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Training aviation technicians to meet industry demand is most effective when hands-on work reinforces the knowledge on the system that was introduced in the classroom. Acquiring training tools that embody the systems found on today’s turbine-powered business aircraft is an economic challenge Alabama’s Enterprise State Community College met when it bought three U.S. Army C-12s – at much below market value – for its Alabama Aviation Center main facility at Ozark, AL.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) recently announced two new tenants at the Cape May Airport (WWD) Industrial Park in Lower Township, NJ, further strengthening the value of the non-towered facility to the local community. “Local interest and business activity continues to exceed our expectations, as both the county and DRBA invest in the development of the Cape May Airport,” said Victor Ferzetti, chief financial officer for the DRBA.

Four governors are recognizing general aviation, including business aviation, in March for the benefits it brings to their states and regions. To date, officials in all 50 states have highlighted the importance of the industry though proclamations.

Sean Kerr, a jet charter consultant with on-demand, global charter company Victor, said many people in the aviation industry wear lapel pins, but the No Plane No Gain pins can serve as conversation starters about the benefits of business aviation. “No Plane No Gain advocacy pins are different, automatically prompting others to ask what they mean,” said Kerr. “The resulting conversation is an opportunity to highlight our industry’s efforts to promote aviation as an essential tool of business.”

When Jason Call and Chip Gentry launched their law firm in Jefferson City, MO, in 2013, they had assets that would prove essential to their growth from a regional practice to a national one – notably Gentry’s Piper Archer III. “What it’s brought to our law firm is we see the world as a smaller place,” said Gentry. “We see solutions that maybe other firms don’t because they’re not as connected or as efficient as we are around the country.”

Exploring careers in aviation – including business aviation – at Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation is about to become a lot more affordable for prospective students who live in Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. “Aerospace is one of Georgia’s highest profile industries, with a huge economic impact,” said Adon Clark, dean of the School of Aviation. 

NBAA staff represented business aviation at the 2017 Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) Annual Conference and Trade Show, held Feb. 22-23 in Anchorage, AK, to underscore the industry’s value in a state where travel is often difficult. “It was a valuable opportunity to meet and interact with members in the region who deal with unique operational challenges,” said NBAA Project Manager of Operations Brian Koester. “Interacting face-to-face helps us understand the importance of business aviation in Alaska.”

Regardless of how one is connected to business aviation, a No Plane No Gain pin is an ideal symbol of support for the industry, said Gordon Hoff, executive director and government liaison for the Minnesota Business Aviation Association. “The No Plane No Gain pin works for everyone, airport managers, FBOs and business aviators because an airplane is central to each occupation.”

General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce spent a portion of the association’s Annual Industry Review, on Feb. 22, 2017, citing the humanitarian work done by the business aviation industry, noting the many companies that “truly give back.”

Feb. 22, 2017 Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson joined with 20 local officials across the country in recognizing the value of general aviation, including business aviation, in February. To date, hundreds of state and local officials have issued official proclamations highlighting the importance of the industry to their states, regions, cities and towns. “General aviation and […]