National general aviation
organizations applauded Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday, March 16 for declaring
March “General Aviation Month”.
In Tennessee, the total economic output of airports is over $40 billion, making
up 11% of Tennessee’s GDP, according to a new study released in February.
“General aviation and our network of airports play a crucial role in supporting
the livelihood of businesses, towns and cities throughout Tennessee,” said
Selena Shilad, executive director of Alliance for Aviation Across America.
“During the pandemic, for example, volunteer pilots have flown COVID-19 test
samples and supplies to labs in Nashville and across the region. And, these
aircraft and airports support automotive manufacturing and agriculture, among
other industries and sectors.”
Formed in 2007, Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit,
non-partisan coalition of over 7,000 individuals representing businesses,
agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable
organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the
interests of the general aviation community across various public policy
issues.
Mark Baker, president of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, said, “General
aviation and local airports support an economic impact of more than $1 billion.
We thank Governor Lee for issuing this proclamation, which helps to raise
awareness about the value of general aviation and local airports across our
state and region.”
Ed Bolen, president and CEO of National Business Aviation Association, added,
“General aviation, which includes business aviation, is an important resource
that helps drive Tennessee’s economy. Business aviation can provide companies
with a key competitive advantage over other firms by supporting their ability
to deploy personnel to multiple sites in a given day, and reach towns and
smaller cities without commercial service.
“Throughout the current pandemic, business aircraft have helped transport test
samples to labs, cutting the wait time for results in half, and are now helping
to distribute the vaccine to rural and remote communities. We appreciate the
Governor’s proclamation, which highlights the importance of general aviation,
including business aviation.”
And Jim Viola president and CEO of Helicopter Association International said,
“General aviation, which includes helicopters, is an important resource that
supports business and public safety needs. Tennessee has a lot of diverse
terrain, and helicopters are instrumental in supporting law enforcement, health
care delivery, and many critical services.”
According to the proclamation: “The State of Tennessee has a significant
interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft
manufacturing, educational institutions and aviation organizations and
community airports and airport operators”
Tim Obitts, president and CEO of National Air Transportation Association, said,
“General aviation and local airports support professional, high-skill careers
that sustain the economy and the state. In fact, in Tennessee, general aviation
business tenants generate more than $600 million per year.”
Jack Pelton, CEO of Experimental Aircraft Association added, “Our nation is
facing a pilot shortage in the coming decades, and network of general aviation
airports and 19 EAA chapters across Tennessee will play a critical role in
developing the next generation of pilots. We thank Governor Lee for issuing
this proclamation, which will help to raise enthusiasm among young aviators and
build our future workforce.”
And Greg Pecoraro, president and CEO of National Association of State Aviation Officials, said, “Our national network of airports are a critical part of our transportation infrastructure. These airports support businesses, farmers, law enforcement, medical transportation, and disaster relief. We thank the governor, and Aeronautics Division Director Michelle Frazier for supporting this proclamation.”