation, which helps showcase the value of general aviation.”
Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association said, “General aviation, including business aviation, is an important tool that can help businesses reach new heights. It can help businesses meet with multiple clients in a short amount of time, and fly to areas that may not be easily served by commercial air travel. We thank the governor for issuing this proclamation.”
Gary Dempsey, president of the National Air Transportation Association said, “Local airports are an important piece of infrastructure that provide well-paying technical careers and also attract new businesses and investment to the community. The National Air Transportation Association, and our member companies in West Virginia, appreciate the Governor’s proclamation.”
Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International said, “General aviation aircraft greatly expand the amount of distance a business, first responder, or individual can cover in a short amount of time. West Virginia is home to some of the most mountainous terrain in the nation. If a business needs to visit multiple sites in a day, or if a first responder needs to transport a patient in an emergency, general aviation aircraft, including helicopters, are there to help. We’re grateful for Governor Justice’s proclamation, which raises awareness about the value of general aviation.”
“Community airports serve as an educational hub that helps train the next generation of pilots,” said Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “We are in the midst of a pilot shortage and our network of public-use airports, and events hosted at these airports, serve as an educational tool that can help inspire and educate the next generation of pilots and mechanics. We are grateful for the governor’s proclamation, which helps to raise awareness around the value and importance of general aviation.”
“Our network of community airports serves as a lifeline for towns and cities across the country,” said Shelly Simi, president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. “Public-use airports are a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure that support businesses and communities in West Virginia and across the country. We are grateful that Governor Justice and Sean Hill, the Acting Director of the Aeronautics Commission, have issued this proclamation, which helps to raise awareness about the value of general aviation and local airports.”
According to the proclamation:
“West Virginia airports provide access for businesses and tourists to isolated areas, enabling businesses to remain part of the Nation’s Air Transportation System and connected to the world’s global marketplace.”
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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