By Alliance for Aviation Across America:

Today, national aviation organizations, commended Ohio Governor John Kasich for declaring December “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Ohio, general aviation accounts for $1.7 billion in economic activity annually.

“We thank Governor Kasich for his proclamation, which highlights the benefits of general aviation and local airports throughout the state of Ohio,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.aviationacrossamerica.com/national-aviation-organizations-commend-ohio-governor-for-declaring-december-general-aviation-appreciation-month-2/" target="_blank">Alliance for Aviation Across America.</a> “General aviation supports our economy and also assists in healthcare services and disaster relief efforts across the country.”

“Ohio’s community airports are critical for the transportation of goods and services all across the state,” said Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of general aviation in Ohio and throughout the nation.”

“Business aviation allows companies in Ohio to manage operations in multiple locations, get to far off plants and transport staff and supplies,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Kasich for his proclamation and look forward to working with him and his staff on issues related to general aviation.”

“General aviation is a key component of our nation’s transportation infrastructure and economy,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

“We thank the Governor for his proclamation reinforcing Ohio’s long support of general aviation, and hope that it will increase awareness about this important part of our infrastructure and help inspire aviation interest among the next generation.”

Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Community airports in Ohio support local charities, businesses, healthcare providers and farms across the state and country. We thank Governor Kasich and the Aviation Administrator of the Ohio DOT, James Bryant, for their work to emphasize the significance of general aviation and community airports.”

“Across Ohio, general aviation and community airports help businesses connect with their customers and suppliers, and provide opportunities to compete globally and reach new markets,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Ohio thank Governor Kasich for his continued support of general aviation.”

“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft are vital for first-responders, disaster relief and law enforcement personnel across the United States,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Kasich for recognizing the role of aviation in connecting our citizens and communities.”

To view the Ohio proclamation, click <a href="http://www.orbaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Ohio_122314.pdf">here</a>.