August 14, 2013
Citing the importance of general aviation (GA), including business aviation, as well as the value of community airports used by GA aircraft in her state, Gov. Nikki Haley has proclaimed Aug. 19 to 23, 2013, as South Carolina Aviation Week. The state had previously recognized the value of GA in 2011 and 2012.
“Aviation plays a vital role in the economy of South Carolina, providing many thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity,” Haley said in her proclamation. “And [I] encourage all South Carolinians to recognize general aviation as a vital strategic resource to our state.”
Review the South Carolina proclamation. (PDF)
The proclamation listed many ways in which the industry contributes to prosperity in the Palmetto State. Among them are:
- Providing a gateway to communities and tourist attractions
- Supporting air cargo and air freight
- Helping law enforcement and its operations
- Supporting the military
- Providing emergency relief and rescue
- Supporting medical needs
- Accommodating agricultural spraying
GA airports outnumber those certified for commercial service in South Carolina by more than ten-to-one, with 61 airports that only serve GA located in communities that otherwise would have no immediate access to the air transportation system.
“Since there are only a few commercial service airports around the state that have scheduled air carrier service, South Carolina businesses depend on business airplanes to reach their customers and find new business opportunities,” said Harry Houckes, NBAA Southeast regional representative. “Both the state economy and individual South Carolina citizens benefit from a strong GA airport system.”
Nearly all U.S. states have officially recognized the value of GA, including business aviation, with all proclamations including at least some of the basic tenets of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which was launched in 2009 and is sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.