General aviation plays an especially important role in Alaska, where state residents rely on it for medical evacuation, pipeline patrol, firefighting, wildlife surveys and search and rescue – not to mention the essential function that general aviation performs in the state’s oil, mining, construction, fishing and tourism industries. On Sept. 17, the significance of GA will be highlighted at a special event called “Celebrating General Aviation in Alaska,” to be held at Signature Flight Support at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
Alaska is home to more than 8,000 certificated pilots and 734 public and private airports, heliports and seaplane bases.
“We are looking forward to celebrating Alaska’s robust and varied general aviation community, and to recognizing the many dedicated men and women who make significant contributions to aviation in the state,” said National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen, who will be participating in the event.
In addition to NBAA, officials from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the National Air Transportation Association will play an active role in the event. U.S. Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK), co-chair of the Senate’s General Aviation Caucus, and Marc Luiken, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, also will participate.
Celebrating General Aviation in Alaska will start at 9:30 a.m. Aviation officials and industry leaders will interact with pilots and others in the Alaskan aviation community. There also will be time for questions and conversation after the planned remarks.
For more information about Celebrating General Aviation in Alaska, call 877-898-2612.