Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has declared August “Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month.”
The proclamation highlights the important role of general aviation and local airports in supporting business, ranches and farms, and medical services, as well as the overall economy. In Oklahoma, the general aviation industry generates $1.2 billion annually in total economic impact, while the aviation and aerospace industry as a whole supports over 115,000 jobs.
“I am proud to join pilots, businesses and airports in recognizing the tremendous impact of commercial and general aviation on our state,” Fallin commented. “For many Oklahoma communities, general aviation in particular is an economic driver, and supports jobs, businesses and vital services throughout our state. I am proud to join other governors around the nation in recognizing this vital form of transportation.”
“We commend Governor Fallin for recognizing the immense value of general aviation and local airports to communities around Oklahoma,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and local airports support businesses and job growth, and serve as a lifeline for small communities throughout the state.”
“In Oklahoma, there are 139 public-use airports, 11,000 general aviation aircraft and nearly 8,000 pilots across the state,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “These airports and aircraft support local commerce, help to facilitate medical care and disaster relief, and connect communities in Oklahoma with the rest of the country. We look forward to working with Governor Fallin to increase awareness about the importance of the general aviation industry.”
