As New Year Begins, All Industry Voices Essential to No Plane No Gain

January 10, 2011

Reporting on the achievements of the industry’s No Plane No Gain campaign, NBAA’s Mike Nichols, vice president, operations, education & economics, told aviation attorneys and insurers gathered in Orlando, FL last week that their participation remains vital to educating policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities across the U.S.

“The purpose of the No Plane No Gain campaign is to dispel misperceptions and educate decision-makers about the essential nature of business aviation,” said Nichols at the 22nd Annual Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium on January 6. “This community has a key role to play in that effort.”

Since NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association launched the campaign in 2009, the Associations have taken to the airwaves and the corridors of Washington to advance the message that business aviation means jobs, a vital link to communities, enhanced business productivity and rapid humanitarian response. No Plane No Gain has built support for business aviation through targeted advertising, testimonials from iconic spokesmen like golf legend Arnold Palmer and hard facts based on industry research, but most importantly from people in the industry speaking up in their own communities.

“NBAA works with elected officials constantly, but the most crucial voice is that of the citizens they represent,” said Nichols. “This campaign enables everyone in the industry to be an advocate for business aviation. Through No Plane No Gain we’ve put out resources demonstrating companies that operate business airplanes are more competitive than those that don’t and economic impact studies showing that business aviation generates over 1.2 million jobs.”

That grassroots approach is working. In Congress, both the House and the Senate have formed General Aviation Caucuses, with nearly 200 members. In the last two years, 19 state governors have issued proclamations recognizing the value of business aviation in their states.

Involving the industry in the progress of No Plane No Gain at events like the Law and Insurance Symposium is a key part of the campaign.

“We’re committed to keeping the people of the industry updated and involved in the work of No Plane No Gain because they’re the lifeblood of this campaign,” said Nichols. “Many policymakers don’t understand that when a business airplane takes off, it creates not only flight and maintenance jobs, but legal and financial jobs, right here in their communities. The aviation law and insurance segment is integral to the business aviation industry and their involvement is essential.”