General Aviation has been making positive strides in New York State.  A recently created caucus has grown to include 56 members, about a quarter of the State Legislature.  According to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-126th District, caucus founder and its current chair) "We felt strongly that aviation needed an organized advocacy effort within the state Legislature."  CLICK HERE to read the full article on GA caucus in New York State Assembly.

 In Spartanburg NY, general aviation has a significant economic impact, generating between $10 million and $15 million for the local economy.  At Spartanburg Memorial Airport, 90% of all the activity is business related, but the area has seen a significant growth in recreational pilots. Recent investments into the airport are viewed as not only a much needed step with regards to business growth but also to meet the needs of community members.  According to the article, throughout the state of South Carolina general aviation contributes roughly $417 million annually to the state's economy and these GA airports are responsible for 5,167 jobs, with a total payroll of $178 million annually. CLICK HERE for the full article.

Yesterday in, August 15, 2010 The Portland Herald Press, published an op-ed by Jeff Northgraves, entitled “Maine flies on general aviation”.  The Op-ed highlighted the important role general aviation plays within communities throughout the state of Maine and the substantial impact general aviation has on its economic and social fabric.

Recently, Executive Director Selena Shilad and Press Secretary Matt Hager spent a few days at EAA’s AirVenture Show in Oshkosh Wisconsin.  Headquartered in the NASAO tent, Selena and Matt spent time spreading the word about AAAA to various companies,organizations, and associations participating at AirVenture.  Issues discussed included our economic impact survey, which shows just how intertwined general aviation is in the economic and social fabric of our communities aswell as the recent proclamations in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. While there Selena and Matt also attended various events taking place at AirVenture such as the War Birds Air Show and the Gathering of Eagles fundraiser, which supports Young Eagles and other EAA programs aimed at inspiring young people to become the engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists, and innovators. 

At Oshkosh, Selena was interviewed by EAA radio where she discussed the importance of general aviation not only within Wisconsin but throughout the rest of the country. 

  

Executive Director Selena Shilad and Press Secretary Matt Hager will be up at Oshkosh Wisconsin today and tomorrow for the EAA AirVenture.  If you are out at AirVenture and would like to meet with one of Alliance's reps, email them at matt@aviationacrossamerica.org.  Looking forward to see you there!

Since 2004,Officer Dan Herrick of the Bangor Police Department has volunteered his serviced and four-seat 1969 Piper Cherokee single-engine airplane, piloting 132 flights for Angel Flight Northeast.  Recently, he provided his services and time to help a very deserving young girl from Woodland Maine, providing her a lift to Bangor.  Camara Johnson and her mother Cherie Nichols traveled to Bangor to receive treatment for a bone deformity.  CLICK HERE to read more about Camara Johnson’s story and the work being done by Angel Flight.