Ben Shelly, president of the Navajo Nation, recently proclaimed September 2014 as General Aviation Appreciation Month. His proclamation calls on all citizens, governments, private and public institutions, businesses and schools to join the Navajo Nation in recognizing the importance of general aviation.
The proclamation highlights that many communities in the Navajo Nation depend heavily on general aviation and local airports for the continued flow of commerce, supplies, tourists and visitors. Crownpoint Airport, Shiprock Airstrip, Chinle Municipal Airport, Tuba City Airport, Kayenta Township Airport, Navajo Mountain Airstrip, and Window Rock Airport have a tremendous economic impact on the Navajo Nation, and improves quality of life by supporting emergency medical, healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief.
“General aviation provides an integral transportation network that allows communities of the Navajo Nation to stay connected,” the proclamation reads.