FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2009
Contact:
Selena Shilad: 202-550-2547
Matt Hager 218-330-7447
Washington, D.C. – The Alliance for Aviation Across America today issued a letter in support of the newly-formed US Senate General Aviation Caucus, and applauded Senators for recognizing the impact of general aviation on small towns and rural communities across the country.
“We applaud the Senate for acknowledging the important role general aviation plays in the United States transportation system, and urge all Senators to join this important new organization,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. General aviation contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and employs 1.2 million workers – and it also provides a vital link between farm and rural communities and larger towns, cities and markets around the world.
The full text of the letter can be viewed below and on the Alliance’s website at www.aviationacrossamerica.org.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 4,400 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.
The Honorable Mark Begich
The Honorable Mike Johanns
Dear Sirs:
We write to show our strong support for the newly formed Congressional General Aviation Caucus in the United States Senate. Thank you for recognizing the important role General Aviation (GA) plays in our local economies and our national transportation system.
As you are aware, in communities across nation, local airfields and small aircraft often provide the best and most efficient means of transportation. Small aircraft and airports used by businesses, farmers and individuals are a vital tool to bring emergency services such as transportation to medical facilities, search and rescue support and firefighting assistance to remote areas. More than ever, GA continues to provide our members with access to medical care, economic opportunity and emergency evacuation, as well as a host of other vital services and resources.
As you know, local airfields are centers of economic activity; they bring millions of dollars annually to rural communities and allow small businesses, and the jobs they create, to stay in these areas. As you know, the GA community contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and employs 1.2 million workers. General Aviation also provides a vital link between farm and rural communities and larger towns, cities and markets around the world.
We commend you for forming the GA Caucus in the Senate and urge all Senators to join this important new organization. We look forward to working with you to make it a great success.
To learn more about the Alliance please visit our website at www.aviationacrossamerica.org.
Sincerely,
Selena Shilad
Executive Director