MONTGOMERY AL- In a ceremony held at the state capital in Montgomery on October 9, 2012 Governor Robert Bentley signed a proclamation establishing October 2012 as General Aviation Appreciation Month in recognition of the vital role served by general aviation in the state of Alabama.
General aviation in Alabama consists of 76 general aviation public-use airports and 61 rotorcraft landing pads that serve more than 5,500 based aircraft, 7,700 certificated pilots and 7,000 Aviation Maintenance Technicians. The general aviation industry contributes approximately $800 million in first round impacts to the state economy and is critical to industrial and economic recruitment efforts and to the retention and expansion of business in Alabama.
General aviation also serves a vital role in emergency response to man-made and natural disasters and provides critical services to the residents of Alabama, including medical evacuation, critical care patient transport, fire-fighting, law enforcement, aerial survey and mapping, aerial application for agriculture and forestry services. Communities within Alabama and other states depend on general aviation for the continued flow of commerce, tourism and essential services.
Representing general aviation in Alabama (L - R) Dr. John C. Eagerton IV, Alabama Department of Transportation Aeronautics Bureau, John R. Cooper, Director, Alabama Department of Transportation, Aubrey Wallace, Representative Kurt Wallace, Senator Cam Ward, and Billy Singleton, Chilton County Airport Authority. -Office of Gov Bentley
The General Aviation Industry in Alabama includes aircraft and engine manufacturing firms, aviation parts suppliers, educational institutions, numerous aviation organizations, aviation service providers and general aviation airports and heliports. One of every three people employed in the state of Alabama works for a company or industry that directly utilizes general aviation in the performance of its business.
General aviation was represented at the proclamation ceremony by Senator Cam Ward, Representative Kurt Wallace, John R. Cooper, Director Alabama Department of Transportation, Dr. John C. Eagerton IV, Chief, Alabama Department of Transportation Aeronautics Bureau, Aubrey Wallace, and Billy Singleton, Chilton County Airport Authority.Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) stated, "General aviation nationwide supports 1.2 million jobs and generates $150 billion every year, including $800 million in economic activity here in Alabama. General aviation specifically helps businesses to stay connected and compete in the global marketplace. We thank Governor Bentley for signing this proclamation recognizing the importance of business aviation to local communities across Alabama and the nation." - FMI: http://governor.alabama.gov/