Our Blog

During the hoiliday season, members of Sonoma Skypark Airport were able to help out local non-profits in the Sonoma Valley area.  Through fundraising during their annual Skypark Family Fun Day, Skypark aviators were able to provide two donations of $1,200 to the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance and Skypark's Aviation Exploring Post 1268. 

Members of this privately owned public-use airport include a mix of retired commercial pilots, aircraft designers and engineers, experimental airplane builders, and recreational pilot. They aim to promote numerous aviation activities for young people, helping them gain confidence and educating them in the process. 

To learn more about the organization and read the article about their contributions to area organizations, click here.

Check out the following statement from Alliance Partner Bartlett Cleland, Institute for Policy Innovation, urging the President and Congress to stay clear of additional tax burdens on general aviation as they debate deficit reduction measures:

Now that the “Super Committee” has missed their deadline and Congress and the President continue to wrangle over the economy, hopefully they can avoid senseless new taxes on businesses, which only hamper their efforts to compete globally. 

One example of such nonsense has been the call by the President and some in Congress for new taxes on businesses that use small planes.  According to recent statistics from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, international orders for general aviation aircraft have risen in recent years, and yet have gone down in the U.S., in part due to the threat of increased taxes and the repeated vilification of plane owners and operators by the President.  While this may score political points for politicians it further hampers U.S. businesses which compete with foreign companies, and if successful create jobs here at home. 

The truth is that 85% of businesses that rely on general aviation are small to mid-sized businesses that use it to increase efficiency and productivity, and reach far-off customers and plants.  Not only that, the US-based general aviation industry that supports them sustains 1.2 million jobs and over $150 billion in economic impact. 

U.S. politicians erecting barriers to our businesses which favor their global competitors and vilifying a crucial segment of our transportation sector will not get our economy back on track.  It's time for our lawmakers to get real about job creation and support crucial manufacturing industries which serve as the backbone of our economy. 

Bartlett D. Cleland

Policy Counsel

Institute for Policy Innovation 

Dallas, TX

Recently, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a proclamation declaring the month of November "General Aviation Appreciation Month." In a ceremony held at the Bridgewater State University's Aviation Training Center (New Bedford, MA), the Governor stated that General Aviation is a catalyst for growth, generating $11.9 billion dollars and providing 24,000 jobs.  Also, general aviation is a key resource for the tourism industry in the Commonwealth. 

According to the Governor, in addition to its economic impact, general aviation plays a vital role in EMS support, search and rescue, law enforcement, and youth outreach.  The Commonwealth has experienced enormous growth in aviation over the past few years which can be seen in the most recent Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study.  To read the study, please click here.

You can view the Governor's speech,here.

A recent article in the Nashua Telegraph (NH) reported on the ground breaking event scheduled at Boire Field.  The project to construct a 6,000-foot runway will be a significant improvement to a facility that serves as a major economic engine for the community.

More than 40 new jobs will be created by this project, with most of the 30 businesses around the airfield benefiting from the construction project.  The new runway will eventually replace the existing 5,500-foot runway, which is nearing the end of its standard 25-year life. The new runway will allow larger aircraft to utilize the facility, allowing them to travel longer distances. Community airports such as Boire Field serve as a lifeline for their communities, charitable groups, law enforcement, and medical services.  Projects such as this are important in protecting a vital resource.

To read the article, click here.

During NBAA's Annual Meeting and Convention, a distinguished panel of aviation association presidents gathered to express unity on the challenges facing the industry. Alliance Executive Director Selena Shilad joinded National Air Transportation Association President and CEO Jim Coyne, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President and CEO Craig Fuller, General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO Pete Bunce, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen (roundtable host), Experimental Aircraft Association President and CEO Rod Hightower, and Helicopter Association International President Matt Zuccaro.

Selena discussed the recent mayor's letter to President Obama and importance of local airports to the small towns and communities that rely on general aviation.

Ohio Governor John Kasich has recently declared October as “General Aviation Appreciation Month”. General aviation provides $5.56 billion to the state economy, as well as 17,000 jobs to the people of Ohio. Beyond that, general aviation supports emergency responders and nonprofit organizations, not to mention, great community events.

Recently, 88 Mayors from 44 states around the country sent a letter to President Obama asking him to stop the attacks on general aviation.  Not only has the President consistenly attacked general aviation in recent months, but now he and some Members of Congress are trying to push a greatly harmful user fee tax on businesses, farms and groups that rely on general aviation.  Not only would this saddle businesses and groups with taxes for every take-off and landing, resulting in a huge administrative and tax burden, but this new tax would require the creation of a huge new bureaucracy within the FAA to collect and administer the fees.

This would affect thousands of businesses and communities around the country that depend on general aviation, jeopardizing countless services and resources that depend on this important form of transportation.