The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched new youth membership category targeting students aged 13 through 18. AOPA AV8RS was created as part of an ongoing effort by AOPA to help develop a new generation of pilots and members, according to association officials. The goal is to raise awareness of aviation and flight through education, engagement, and cultivation.
“A strong and growing pilot population is vital to the future of our industry. Without pilots, general aviation cannot exist. But it takes a village to nurture and support the next generation of pilots. As such, we recognize the importance of working closely with other aviation organizations to share and combine resources in order to meet our respective objectives,” said Michelle Peterson, vice president of membership marketing.
The new membership category is designed to make an early connection with young people and continue to engage them throughout their lives, officials said.
“Having a viable, robust youth membership program that introduces teens to the world of aviation is a critical part of AOPA’s mission of promoting the popularity of flight in general aviation aircraft.” said Lauren Otto, membership development program manager.
Benefits to AOPA AV8RS include a digital subscription to Flight Training magazine, opportunities to join AOPA AV8RS online social communities through Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube, access to a dedicated blog and special content at AOPA.org, chances to win scholarships, and more, officials note.
this is a great program. my son start fly when he was 10 years old he logged 25 hours so far he is been flying for 3 years know .he fly with his instructer mr byron kimbrough at john c tune airport .
I’m hoping that it will help my son, I want him to meet other aviators his age. Â He can’t talk aviation to his friends, they think flying a helicopter in “Call of Duty”, is really flying.
This is a great idea. Hopefully it will “take” and get some followers.