Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations applauded Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels for signing a proclamation
declaring the month of March "General Aviation Appreciation Month." According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, general aviation contributes over $4.9 billion in economic activity to the state, supporting over 18,000 jobs.
“We would like to thank Governor Mitchell Daniels for joining the growing list of Governors who have recognized the importance of general aviation,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA). “Across the country, general aviation serves as a critical lifeline for businesses, charities, medical organizations, law enforcement, and farmers, and other crucial services, and we thank the Aviation Association of Indiana for supporting these important efforts.”
“The state of Indiana is home to more than 10,000 pilots who rely on airports across the state to serve local customers, deliver goods, reach patients in need, and assist communities following natural disasters,” said Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We would like to thank Governor Daniels for recognizing the importance of general aviation and we look forward to working with the state and local officials to further raise the awareness on this vital industry.”
“Across the United States and in Indiana, business aviation plays an important role in supporting strong economies and jobs, helping businesses to reach their customers and allowing essential services to reach communities in need,” added Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “All told, the industry supports 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic activity annually. We look forward to working with Governor Daniels to raise awareness about the critical importance of business aviation.”
“Here in the United States, our vast network of airports helps to sustain local jobs and serves as a lifeline to many local communities, including in Indiana,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We welcome this proclamation and look forward to working with Governor Daniels and Manager of Aviation Kevin Rector on issues relating to aviation across Indiana.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) stated, "General aviation and community airports are a vital asset to the overall transportation infrastructure of Indiana and the country, especially in places with limited access to commercial airports. We thank Governor Daniels for highlighting the significance of this industry to the communities of Indiana.”
"With their unique capabilities, helicopters provide vital life-saving services to the citizens of Indiana and conduct more than 50 other mission types that benefit the greater good," said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI)."We thank Governor Daniels for this opportunity to spotlight the economic and operational benefits that general aviation, and specifically helicopters, provide to the people of Indiana."
