Author Archives: Jessica Smith

Family-owned Billings Flying Service recently reprogrammed the company’s 3-D printers to produce protective face masks for local medical personnel in Billings, MT, in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently published a study of the annual economic impact generated by airports in the state, finding they contribute $18.2 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Mayors in two U.S. cities issued proclamations recently highlighting business aviation as a vital asset to their cities and states. All city leaders indicated that as part of the broader general aviation economic impact, business aviation continues to bring vitality to their communities.

Feb. 19, 2020 Study Reveals General Aviation Supports Over 1.1 Million Jobs and $247 Billion in Economic Output A group of seven general aviation associations – including NBAA and GAMA – welcomed an updated study detailing the contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, found that the industry […]

Feb. 14, 2020 Patients in rural communities would be cut off from life-saving treatment, if not for Montana’s network of airports and general aviation, declared Randy Laird, manager of the MedFlight Air Ambulance for the Billings Clinic, in a guest column that appeared in several Montana publications. “It is easy to understand the immense value […]

Following a four-month closure for a complete runway reconstruction at Oregon’s Hillsboro Airport (HIO), local and regional officials and business leaders recently gathered to officially reopen the airport’s largest runway – 31L/13R – to business aircraft operators. “The result of this project’s investment in vital infrastructure for the local economy, shows that Hillsboro Airport appreciates and values the benefits of business aviation,” said Phil Derner, NBAA’s Western regional representative.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and recently, the governors of West Virginia and Wyoming, along with mayors of cities in several states, officially recognized the industry for its positive impact.

Since its founding in 1981, LifeLine Pilots has flown more than 8,000 humanitarian missions, with over 450 volunteer pilots logging over 5 million nautical miles. The group is seeking business aviation’s help in expanding its reach.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and in August, the governors of New Jersey and South Carolina and mayors of cities in Kentucky and Virginia officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. Every state, in addition to hundreds of communities throughout the United States, have highlighted general aviation over the years for its contributions to the success of companies and citizens around the country.

GAMA recently launched its video series about careers in the general aviation manufacturing and maintenance industry. “Too often people think of a job in the manufacturing industry as entailing repetitive work requiring little skill with minimal opportunity for professional growth,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “We hope that giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at our member companies and watching talented and enthusiastic industry professionals share their stories will shift people’s perception and inspire them to consider a career in our dynamic industry.”