Today, national general aviation organizations applauded Governor Gary Herbert for declaring April “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Utah, the total economic output of general aviation is $2.2 billion.
“Utah’s network of airports and general aviation aircraft are vital to communities across the state,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation plays a crucial role in supporting small towns, farms, businesses, and even our national parks. We thank Governor Herbert for issuing this proclamation and for recognizing the value of general aviation.”
Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said, “Our network of airports serve as a lifeline to communities across Utah and the country, supporting medical care, fire fighting, agriculture, tourism and public safety. We thank Governor Herbert for issuing this proclamation.”
Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association said, “General aviation, including business aviation, is an important tool for businesses of all sizes, especially those operating in rural regions of the country. Through the use of business aircraft, many companies are able to reach multiple sites in a single-day and operate efficiently in towns and small cities where other transportation options are limited. We thank Governor Herbert for issuing this proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues important to business aviation.”
“General and business aviation airports and aircraft are vital tools that support economic activity throughout the state and the country,” said Gary Dempsey, president of the National Air Transportation Association. “The National Air Transportation Association and our member companies in Utah thank the governor for issuing this proclamation and recognizing the value of general aviation.”
Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International, “General aviation aircraft, including helicopters, are critical to the general public. These aircraft support our national parks and other public lands in a number of ways, including air tours, search and rescue operations, and natural resource and wildlife management. We thank Governor Herbert for issuing this proclamation and helping to highlight the value of general aviation.”
Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association said, “Aviation is a source of pride and an inspiration for people of all ages. We thank Governor Herbert for issuing this proclamation, which will help to foster an interest in aviation and flying”
“Our network of local airports are a key part of national infrastructure and economy,” said Shelly Simi, president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. “We thank Governor Herbert and Jared Esselman, the Director of Aeronautical Operations at the Utah Department of Transportation, for issuing this proclamation and raising the awareness about general aviation and our network of airports.”
According to the proclamation:
“General aviation not only supports Utah’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief, and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely.”