Washington, DC—Today, national aviation organizations applauded Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for declaring the week of July 28th through August 3rd “Aviation Week.” The proclamation coincides with the week of EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. In Wisconsin, general aviation accounts for $694 million annually in economic activity statewide.
“This week every year, 500,000 people of all ages, from all over the world, come to Oshkosh to experience the spirit of aviation firsthand at the world’s greatest aviation celebration,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We appreciate Governor Walker’s proclamation of ‘Aviation Week’ during the week of AirVenture, which highlights not only this event, but the great enthusiasm for flying and the importance of the general aviation industry and local airports for communities across the state that EAA calls home.”
“We thank Governor Walker for recognizing the importance of general aviation and our network of local airports in the state of Wisconsin,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation is an important economic engine that supports thousands of jobs and local services, and we are thrilled that the Governor has recognized the importance of this industry during such an important occasion.”
“General aviation and local airports help thousands of people and hundreds of communities across Wisconsin stay connected to markets and vital resources,” said Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We appreciate Governor Walker’s recognition of the value and benefits of general aviation to Wisconsinites and people across the country.”
“Business aviation helps companies in Wisconsin operate in an increasingly competitive environment, and reach far-off customers, suppliers and markets,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “It is no surprise that 85 percent of new or expanded manufacturing companies in the state are located within 15 miles of a jet-capable airport; business aviation is just that important of a tool. We thank Governor Walker for his proclamation and look forward to working with him to support business aviation.”
Kim Stevens, Interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) noted, “Wisconsin’s network of airports helps to connect the state’s communities, companies, ranches, dairies, and farms to necessary goods, services, supplies and customers. We thank Governor Walker and Bureau of Aeronautics Director David Greene for their work in emphasizing the benefits of aviation, including general aviation, in Wisconsin.”
“General aviation and local airports are crucial resources for communities across the state,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Wisconsin applaud Governor Walker’s acknowledgment of general aviation as an important resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft not only play a critical role for communities and businesses, but they assist in the efforts of first responders and law enforcement,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation and support of this important form of transportation.”