New this year! Expanded content, fresh Friday programming, new options, exciting aerial activities, and an aviation career fair. Join us for an incredible weekend of aviation fun!
Welcome back to the site of our very first fly-in! San Marcos, Texas is our first stop for our 2020 fly-in journey. And to sweeten the second time around, we are co-locating our event with Go Wheels Up! Texas, a major airshow, car show, and music festival that will share the airport with AOPA’s fly-in on the weekend of May 29-30. Bands from all over Texas will help us celebrate a great reason to fly with two days of aviation excitement (aircraft displays and air shows!) and nightly music festivals (local to semi-famous musicians). It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll as San Marcos sits at a crossroad between the Live Music Capital of the World (Austin) and River City (San Antonio). Put on your dancing shoes and come discover why San Marcos is also called “San Marvelous.”
This show will have something different for AOPA—to help underwrite the costs of this major event, there is an admission fee for entry to the event. AOPA members and their guests will receive a very special one-time entry fee of $15.00 per person, good for entry to both Friday and Saturday that gives access to the entire show. To get the special AOPA price, you must register through AOPA.
Be a more informed pilot
You’ll find lots of hands-on workshops and seminars for every level of pilot. Don’t miss two chances to attend the Pilot Town Hall where you can share your ideas with AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker.
Fly-In activities & exhibits
Enjoy the Friday night Flightline Cookout. Check out the amazing Exhibit Hall and Aircraft Display. Learn about your AOPA member benefits at the AOPA Village, and much more.
Local Activies
Take in the sights and sounds of local culture through one of our planned excursions. Experience a new flying destination and meet other pilots by participating in an organized fly-out.
We’ll help you plan your stay with information on hotels, camping with your aircraft, rental cars and transportation alternatives, onsite meals, and much more!
What you can eat
& overnight stay
Whatever your knowledge or experience level, you’ll learn something new at our workshops and seminars led by some of aviation’s top experts. We’ll have plenty of educational content to choose from that will help you become a better, safer, and more informed pilot. Complete your AOPA Fly-In experience by getting an AOPA endorsement at any of our interactive workshops and seminars.
If you’ve been out of the cockpit for a while, learn how easy it is to get back in. Our Rusty Pilots program will get you current again—fast!
Join us at one of the two offered Pilot Town Halls where AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker will bring you up-to-date on AOPA’s latest initiatives, issues that impact your flying, and take your questions on what matters most to you.
GROUND SCHOOL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE -$99, two full days of content and a logbook endorsement for each session!
How would you like to walk out of a low-cost, in-depth workshop with an endorsement from AOPA for your logbook?
Not to be confused with our free seminars, these in-depth learning experiences will be at a professional “ground school” level of education. Offered in two, three-hour sessions on both Friday and Saturday, these workshops will provide an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and deepen your skills in important safety subject areas, provided by world-class presenters. You’ll leave each workshop with a logbook endorsement attesting that you've completed three hours of ground training applicable toward the Air Safety Institute’s Focused Flight Review or other flight training elements.
The Air Safety Institute’s Focused Flight Review qualifies you for FAA WINGS credit! The Focused Flight Review program was developed with and is recognized by top aviation industry partners with an intent to sharpen your skills, proficiency, and knowledge using carefully designed flight scenarios.
We are continuing our ever-popular workshops offerings this year. Purchase a “Workshops Pass” to attend our all-day Friday and Saturday Workshops, then pick from any of the four that are most interesting to you on both days.
New Ground School Workshops curriculum includes sessions covering:
Mountain Flying and Short Field Landings
Aircraft Maintenance for Owners
IFR Beginner and Refresher
VFR Advanced and Long Cross-Country Flying
IFR Advanced
Introduction to Formation Flying
Aerobatics and Upset Recovery
Note: Workshop titles and content subject to change.
Purchase now and SAVE! Registration is highly recommended.
With dozens of free seminars, you’ll find plenty of relevant topics to help you remain current in the latest techniques, regulations, and safety information. Led by world-renowned industry experts, these 45-minute seminars will help you develop new skills, increase your proficiency, improve your decision-making, and enhance your situational awareness. Looking to fly more often and spend less? We have a seminar for that, too!
CHECK BACK FOR OUR FULL SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Getting back to flying is easier than you think. Join us for a fun three-hour seminar that will give you the information you need to get current again. You'll get credit toward the ground training portion of your Flight Review and leave with valuable take-home materials. Plus, attendees will be eligible for a chance to win a Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset. Click here for rules.
Free to AOPA members.
