AOPA revisits Hollywood's sandbox for this year's Expo
AOPA's Expo is returning to the popular setting of Palm Springs, California, this October 23, 24, and 25. This warm desert oasis has been a consistent favorite for attendees of the association's annual convention for several reasons. Among those is the fact that more AOPA members reside in California than in any other state. Mix in nearly flawless weather, a spectacular setting, and several new additions to the Expo program, and you have the necessary brew for a popular convention site.
Given these elements, AOPA expects to set new records in terms of attendance and number of exhibitors. So far, a record-setting 430 exhibitors are planning to fill the Palm Springs Convention Center. In the center's exhibit hall, attendees can try out hot new wares ranging from the latest in noise-canceling headsets to the newest GPS receivers. Comparison shopping will be easy with the booths of all of the major manufacturers only a few footsteps from one another.
Step outside the convention center doorway and you'll be greeted by an open-air static display of approximately 60 new and modified aircraft. How will the airplanes get there? It may be worth coming to Expo a day early to find out. At about 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, the airplanes will be taxied from the Palm Springs Regional Airport down Alejo Road and Avenida Caballeros to the convention center. Not only is this parade of airplanes a spectacular (and strange) sight for pilots, but the residents of Palm Springs also get a kick out of it.
This year, the convention will host some 90 seminar sessions during the three-day event. Twenty-one new seminar topics have been added to make you a better, more informed pilot and aircraft owner. Sessions will be broken down into special-interest groups. For example, the General Interest Seminar group will cover a broad spectrum of topics without getting too technical. On the other hand, the Owner Seminar track covers such specifics as fuel bladder problems and tips from the pros about aircraft painting. Other tracks include the Proficient Pilot, All Pilot, Medical Issues, and Safety seminars. Expo has also made available guest seminars for nonflying spouses and guests, including the popular Pinch-Hitter Course, which will be offered each day. In addition, dozens of 30-minute product demonstrations will be conducted to keep you abreast of the latest products and changes in the modern general aviation world.
Unlike recent conventions, this year's Expo will take place over a weekend, beginning on a Friday and ending on Sunday, enabling members to come for a day or spend the weekend. Each day begins with an informative general session providing convention-goers with a how-goes-it report on the GA industry as a whole. Here attendees learn about the current threats to general aviation and what AOPA is going to do about them. Friday will include an opening luncheon honoring the winners of the 1998 Max Karant Journalism Awards for their fair and accurate presentations of general aviation in the nontrade press. At 6 p.m. on that evening, AOPA will host a welcoming reception with refreshments and live entertainment.
Saturday events will be capped off with a private dinner and party for Expo attendees at the new Palm Springs Air Museum. There, AOPA members can intermingle in an atmosphere featuring some of the finest airworthy examples of World War II aircraft. Adding to the program will be favorite tunes from the 1940s. Attendees are invited to dress in period clothing. Sunday's grand finale is the closing banquet and dance, a first-class event featuring the presentation of AOPA's highest honors, the Laurence P. Sharples and Joseph B. Hartranft awards.
Many other organizations are using Expo as an opportunity to conduct their annual meetings. The Flying Physicians Association, the Piper Owner Society, the United Flying Octogenarians, and the Cessna Owner Organization are just a few examples of such groups. Also, the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations will conduct its nineteenth World Assembly October 19 to 22. The two events will be collocated for the first time ever and will give 46 national pilot associations the opportunity to see AOPA Expo and general aviation in America as a whole.
Nonpilot guests can enjoy Palm Springs' many world-class golf courses and shops. Palm Springs' Aerial Tramway is another must-do attraction. The tram takes you up to the 8,500-foot peak of Mt. San Jacinto for an uncompromising view of Palm Springs and its surroundings. Come back down to Earth for a look at The Living Desert, an outdoor zoo filled with native wildlife. For more information about attractions in and around Palm Springs, call 760/770-9000.
Several registration options are offered for Expo attendees. Available are a one-day pass for the exhibit hall only; a one-day seminar and exhibits pass; a two-day plan, and three-day passes, which cover all Expo events. Registering before September 25 can save you anywhere from $5 to $90 on the various plans. Of course, on-site registration is also available.
For those planning to fly to the event, Palm Springs arrival procedures will be available after September 15 by calling 888/462-3976 or visiting AOPA Online on the Web. Those registering in advance will receive fly-in procedures by mail around that date. AOPA is again offering the Share-A-Flight service that connects those looking for a ride with those willing to share empty seats in their airplane - a great cost-saving technique for pilots on a budget.
Rental car discounts are available through Avis and Hertz at both the AMR Combs and Signature FBOs and at the airport's main terminal. For those arriving via commercial airlines, American Airlines is offering discounted meeting fares. For information, call 800/433-1790 and refer to Star File 22O8UJ.
For those who want to make a weekend out of Expo, special rates have been arranged for several area hotels. Room rates range from $52 to $139 per night. A dozen hotels are offering AOPA rates, and most are within walking distance of the convention center. To receive the discounts, reservations must be made through the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Bureau via fax (760/770-3029) or mail. For more information, call 760/770-3054.
Given the mixture of spectacular weather, the posh setting of Palm Springs, plenty of planned activities, and all of the major players in the GA industry gathering in one place, this may be the year to escape to the oasis of general aviation.
For more information about AOPA Expo '98, call 888/GO2-EXPO (462-3976) or visit the AOPA Expo Web site (www.aopa.org/expo/).
Friday, October 23
9 a.m.-10 a.m. General Session
10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. "Nutrition for GA Flying" (Guest Program)
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall, Static Aircraft Display, and Product Demonstrations
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Seminars
"How to Save Your Life in an Aircraft Accident"
"Instrument Refresher Teaser"
"Kit Aircraft - Are they for You?"
