Michael's AOPA Pilot Life

Michael Sullivan’s #FlywithAOPA story

"My name is Michael Sullivan. I live in upstate New York and have been flying since 2014. I obtained my private pilot's license in 2015. My father and grandfather were private pilots, and I recently decided (after dreaming about it for years) that I wanted to join those ranks as well. While both have passed away, I know they would have been proud that I am carrying on this great tradition of flight."

"When I decided it was time to start taking lessons, I called Dr. Bruce Campbell, the gentleman who bought my dad's Cessna 182 back in the mid 1980s. He instantly offered to become my pilot mentor. I asked him, "Where do I start?" His answer was not what I had expected. I was thinking of flight schools, instructors, etc., but he told me, "As soon as you get home, log on and join the AOPA." I also called my friend Larry, who is an instrument-rated pilot and had flown me down the Hudson Corridor for a tour of the Manhattan skyline. He gave me the same advice. "Join AOPA!"

"So the day I decide to take flying lessons, I joined. Why? It’s simple—the people I trust the most spoke highly of the organization. And, after doing a little research, I saw why. The AOPA is the ONE place I can go to get all the guidance I need on everything from flight technique tips to where to buy insurance. Furthermore, I know that in this day and age, when our freedoms are under fire, the AOPA fights every single day to ensure that I, as an upstanding citizen of this great country, have the right to jump in a plane and fly to Lake Placid whenever I like."

"I have benefited from my membership in so many ways. The flight training editions helped me shore up the knowledge I obtained during my instructor lessons. In addition, the accident case reports provided excellent insight into how and why things go wrong in the cockpit. AOPA Live gives me a weekly look at what's going on in aviation. I also get to hear about other pilots’ experiences which, in turn, gives me the ability to learn from others indirectly. I have since learned that my father and grandfather were also members of AOPA. As pilots, we are all so very fortunate to have such a strong advocate for our rights as private pilots. Not only have I learned so much about the logistics of flying from AOPA, but also I have learned a tremendous amount about what needs to be done to safeguard this great freedom. Thank you AOPA for letting me fly with you!”

HOW DO YOU #FLYWITHAOPA? SHARE YOUR STORY HERE.* INTERESTED IN FLYING WITH AOPA? LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF AOPA MEMBERSHIP HERE.

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