NEWS RELEASE
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Matt Bevin recently declared the month of July as General Aviation Appreciation Month in Kentucky. Through an official proclamation, Gov. Bevin highlighted some of the achievements, successes and overall contributions made by the aviation industry.
“We are soaring to new heights in Kentucky,” said Gov. Bevin. “General aviation and community airports play a critical role in the lives of our citizens, businesses and farms. In addition, business aviation is an invaluable tool for companies in Kentucky to support their operations, thus bringing new business, investment and jobs to Kentucky.”
A recent study found that in Kentucky, general aviation contributes over $1.6 billion to the state’s total economy. In fact, general aviation airports support 9,400 jobs across the state and $454 million in labor income. Manufactured aviation components account for Kentucky’s number one export. Kentucky is also home to the nation’s number one high school aviation education program with 50 school districts participating.
“It’s no secret that aviation serves as one of the best modes of transportation in our Commonwealth,” said Col. (ret.) Steve Parker, commissioner of the Department of Aviation. “The benefits of aviation are numerous. Aviation improves mobility, supports vital, sometimes life-saving operations and enhances economic opportunity in our communities. Simply put, aviation serves all; come fly with us!”
The Kentucky Department of Aviation’s (KDA) primary objective is to keep all 59 public airports safe, efficient and competitive. KDA conducts state safety inspections at all 59 airports each year as well as federal safety inspections at each airport every three years. KDA inspects and issues landing certificates for 119 private airports and 147 heliports across Kentucky.
For more information, please visit http://transportation.ky.gov/Aviation/Pages/default.aspx.