AOPA Aviation Summit Events
Events
Exhibit Hall
One of the many highlights of the AOPA Aviation Summit is the exhibit hall floor. You’ll find a vast array of products and services made available to pilots and aircraft owners. Just a few of the products you’ll find are headsets, avionics, flight bag gear, jewelry, clothing, aircraft cleaning and maintenance products, and much more.
2012 Exhibitor Directory
Parade of Planes
Pilots and their families are never more energized and excited than by a Parade of Planes that can only happen at the AOPA Summit and in Palm Springs. At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10, watch the airplanes taxi on city streets from Palm Springs International Airport to the convention center and be a part of the excitement that kicks off three days of fun.
Airportfest
At Airportfest, the aircraft display will be lining the streets surrounding the Palm Springs Convention Center. Enjoy live music, speakers, learn-to-fly displays, and much more.
Check out our Aircraft Exhibitor Listing.
Learning Experiences
With new experiential and interactive learning at AOPA Aviation Summit, you’ll connect with experts and gain new tools that will help you retain and recall critical information when you need it the most.
Check out more than 100 hours of education:
Pilot Proficiency Training
A SAFE Program jointly offered by the Air Safety Institute and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators
Whether you’re new to flying or a seasoned aviator, take advantage of the Pilot Proficiency Program™ to test your skills at a variety of simulated scenarios in a full-motion Redbird flight simulator, including engine failure after takeoff, visual flight into instrument conditions, crosswind landings, ILS with full missed approach, and more.
Training is located in Mesquite G at the Palm Springs Convention Center. To sign up for a one-hour training slot, stop by room Mesquite G on the day you plan to take the training.
Training slots are limited, so sign up early in the day.
Thursday, sign-ups begin at 10 a.m. and are open until all slots are filled.
Friday, sign-ups begin at 9 a.m. and are open until all slots are filled.
Saturday, sign-ups begin at 9 a.m. and are open until all slots are filled.
Aircraft Flights
NEW! Add a new aircraft type to your logbook or get current with a CFI during the AOPA Aviation Summit.
The following flights are offered at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM):
- A flight in a hot air balloon
- A flight in a tailwheel
- A glass panel transition flight
- A “knock the rust off” flight with a CFI
The following flights are offered at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP):
- A flight in a warbird
To schedule your flight and for pricing information, please contact:
Hot air balloon rides
Provider: Magical Adventures Balloon Rides
Contact: Denni Barrett
1-866-ENJOYUS; 760-641-6741
Taildragger endorsement, G1000 (glass panel) instruction, and “knock the rust off” flights
Provider: Jackson Air
Contact: Scott Mourhess
760-289-5148
Biplane and warbird rides
Provider: Palm Springs Biplanes
Contact: Kent Thomas
AOPA provides continual transportation to TRM and PSP Wednesday afternoon, October 10, through Saturday, October 13, at no charge. See the transportation schedule.
Learn Practical Skills
- How to maximize the use of iPads in the cockpit. Hands-on learning sessions with iPads will be tailored to the novice user as well as advanced.
- How to navigate busy airspace, with the best tips for talking to ATC. AOPA puts you in touch with controllers through interactive sessions on real-life situations.
- How to be better prepared by using approach charts, the best weather charts, and risk management, and how better to handle in-flight emergencies.
- How to save money by performing your own aircraft maintenance. Also learn which aircraft might be the best for you if you are considering buying for the first time. These workshops will give you all the information you need to determine cost-effective solutions to your issues.
Meet in Small Groups
This year AOPA is offering roundtable discussions with health and medical experts where you can discuss how to keep or get your medical and preventive health tips. Pilots can also meet with several exhibitors in our Product Showcase area to learn more about new products and services in a more intimate setting.
Pilots in training will learn through “Ask the CFI” roundtable discussions covering topics such as making better landings, passing your checkride, women in flight training, managing risk, how to choose a CFI, learning avionics, overcoming challenges in flight training, what to do with your certificate after the checkride, careers in aviation, and more.
Learn From Peers
There is a special new community area where pilots can share experiences and learn from one another. This community area will also feature inspirational stories and travel and adventure flying. Pilots will even get to vote for topics they want to have covered!
Check Out the Latest Tools and Technology
From the “Top Technology Changes You’ll Face in the Next 10 Years” to iPad apps, the Learning Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall allows you to get fast updates on items critical to your flying.
Take part in these engaging educational sessions and leave Summit a safer, confident, more informed pilot.
Special Events
At this year’s Summit, we’ve added more fun activities and networking opportunities than ever before. You can listen to speakers while eating lunch on the East Lawn, or attend the “A Night for Flight” Benefit, the California Dreamin’ Resort Party, or the Wild West Desert Adventure. After hours, be sure to stop by the all-new AOPA Lounge at the Spa Resort & Casino to connect with old friends and meet new ones.
Summit Sponsors
Night For Flight Sponsors
