Alaska recently became the latest state to honor GA when Governor Sean Parnell declared March “General Aviation Month” in the state.
The proclamation states that “aviation in Alaska plays a critical role in the lives of our citizens, businesses, and rural villages across our vast state,” noting the state has six times as many pilots per capita, and 16 times as many aircraft per capita, as the rest of the United States.
“Alaska has a significant interest in the continued vitality of the health of aviation, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions, flight schools, tourism, community airports, and aviation organizations,” the proclamation continues, then concludes by encouraging “all citizens to reflect upon the importance of aviation in the lifestyles of all Alaskans.”
The state has 406 public access airports in Alaska, 258 of which are operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. These facilities are home to 10,899 general aviation aircraft. The state is also home to 258 charter flight companies, 53 repair stations, and six flight schools. In addition, there are 50 FBOs in the state. This accounts for more than 9,900 jobs in the aerospace and aviation industries of Alaska.
Does Alaska still sponsor aviation business start ups and pilot wanna bees for their training? I have understood that if an Alaska resident wants to learn to fly or open an aviation business the State will off set costs for learning or running that business. I have spoken to a few Alaska pilots and all have mentioned this practice by the State which in turn gets their money from the oil companys.
This may be an out dated practice, or pure hangar talk?