"Making Sense of Medical Certification"
"Photographing Aircraft"
"The Art of Defensive Flying"
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Residential Airparks Meeting
Noon-1 p.m. Seminars
"Attracting Student Pilots - Selling the Dream"
"Building Kit Aircraft - Dos and Don'ts"
"Flying in Mexico - Facts You Must Know"
"Flying to Help Others"
"The Diabetic Airman - Diet, Pills, or Insulin?
"Weather Strategies"
12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Luncheon (Ticket Required)
1 p.m.-5 p.m. "Pinch-Hitter Ground School" (Guest Program)
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Seminars
"Aeronautical Decision Making"
"Beyond the FAA Flight Physical"
"GPS for IFR"
"Guidelines for Owner-Performed Maintenance"
"How to Write/Publish Aviation Articles and Books"
"Making Your Own Minimums"
3 p.m.-4 p.m. Seminars
"FAR Refresher"
"Financing an Aircraft"
"Flying: The Air of the Pros"
"Spatial Awareness"
"Weather Tactics"
"Women in Aviation"
3 p.m.-4 p.m. Flying Chiropractors Meeting
3 p.m.-4:14 p.m. "Around the World in a Hatbox" (Guest Program)
3 p.m.-5 p.m. United Flying Octogenarians Meeting
4 p.m.-6 p.m. Cherokee Pilots Association Meeting
4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Seminars
"AOPA Online - What's New?"
"ATC and You"
"Buying Your Next Aircraft"
"Personal Computer-Based Aviation Training Devices"
"Rare Air: High-Altitude Flying"
"Spatial Orientation"
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Welcome Reception (Ticket Required)
7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. AOPA Political Action Committee Donor Reception (Ticket Required)
Saturday, October 24
8 a.m.-Noon Flying Dentists Association Meeting
9 a.m.-10 a.m. General Session
9 a.m.-Noon American Veterans Airlift Service Meeting
10 a.m.-11 a.m. Flying Physicians Association Meeting
10 a.m.-11 a.m. United States Pilots Association Meeting
10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. "Palm Springs - Hollywood's Sandbox" (Guest Program)
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Piper Owners Society Meeting
10 a.m.-Noon Christian Pilots Association Meeting
10 a.m.-4 p.m. "Pinch-Hitter Ground School" (Guest Program)
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall, Static Aircraft Display, and Product Demonstrations
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Seminars
"Aeronautical Decision Making"
"Desert Survival"
"How To Write/Publish Aviation Articles and Books"
"Insuring Your Aircraft"
"Tricks Your Eyes can Play"
"Weather Strategies"
Noon-1 p.m. Seminars
"Aerial Photography - Tips From Pilot Magazine"
"Bites, Stings, and Things"
"GPS for VFR"
"How to Avoid Unwanted Adventure"
"Painting Your Aircraft - Tips from the Pros"
"Weather Forecasting Tips and Shortcuts"
Noon-1:30 p.m. International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians Meeting
1 p.m.-2 p.m. American Yankee Association Meeting
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Seminars
"Australia - A VFR Adventure"
"Handling In-Flight Emergencies"
"Have a Heart, FAA"
"How to Upgrade Your Interior"
"Weather Tactics"
"You've Ditched in the Water - Now What?"
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Cessna Owner Organization Meeting
3 p.m.-4 p.m. Seminars
"Buying Your Next Aircraft"
"Can I Take This Medication and Fly?"
"How to Save Your Life in an Aircraft Accident"
"Instrument Refresher"
"Re-Doing The Tri-Pacer"
"Water Survival"
3 p.m.-4 p.m. California Pilots Association Meeting
3 p.m.-4:15 p.m. "Feng Shui" (Guest Program)
4 p.m.-5 p.m. Air Care Alliance Meeting
4:30-5:30 Seminars
"Aircraft Taxes - What Can I Really Deduct?"
"Desert Flying Weather"
"FAA Enforcement"
"GPS and IFR"
"How to Become a Professional Pilot"
"Hypertension and the White Coat Syndrome"
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. AOPA Project Pilot Reception (Ticket Required)
7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. AOPA Palm Springs Air Museum Party (Ticket Required)
Sunday, October 25
9 a.m.-10 a.m. General Session
9 a.m.-1 p.m. "Pinch Hitter Ground School" (Guest Program)
10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. "California Cooking" (Guest Program)
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibit Hall, Static Aircraft Display, and Product Demonstrations
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Seminars
"Can I Take This Medication and Fly?"
"Flying to Help Others"
"How to Save Your Life in an Aircraft Accident"
"New Avionics for Your Aircraft"
"Rare Air: High-Altitude Flying"
"The Art of Defensive Flying"
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. FAA Safety Seminar on Airspace
Noon-1 p.m. Seminars
"GPS for VFR"
"Make Special Use Airspace Work for You"
"Monitoring Your Engine's Health"
"Refractive Surgery and 20/20 Vision: Is it for Me?"
"Surviving/Thriving After an Aircraft Accident"
"Weather Forecasting Tips and Shortcuts"
1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. "Fitness for Life" (Guest Program)
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Seminars
"Desert Survival"
"Fuel Bladder Problems"
"GPS for IFR"
"Hear it From the Federal Air Surgeon"
"Mountain Flying I"
"Reducing Cockpit Stress Between the Sexes"
3 p.m.-4 p.m. Seminars
"Annual Inspections: Items Most Missed"
"FAR Refresher"
"Flying After 50"
"Mountain Flying II"
"Personal Computer-Based Aviation Training Devices"
"Women in Aviation"
6:45 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Pre-Banquet Reception
7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Banquet (Ticket Required)
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