Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, proclaimed December 2011 as General Aviation Appreciation Month 
in Louisiana. The proclamation, signed December 1st, stated that the state of Louisiana has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, (GA) aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions and aviation organizations.
The proclamation stated that there are 74 airports serving 9,562 pilots and 4,891 general aviation aircraft in the state. GA contributes $2.05 billion to the state’s economy ranking it number 25 nationwide, but as a percentage of the state’s total GDP, Louisiana ranks 7th in the nation in terms of the importance of aviation to its economy.
GA employees 7,985 and plays a vital role in the State’s response to emergencies and natural disasters. Aerospace and aviation combined provide 11,000 jobs, resulting in a $416 million payroll.
