Four States, Two Cities Show Support for General Aviation

April 21, 2015

Governors of Florida, Missouri, Tennessee and Utah, and mayors of New Smyrna Beach, FL and Jefferson City, MO, all recently issued proclamations acknowledging the importance of general aviation (GA), including business aviation.

In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott declared April as “Aviation Appreciation Month,” noting the large number of aviation businesses with headquarters or a major presence in his state. “Aviation plays a critical role in the lives of our citizens, as well as in the operation of our businesses and agriculture,” he wrote. In total, aviation in Florida generates more than $144 billion in economic activity annually. Review the Florida proclamation. (PDF)

In the Florida city of New Smyrna Beach, Mayor James Hathaway urged residents to pay special recognition to the community benefits of the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport. Review the New Smyrna Beach proclamation. (PDF)

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon designated April as “General Aviation Appreciation Month” in his state, mentioning the 124 public-use GA airports, 9,284 pilots and 3,847 GA aircraft based there. He also noted the 100,621 total jobs dependent on Missouri’s airport system, with a payroll of $3.1 billion. Review the Missouri proclamation. (PDF)

Also in Missouri, Mayor Eric Struemph, of Jefferson City, noted that, “GA plays a vital role in the state’s response to emergencies and natural disasters.” Review the Jefferson City proclamation. (PDF)

In Utah, Gov. Gary Herbert said, “Business aviation is an important tool for companies in Utah to improve efficiency, save money and open opportunities in rural areas not served by commercial aviation.” Review the Utah proclamation. (PDF)

Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee declared March as “GA Month in the Volunteer State,” the third such annual state proclamation supporting GA and business aviation. Review the Tennessee proclamation. (PDF)

Since the launch of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association in 2009, all 50 states have issued similar statements showing their support for general aviation.