The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has launched General Aviation Advancing America, an initiative involving focus groups discussing how rural airports and general aviation businesses help a community with economic development, job recovery and emergency response, NATA said. 

Focus group members will consist of up to 10 key community and aviation leaders. The goal is to encourage open dialogue among participants on how general aviation helps a community and to generate ideas on how to work together and show the meaningful contributions the airport and related tenant businesses make during this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it said. 

“With General Aviation Advancing America, NATA saw an opportunity to showcase the immense value airports and general aviation businesses contribute to their regions,” NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts said. “Without these crucial businesses, the essential roles that general aviation fulfills will cease, leaving a serious void in disaster relief capabilities and diminishing the support of growth and prosperity in many cities.”

The first event is scheduled for Aug. 13 in Loveland, Colorado, with the second to take place Aug. 20 in Elko, Nevada. Those interested in hosting an event at their airport should contact Ryan Waguespack at [email protected].