FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 13, 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 Texas Governor for Declaring November ‘Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended Texas Governor Rick Perry for declaring November “Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Texas, general aviation accounts for $14.5 billion in economic activity annually.
“We appreciate Governor Perry’s proclamation, which highlights the benefits of general aviation and community airports throughout Texas,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation supports business and economic growth, as well as valuable healthcare and disaster relief services throughout the country.”
“The network of local airports throughout Texas allows for the transportation of employees, equipment, goods and services to people across the state,” said Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “Texas hosted our first member fly-in of 2014, and we were warmly welcomed there. We thank the Governor for recognizing the many ways that general aviation supports communities in Texas.”
“Business aviation helps companies in Texas manage their operations and enhance their efficiency,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Perry for his proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues crucial to general aviation and our national infrastructure.”
“General aviation is a key component to the nation’s infrastructure and economy, as well as an expression of the freedoms we have in our country,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation and for drawing attention to the importance of growing general aviation in Texas and across the nation.”
Kim Stevens, interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Community airports in Texas support local businesses, medical providers, pilots, farms and ranches across the state and country. We thank Governor Perry and the Director of the Texas DOT Aviation Division, David Fulton, for their work to emphasize the crucial role of general aviation and community airports.”
“General aviation and local airports in Texas are essential in helping small businesses to connect with clients, suppliers and new markets,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Texas thank Governor Perry for his continued support of general aviation and its contributions to the success of businesses across the state and around the nation.”
“General aviation aircraft — especially helicopters — are critical for first-responders, disaster relief operations and law enforcement personnel throughout the United States,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Perry for recognizing the importance of aviation in keeping our communities safe.”
To view the Texas 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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