FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2010
Contact Information:
Selena Shilad: (202) 550-2547 (AAAA)
Stephanie Bosh: (202) 494-1860 (AAAA)
Dan Hubbard: (202) 783-9360 (NBAA)
Chris Dancy: (301) 695-2159 (AOPA)
General Aviation Groups Applaud Arkansas Governor’s Support for Aviation
State Proclamation Highlights GA Value to State’s Economy, Transportation System
LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe today unveiled a proclamation declaring March 2010 to be “Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month” in Arkansas, a move hailed by the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Air Care Alliance (ACA), and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). Beebe announced the proclamation as part of the Governor’s Aerospace Summit, being held at the Convention Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
With over 100 airports, 5,135 pilots and 5,400 jobs directly attributed to the industry, general aviation, in particular, is extremely vital to Arkansas’s statewide economy. In fact, general aviation contributes approximately $494.5 million to their economy every year.
“We commend Governor Mike Beebe for highlighting the importance of general aviation and aviation generally, which is key to Arkansas and to our nation’s overall economy,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We must continue to support these aircraft and airports, and the businesses and organizations that depend on them, as a crucial resource for small towns and rural communities.”
AOPA President Craig Fuller said, “By signing this statewide proclamation, Governor Beebe has demonstrated that he understands the vital transportation, economic, health, and safety missions that general aviation performs for Arkansas and communities around the nation. I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation on behalf of AOPA to Governor Beebe. We look forward to collaborating with him on his efforts to protect and promote general aviation.”
“Thousands of jobs and businesses in Arkansas and across the country depend on business aviation, making it a critical economic driver for our nation,” said NBAA President Ed Bolen. “That is why this proclamation is so important. Thank you to Governor Beebe for all your support for general aviation.”
NASAO CEO Henry Ogrodzinski said, “Our nation’s network of airports and aircraft employ $1.2 million Americans and contribute $150 billion to the national economy, not to mention that they are key for disaster relief, law enforcement, and a host of other crucial resources. We commend the Governor for taking this important step, and look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Air Care Alliance President Lindy Kirkland said, “Many towns and communities across Arkansas and the country simply could not have access to medical care and other important resources if it weren’t for our nation’s small airports and general aviation aircraft. I am so pleased Governor Beebe has pledged his support of general aviation.”
For more information on the economic impact of general aviation or the importance of general aviation to our nation, please visit www.aviationacrossamerica.org or www.gaservesamerica.org or www.noplanenogain.org. Clickhereto read the full GA proclamation.
AAAA: 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.
AOPA: With more than 415,000 members, AOPA is the largest, most influential aviation association in the world. Providing member services that range from representation at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, advice, and other assistance, AOPA has built a service organization that second-to-none in the aviation community.
ACA: The mission of the ACA is to promote, support, and represent public benefit flying through communication and cooperation among organizations facilitating flights for health, compassion, and community service. Public benefit flying organizations have existed for decades, but the need to share resources and coordinate efforts became clear in November 1990. Under the direction of founder Bill Worden, nineteen volunteer pilot organizations met at the national headquarters of Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) to form the Air Care Alliance (ACA). Currently there are more than 60 such pilot organizations that can be contacted through the ACA list. By promoting interaction and cooperation among these nonprofit groups, the Air Care Alliance is able to direct the public to an organization that best meets their needs. This will help ensure a quick and qualified response. If you require assistance, have resources, or are involved with other volunteer pilot organizations, please do not hesitate to contact us or the groups listed on the ACA website www.AirCareAll.org or through the help-line at 888.260.9707.
NBAA: Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.
NASAO: The National Association of State Aviation Officials is one of the most senior aviation organizations in the United States, predating even the Federal Aviation Administration’s predecessor, the Civil Aeronautics Authority. Since its founding in 1931 the association has represented the men and women, in state government aviation agencies, who serve the public interest in the states, Guam and Puerto Rico. These highly skilled professionals are full partners with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world. They organize, promote, and fund a wide variety of aviation programs across the nation.
###