The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association (IAOPA) will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its biennial World Assembly in Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 10-15. The event is hosted by AOPA South Africa, a founding affiliate of the association.
IAOPA was founded in February 1962 by five national AOPAs to provide a voice for general aviation and aerial work at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), then predominately oriented toward airline interests. The association now represents more than 450,000 pilots and aircraft owners in 70 countries, actively participating in not only ICAO but other organizations such as Eurocontrol and the European Aviation Safety Agency.
“The needs of general aviation and aerial work are few but compelling: The need for fair and equitable access to airports and airspace at an affordable price,” said IAOPA President Craig Fuller. “Without the legacy and continuing work of IAOPA, world general aviation would not enjoy the freedoms it does today or for the future. General aviation interests working together toward common goals have created a potent and credible force within the world of aviation.”
IAOPA has influenced every aspect of aviation for its affiliate organizations and their members, officials note. Pilot licensing, aircraft equipment requirements, air traffic management, airport standards, customs and immigration, security, aircraft operations and air navigation, and airport fees all bear the organization’s mark to facilitate and promote general aviation operations.
The upcoming IAOPA World Assembly will draw delegates from its affiliate organizations to devise plans for existing and future challenges regarding airspace allocation, rulemaking, fees and charges, preserving airport access, and facilitating collaboration among affiliates.
For more information: IAOPA.org or IAOPA2012.co.za
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