All 50 states have officially recognized importance of aviation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Alliance for Aviation Across America reports that all 50 states have officially recognized the importance of aviation, and most have recognized the importance of general aviation in particular.

In all cases except Montana, which issued a letter, these have taken place in the form of a statewide proclamation issued through either the Governor’s office or the state Legislature. Most recently, the California Senate and California Assembly issued proclamations recognizing the value of aviation in the state of California.

“It is an absolutely huge milestone that all 50 states have recognized the value and importance of aviation, and in most cases, of general aviation in particular,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America.

Just five years ago, next to no states had issued statewide proclamations, and now, many states have begun issuing these proclamations on an annual basis. In fact, more than 95 proclamations have been passed in all 50 states, and the Alliance is now working with many local counties and cities to pass proclamations at the local and city level. Examples of some of these recent proclamations include Gainesville, Florida; Branson, Missouri; and Fargo, North Dakota, which can be viewed here.

“Leaders around the country have made a clear statement that aviation, and general aviation in particular, is an economic driver, a source of jobs and a lifeline for communities across the nation in terms of medical care, law enforcement, disaster relief, agriculture, fire-fighting, many other services. We look forward to working with state and local partners around the country to continue this momentum and to raise awareness about the value and critical importance of general aviation.”

Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.