FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2015
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 Tennessee Governor for Declaring March ‘General Aviation Month’
Washington, DC — Today, national aviation organizations commended Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam for declaring March “General Aviation Month.” In Tennessee, the total economic output of general aviation is over $2.5 billion.
“We thank Governor Haslam for his proclamation, which highlights the benefits of general aviation and local airports throughout the state of Tennessee,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation supports our economy and also assists in critical healthcare and disaster relief efforts across the country.”
“Tennessee’s community airports are critical for the transportation of goods and services across the state,” said Mark Baker, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of general aviation in Tennessee and throughout the nation.”
“Business aviation helps companies in Tennessee manage operations in multiple locations, reach far-off job sites and transport their staff and supplies,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Haslam for his proclamation and look forward to working with him and his staff on issues related to business aviation.”
“General aviation is an important component of our infrastructure and the national economy,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation, and hope that it will help to inspire our future generation of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Tennessee’s network of airports support commerce and critical services throughout the state. We thank Governor Haslam and the Director of the Aeronautics Division of the Tennessee DOT, Bill Orellana, for their work to emphasize the important role of general aviation and community airports.”
“General aviation businesses and community airports are tremendous resources for local communities, serving as a lifeline for business and economic growth,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Tennessee appreciate Governor Haslam’s support of general aviation and its contributions to the success of businesses across the state and around the nation.”
“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft are vital for first responders and disaster relief and law enforcement personnel in Tennessee and across the United States,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Haslam for recognizing the essential role of general aviation in protecting our citizens and communities.”
To view the Tennessee 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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