Being prepared for a challenge is one of the defining qualities of a great pilot, and AOPA has lined up another impressive slate of speakers and topics to help sharpen skills, handle the unexpected, upgrade your aircraft, and avoid costly mistakes during the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Visitors will find fun, food, and learning during 34 sessions April 5 through 9 on the AOPA Campus.
AOPA President Mark Baker will host members for coffee and doughnuts April 6 at 8:30 a.m., and if coffee isn’t your thing, there’s free ice cream to be had with Baker April 8 at 1 p.m., served in each case with a heaping helping of insight and information on the latest AOPA advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President George Perry also has a busy schedule, kicking off the AOPA seminar slate April 5 at 10 a.m. with his presentation, “Mind over matter.” Perry will detail simple techniques to enhance pilot performance and reduce errors. The retired naval aviator returns to deliver an Accident Case Study April 7 at 2 p.m., then talks about setting personal minimums April 8 at 2 p.m. Perry reprises his “Mind over matter” presentation April 9 at 1 p.m.
AOPA Pilot Technical Editor Mike Collins sorts through the complexities of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and the 2020 mandate daily April 5 through 8 at 11 a.m., moderating a panel discussion on each of those days with avionics makers at the table to help owners sort out the best solution and control cost.
Controlling an aircraft is the core subject of many other sessions, including Rod Machado’s April 7 presentation, “The lost art of stick & rudder flying,” at 10 a.m. Machado returns to the AOPA seminar stage April 8 for a 10 a.m. presentation, “Handling in-flight emergencies,” and on April 9 tackles the lighter side of aviation with an 11 a.m. presentation, “Aviation humor,” recounting some of the best stories he’s collected in 10,000 hours of dual given.
Speaking of famous pilots, airshow legend Patty Wagstaff returns to the AOPA courtyard for an autograph and photo session April 9 at 11 a.m.
Pilots and the captains of ships have much in common, including the need to keep cool in a crisis. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, commanding officer of the USS Cole when the ship was attacked by terrorists on Oct. 12, 2000, will recount his experience on that fateful day. Lippold, who is also an avid aviator and AOPA life member, will share valuable insights on making effective command decisions in the air.
All seminars are free to attend, and the list of topics goes on. See the complete schedule, details on discounts for AOPA members, and more.
