Governor Holcomb declares October General Aviation Appreciation Month in Indiana

National general aviation organizations applauded Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for signing a proclamation designating October as “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” According to the “2012 Indiana Airports’ Economic Impact Study,” general aviation contributes over $5.8 billion annually to the state’s total economic output.

“In Indiana, general aviation and our network of airports support businesses, towns, cities, and farms across the state and country,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Holcomb for signing this proclamation and recognizing the importance of general aviation.”

Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, said, “As the largest general aviation organization of pilots around the world, with thousands of members in Indiana, we appreciate Governor Holcomb’s proclamation which highlights the impact of general aviation, our network of airports, and the importance of investment in our future aviation workforce.”

“General aviation, which includes business aviation, is an important resource that helps to drive Indiana’s economy,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “We appreciate the Governor’s proclamation, which highlights this important segment of our transportation and economic infrastructure.”

Jim Viola, President and CEO of Helicopter Association International, said, “General aviation aircraft, including helicopters and local heliports, play a vital role in supporting businesses, medical care and major industries throughout Indiana. We applaud the Governor’s proclamation for highlighting the valuable role of general aviation in supporting our local community and national economy.”

“General aviation businesses provide over $1.7 billion in annual payroll in Indiana. They support skilled jobs, facilitate essential services, and advance growth throughout industries,” said Timothy Obitts, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “Proclamations like this are invaluable in highlighting the importance of general aviation to communities across the state and country, as well as the industry’s commitment to areas of growth such as sustainable fuel and technology.”

“It is vital we continue to support the over 120 public-use airports that are located throughout the Hoosier State. These airports support businesses, food production, transportation, law enforcement, and disaster relief efforts. We thank the Manager at the Office of Aviation, Indiana Department of Transportation, Martin Blake, for the work he and his agency do to support general aviation.”

Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association, said, “Indiana hosts 28 EAA chapters. As our nation will face a large pilot shortage in the coming decades, it is critical to support youth programs and train a next generation of pilots.  We thank Governor Holcomb for issuing this proclamation, which will help to raise interest among young aviators and build a skilled future workforce.”

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