South Carolina has taken an important step in attracting general aviation activity to the state, with passage of a sales tax exemption on parts and supplies used in repairing or reconditioning aircraft. Gov. Nikki Haley is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.
The National Business Association (NBAA), the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA), the Carolina Aviation Professionals Association (CAPA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) worked together to educate South Carolina legislators about the importance of the exemption to the state’s general aviation industry.
“We commend the South Carolina legislature and Rep. Gary Smith for their efforts to pass this bill, which is sound tax policy and will lead to increased aircraft repair business for South Carolina,” said Scott O’Brien, NBAA’s senior manager of finance and tax policy. “With 37 FAA-certified repair stations already in the state, and more than 2,500 active general aviation aircraft based in South Carolina, this exemption will be a boost to the state economy and will result in the creation of high-paying jobs.”
General aviation contributed $2 billion in economic output in South Carolina in 2013, with 13,600 jobs created either directly or indirectly by the state’s general aviation industry.
It’s about time someone does something for GA in this one of the most unfriendly States for small airplanes. We will have to watch this one closely.