FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2014
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Dick Knapinski (EAA): (920) 426-6523
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Rebecca Mulholland (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 417-1884
National Aviation Organizations Commend New Hampshire Governor for Declaring March ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations applauded New Hampshire governor Margaret Wood Hassan for declaring March “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In New Hampshire, general aviation accounts for $639 million in annual economic activity.
“We applaud Governor Hassan’s proclamation recognizing the importance of general aviation in New Hampshire and across the United States,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation represents an immense economic value, and also provides many essential medical and law enforcement services.”
“New Hampshire’s system of airports is invaluable in connecting businesses and communities with goods and services,” stated Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “Governor Hassan’s proclamation highlights the benefits of general aviation and small airports in New Hampshire.”
“Business aviation helps connect companies with markets, suppliers and customers, and increases overall productivity in ways that would otherwise not be possible,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We commend Governor Hassan for this proclamation and look forward to working with her in the future.”
“We applaud Governor Hassan for her leadership in highlighting the importance of general aviation in New Hampshire,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “General aviation helps to support businesses, communities and critical emergency services in New Hampshire, and the Governor’s proclamation helps to build enthusiasm as we grow participation in aviation.”
Kim Stevens, interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) noted, “General aviation provides New Hampshire with vital medical, law enforcement and public safety services. We thank Governor Hassan, and Patrick Herlihy, Aeronautic Division Director, for recognizing how vital general aviation is to the state of New Hampshire and the nation as a whole.”
“General aviation is a huge asset to New Hampshire’s economy and local communities, which rely on general aviation to stay connected,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies are grateful for Governor Hassan’s support and look forward to working with her in the future.”
“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft are an important part of New Hampshire’s first responder and law enforcement network,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Hassan for her proclamation and recognition of this vital industry.”
To view the proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 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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