FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 20, 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): (202) 774-1535
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 610-0223
National Aviation Organizations Commend Florida Governor for Declaring April ‘Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended Florida Governor Rick Scott for declaring April “Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Florida, general aviation airports contribute more than $7.7 billion to the state’s economy annually.
“We thank Governor Scott for his proclamation, which highlights the vast benefits of general aviation and community airports throughout Florida,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation helps boost local economies and facilitates healthcare delivery and disaster relief services throughout the country.”
“Florida’s network of local airports is incredibly important for the transportation of employees, equipment, 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 many ways that general aviation supports communities in Florida.”
“Business aviation helps companies in Florida to manage their operations and enhance their overall efficiency,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Scott for his proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues crucial to business aviation and our national infrastructure.”
“General aviation is a key component to the nation’s transportation system and economy, as well as a source of passion and inspiration for so many,” 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 general aviation in Florida and across the nation.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Community airports in Florida support local businesses, healthcare providers, farms, law enforcement and disaster relief across the state and country. We thank Governor Scott and the State Aviation Manager, Aaron Smith, for their work in emphasizing the importance of general aviation and community airports.”
“General aviation in Florida is essential to the competitiveness and growth of businesses within the state and throughout the nation,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Florida thank Governor Scott for recognizing the many benefits general aviation businesses provide to the people and communities across the state.”
“General aviation aircraft, including helicopters, are vital 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 Scott for recognizing the importance of aviation in keeping our communities safe.”
To view the Florida 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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