News Archive

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Boyer and others speak of the future at Diamond Fest 2007
The future was on the minds of featured speakers at Diamond Aircraft's elegant evening affair at EAA AirVenture. "I'm very upbeat and see a bright future for general aviation, devoid of an onerous fee structure," AOPA President Phil Boyer told gathered guests at Diamond Fest 2007 held in the Eagle Hangar of the EAA Museum. Amid historic aircraft in the museum Diamond's President Peter Maurer discussed his company's future, emphasizing its supportive training program. "The future of aviation includes flight training," he said, noting that Diamond owners share a passion for flying and the desire for "travel on our own schedule." EAA President Tom Poberezny offered accolades to Boyer on AOPA's efforts in combating the user fee proposal in this country. "AOPA has a tremendous command on this issue. I have great confidence in AOPA," Poberezny said. "AOPA deserves recognition for a tough job; Phil knows the issues." Poberezny also thanked EAA's "aviation friends," including Diamond, which, he noted offers the "full spectrum" of aviation aircraft. It was at Diamond Fest 2006 that Diamond introduced its D-Jet. "There are great times ahead for general aviation," Poberezny concluded.

Help us fight user fees, Boyer and other GA leaders ask pilots at Oshkosh
We like H.R.2881, the FAA funding bill in the House of Representatives. We don't like the Senate's version because of the user fees.

That was the essential message presented by AOPA President Phil Boyer, EAA President Tom Poberezny, NBAA President Ed Bolen, and GAMA President Pete Bunce to several hundred pilots during a panel discussion at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 25.

And it was the message readily endorsed by thousands of pilots walking around Oshkosh sporting AOPA "Stop User Fees — Support H.R. 2881" stickers on their chests. More

Flying brothers fueled by passion for aviation
Oshkosh has proved to be the ideal place for two brothers, Craig and Les Gallagher, to join other pilots who share the same passion for flying. Sound familiar? We want to meet you. If you're a mentor who is here with your student pilot, stop by the AOPA Big Yellow Tent and introduce yourself. It's all about inspiring each other to continue taking to the skies. Read more about the Gallaghers and how, by joining AOPA Project Pilot, mentoring has been easy, fun, and keeps them motivated to continue doing what they love.

Everybody wants a Cardinal
Gathered around the AOPA Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes airplane were a number of hopeful pilots who have come from places like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oklahoma, and California to see "their airplane" up close and personal. They agreed that it's "beautiful." Members were eager to begin their preflight inspection, exploring every detail from the 180-horsepower engine on display to the new avionics installation to the new paint job. For your chance to win, join or renew your membership anytime in 2007 and you'll be eligible. Signing up another member earns an extra slot in the prize drawing, as does signing up for AOPA's automatic membership renewal program.

The ink is flying over AOPA's user fee petition
As the battle against user fees continues, pilots have made it a point to stop by the AOPA Big Yellow Tent to sign the user fee petition in support of the association's efforts. "In a nutshell, the concept is ill-advised in that it is not going to solve the problem," said Jack Merritt of Quakertown, Pennsylvania. "If they pass this law, people will stop flying. The number of active pilots will be greatly reduced." Brian Nelson is a fellow aviation enthusiast who agrees with Merritt and was happy to sign his name on the petition. "Pilots won't use flight following and flying will become unsafe." As a student pilot, Randy Wilson of Phoenix doesn't feel directly affected by user fees at the moment but understands the impact they would have on general aviation. "The large airlines are just trying to get a tax break," Wilson said.

AOPA welcomes you to Oshkosh
Oshkosh is buzzing with activity, and there's plenty to see and do in and around the AOPA Big Yellow Tent. You can't miss the AOPA Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes airplane out front — a Cessna Cardinal 177B. After you preflight your Cardinal and you feel like flying, have a seat at the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Microsoft Flight Simulator X and fly some challenging scenarios. Ask AOPA staff members aviation-related questions or have them assist you with your membership or aircraft insurance needs. This is your chance to join AOPA Project Pilot and help other aviation enthusiasts fulfill their dreams. Learn more about the Airport Watch Program and the Airport Support Network from our government affairs team. Don't forget to sign our petition against user fees and attend the user fee panel on Wednesday, July 25, featuring AOPA President Phil Boyer and the presidents of EAA, NBAA, GAMA, and NATA.