Aviation

Hundreds of workers, state and local officials and aviation enthusiasts gathered at the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids on August 17 for a general aviation (GA) rally that highlighted the importance of the general aviation industry. The event, held at the Rockwell Collins Flight Operations Center, was organized by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) in partnership with Rockwell Collins and Goodrich Corporation, both general aviation manufacturers with Iowa operations.

Senator Charles Grassley and Representatives Tom Latham, Leonard Boswell, Steve King and Bruce Braley recognized general aviation’s tremendous impact on the state of Iowa as each spoke to the crowd.  The members of Congress were also joined by Iowa Department of Economic Development Director Debi Durham.

"In the current economic environment, it is important that we capitalize on the things that are working.   Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further than general aviation to find the perfect example,"said Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones.  "General aviation is one of the few manufacturing industries that provides a trade surplus for the United States and it supports more than 1.2 million jobs across the country.  In Iowa alone, GA contributes $1.4 billion to the economy annually."

"We are proud to be part of the critical supply chain network that delivers cost effective, innovative solutions to manufacturers,"said Daphne Falletti, president of Goodrich Corporation’s Engine Components division.  "The multiplier effect that is a hallmark of the GA manufacturing sector is a huge generator of jobs and economic activity in large and small communities around the country and the reason that over 2,000 Iowans are employed in this state by GA manufacturers."

GAMA’s President and CEO Pete Bunce closed with, "We are fortunate to have with us members of Congress who understand the role general aviation plays as an essential form of transportation and as a creator of jobs.  We look forward to continued work with you to ensure a full recovery of our industry and a move toward a new period of growth and prosperity, here in Iowa and across the nation."

For more information on general aviation in Iowa, visit General Aviation.  To see the economic impact of aviation in Iowa, visit Economic Impact