AOPA gathers at the playground of the stars.
AOPA returns to spectacularly scenic Palm Springs, California, a mecca for golf lovers and movie stars, for Expo '94. It promises to be one of the largest ever: A record 300 aviation-related exhibitors are expected at Expo October 21 through 23 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Visitors will hear on Friday, October 21, from famed trial attorney F. Lee Bailey and on Saturday morning from FAA Administrator David R. Hinson. Bailey has represented air-show performer Bob Hoover in efforts to reinstate Hoover's airman's medical certificate (see " Pilot Counsel: A Chapter in the Life of Bob Hoover," May Pilot).
It's hard to believe, but this year's Expo promises to be bigger than last year's AOPA extravaganza in Orlando, Florida. Although the convention center has added extra exhibit space since AOPA last visited Palm Springs in 1990, Expo '94 will still fill it all. Nearly 60 aircraft will be on display across the street from the convention center. Look for AOPA Pilot's Better Than New 172 in front of the building. The spectacular array of avionics installed during renovation makes the 172's panel look like a control room at Kennedy Space Center, and includes an IFR-approved GPS receiver linked to a two-axis autopilot. How's that for reducing pilot workload? The streets of Palm Springs will be cordoned off so the display aircraft may make a midnight taxi to the Convention Center.
Inexpensive hotel rooms have been reserved for the Expo, ranging from a bargain $49 to $130. The lower rates are still available, but act quickly by calling AOPA for an Expo brochure at 800/942-4269. To make attendance even less expensive, take advantage of AOPA's Share-A-Flight Service by marking the box on the registration form — also found in the brochure. AOPA will provide you with a list of pilots offering rides. Pilots needing a copy of fly-in procedures to Palm Springs Regional Airport, the Expo official airport, may also call AOPA.
You might even come away having saved money. There is a chance to pick up products at below-list prices at the AOPA Air Safety Foundation (ASF) Auction on Saturday afternoon, such as an SF-100 Desktop Cockpit Ultimate Package simulator.
Check the dates on your calendar, and you will discover that Expo '94 will be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, rather than the usual Thursday, Friday, and Saturday schedule. Exhibits and seminars are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Another change is to the popular Pinch-Hitter ground school taught by ASF; it will be offered both on Saturday and Sunday, rather than the usual one-time appearance, to give frequent light-aircraft passengers additional opportunities to better understand how an aircraft works. Also new for Palm Springs is the "Two-day Weekend Special" registration package; attend any of 50 seminars, 300 exhibits, 40 product demonstrations, 60 static aircraft displays and the Saturday-evening Western PowWow for $125 for pilots and $110 for spouses/guests. However, there are several admission options available, whether you are coming for three days to join in all the festivities or three hours to see perhaps only the exhibits.
As always, pilots will find a wide range of seminars offering help with everything from buying an airplane to figuring out the weather or dealing with the latest Federal Aviation Regulations. Other topics include: building your own aircraft, reading charts, dealing with FAA ramp checks, saving your airport from closing, and medical advice. Several aviation groups will host meetings during the Expo, including: the Cessna Owner Organization, the Piper Owner Society, and the Flying Physician Association's continuing education seminars.
Bring Western duds and a cowboy drawl to the AOPA Western PowWow Party at the Andreas Ranch, built on land owned by the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians. The party will feature Native American and Southwestern food, make-'em-yourself ice cream sundaes, country line-dancin' exhibitions and lessons, and tribal legends told around a campfire by an Agua Caliente storyteller.
Nonpilots will find seminars on food, fashion, the magic and myth of the Hollywood stars, home decorating and lighting, and landscape design, not to mention the many attractions of Palm Springs. Local attractions include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which for $20 will take you to the 8,500-foot peak of Mt. San Jacinto for a high-elevation view of Palm Springs and provide a prime-rib dinner in the Alpine restaurant. The convention and visitors bureau has all the details at 619/770-9000.
Palm Springs has in the past been home to Jack Benny, Elvis Presley, Debbie Reynolds, and former mayor Sonny Bono and is the current home of Bob Hope and others. Take a commercial tour of the stars' homes or play on world-class golf courses under usually fair skies with dramatic mountains as a backdrop. Or get away from the city and tour some of the most beautiful canyons in the West.
Preregistration is a good idea if you want to take advantage of advance-registration discount rates. After all, California has 46,838 AOPA members, more than any other state. Call 800/942-4269.
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