September is General Aviation Appreciation Month in New Mexico
September 13, 2012, 04:18 pm
Susana Martinez, the Governor of New Mexico, recently declared September as New Mexico General Aviation Appreciation Month. The governor is looking to highlight on the crucial role general aviation plays in supporting the safety of the state's citizens and operation of businesses, ranches and farms.
“In New Mexico, there are 59 public-use airports, four public-use heli-ports serving citizens, including 5,053 pilots,” stated Yasmina Platt, central southwest regional manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “These airfields support local commerce, help facilitate medical treatment, provide crucial regional fire-fighting response, disaster relief, search and rescue, and connect communities in New Mexico with the rest of the country.”
General aviation visitors to New Mexico account for more than $61 million in annual expenditures and many cities through the state rely on the flow of commerce, tourists, and other visitors who come to enjoy what the Land of Enchantment has to offer. In addition, aviation provides 48,795 jobs and generates $1.3 billion in payroll each year. It contributes $3.1 billion to the economy.
This year marks New Mexico's 100th anniversary as a state. Throughout September local airports will have aviation celebrations and tours, with pilots and crews stopping at seven airports across the state with celebrations and presentations along the way.
Events include the SOAR: Sandia Open Aerial Rodeo, Red or Green? Fly-In to Hatch Chile Fest, Land of Enchantment Fly-In, 40th Bomb Squadron Reunion, Histaerical Treasure Hunt, Mountain High Fly-in, 100 Years of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, M Mountain Fly-in and New Mexico Centennial Celebration Air Tour 1912-2012.
September is also Aviation Appreciation month in Ohio, Oklahoma and Alaska. Each state is honoring the industry with various events and initiatives. General aviation in Alaska, in particular, plays a crucial role in the states' medical evaluation, pipeline patrol, firefighting, wildlife surveys and search and rescue, and is also critical in the states' oil, mining, construction, fishing and tourism industries. Officials from the National Business Aviation Association are attending events in Alaska throughout the month.
“We are looking forward to celebrating Alaska’s robust and varied general aviation community, and to recognizing the many dedicated men and women who make significant contributions to aviation in the state,” said Ed Bolen president and CEO, National Business Aviation Association.
Pilots considering taking to the skies during the month in their honor are reminded to obtain pilot life insurance before doing so.
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