Sept. 7, 2016
Four states – Alaska, Connecticut, Kansas and Maryland – are the latest to formally recognize the value of general aviation, including business aviation, by issuing proclamations this month that highlight the industry’s contributions to communities and the economy.
Alaska
“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,” Gov. Bill Walker noted. “Alaska is currently home to 747 registered airports and seaplane bases, supporting 9,346 registered aircraft utilized by 7,933 active pilots.”
The aviation industry generates more than 15,000 jobs in Alaska – one out of every 10.
“Alaska has significant and vested interest in the continued vitality of aircraft operations, aircraft maintenance, flight training, community airports and aviation organizations across our great state,” Walker wrote.
View the Alaska proclamation. (PDF)
Connecticut
Connecticut ranks as the second highest state for the total economic output supported by general aviation per capita, Gov. Dannel Malloy said in his proclamation. The state is home to 20 public-use airports serving approximately 5,000 certified pilots.
“Many communities in Connecticut depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state,” he wrote.
View the Connecticut proclamation. (PDF)
Kansas
In issuing his proclamation, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback noted his state’s aviation history including aviation pioneers such as Dwane Wallace (Cessna), Walter and Olive Ann Beech, William and Moya Lear, Amelia Earheart and more.
“Kansas is home to numerous businesses, big and small, who serve a vital role in the aviation industry, is the second largest contributor to the Kansas economy and contribute more aircraft to the world economy than anywhere else,” he wrote, adding in September of 1911, Kansan Albin Kasper Longren marked the first flight of a Kansas-built airplane when he flew his pusher-type biplane Topeka I.
“General aviation and community airports are important to Kansas’s businesses – supporting commerce, attracting visitors and contributing more than 13.5 billion annually to the state’s economy, directly and indirectly,” Brownback noted.
View the Kansas proclamation. (PDF)
Maryland
“A 2015 Maryland Economic Impact of Airports study found that general aviation airports in Maryland support more than $704 million in business-generated revenue,” Gov. Lawrence Hogan, Jr. said in his proclamation.
The state is home to 35 public-use general aviation airports, serving more than 7,700 pilots and 2,774 active general aviation aircraft. General aviation airports support more than 6,300 jobs across Maryland.
View the Maryland proclamation. (PDF)
Annapolis, MD Mayor Michael Pantelides also issued proclamation this month in support of general aviation. View the Annapolis proclamation. (PDF)