Recently, Govenor Christi of New Jersey issued a proclamation declaring May 2011 General Aviation Month.  Below is PAMA's Eastern Region Director, Walter "Sandy" Glenn's response.

Aviation has been a fascinating and exciting industry. From the famous names associated with aviation - Wright Brothers, Curtiss Wright, Emilia Earhart, Igor Sikorsky (Helicopters), Marcel Bloch (Dassault-1947) (propellers-Airplanes), Charles Lindbergh, Red Baron (Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen), Chuck Yeager( 1st to break the speed of sound), Jimmy Doolittle, Howard Hughes (Spruce Goose), Frank Whittle (Jet Engine Inventor), Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Airbus, GulfStream, Grumman- the list goes “on and on”!

There are many aviation variance categories- military, civilian, business and corporate, commercial and general. We even have more sub categories- fixed wing (planes), rotor-craft (helicopters), jet, reciprocating (piston engines), gliders (planes with-out engines) and “lighter then air” ship (blimps). We even have more than that which includes Ultra-lights and Homebuilt, experimental and acrobatics aircraft.

Aviation has been the driver of innovation and progress; from warfare to leisure travel to business travel to special needs aviation. We can reflect on how air travel has improved commerce, made vacations more exciting, made business activity more effective and even made safety and security (including Police, EMS and Fire and charity flights) more versatile.    

The aviation industry has provided many benefits to society, and one of those benefits is employment! The aviation industry has provided many careers and jobs to many individuals that support the aviation industry. It is not just the aircraft companies alone, there are many associated aviation support companies, parts vendors, fueling, maintenance and catering and even airplane cleaners and polishers. We have pilots, mechanics, ramp operation and security, Air Traffic Controllers, airport grounds and runway maintainers and many other assisting craftsman and personnel that support the aviation industry. Not to mention the teachers and instructors in the aviation and tech schools teaching aviation and aviation related technologies!

A recent event has occurred, and has been long over due and definitely appreciated “announcement released” this month giving kudos to the General Aviation Industry. General aviation in New Jersey alone generates over $4 billion in economic impact annually, supporting over 18,000 jobs.

Governor Christi of New Jersey has made a proclamation that May 2011 is General Aviation Month. This proclamation will "raise the awareness of the immense impact of this industry and other issues that are important to business aviation.” (Excerpt from “Alliance for Aviation Across America”) This group lists the many other State Governors that have given recognition and made proclamations for general aviation, which you may view at their web site http://www.aviationacrossamerica.org.  Also, the Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO) last week issued a proclamation declaring that June 2011 will be "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the state.

These proclamations from our elected officials are greatly appreciated by all the hard working aviation participants and works and all aviation loving people throughout the country.

As an employee of a general aviation OEM company in New Jersey, I salute Governor Christi for this General Aviation Appreciation Proclamation.

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