On Wednesday of last week, gathered with representatives of Nebraska’s aviation industry, Governor Dave Heineman unveiled a
proclamation declaring the month of May as General Aviation (GA) Appreciation Month for the state.
Nebraska has 81 airports, 3,627 pilots and 2,756 GA aircraft and according to the Governor general aviation airports play a critical role in the lives of Nebraska citizens as well as the operation of the state’s businesses, industry, ranches and farms.
The Governor noted in his proclomation the importance of the 160 aerial applicators – less formally known as cropdusters – in an agricultural state like Nebraska. He also pointed out that the state is home to 13 charter flight companies, 12 aeronautical repair stations and over 70 fixed base operators.
Ronnie Mitchell, (shown at left) director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics said the Governor has been very supportive of aviation in the state. Not only is he appreciative but according to Mitchell, he uses GA extensively in getting to know the state, the people and what they’d like to see in state government.
Governor Heineman noted that air transportation employs 5,250 Nebraskans, and cited GA’s support for tourism that supports another 403 full-time jobs and more than $10 million in additional payroll.
