National

During the past century, General Aviation (GA) has become an integral part of the U.S. economy. GA aids the U.S. balance of trade. That’s because ever since the Wright Brothers began flying, the United States has been one of the top world leaders in the design, manufacture, and use of airframes, engines, avionics, and supporting technologies.

GA also is a key catalyst for economic growth and has a profound influence on the quality of life in the United States. GA today touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and its continued success will shape American society and the American economy over the next century.

GA, which includes all flying except for military and scheduled airline operations, makes up more than one percent of the U.S. GDP. As a result, GA supports almost 1.3 million high-skill, high-wage jobs in professional services and in manufacturing.

GA benefits our economy greatly by enhancing the profitability and competitive strength of U.S. businesses and industries. Employers taking advantage GA’s speed and flexibility have been shown to outperform businesses that rely solely upon the airlines for travel

The Standard & Poor’s 500 analysis found that firms from every industry sector that routinely used GA from 1992 to 1999 to transport their employees, business partners, management teams, and customers earned 146 percent more in.

Local

Manufacturers in the know set up shop within 10 miles of public-use airports, which allow them to send time-critical parts and materials to customers. Businesses reap competitive advantages through access to nearby airports, while residents gain jobs.

Community airports also provide citizens with rapid access to the nation’s air transportation system. A common saying in aviation states, “A mile of highway gets you one mile, but a mile of runway can take you anywhere.”

Government agencies and employees also use GA to perform their functions for residents. In fact, some government employees use their skills as pilots, and their own small airplanes, on the job.