FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 5, 2012
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Eric Byer (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Bridgette Bailey (NASAO): (703) 417-1883
National Aviation Organizations Applaud Ohio Governor for Declaring December ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations applauded Ohio Governor John Kasich for declaring December “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Ohio, general aviation airports contribute more than $5.5 billion into the economy every year.
“This proclamation will help to educate the public about the critical role of general aviation and community airports to the state of Ohio, which provide invaluable support to law enforcement, medical providers, fire fighting, local businesses and residents throughout the state,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Kasich and Marshall R. Eichfeld, president of the Ohio Aviation Association, for their efforts in recognizing the significant role of general aviation in Ohio.”
“In Ohio, general aviation and community airports play vital roles in supporting critical services, medical care, commerce and tourism,” stated Craig Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Kasich for his continued recognition of the value of general aviation and local airports.”
Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said “Business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and generates $150 billion every year, including more than 17,000 jobs in Ohio. These aircraft and airports create economic opportunity for Ohio’s large cities and rural communities alike. We are very grateful for Governor Kasich’s support of general aviation, and hope to work closely with the Governor in the future.”
“Aviation and local airports help to connect communities in Ohio and across the nation with commerce and critically-needed services and resources,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We appreciate Governor Kasich’s proclamation which raises awareness about the many benefits of general aviation and community airports. Ohio DOT Director Jerry Wray and Jim Bryant, the Ohio DOT Office of Aviation Administrator have always been strong and dynamic champions of the state’s essential general aviation infrastructure.”
“We thank Governor Kasich for recognizing the importance of the state’s general aviation industry,” said Tom Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “Across Ohio and the nation, aviation helps local groups and first responders to respond quickly to emergencies and natural disasters, deliver goods and medical care, and support local businesses.”
“Ohio’s helicopters and helicopter pilots are extremely important to the state’s safety, economic, and inter-community functions,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “Governor Kasich’s recognition of the importance of general aviation is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working with him in the future on issues important to the helicopter community.”
To view the proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,900 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.
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