by AOPA President Mark Baker
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2022 Digital Issue
It’s hard to fathom where much of the United States was in 2020, and even just last year. Quite frankly, I’d rather not go there. I’m always focusing on the positive, and there’s a lot of that going around right now in our general aviation community.
I often talk about how GA came through COVID-19 stronger than ever despite the many challenges. We have seen healthy operations numbers, full flight schools, many certificates issued, and a very robust aircraft sales market.
But the most important measure of GA’s health—to me, at least—is how many of our members and aviators I get to see in my travels around the country. And by the crowds at the fly-ins, aviation celebrations, and airport events I have attended, and just around the FBOs, there is no doubt that we are living in the best of times for general aviation.
And when we talk about the best of times, discussions start with Oshkosh.
Seeing thousands of our members at EAA AirVenture, reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, taking part in a variety of important discussions, seeing some of the world’s best aerobatic champions, and just sharing stories (some of them true!)—it just doesn’t get any better. While the crowds were back at Wittman Regional Airport in 2021, this year’s event was even better!
The AOPA main tent had a fresh new look, offering our members (and those who should be!) valuable resources to enhance their aviation experiences. We also had a larger “39 Lounge” attached to our main tent with daily meet-and-greets with a wide range of experts, aviation media personalities, and influencers.
Our events team assembled a world-class schedule in our AOPA Program Pavilion, starting on Monday, July 25, and running through the entire week. Once again, these sessions ran the gamut. Topics included best-practice aviation techniques and procedures; vital safety education; new product intros to help you make the most of your flying experience; updates on how AOPA is protecting the freedom to fly, as well as your local airports; career tips; and inspiring stories of GA travel and destinations.
We welcomed all our members and aviators to our annual Pilot Town Hall, where I was joined by senior AOPA leaders to discuss the latest developments at AOPA and in general aviation, and how these issues impact and enhance your freedom to fly every day. In addition, we had a dedicated Rusty Pilots Seminar on Wednesday morning, helping pilots to get back into the left seat after some time off.
Those of you in the flight training world were able to check out the hands-on demonstrations we scheduled for the AOPA Flight Training Advantage (AFTA) platform, designed to help make the process of training more effective for students, CFIs, and flight schools. AFTA is built to directly boost the completion rate of flight training.
And if you think this year’s Sweepstakes Tiger Grumman was a real head-turner, our next sweepstakes is even more exciting! If you are a backcountry pilot, or just love amazing vintage aircraft, our pavilion featured the airplane that will be awarded in 2022.
Like every year, I have that last week in July blocked off for one of my favorite experiences of the year. Whether you are planning your first trip to Oshkosh or you’re a seasoned veteran, I’m sure that like me, you can already feel the buzz for AirVenture 2023. When you arrive, I invite you to stop by our tent to say hello and learn about all the ways AOPA continues to protect your freedom to fly. Until then, blue skies.
