ST. PAUL, MINN. – October is General Aviation Appreciation Month, under a proclamation Governor Tim Pawlenty signed this week, October 15, 2010.
“Minnesota’s more than 13,000 pilots and 6,000 aviation technicians and mechanics, and all of our airport managers, help to keep general aviation a safe and reliable industry that brings benefits to citizen in every corner the state,” said Chris Roy, Minnesota Department of Transportation Aeronautics director.
“General aviation has been and continues to be an integral part of conducting business, moving cargo, and traveling for leisure and tourism,” said Roy.
General aviation aircraft are used in flight training, air charter, air ambulance, agricultural aerial application, fire control, search and rescue, and overnight package and mail delivery.
In March 2010, an Aviation Economic Impact study completed by the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies found that Minnesota airports generate $12.2 billion in economic activity in Minnesota. This impact includes the creation of 164,900 jobs in the state as well as $6.5 billion in labor income.
Mn/DOT promotes general and commercial aviation throughout the state and provides services including aircraft registration, airport development, aviation system planning, aviation education, aviation navigational systems and government aircraft services and operation. Find out more at www.mndot.gov.