Maine Governor Paul LePage recently declared April “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” Maine becomes the 38th state to officially recognize the importance of general aviation and its economic impact, both locally and nationally. Across the state, general aviation airports have an annual economic output of $521 million.
“The Alliance would like to thank Governor LePage for recognizing the enormous contributions of general aviation in the state of Maine,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and community airports across the country provide a critical lifeline to emergency services and business opportunities, especially in rural areas. We would also like to recognize the efforts of the Maine Airport Managers Association in their support of this proclamation.”
“With 68 airports and more than 2,600 pilots, general aviation in Maine helps keep the state’s communities connected by providing essential services and supporting local businesses,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Paul LePage to raise awareness about the tremendous value general aviation airports and aircraft provide to local communities, both in Maine, and across our nation.”
“Here in the United States, general aviation, including business aviation, supports 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $150 billion annually in economic activity. Governor LePage’s proclamation highlights the impact general aviation has on helping local communities across the country attract businesses and providing much needed jobs,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Our country’s network of airports is critical in sustaining millions of jobs to hard-working individuals and providing access to a host of important services and resources. These airports are an integral part of our communities and we thank Govenor LePage for recognizing their importance.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated, “We welcome Governor LePage’s proclamation, which is an important recognition of the tremendous value of general aviation in communities across Maine. By declaring April “General Aviation Appreciation Month,” Governor LePage and the state of Maine join 37 other states in acknowledging the importance of general aviation to both the state and national economy.”
“For communities across the country, helicopters provide vital lifesaving services conducted for the greater community or economic good,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor LePage’s signing of this proclamation and look forward to working with him in the future to further highlight the tremendous economic and operational benefits of helicopters and general aviation.”
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