Yes, it’s pretty neat when you think about it. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and this year’s event, was definitely one of the best with a record number of attendees — 734,000 from 98 countries…. 10,000-plus aircraft from the North 40 to the South 40, and everywhere in-between…. 13,600-plus campsites by aircraft and drive-ins at Camp Scholler with 40,000 campers… 6,000 volunteers who did everything from parking aircraft and cars, to ensuring the safety of attendees by checking carry-in bags and controlling the crosswalks. The fly-in was fun for most, and a lot of work for volunteers, vendors and staff. Fortunately, the weather was fantastic, except for the smoke from forest fires in Canada in the days preceding the fly-in.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was a big day! Peggy and I started out with breakfast at the AOPA Pavillon, courtesy of the AOPA Foundation in appreciation for donations that go toward aviation scholarships and educational programs. The foundation has really accomplished a great deal, and every member should support it. Elizabeth Tennyson is Senior Vice President and puts her heart and soul into her job. A townhall meeting followed, emceed by Acting Co-President and Senior Vice President of Membership Strategy and Growth, Katie Pribyl. Chief Financial Officer Jill Baker shares the co-president role with Katie.
Having grown up on a cattle ranch in central Montana, Katie didn’t have a lot of exposure to aviation. But after flying to Japan on a 4-H trip in high school, she decided she wanted a seat up front.
After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, Katie achieved her dream of becoming an airline pilot at the age of 21 when she flew the Canadair Regional Jet for United Express. Katie’s career took a turn when the airline went out of business after 9/11. Living in Washington, D.C., she decided to try something new and landed a job on Capitol Hill as the Director of Communications for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
In 2012, Katie joined the world’s largest aviation association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), as Vice President of Communications. She was promoted to Senior Vice President, Aviation Strategy and Programs in 2016, where she was responsible for its “You Can Fly” program and the Air Safety Institute.
Katie returned to Montana in 2019 to help manage her family’s 136-year-old cattle ranch and, in 2025, rejoined AOPA as Senior Vice President of Membership Strategy and Growth.
Katie is the proud owner of a Cessna 170 and established an airstrip on the family ranch for her commutes to Frederick, Md.
To launch the townhall meeting, Katie introduced Luke Wippler, Chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees. Luke is a private pilot from Minneapolis, and briefed members on the progress to identify a new President and CEO for the organization. Listening to Luke, I sensed he knows the importance of identifying the right person, especially in lieu of the misunderstanding that led to the position’s vacancy.
Katie then introduced Jim Coon, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Advocacy. Jim is responsible for the implementation of AOPA’s political, legislative, and regulatory initiatives and policies before Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures. I later met Jim and Luke with Darrin Smedsmo of Roseau, Minnesota, whose aircraft was illegally confiscated by the Red Lake Reservation of the Chippewa Indians, following his emergency landing October 15, 2025, on Minnesota State Highway 89. AOPA had Darrin’s aircraft trucked to Oshkosh, so members could see firsthand the efforts the association made to get Darrin’s aircraft returned.
Two regional managers were introduced — Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins, and Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis.
The excitement grew as it was now time to announce the winner of the AOPA Sweepstakes airplane outside the AOPA Pavillon.
The aircraft to be given away was a 2024 Aviat Aircraft “Husky” A-1C-200, believed to be one of the ultimate back-country airplanes in the world!
In a game of elimination, Katie asked the members gathered around the Husky to raise their hand, then asked a series of six questions to determine who would be left with their hand raised:
- If you are a pilot, keep your hand raised.
- If you are a flight instructor, keep your hand raised.
- If there are pilots in your family, keep your hand raised.
- If you attended college to become a pilot, keep your hand raised.
- If your sister attended the same college, and is also a flight instructor, keep your hand raised.
- If you were a ground coordinator in the Air Race Classic women’s air race, keep your hand raised.
Only Ashley Almquist, a 2026 graduate of the University of North Dakota (UND) who is currently building hours as a multiengine flight instructor there, was left with her hand raised. Almquist hopes to someday join her dad and sister in the cockpit with United Airlines.
“We always try to surprise the winners and give our sweepstakes airplanes away in person,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Media Kollin Stagnito. “In Ashley’s case, we wanted to hand over the keys at EAA AirVenture on Wednesday, but our first two ruses to convince her to attend AirVenture that day didn’t work. After that, we worked with Ashley’s sister, Ava, to get the entire family to the show on Wednesday.”
While in a state of disbelief, Almquist was handed the keys to her new airplane by AOPA Board Chairman Luke Wippler. “I’ve always really wanted to try taildraggers,” said Almquist. “Back at UND they had the aerobatics program, but by the time I kind of realized it, I was already working on my flight instructor [certificate], so I never really had the time to get into it. So, I’m really excited to try this out and fly it around.”
Aviat has offered to provide Almquist a formal checkout in the Husky, to ensure she is comfortable and confident with its high-performance capabilities.
“I’ve always looked into taking planes on camping trips, so especially with this plane I’d love to take it to, like, grass strips, maybe go camping with it, just sort of adventure flying that I don’t get a chance to do in your regular tricycle gear,” she said. “So, I think that would be super fun. I’m really just so grateful for this opportunity. This is insane. It’s probably opened up so many adventures in my life that I’m excited to experience.”
The next sweepstakes airplane, a 1977 Piper Archer II, was announced on July 17. Visit aopa.org/sweeps to learn more about the AOPA Sweepstakes Piper Archer.
The winner of each AOPA sweepstakes airplane is picked by an independent sweepstakes administrator, Ventura Associates International.
*No purchase or contribution is necessary to enter or win. A purchase or contribution will not improve your chances of winning. Open to 50 U.S. states (+DC), Canada (excluding Quebec), Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, age 18 years or older (or at least the age of majority as legally mandated by the entrant’s jurisdiction of residence if greater than 18) at date of entry. Void where prohibited by law. Ends at 11:59 PM ET on 12/31/27. To enter and view official rules, including entry instructions, fast entry periods, alternate methods of entry for all chances mentioned above and more, visit aopa.org/sweeps. Sponsor: AOPA.
ABOUT AOPA: Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly by creating an environment that gives people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy aviation and all it has to offer. AOPA is the world’s largest community of pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts with representatives based in Frederick, Md.; Washington, D.C.; and seven regions across the United States. The association provides member services including advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels; legal services; flight training and safety programs; and award-winning media. AOPA specializes in making aviation more accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.
