LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2013 as Aviation Appreciation Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Airports and the aviation industry play a critical role in the
lives of our citizens as well as in the economic prosperity of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Empire State is home to over 400 commercial, public and
private airports and heliports, ranging from small rural facilities to
New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport which is one of
the busiest airports in the world; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Transportation has demon-
strated that the State's aviation industry contributes a significant
amount of economic benefit to the state: over $50 billion in annual
economic activity; employs more than 394,500 state residents; and gener-
ates $18 billion in payroll and $4.5 billion in State and local tax
revenue annually; and
WHEREAS, This contribution by the aviation sector of the State's
economic well-being is fueled by a vibrant and supportive aviation
community consisting of airports, general aviation, commercial aviation,
cargo transport, manufacturing partners, hospitality businesses, vendors
and contractors, engineers and consultants, pilots, mechanics, educa-
tional institutions and other aviation organizations; and
WHEREAS, Organizations like the New York Aviation Management Associa-
tion--New York's "Voice of Aviation," the Alliance for Aviation Across
America, National Business Aviation Association, National Association of
State Aviation Officials, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and
National Air Transportation Association recognize and promote the inter-
ests and importance of aviation in New York and throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has a significant interest in the
continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufactur-
ing, educational institutions and aviation organizations and community
airports and airport operators; and
WHEREAS, Business aviation is a critical tool for companies in New
York to improve efficiency, save money and open up opportunities for
rural areas not served by commercial aviation thus bringing new busi-
ness, investment and jobs to all areas of the state; and
WHEREAS, Many communities in New York depend heavily on their commer-
cial service and general aviation airports for the continued flow of
commerce, tourists and visitors to our state and are responsible for
over 40 million enplanements per year; and
WHEREAS, Celebrations of aviation will take place during the month of
May, including the annual 2013 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State
Park, hosted by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Histor-
ic Preservation (May 25-26); this year's lineup will include the United
States Air Force Thunderbirds and the United States Army Golden Knights,
as well as some of the best military and civilian aerobatic performers;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2013, as Aviation
Appreciation Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.