In response to USA Today’s latest piece about fires in general aviation aircraft, two of GA’s most powerful advocacy groups, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association released statements blasting what they call the “sensationalistic article.” This from GAMA’s President Pete Bunce: “Once again, USA Today’s Thomas Frank has not […]
AOPA
Advocacy groups donate to save SMO
Two of GA’s top advocacy groups, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have contributed more than $540,000 to support a ballot measure in Santa Monica, Calif.,, that would halt efforts to shut down the city’s airport (SMO). According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, the campaign measure […]
A career protecting GA
David Ulane responded to our call for readers who work in GA: “I saw your recent request for stories about people who make their living through GA employment and as Northwest Mountain Regional Manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), I’m one of them, with what I think is a unique and fantastic […]
GA garnering more attention from Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation now seems to be getting more attention in Congress and from the FAA. This observation comes from the appearance of a Congressman and a deputy administrator of the FAA at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Homecoming Fly-In earlier this month. Michael Whitaker, FAA deputy administrator with the primary responsibility […]
AOPA Foundation names ‘Giving Back’ grant recipients
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation has revealed the winners of its 2014 “Giving Back” grants that recognize good works done through general aviation by non-profit organizations. The 10 recipients will each receive a $10,000 grant. The AOPA Foundation, which is the charitable arm of AOPA, is committed to supporting the freedom to fly […]
Breitling celebrates AOPA’s anniversary with new watch
Swiss watch company Breitling is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) with the release of a special limited edition timepiece, a scholarship program aimed at expanding the aviation community, and special events focused on sharing the passion of aviation with people across the USA throughout the year. The partnership between AOPA […]
CBP promises better training and procedures for pilot stops
A promised top-down review of general aviation enforcement practices by the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP’s) Office of Air and Marine shows that the agency has heard GA’s concerns. But officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) said they will remain vigilant to ensure the rights and freedoms of pilots are respected. The review, dated […]
Thousands attend AOPA 75th anniversary fly-in
FREDERICK, Md. — Low clouds, gusty winds, and early threats of showers did not keep the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association from having a successful 75th anniversary celebration at its headquarters here Saturday, Oct. 4. More than 3,000 people attended the homecoming fly-in. According to association officials, 345 aircraft arrived and more than 1,400 cars filled the parking […]
Minnesota pilot wins AOPA Debonair
FREDERICK, Md. – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) awarded its 2014 Sweepstakes Airplane, a fully-restored 1963 Beechcraft 35-B33 Debonair, on Sunday, Oct. 5, to Steve Lagergren, an AOPA member from Litchfield, Minn. Lagergren, who built and flies his own RV-7 kitplane, was flying with another pilot Sunday when AOPA President Mark Baker and […]