(a) It shall be the main purpose and function of the board to promote and encourage the growth and public support of aviation within the state by honoring those, living or dead, who by extraordinary achievement or service have made outstanding and lasting contributions to aviation in Georgia. Persons eligible for recognition in the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame shall include residents of the state whose achievements in or contributions to aviation occurred within or outside the state and nonresidents whose achievements in or contributions to aviation occurred within the state. The board is authorized to conduct surveys and polls and to appoint committees to assist it in performing its purpose and function.

(b) Without limiting the generality of subsection (a) of this Code section, it is specifically further provided that the board shall be authorized to establish a library and a research archive program for purposes of education and research in the fields of aviation, aviation history, and related areas. The board shall be authorized to receive, catalog, and maintain documents, books, pictures, and other items for such purposes.