For Release: Thursday, October 11, 2007
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO RECEIVES AVIATION ASSOCIATION AWARD

Hartford, CT - On Saturday, October 6, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) received the Joseph B. Hartranft, Jr. "Doc" Award from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The award was presented at the AOPA Expo 2007, held in Hartford, Connecticut.

"Jerry has been a longtime supporter and friend of general aviation," commented AOPA President, Phil Boyer, in presenting the award to Costello. "That support has shown most recently in his leadership in proposing a bill for funding the FAA and air traffic modernization."

The Joseph B. Hartranft, Jr. "Doc" Award is named for AOPA's first employee who served as president of the association for 38 years. It is awarded annually to the federal, state, or local government official who has made the most significant contribution during the year on behalf of general aviation.

“I am honored to receive this award from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association,” said Costello.  “The concerns of those involved in general aviation must be an integral factor in the ongoing modernization of our national aviation system and I will continue to see that those concerns are included in this process.”

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