The chair of California’s legislative Aviation Caucus has introduced a resolution proclaiming April 2016 as Aviation Awareness Month, and a related day-long event will take place April 20 on the steps of the State Capitol.
AOPA expressed appreciation to state Sen. Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) for introducing the resolution which—combined with the California Aviation Day 2016 event—will emphasize the contributions aviation makes to the economy and the well-being of state residents, said Melissa McCaffrey, AOPA’s Western/Pacific regional manager.
In a Feb. 26 letter to Fuller, who also is the Senate Republican leader, McCaffrey noted that airports and aviation-related businesses in California create an annual economic impact of $18.2 billion.
The state’s aviation sector consists of 78,000 active pilots who fly 27,900 general aviation aircraft, operating at 246 public-use airports.
“Directly and indirectly, general aviation creates well over 1.5 million jobs and greatly enhances intrastate commerce,” she said.
McCaffrey urged pilots and aviation supporters to attend the April 20 Aviation Day in Sacramento from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the north steps of the Capitol. Interactive displays and informational presentations will be offered by businesses and organizations that use aviation to serve their customers and citizens of California.
