In Kansas, we take great pride in being at the crossroads of aviation. Nearly a century ago, innovators converged on Wichita, with dreams of building airplanes for a budding industry. Pioneers like Kansas son Clyde Cessna helped establish what would soon become the birthplace of many renowned aviation companies.

Today, general aviation is the largest industry in Kansas, generating nearly $3 billion in annual exports, and producing 40 percent of all general aviation aircraft in America. Kansas aviation workers have supplied 75 percent of all general aviation aircraft since the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.

For many communities in Kansas, general aviation is the only reliable access to the outside world. Unfortunately, in Washington it is a constant battle to correct the ongoing misconceptions about general aviation. Responsible for emergency medical flights, search and rescue operations, disaster relief, firefighting, forestry, wildlife management and countless other endeavors, general aviation is something from which every American benefits, in one way or another.

Throughout my time in Congress I have worked to educate my colleagues about the importance of general aviation – particularly in rural regions of the country. I will continue to do all I can in Congress to improve aviation safety, remove unnecessary regulatory burdens, and build awareness for all the good general aviation does for our economy and society.