Not a member? Join AOPA to waive the non-member registration fee of $79 and get all the benefits of an AOPA membership for one year.
No AOPA Fly-In would be complete without a Pilot Town Hall to meet with AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. Take advantage of this interactive forum to talk with him, share your thoughts, ideas, and ask questions. Learn about the latest developments in the general aviation industry and what AOPA is doing to keep GA safe, fun, and affordable.
Nothing beats the camaraderie shared among pilots when we gather to enjoy our favorite pastime—aviation! And there’s plenty to pack in over the weekend at the Go Wheels Up! Texas featuring the AOPA Fly-In! This will be the biggest and most diverse fly-in AOPA has been a part of producing, with a wide variety of content sure to please the entire family!
Enjoy TWO FULL DAYS exploring the show. Visit the AOPA Exhibit Hall for an abundance of products and services and stroll through the Aircraft Display to get up close to incredible aircraft.
Drop by the AOPA Village where staff will be on hand to show you how to make the most of your AOPA membership. And don’t forget to score some official AOPA gear!!
The Go Wheels Up! Texas show offers fun for the whole family, including a car show, concerts featuring some of Texas’ greatest musical stars, and a robust Kids Zone where they can share in the excitement of learning about aviation!
Go Wheels Up! And AOPA depend upon hundreds of volunteers to be successful, fun, and safe. If you want something better than a front row seat, volunteer and be part of the team that makes the AOPA Fly-In awesome.
Join us for the Flightline Cookout, Presented by Jeppesen, at sunset on Friday evening featuring the AOPA STOL Invitational, a concert by Go Wheels Up! Featuring Texas country star Cory Morrow, and a night airshow! Spend a fun evening with family and friends enjoying food, drinks, camaraderie, and entertainment. You’ll get an up-close look at the amazing flying skills of the AOPA STOL Invitational pilots as they demonstrate mind-blowing short take offs and landings! The Go Wheels Up! night airshow won’t fail to mesmerize and thrill!
Cost: $20 in advance/$25 at the door (Children 12 and under - $10 in advance/$12 at the door)
AOPA is excited to bring you a Short Field Take-off and Landing (STOL) Invitational! While you relax at the Flightline Cookout, let some incredibly talented pilots demonstrate backcountry flying techniques.
Interest in STOL and Backcountry flying is spreading across the nation and growing with annual competitions in Alaska and Texas. Experienced pilots use multiple aircraft to demonstrate short take-offs and landings on a turf surface located near the airport infield, in close view of the spectators. The aircraft categories range from single-engine bush airplane to turbine powered, heavy touring aircraft.
All AOPA Fly-Ins will include seminars discussing STOL techniques and Backcountry Flying Safety.
This AOPA Fly-In is Featured by Cory Morrow’s Go Wheels Up! Texas
Cory Morrow’s, Go Wheels Up! Texas featuring the AOPA Fly-In is a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of aviation, music, automobiles, and Texas! Created for spectators from all walks of life, this uplifting and memorable weekend features an air show, auto show, concert series, food festival, and AOPA!
See incredible performances by some of the best solo and team aerobatic pilots in America and cars from classic American muscle to exotic Italian street machines! Multiple stage shows brought to you by Texas music icon, Cory Morrow, and friends will have your feet moving! Local vendors from all over the region will descend upon San Marcos Regional Airport for a culinary weekend you won’t forget.
Learn More about Cory Morrow’s Go Wheels Up! Texas, featuring the AOPA Fly-In!
Offering two full days, the Exhibit Hall will allow you to see, feel, and experience the latest technologies and gadgets that make your flying safer and more fun! There’s no better way to see, test, and buy than at an AOPA Fly-In, where you’ll find many of aviation’s leading manufacturers and product suppliers all in one place. Speak directly with specialists in the field about what is new to the market and what the future of flying will bring.
Take a stroll through the Aircraft Display and climb into the cockpit of planes ranging from the newest models to the rarest vintage aircraft and warbirds. Talk with aircraft manufacturers, type clubs, and collectors and aviation enthusiasts. One thing’s for certain, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
Looking to purchase? Learn straight from the manufacturer about the latest innovations in airframes and avionics. Interested in updating or upgrading? Speak with owners and experts to discover what they’re doing to preserve their vintage aircraft or to refurbish their general aviation fleet.
If you need even more incentive to attend, allow good deals to propel you! Select exhibitors will be offering exclusive show specials and incentives only good for IN-PERSON purchases made on-site.
The 2020 AOPA Career Fair presented by American Airlines will be held Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 within the AOPA Fly-In featured at Go Wheels Up! Texas, in San Marcos, TX.
