In
2012, air shows had a total direct economic impact of
more than $450 million in 300 communities around the
country. In addition, air shows throughout the country
direct a portion of the proceeds generated by the events
to approximately 4,000 different charities and
philanthropies nationwide. In addition to
being one of the military’s most effective recruiting
tools for the country’s all-volunteer military services,
air shows provide citizens with a unique opportunity to
see our nation’s military in action right in their
backyard.
Continues Cudahy, “Military jet performances are a major
attraction at air shows across the country and provide
tens of millions of citizens with a strong dose of
excitement, inspiration and patriotism. It would be
disappointing to millions of air show spectators if they
were unable to perform this year, but, if the sequester
cuts are made, the 2013 air show season will go on with
hundreds of air shows scheduled from Ft. Lauderdale to
Seattle and from San Diego to Maine. These shows will
include world-class civilian performers in aerobatic
aircraft, vintage military aircraft, formation teams,
ground-based performers, parachute acts, sailplanes,
wing walkers, radio-controlled aircraft and pyrotechnic
displays.”
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