Recognizing General Aviation

Floor Speech

Recognizing General Aviation

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Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased as well to rise today in support of this resolution that recognizes the contributions of general aviation in the United States. The general aviation industry employs nearly 1.3 million Americans throughout the country. General aviation, which includes all civilian flying except scheduled passenger airlines, contributes more than $150 billion in direct and indirect economic output in our country.

The resolution we are considering today celebrates the many areas in which general aviation plays an important role in the lives of everyday Americans. But, unfortunately, many of these contributions are often overlooked. Well beyond the services it provides for businesses of all sizes, the general aviation industry has a significant impact on our society. Across the Nation, 500,000 licensed pilots fly general aviation aircraft, and each year 170 million Americans use personal aviation. The 1.3 million Americans who work in the field hold high-skill jobs in aircraft manufacturing, avionics and technology development, flight training, maintenance, modification as well as technical support.

Mr. Speaker, in my own home State of Nebraska, more than 5,000 people are employed in air transportation, and general aviation airports generate $720 million annually within our State. Additionally, general aviation is used to perform essential services necessary for our safety and well-being, such as aiding law enforcement through patrolling highways, apprehending suspects, monitoring national borders or locating lost children. General aviation also helps to save lives through emergency transport of patients, supplies and other time-critical items.

The aviation industry protects the environment by assisting with the surveying of wildlife, mapping of wetlands and the patrolling of parklands. And, in addition, it serves as a vital tool for agricultural producers who often rely on air service for crop planting as well as crop protection.

For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, and others laid out in the resolution, I encourage my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the great importance of general aviation to America's families and communities.

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