GOVERNOR STITT PROCLAIMS MAY 11, 2024, AS OKLAHOMA GA FLYOVER DAY
By Katelyn Wade
Gov. J. Kevin Stitt has joined dozens of elected officials across the U.S. who have issued formal declarations celebrating general aviation in honor of the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover—which coincides with AOPA’s eighty-fifth anniversary.
To celebrate the accomplishments of the industry, AOPA has planned the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover on May 11, featuring a parade of nearly 60 general aviation aircraft which will traverse the skies over the National Mall in Washington, D.C.—some of the most restricted airspace in the country.
For aviation enthusiasts and local residents across the country, the best way to celebrate is by tuning into AOPA’s YouTube channel (@flywithaopa) at 11:45 a.m. Eastern time on May 11.AOPA’s Tom Haines and noted aviation journalist Miles O’Brien will kick off the flyoverlivestream broadcast—commentating as the aircraft fly above the Lincoln Memorial, downIndependence Avenue, and past the Washington Monument.
AOPA was founded in 1939 with the mission of protecting the freedom to fly. That same year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed National Aviation Day into law, recognizing the value general aviation was bringing to the nation and ushering in a new golden era of general aviation. General aviation continues to bring value to states and communities across the nation today, and state leaders are eager to celebrate it.
Through the issuance of formal declarations, governors, mayors, and legislators are proclaiming General Aviation Month, National Celebration of GA Flyover Day, National Aviation Flyover Day, and more.
The aviation industry is a significant part of the economy in Oklahoma and across the U.S. “General aviation contributes over $247 billion in economic impact and supports 1.2 million jobs across the country, and often serves as a vital lifeline for communities through missions of disaster relief, humanitarian aid, law enforcement, and agricultural support,” Stitt’s proclamation stated.
The proclamations will be displayed at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, on May 11—where the fleet of 60 aircraft, organized into 15 chapters of history, will take off and land for the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover.
In addition to Stitt’s proclamation, AOPA received governor’s proclamations from Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
Arizona, California, Indiana, and Tennessee also issued legislative resolutions for the event.
“We appreciate and value the support shown by all these cities and states,” said Mike Ginter, AOPA vice president of airport and state advocacy and the air boss for the flyover. “So much of AOPA’s advocacy mission happens at the state and local level, and it is great to see these states proclaim general aviation with such a strong voice.”
The Maryland Aviation Administration is the presenting sponsor of the flyover. Other supporting sponsors include Association Member Benefits Advisors, Piper Aircraft, Signature Aviation, and the Titan Aerobatic Team.
ABOUT AOPA
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly by creating an environment that gives people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy aviation and all it has to offer. AOPA is the world's largest community of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts with representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States. The association provides member services including advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels, legal services, flight training, and safety programs, and award-winning media. AOPA specializes in making aviation more accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.