By GUY R. MAHER
The stats are in and the 2014 series of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) regional fly-ins were a resounding success.
One of the first major moves of new AOPA President Mark Baker was to discontinue the annual AOPA Aviation Summit [the last one was held in 2013 in Fort Worth, Texas] and replace it with a series of regional one-day fly-ins. The final one for the year was held at Malcolm McKinnon Airport (KSSI) in St. Simons Island, Ga.
It couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather was good VFR. The airport was made for this event with ample parking space for both aircraft and autos, and plenty of both indoor and outside ramp space for the exhibitors, meals, and speaking sessions.
The attendee count totaled 1,850, which was not as high as some of the other fly-ins. But it certainly surpassed the other fly-ins at doing exactly what the event called for – flying in.
I arrived on the day before the Saturday event, and my 310 was one of the 200 that arrived that day. It was the highest count of any of the fly-ins for the day before arrivals, and the total aircraft count was also the highest of all the fly-ins at 543. Seventeen of those aircraft were campers who had their own grass area to park on the grounds. There were more than 500 automobiles as well.
The total stats for the 2014 series included more than 16,250 attendees, more than 20,000 meals — pancake breakfasts and free lunches — were served, and a total of 2,845 aircraft were parked. But the fly-in series was far more than the stats.
AOPA came to its members instead of making the members come to them. And the results showed. The Fort Worth summit mentioned above had 5,716 attendees. And Baker noted at the KSSI event that the regional fly-ins attracted many members and aviation enthusiasts who would never have attended one of the Summits.
At the last fly-in of the year, I wore two hats: One as a reporter and another as a member of AOPA. As a member, I can report that I was very impressed with the event.
As soon as my wheels touched town, everyone from AOPA staffers, volunteers, to resident FBO Golden Isles Aviation, made the aircraft parking, servicing, and rental car acquisition quick and easy. Departures were just as smooth.
Although I didn’t attend the Friday night dinner, there were more than 300 people who did and experienced the area’s finest BBQ. The morning started with a pancake breakfast and the show officially opened at 10 a.m. By that time KSSI was a sea of parked airplanes.
There was a strong presence of exhibitors in the static display area, and 35 booths in the exhibitor hangar. There were a wide range of products and services represented and it was obvious the exhibitors loved the format and fly-in exposure.
“Because of the results of the Frederick and St. Simons events, we are seriously considering attending all of them next year,” stated Power Flow Systems General Manager Darren Tilman.
For me, one of the biggest home runs for this venue was how it positively impacts the local community. My family and I spent a four-day weekend there and at just about every business we visited, they asked if we were in town for the fly-in — with many saying they visited the event and enjoyed it.
Non-pilot and area resident Tricia Boatwright was at the fly-in with her young nephew, Bryson (left). “This is awesome!” she exclaimed. “This was such a fun day and my husband is talking about learning to fly.”
Indeed, with airport security hindering the through the fence ease of days ago, this kind of community reaction is much needed to show off airports as public use facilities.
There were eight different educational sessions — something for just about everybody. The excellent lunch was free for AOPA members and only $5 for guests. And the highly popular town hall meeting led by Baker wrapped up the day’s speaking sessions.
So what was the biggest surprise for AOPA regarding the series of fly-ins?
“We figured on 100 planes and 500 to 600 people in attendance for each venue,” stated Baker.
And for the future of the AOPA fly-in series? “We have proposals from 45 different airports already for next year ‚ and the next several years”, stated Baker.
That’s good news for the AOPA membership, exhibitors, hosting airports, and AOPA associates who enjoyed the ability to engage with the members. I know I’m far from being alone in saying I’m looking forward to next year’s fly-in in my area.
Attended the one in Indianapolis, Memorial Day weekend. Great idea these events, Everything was stellar!! Met Mark Baker, bounced a few ideas off him and also signed the petition to repeal the 3rd class medical certificate. So looking forward to attending another one in 2015. The last AOPA event I attended was in Las Vegas when they were known as the Plantation Party ! Keep up the good work and hope the weather is just as stellar for the fly-ins in 2015 !
