Four States Recognize the Importance of General Aviation

March 15, 2017

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.

New Hampshire

“The state of New Hampshire has a significant interest in the continued viability of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions, aviation organizations, community airports and aircraft operators,” Gov. Christopher Sununu said.

The state is home to 24 publicly owned airports, which serve 3,825 pilots and 2,055 general aviation aircraft. According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, one out of every 1,000 workers in the state is employed in the aerospace and aviation industry, “representing a significant economic impact to the state.”

View the New Hampshire proclamation. (PDF)

Also issuing a proclamation from New Hampshire this month, was Keene Mayor Kendall Lane. View the Keene proclamation. (PDF)

North Dakota

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said the industry is playing an increasingly important role in his state’s economy, creating more than 32,000 jobs and contributing $3.6 billion annually to the state’s economy.

“The communities within North Dakota depend heavily on their community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state,” he noted.

North Dakota also is home to one of six designated unmanned aircraft system test sites in the country where research is being done to help integrate this technology into the National Airspace System.

View the North Dakota proclamation. (PDF)

Rhode Island

A recent Rhode Island Airport Economic Impact Study found that general aviation airports in the state contribute about $214 million, or $203 per capita to the state’s economy, Gov. Gina Raimondo noted in her proclamation.

“General aviation not only supports Rhode Island’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare service, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief,” according to the proclamation.

Rhode Island is home to seven public-use airports, serving more than 1,000 pilots.

View the Rhode Island proclamation. (PDF)

Tennessee

“Tennessee boasts a robust network of 79 public commercial and general aviation airports serving more than 12,000 pilots and 4,000 general aviation aircraft,” Gov. Bill Haslam said in his proclamation. “The nation’s aviation infrastructure represents an important public benefit.”

The state is home to many charter flight companies, aircraft repair stations, flight training schools and fixed-based operators, the governor noted.

View the Tennessee proclamation. (PDF)