A recently-formed organization seeks to tell the story about the importance of general aviation to Texas communities.
Texans for General Aviation (TFGA) is a state wide general aviation (GA) advocacy organization with two specific and related purposes: to promote and protect GA at the state and local level of government and to promote GA careers to students through education and by creating opportunity.
According to TFGA President and Director John White, the idea for a GA advocacy organization at the state level was spawned during the recent economic downturn.
“As we watched the country suffer through this deep, lingering economic depression, it became clear that GA issues may switch from national to state and local level in scope,” says White, who is also director of corporate aviation for Valero Energy Corporation and a member of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. “While there is a national caucus, we felt the need existed for the establishment of a Texas caucus to fairly represent GA interests and promote the economic benefits these airports provide.”
The organization is still in the process of working out start-up details but already has an eye on the future by creating a legislative caucus to be chaired by Rep. John Kuempel, who represents District 44.
“The economic impact of GA to Texans is $12 billion and 55,000 jobs,” says White. “GA has a powerful story, and we want to be the quiet but persistence voice that tells its story.”
For more information on Texans for General Aviation, visit their website at http://texansforgeneralaviation.org/.