As a long time member I took AOPA up on helping out at the Plymouth ,Ma. Fly In. Worked all day friday and enjoyed every minute of it. This was the first event I have ever attended for the AOPA group. It was close to home and I felt includer in the AOPA family. Keep up this local regional fly in activity. More people will get to know us and be exposed to the fun of flying. Maby they will trade in the boat or camper and buy their own plane.
I was a volunteer at the Frederick MD. flyin and enjoyed the entire event. I also attended the “Rusty Pilots” seminar the night before, and that alone made the weekend a success.
I learned to fly in 1970, when I was 17, but haven’t flown in 10 years. Now I have a current medical and am planning on being PIC before the new year.
I had the pleasure of attending EVERY AOPA fly-in! They were all incredible. If there was ever any question as to whether AOPA is working hard for aviation it has been demonstrated by these successful events! All through the ranks to the very top of the org chart the fine folks of AOPA invested every bit of themselves to establish meaningful connections with membership and the communities at large. The fly ins were first class in every way; a shining example of positive PR for GA!
I attended the SSI Fly-In with my son-in-law and we had a great time. We went to the seminar where Patty Wagstaff was the speaker and my son-in-law won a flight with Patty in an Extra 300. Nice guy that he is, he insisted that I take his place. The experience was one of the best in my 3,000 hours in the air, she is quite a lady and a fantastic pilot. I’m glad I took the flight before the barbecue lunch that was some of the best I’ve had. Thanks AOPA, we look forward to next years events.
I was an exhibitor at San Marcos. When I walked up to my Aviat Husky 30 minutes before the event officially started there were 3 or 4 people around it already. It was literally NON-STOP through the rest of the day- i remember looking at my watch about 1130, again at 2, at 330 I had 10 minutes to sit down, the next thing I know its time to leave. WOW- way, way better activity and interest than any of the other shows I attended (Oshkosh, Sun n Fun, even NBAA). Congrats to Mark Baker who I’ve come to know better this year and have a ton of respect for- he’s no “airplane pretender”- if it flies, he’s probably owned it! I will say going into this I doubted it, but I’m a believer now and look forward to next year.
The St Simons, Georgia, AOPA fly-in was terrific! One of the best such events my wife and I have ever attended. Short, but sweet. Much useful info in the seminars and entertaining as well. Good food, up close conversations with very accessible speakers and fellow pilots, friendly staff and well organized. Will keep an eye out for next year. A big BZ and thanks to AOPA! We especially appreciate the work AOPA is doing in Washington representing our interests with regard to the Class 3 Medical, ADS-B requirements, unleaded fuel, etc. Good feedback at the fly-in from Mark Baker, etc.
George & Sandy, Jacksonville, FL
As a 20 year member of AOPA, this was the first of their events I’ve attended. Mr. Baker’s idea was successful in that regard.
My wife and I attended the SSI Friday night BBQ and the events the next day. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. I got to speak with Thomas Haines, who told me the fly-in’s had been successful and were planned next year. We look forward to attending the next one in our part of the country.
Please continue these events!
Excellent implementation of a great idea.
I hope the rest of Mark Baker’s ideas are as successful.
I was lucky this year to attend the Summit in Fort Worth and the local gathering in San Marcos, TX.
They were both great events and of course anytime you get to hear Rod Machado talk is a great time.
Wishing you continued success.
I went to the Chino, CA Fly-In and it was great. It was such a bargain especially in comparison to what we as spend as pilots and aircraft owners. I hope it continues, super family event. Mr. Baker, keep up the good work.
Thank you.
Jeff Aryan
AOPA member.
This was my first ever AOPA event in the 6 years that I have been a member and I thought the displays and camaraderie were excellent. I can see these events growing in popularity. The organization of the flyin was very good and having the “Airboss” there to talk people into the pattern was most helpful. I would like to see even more vendors and discussion topics in the future. Thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work in putting on the event.