General Aviation Airports Support a Vibrant, Resilient Economy

Vital to Emergency Response and Preparedness

• California’s 241 public-use airports are valuable staging areas for emergency response activities, including Search and Rescue and firefighting agencies, which rely on aircraft to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, and reconnaissance efforts.
• General aviation airports help facilitate air ambulance flights and medical evacuation flights for local patients and hospitals including transport for organ transplant candidates quickly and efficiently.
• Air services transport medical staff to assist with a mass casualty event or augment rural hospital staff in stabilizing patients.

Hubs for Education, Training and Pilot Workforce Development

• General aviation airports often have flight schools and flight training programs that provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to become pilots. These programs typically include both ground-based training and in-flight training.
• General aviation airports may also offer maintenance training programs that teach individuals how to maintain and repair aircraft. These programs are often geared towards mechanics and technicians who want to work in the aviation industry.
• General aviation airports may also provide STEM education programs for K-12 students. These programs can help inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and introduce them to the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Provide Significant Economic Benefits

• General aviation airports provide significant economic benefits to their communities by generating jobs, attracting businesses, and increasing local tax revenue.
• Airports generate tax revenues that contribute to community needs. With jobs, studies estimate the annual economic impact of aviation in California to be as high as $203B.
• General aviation is a vital resource for California’s farms and agricultural producers. Farmers rely upon aerial operations to survey and monitor crops, feed fish, and for the application of fertilizer for fruit, vegetables, and grain crops.
• Public-use airports are often the only available option for fast, flexible air transportation to small and rural communities.
• General aviation airports provide recreational opportunities for pilots and aviation enthusiasts who want to enjoy flying as a hobby.