July 31, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin  - While the aviation world turned its focus to the opening-day action at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Monday, members of the U.S. House of Representatives also focused their attention on the world of flight, debating and passing by unanimous consent a resolution recognizing general aviation (GA) for its contributions to America’s economic and transportation systems.

Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska), HR 508 notes the many facets of GA and how it contributes to the nation’s well-being.

“The resolution we are considering today celebrates the many areas in which general aviation plays an important role in the lives of everyday Americans,” Fortenberry said on the floor of the House.

Noted Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (RNew Jersey) said, “The aviation industry is a vital part of small business.

“It is very appropriate that we are considering this resolution today. The Experimental Aircraft Association is holding its annual convention this week in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, known as the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. It is referred to by many simply as ‘Oshkosh.’

“It is the world’s largest general aviation fly-in.”

The resolution drew widespread support, particularly from the nearly 60 members of the new House General Aviation Caucus that formed earlier this year.

HR 508 recognizes that GA’s 231,000- plus active aircraft and 500,000 pilots annually move approximately 170 million passengers thanks to access to more than 5,000 public-use airports—more than 10 times the number of airports with commercial-airline service.

Two-thirds of all flights fly on either business or public-service missions, and the collective impact of the community generates more than $150 billion in economic activity, the resolution acknowledged.

The collective earnings of GA’s 1.3 million workers alone exceed $53 billion annually.