ARSA has recognized Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) as its 2018 Legislative Leadership Award recipient. The presentation was made during a March 14 luncheon held on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the association’s annual Legislative Day.

“I’m honored to receive the Legislative Leadership Award from the Aeronautical Repair Station Association today,” Inhofe said. “Aviation maintenance workers are vital to the long-term future of the aviation community and I am proud to author legislation that supports the growth of this important industry and cultivates the next generation of talent.”

“Sen. Inhofe’s commitment to maintenance reflects both his personal passion for aviation and our industry’s footprint in Oklahoma, where we collectively employ more than 12,000 people and contribute more than $1.3 billion to the state’s economy,” said Terrell Siegfried, assistant general counsel for Oklahoma-based NORDAM, Inc., in his introductory remarks during the event. “In fact, according to ARSA, Oklahoma has the highest per capita percentage of workers in the aviation maintenance industry of any state.”

“Sen. Inhofe is a rare breed of elected official who really understands aviation,” said Christian A. Klein, ARSA executive vice president. “The maintenance industry – in many ways because of its excellent safety and reliability record – is too-often hidden from the public view. We need leaders who recognize the importance of maintenance, can communicate its value and will take action when the 200,000 men and women working in the sector need help. It’s great to have a champion like Sen. Inhofe and to be able to recognize his work through ARSA’s Legislative Leadership award.”

For more information and for ARSA’s full press release, please click here.