There are many kinds of jobs in the aviation industry, and they are all in high demand! Recruiters from leading airlines and aviation companies will be at the 2020 AOPA Career Fair, Presented by American Airlines, to share information on these exciting careers. High school and college students, as well as experienced and aspiring pilots and maintenance technicians, and those interested in learning about careers in aviation are all encouraged to attend.
In addition to 16 onsite airline and other aviation recruiters, attendees will find aviation career programming and opportunities during two full days of fly-in activities!
Discounted Admission
Career Fair attendees will receive the special AOPA Member Fly-In admission ticket price and are welcome to attend both days of the full event at the AOPA member rate of $15. This is a nearly 75% discount from the Go Wheels Up! Texas general admission price for the entire weekend!
The AOPA Village in the Exhibit Hall has something for everyone. Stop by to meet your friendly AOPA staff who look forward to meeting you and updating you on the many valuable resources available to members.
Our financing experts will show you how you can save money on purchasing an aircraft or pursuing primary or advanced training. Learn about our members-only Pilot Protection Services with critical legal and medical coverage to keep you flying. Discover our many courses, quizzes, and videos created to help you become a better, safer pilot.
Talk to AOPA Foundation staff about ways you can support important AOPA programs or have someone from the AOPA Airports and State Advocacy team help you identify your local Airport Support Network representative. Visit our You Can Fly program staff for information on initiatives designed to support you at every stage of your aviation journey.
And before you leave, be sure to shop for the latest AOPA gear at the AOPA Pilot Gear Store— bring home a cap, T-shirt, or commemorative souvenir.
Meet us at the AOPA Village:
One of the best ways to enjoy an AOPA fly-in is to volunteer. Whether it’s setting up the main stage area or marshalling aircraft, volunteering will give you a unique perspective on the day’s activities. It’s also an opportunity to work the show alongside AOPA staff members, meet new people, and make lasting connections. Not only will you enjoy the camaraderie of fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts as you help AOPA present a fly-in in your local area, but we’ll feed you and give you a free AOPA Volunteer T-shirt and cap, too!
Conveniently located in Central Texas between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos truly is in the center of everything. So, no matter where you are, you won’t have far to go. From exciting outdoor adventures to the largest outlet shopping center in the U.S., it can be hard to choose what to do first.
Get a taste of historical charm and music at the Cheatham Street Warehouse, see nature up-close with a glass bottom boat tour at The Meadows, check out the local brewery scene and pub tours after checking out the San Marcos Downton Square.
This show will have something different for AOPA—to help underwrite the costs of this major event, there is an admission fee for entry to the event. AOPA members and their guests will receive a very special one-time entry fee of $15.00 per person, good for entry to both Friday and Saturday that gives access to the entire show. To get the special AOPA price, you must register through AOPA.
Tell us you're coming and save on your admissions and meal tickets!
Kingsbury, Texas
Friday, May 29
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fly out to the Old Kingsbury Aerodrome and Pioneer Flight Museum for coffee and doughnuts! Pioneer Flight Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and reproduction of aircraft and historical ground vehicles from the beginning of flight to the early years of WWII. They are a living history museum, and keep as many of their aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts in working order.
*Please note this is a 2600 ft. grass strip. Get more information HERE!
SIGN-UP COMING SOON!
Fredericksburg, Texas
Individual Fly-Out
T82 is an uncontrolled, general aviation airport located 2.62 NM southwest from Fredericksburg’s town center, and approximately 55 NM northwest of San Antonio. This Airport will take you back in time. It has a 1940's, World War II era ambiance. Visit the Hangar hotel and diner, the Hangar Hotel is a stylish hotel featuring airplane memorabilia, model planes, USO history and the romance of the 1940’s. Relax amidst the aviation-themed backdrop and experience the Hangar Hotel’s service and attention to detail, steeped in the excitement of a bygone era. You can also enjoy the entertaining aircraft as they land and take-off between bites of a delicious "Bomber Burger" at the Airport Diner. Enjoy a Chocolate malt, prepared with ice-cream made especially for the diner right here in Fredericksburg.
We’re planning some fantastic excursions in and around San Marcos, TX. Check back soon for more information!
Visit Wonder World Cave and Park with the whole family! A great place for kids of all ages.
Looking for some Texas culture? Visit the Witliff Collections whose mission is to share the artistic process that springs from the Southwestern imagination.
The 218 Co-op Gallery will be sure to show you the vibrant arts scene in San Marcos! Keeping things truly local is their goal.
