Sept. 5, 2013
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has proclaimed September “Aviation Appreciation Month” in the Sunflower State, kicking off celebrations that will culminate with a first-ever Kansas Aviation Expo on Sept. 26 and 27.
“[Aviation] is the second largest contributor to the Kansas economy, and contributes more aircraft to the world economy than anywhere else,” Brownback said in the proclamation. The governor also noted that Kansas is home to many large and small aviation-related businesses that keep skilled Kansas workers employed.
Kansas is home to approximately 140 public-use airports, the proclamation said.
Brownback added that Kansas is “enriched with great aviation history,” and mentioned the inaugural Kansas Aviation Expo taking place this month. He also mentioned the annual Wichita Flight Festival, which will be held at Jabara Airport on the weekend immediately following the Kansas Aviation Expo.
Review the Kansas proclamation. (7.4 MB, PDF)
This month’s proclamation is the second time Brownback has recognized the value of general aviation (GA), including business aviation, both times linking them with the values enunciated in the No Plane No Gain campaign, which is jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
His previous proclamation declared May 2011 as “Kansas Aviation Month” and kicked off an economic summit in the state focusing on business and employment growth in GA.
“We thank Gov. Brownback for his ongoing support of GA and business flying,” said Steve Hadley, NBAA’s Southwestern regional representative. “His proclamation in 2011 and this year both directly tie GA and business flying to the well-being of individual citizens’ jobs and industry growth for the state.”
As of this month, 49 states have issued one or more similar declarations of appreciation for the economic and personal value brought to their citizens by GA and business aviation.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.