March 17, 2016
The governors of Rhode Island and Tennessee both proclaimed March as General Aviation Appreciation Month, to highlight the value the industry brings to their states.
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said a 2015 economic impact study found that general aviation airports in her state contribute approximately $214 million, or $203 per capita, to the state’s economy. Rhode Island has seven public-use airports, serving 1,037 pilots and 350 active general aviation aircraft.
The industry supports nearly 1,500 jobs across the state.
“General aviation not only supports Rhode Island’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief,” Raimondo wrote. “The nation’s aviation infrastructure represents an important public benefit, and congressional oversight should be in place to ensure stable funding of this system.”
View the Rhode Island proclamation. (PDF)
Bill Haslam, the governor of Tennessee, also discussed the benefits general aviation brings to his state. Tennessee, he wrote, boasts a network of 79 public, commercial and general aviation airports, serving more than 12,000 pilots and 4,000 general aviation aircraft. The state also is home to many charter flight companies, aircraft repair stations, flight schools and fixed-base operators.
“Many communities in Tennessee depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state,” Haslam wrote.
View the Tennessee proclamation. (PDF)
Additionally, community leaders across the country continue to recognize the importance of aviation to their towns, cities and regions.
Proclamations recently were issued by:
- Gorham, NH Board of Selectmen. View the Gorham proclamation. (PDF)
- Laconia, NH Mayor Edward Engler. View the Laconia proclamation. (PDF)
- Shreveport, LA Mayor Ollie Tyler. View the Shreveport proclamation. (PDF)
- Wahpeton, ND Mayor Meryl Hansey. View the Wahpeton proclamation. (PDF)
All 50 states and more than 100 communities around the country have issued proclamations recognizing the value of general aviation, including business aviation.