Feel the need for speed? Visit the Longhorn Racing Academy! Get behind the wheel of the latest exotic supercars - on a real racetrack! No pace car. No speed limits. No experience needed! Professional instructors coach drivers (18+) to their personal limits and offer thrilling high-speed ride-alongs for anyone on-site (12+)
| 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Pancake Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m | Free Seminars / Paid Ground School Workshops* |
| 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Aircraft Display / Exhibit Hall / Career Fair |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Pilot Town Hall with AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker |
| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch: Food Trucks |
| 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Happy Hour |
| 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Flightline Cookout, Presented by Jeppesen Featuring AOPA STOL Invitational, night airshow, and concert with Go Wheels Up! Texas |
| 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Food Service |
| 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Concert, featuring Cory Morrow |
*Tuition required for Ground School Workshops. All Seminars are free, with the exception of Rusty Pilots which is Free to AOPA Members and $79 for non-members.
| 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Pancake Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Free Seminars / Paid Ground School Workshops* |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Aircraft Display / Exhibit Hall / Career Fair / Car Show |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Pilot Town Hall with AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker |
| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch: Food Trucks |
| 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | AOPA STOL Invitational and airshow with Go Wheels Up! Texas Attention Pilots: The airfield will be closed for all aircraft operations from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for the airshow. Please plan accordingly. |
| 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Concert, featuring Roger Creager |
*Tuition required for Ground School Workshops. All Seminars are free, with the exception of Rusty Pilots which is Free to AOPA Members and $79 for non-members.
Join us for the Flightline Cookout, Presented by Jeppesen, at sunset on Friday evening featuring the AOPA STOL Invitational, a concert by Go Wheels Up! Featuring Texas country star Cory Morrow, and a night airshow! Spend a fun evening with family and friends enjoying food, drinks, camaraderie, and entertainment. You’ll get an up-close look at the amazing flying skills of the AOPA STOL Invitational pilots as they demonstrate mind-blowing short take offs and landings! The Go Wheels Up! night airshow won’t fail to mesmerize and thrill!
Cost: $20 in advance/$25 at the door (Children 12 and under - $10 in advance/$12 at the door)
Purchase your tickets in advance and Save!
Start the day with a traditional pancake breakfast at the airport. Enjoy hot coffee, orange juice, water, sausage, fruit, and a delicious stack of buttermilk pancakes—all served up with a smile!
Cost: $7 in advance/$10 at the door (Children 12 and under - $5 in advance/$7 at the door)
Food is a big part of any pilot gathering, and you won’t go hungry at this show. You’ll find an assortment of local food trucks, some with gourmet choices, plus vegetarian options and desserts. They’ll satisfy every appetite!
Flying to an AOPA Fly-In is the most enjoyable way to attend, but you don’t have to bring an airplane to participate. We will provide special flight procedures for pilots, and great directions and parking accommodations for drivers..
Safety is a priority for any pilot, and flying into the AOPA Fly-In is no exception. Detailed special arrival and departure procedures will be developed and released approximately six weeks prior to the show, along with an FAA NOTAM to help guide you safely and efficiently in to the event.
Coming Soon!
Put 1807 Airport Dr, San Marcos, TX into your favorite GPS and follow event signs to parking.
Open in Google Maps
*Parking fees may apply on day of festival.
One of the favorite aspects of an AOPA Fly-In is the chance to camp with your aircraft, and join other outdoors enthusiasts and pilots. Our Friday night Flightline Cookout, Presented by Jeppesen, will be complete with an exciting AOPA STOL Invitational aerial demonstration. This “don’t miss” event will be a highlight of your fly-in weekend! Camping fees apply. Camping is “primitive,” with limited shower facilities, and no hookups available.
Stay tuned for more details, coming soon!
AOPA has contacted local hotels to let them know about our event. Some may offer discounts or other incentives to AOPA members. Please make your own reservations directly; AOPA does not assume responsibility for any hotel accommodations and provides these links only as a convenience to you.
Need to book a hotel room? Thanks to our partnership with Priceline, we are able to offer AOPA members discounts on hotels. Please visit www.aopa.org/hotels to check availability.
Stay tuned for more updates. Plan to book early to get the best rate!
Need to rent a car? Thanks to our partnership with multiple rental car companies, we are able to offer AOPA members discounts on vehicle rentals. Reservations are required, and rental cars will not be available at the airfield without prior reservations.
Enterprise – Commercial/FBO Availability
Hertz – Commercial/FBO Availability
Local taxi and rideshare options through Uber and Lyft are available.
