With 155 airports and more than 100 FBOs, Minnesota depends on general aviation for tourism, help in emergencies, and its economic benefits. Gov. Tim Pawlenty recognized the importance of general aviation to his state Oct. 11 by proclaiming October 2010 “General Aviation Appreciation Month.”
Minnesota is home to GA companies such as Cirrus Design, and the proclamation cites the numerous charter companies, repair stations, flight schools, FBOs, and manufacturers that “support our nation’s positive trade balance and provide good paying jobs for our citizens.”
Minnesota is home to 13, 529 pilots and 7,806 aircraft, the proclamation explains. GA is an important economic engine for communities with airports, it adds.
Proclamations like the one in Minnesota illustrate that political leaders are aware of the many benefits of their state’s aviation industry. AOPA continually promotes the benefits of general aviation to lawmakers in each state and monitors all legislative actions that could affect GA.
