Even though user fees are not on the agenda for 2011, the general aviation community cannot sit back and imagine that all our worries are behind us. There are plenty of challenges ahead, and pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiast need to continue the momentum to push for a more positive agenda for GA.

In an effort to spur that momentum, AOPA President Craig Fuller has dubbed 2010 the year to engage in aviation—become more engaged with the issues and decision makers that help determine GA’s future.

With literally hundreds of ways get involved, AOPA members can become more engaged simply by staying informed about the issues that affect your flying and or by hosting a major public event at your airport. To help you, AOPA has created this new section of AOPA Online filled with ideas and tips for engaging in aviation. Below are a few ideas, but take some time to check out these Engage in Aviation Web pages to learn more.

• Make a financial contribution to GA Serves America, the AOPA Political Action Committee, the AOPA Foundation or any other GA cause
• Invite an interested nonpilot up for a flight
• Invite your airport’s neighbors to an open house
• Become an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer
• Write a letter to the editor in response to reporting about GA and GA-related issues
• Write to your Congressman expressing your support for GA
• Attend a campaign event and ask the candidates where they stand on GA issues
• Support businesses at your airport by buying fuel, using the local avionics or repair shop, and eating at the restaurant
• Join your local pilot group; start one if your airport doesn’t already have one
• Attend a city council meeting where airport issues are on the table
• Go to a safety seminar or take an online course to enhance your knowledge and sharpen your skills
• FLY!