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The manufacture and use of business aviation contributes $150 billion to U.S. economic output, and employs more than 1.2 million people. Half the general aviation airplanes manufactured in the United States are exported, helping the nation's balance of trade. Several aircraft manufacturers located outside the U.S. "complete" their aircraft here in America, adding avionics, electronics, automation systems, engines, paint, interiors and other aircraft components manufactured here in the U.S. To learn more about the many ways business aviation benefits the nation's economy and companies of all sizes, all across the U.S., visit: www.NoPlaneNoGain.org.

Each week, GAMA and NBAA are on Capitol Hill when Congress is in session, educating policymakers about the value of business aviation. The value of business aviation in supporting jobs was recently recognized in a Senate proposal for continuing accelerated, or "bonus" depreciation policies for encouraging the purchase of business aircraft or other key assets in 2010.

Economists have recognized that tax incentives help spur the purchase of aircraft, which in turn helps preserve the jobs that come with aircraft manufacture. This week, GAMA and NBAA welcomed the proposal.

• GAMA's Pete Bunce said: "Our deepest appreciation goes to Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley for their leadership and strong support on this important legislation. If enacted into law, this bill will be crucial in helping the GA manufacturing industry get back on its feet and put Americans back to work." Review GAMA's statement on the proposal in its entirety.
• NBAA's Ed Bolen agreed, noting: "Bonus depreciation is a proven incentive for businesses to accelerate replacement and purchases of essential equipment, including GA aircraft," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We commend Senators Baucus and Grassley for introducing this important legislation." Review NBAA's statement on the proposal in its entirety.

As No Plane No Gain supporters know, NBAA and GAMA augmented the campaign's advertising buys in Congressional and mainstream news outlets with ad placements in industry publications, so that people in the business aviation community can understand the campaign's messages and help deliver them with a unified voice. The placements continue in a special supplement scheduled for publication in the July 2010 edition of Twin & Turbine magazine. Additional ad placements are scheduled for other industry publications this summer. View the ad in the supplement.

Over the past year, GAMA and NBAA have encouraged people in the business aviation community to echo the No Plane No Gain message in their own local areas. People and companies in a host of states have responded with events and other initiatives that have highlighted the value of business aviation. So, when entrepreneurs in Greenville, SC, recently gathered at an expo to showcase the value of small and mid-sized companies to the area's economy, one businessman looked to the event as an opportunity to highlight how a strategic asset - business aviation - helps many of those companies succeed. Steve Wiley, with NBAA Member Company Special Services Corporation, displayed the company's new Cirrus SR-22 outside the front doors of the event, which drew more than 300 people. "There's a great misperception out there, but using an airplane is not just for a rich man or a big business," Wiley said. "We were able to show that small aircraft are a perfect way for small business to reach new clients." Read a web article about Wiley's advocacy for business aviation.