Protecting airports good for economy

General aviation brings business to the communities where it is welcomed, but those economic benefits dry up without well-maintained airports, AOPA told municipal officials from communities around New Jersey.

At the invitation of the New Jersey Aviation Association (NJAA), AOPA participated in the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ ninety-third annual conference, held Nov. 18 through 21. The association used the opportunity to stress the economic value of GA and to promote the importance of protecting airports, especially when local governments are looking for new sources of revenue in tough economic times. Given the magnitude of this challenge, AOPA will take every opportunity to work with local and state aviation advocates, like the NJAA, to defend GA.

“The New Jersey Aviation Association is proud of its partnership with AOPA in preserving, protecting, and promoting general aviation,” said NJAA President Arlene Feldman. “AOPA’s support has been instrumental in NJAA’s ability to reach out to its state’s leading decision makers to encourage and win their support.”

“Support for general aviation needs to start at the local level, but many community officials don’t fully understand its value,” said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. “That’s why AOPA is pleased to have the opportunity to attend events like this where we can educate the leaders who operate many of America’s GA airports.”