Craig Fuller
by Craig Fuller, President & CEO – Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
It’s no secret that as AOPA president I spend a lot of time on the road or, more accurately, in the air. I’ve found there’s just no substitute for getting out to airports and events and meeting AOPA members and pilots face to face. And there’s definitely no better way to show our elected officials just how passionate we are about aviation than to hold our GA Serves America gatherings.
This year, I want to take it a step further and meet even more pilots and people who are interested in general aviation. I believe it’s important for all of us to raise interest in aviation and show people just how useful and enjoyable flying can be. To do that, we need to connect—with one another and with those who aren’t yet flying. It’s all part of our initiative to “Rally GA.” I hope you’ll take part by coming out to some of the dozens of events we’ll be attending all across the country this year—and I encourage you to bring a friend.
We’re always adding new events to the schedule, but here are a few worth planning ahead for:
February 25–International Women in Aviation Conference—Reno, Nevada. Two years ago, I gave away the AOPA Sweepstakes airplane here. I can’t promise another giveaway, but it is a great forum to focus on the year ahead.
February 26–Northwest Aviation Conference—Puyallup, Washington. I’ll be elaborating on our “Rally GA” theme for this always enthusiastic audience.
March 7–Heli-Expo—Orlando, Florida. I’m looking forward to spending a couple of days perusing the finest rotor-related products in the world.
March 29-April 2–Sun ‘n Fun—Lakeland, Florida. Our whole team will be there.
May 26–Texas Aviation Conference—Austin, Texas. This is a great opportunity to reach pilots, GA users, and state transportation officials all in one place.
July 8-9–Wing Nuts Flying Circus and Fly-In—Tarkio, Missouri. Don’t let the name fool you. These are serious aviators who gather at the invitation of House of Representatives GA Caucus co-chairman, AOPA member, and avid pilot, Congressman Sam Graves.
July 12–Wichita Aero Club—Wichita, Kansas. This is a good time to take stock of the first half of 2011 and discuss what the rest of the year promises politically and economically.
July 25-31–EAA AirVenture—Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Our AOPA team shows up in force at AirVenture to celebrate the best of general aviation.
September 22-24–AOPA Aviation Summit—Hartford, Connecticut. Mark your calendars and join AOPA at our annual event.
October 10-12–NBAA—Las Vegas, Nevada. Come out to see the full range of aircraft being used in business today.
I hope you’ll get your calendar out and block out time to come and see the AOPA team as often as you can. Let’s get together, celebrate the freedom to fly, and “Rally GA!”
