By official proclamation, the state of Oregon will participate in a month-long appreciation of aviation in October, and the governor has encouraged all Oregonians to come along for the ride.
Gov. John Kitzhaber recognized the critical role general aviation and community airports play in citizens’ lives, and underlined the need to keep aviation strong, in proclaiming Aviation Appreciation Month in Oregon this October. The proclamation, signed Aug. 22, was celebrated by participants in the Oregon Aviation Industries Summit in McMinnville on Sept. 19.
The gubernatorial nod of appreciation for aviation helps create public awareness that Oregon is home to 97 public-use airports and more than 360 private airports. Oregon has more than 11,000 pilots, and is the base of operations for more than 8,000 general aviation aircraft. The proclamation also recognizes that Oregon’s aviation system supports more than 400 aviation-related businesses in 78 cities. The state’s airports create more than 12,000 jobs with an average salary exceeding $62,000.
Put it all together and you can attribute $2 billion in economic activity from aviation in Oregon, Kitzhaber said, proclaiming October 2013 as Aviation Appreciation Month in the state and encouraging "all Oregonians to join in this observance."
AOPA actively works to serve general aviation in Oregon, and collaborates closely with the Oregon Pilots Association, Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association, the National Business Aviation Association, and other organizations.
AOPA members can stay informed about developments concerning aviation issues in Oregon by visiting the Northwest Mountain Region page on AOPA Online.
