Sept. 17, 2018
General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in cities and towns across the country, and in September, the mayors of cities in Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan and New Mexico officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. To date, hundreds of local officials from coast to coast have issues similar proclamations.
Alaska
Two Alaskan mayors issued proclamations this month, noting: “many rural Alaska locations are unique in their almost total dependence on general aviation.” Alaska has more private planes per capita than any other state in the union, and on average Alaskans fly more than eight times as often as residents of other states.
- View a proclamation from Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly. (PDF)
Connecticut
New London, CT Mayor Michael Passero said general aviation and the Groton-New London Airport have an immense impact on his city.
“The city of New London in the state of Connecticut has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organizations and community airports,” he wrote.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey issued a proclamation saying: “General aviation not only supports Louisiana’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief, and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely.”
Maryland
Five mayors in Maryland issued proclamations in support of general aviation this month. Annapolis, MD Mayor Gavin Buckley said, “The nation’s aviation infrastructure represents an important public benefit and congressional oversight should be in place to ensure that it remains a public system, and serves communities of all sizes.” View a proclamation from Buckley. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Cumberland Mayor Brian Grim. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Easton Mayor Robert Willey. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey, II. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Salisbury Mayor Jacob Day. (PDF)
Michigan
In Michigan, three mayors recognized the positive impact general aviation has on their communities this September. Michigan is home to 211 general aviation airports, which serve more than 13,000 pilots and 5,000 active general aviation aircraft.
“General aviation in Michigan contributes over $5.2 billion in total economic output,” wrote Big Rapids, MI Mayor Thomas Hogenson. View a proclamation from Hogenson. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke. (PDF)
- View a proclamation from Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp. (PDF)
New Mexico
Gallup, NM Mayor Jackie McKinney said general aviation and the Gallup Municipal Airport have an immense economic impact on her city.
“General aviation not only supports New Mexico’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely,” she wrote.