FREDERICK, Md. – Based on poll results from more than 7,100 flight students, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) fourth annual Flight Training Excellence Awards has recognized Aeroventure Institute in Southbridge, Mass., as the 2015 Best Flight School and Todd Shellnutt of Atlanta, as the 2015 Best Flight Instructor. Ten additional flight schools and 10 other instructors […]
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
An impressive return on investment
Something interesting is happening in General Aviation. It’s largely being driven at the grass root level, and frankly these developments fascinate and encourage me. The industry has noted a loss of participation in past decades, with fewer active pilots taking to the skies. We’ve bemoaned this reality for years. While some point a finger at […]
Video: New accident case study released
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Air Safety Institute has released “Final Approach,” the latest in a series of accident case studies. This episode explores the dangers of flying in low instrument conditions with a dwindling fuel supply. The January 2013 accident involved a Piper Arrow that struck trees while attempting to make a dead-stick emergency […]
Congressman unveils plan to separate ATC from FAA
The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has announced that he is working to separate air traffic control (ATC) functions from the FAA as part of the ongoing FAA reauthorization process. In his June 15 remarks before the Aero Club of Washington, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania), proposed creating a not-for-profit, federally chartered corporation to operate and […]
AOPA Foundation offers scholarships
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation is offering scholarships from two programs for those who are learning to fly, and those who want to learn someday. The foundation will award 25 scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to $12,000, in 2015. At the same time, the AOPA Foundation’s AV8RS program – comprised of teens ages 13-18 […]
First AOPA Fly-In of the year deemed a success
About 2,600 people and nearly 300 airplanes descended on Salinas Municipal Airport in California for the first Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Fly-In of the year held Saturday, May 16. Low clouds and icing in the surrounding mountains weren’t enough to deter pilots, hundreds of whom decided to drive to Salinas, AOPA officials noted. As […]
Flying Musicians to perform at all AOPA fly-ins
The Flying Musicians Association will be on the ramp at each AOPA Fly-In across the country beginning this Saturday at Salinas, Calif. (KSNS).Association officials encourage all pilot/musicians to participate. “This is about outreach,” says John Zapp, CEO. “We want all who have a love of music to join us as we liven up the ramp while inspiring, […]
AOPA Foundation kicks off ‘Giving Back’ grant program
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation will once again award 10 “Giving Back” grants to charities that are doing good work through general aviation. According to association officials, 10 nonprofits will each receive a $10,000 grant. This is the third year for the foundation’s Giving Back grant program. “The Giving Back grants are […]
AOPA president tells Congress reform critical to GA’s future
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Mark Baker reinforced his message that medical and certification reform are critical to the future of general aviation during a U.S. House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee roundtable held April 30. Baker told the panel that GA needs support from Congress in order to grow — support in the […]