September 19, 2011
Pennsylvania became the 31st state to publicly proclaim the value of all general aviation, including business aviation, on September 15, when Governor Tom Corbett declared September 2011 “General Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month.”
Aviation is responsible for 5 percent of all jobs in the Keystone State, the governor’s proclamation notes, and general aviation supports 8,550 of those jobs.
Review Governor Corbett’s proclamation (242 KB, PDF)
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions and aviation organizations and community airports and airport operators,” Corbett’s proclamation states.
Announced at the Annual Pennsylvania Aviation & Aerospace Conference in State College, PA, the proclamation recognizes the importance of organizations including NBAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania in promoting general aviation in the state.
“Governor Corbett well knows that business aviation is an industry that creates jobs, helps companies succeed and serves towns with little or no airline service,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We appreciate his proclamation recognizing the essential role of business aviation in Pennsylvania.”
Echoing many of the themes of the No Plane No Gain campaign jointly sponsored by NBAA and GAMA, the governor’s proclamation cites the vital role of all general aviation, including business aviation, in creating economic opportunity, supporting the state’s responses to emergencies and natural disasters, attracting tourism and supporting other important priorities.
“Pennsylvania is home to 133 pubic use airports and heliports,” said Corbett, “[as well as] 67 charter flight companies and over 40 fights schools. In addition, there are more than 140 fixed base operators in the state.” In all the general aviation community, including business aviation, contributes $1.3 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.