FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 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 Nebraska Governor for Declaring May ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts for declaring May “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” At a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol today, Governor Ricketts presented the proclamation to representatives of the general aviation community. In Nebraska, general aviation contributes over $1.2 billion to the state’s total economic output.
“We thank Governor Ricketts for his proclamation, which emphasizes the many benefits of general aviation and community airports throughout Nebraska,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation helps to boost local economies, facilitates healthcare delivery and access to other critical services, and connects rural communities throughout the country.”
“General aviation in Nebraska is critical for ensuring that businesses, farms and communities across our country have access to goods, services and far-off markets,” said Mark Baker, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Ricketts for recognizing general aviation and local communities throughout Nebraska.”
“Through the use of business aviation, companies in Nebraska can more efficiently manage their day-to-day operations, reach customers, transport supplies and tap into new marketplaces,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues crucial to business aviation.”
“General aviation is a key part of our nation’s transportation infrastructure, as well as an expression of freedom and a source of enjoyment for the many aviators across our country,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation and for highlighting the importance of general aviation in Nebraska and across the nation.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Local airports and general aviation in Nebraska help to support the state’s farms, businesses and economy as a whole in Nebraska. We thank Governor Ricketts and Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, Ronnie Mitchell, for highlighting the critical benefits of general aviation and community airports throughout the state.”
“General aviation and local airports in Nebraska are a crucial part of the local infrastructure and economy, helping companies, farms and communities to gain access to customers, markets and supplies,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Nebraska thank Governor Ricketts for recognizing that general aviation is an asset for businesses and organizations across the state and nation.”
“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft are essential to supporting medical and emergency services, law enforcement, fire fighting and disaster relief efforts the country,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank the Governor for supporting this important lifeline for communities across our nation.”
To view the Nebraska 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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