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Business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs in manufacturing, flight support and other occupations. Business airplanes are a lifeline to America's small and mid-size cities and towns, which often have little or no airline service. Companies utilize business aviation to be more efficient, productive and successful - which is especially critical in this challenging economy. And, the people and companies in business aviation have a long-standing tradition of providing airplanes to help people and communities in times of crisis. 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.

Last week, No Plane No Gain reported on an Ohio advocacy event that included top elected officials and drew extensive media coverage to the value of all general aviation, including business aviation, in the Buckeye State. Over the past week, the state's tribute to business aviation continued, with two important events, which both occurred on July 16.

• First, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH) was the latest state executive to issue a proclamation recognizing business aviation's value. The proclamation notes that in Ohio, "Fortune 500 company flight departments" and small businesses alike "rely on aircraft to compete efficiently." The proclamation also recognizes the role of "60 charter flight companies, 131 aircraft repair stations [and] the two top fractional ownership companies" in driving economic activity in the Buckeye State. View a copy of the proclamation.
• Second, NBAA was recognized in Ohio with the National Aviation Hall of Fame's Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award for the long-standing advocacy work done by the Association and its Members. The evening featured a special video telling the story of business aviation and demonstrating the ways NBAA Member Companies of all sizes rely on business aviation to succeed. Communicating that value has been a central focus of No Plane No Gain, and the video featured NBAA Members, local elected officials and others repeatedly stating: "No Plane No Gain!" View a press release with more details about the award.

At a recent NBAA Regional Forum held at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport, NBAA's Ed Bolen provided another in a series of updates to industry about the progress of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign. Speaking from a large-screen Powerpoint presentation that highlighted advertisements, television news interviews and other visibility opportunities undertaken by GAMA and NBAA, Bolen said: "We are having significant success." He pointed to the formation of GA Caucuses in the U.S. House and Senate, and other signs of progress in educating policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation. Bolen also reminded the attendees that their continued advocacy for the industry is critical. "We want you to be involved in No Plane No Gain. We want you to be an advocate for our community," he said. View a copy of the video.

Last week's No Plane No Gain report chronicled the excitement building as Cessna Citation owners prepared to donate their company's airplanes, pilots and fuel to fly athletes to and from the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games at no charge. The coordinated effort, dubbed the "Cessna Citation Special Olympics Airlift," involves over 160 aircraft to transport over 800 athletes to and from the games in Lincoln, NE. The event, in which GAMA's Pete Bunce and NBAA's Ed Bolen participated, has been extensively promoted by NBAA and GAMA, and has received extensive news coverage. For example:

• The latest of two podcasts produced to highlight the event features Rhonda Fullerton, Cessna's Citation Special Olympics Airlift Director, and Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. Listen to the podcast.
• Media coverage included articles about participation in the event by actor Harrison Ford, who told reporters that general aviation, including business aviation, "Is little understood by the public and by the policymakers in Washington." Ford "talked about general aviation, the important service it provides to the world -- and efforts like the Cessna airlift, in which Cessna owners from around the country donate their jets to bring in thousands of Special Olympics athletes and coaches." View a sample news clip.