AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach sets new attendance and exhibitor records

AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach sets new attendance and exhibitor records

AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach, California, October 20-22 once again set new records, this time breaking the 10,000 mark with 10,816 registrants, some 10 percent more than attended last year's Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Despite a day and a half of IFR weather at the beginning of Expo, more than 1,200 aircraft flew into Long Beach Airport and other area airports. Both GA and airliners had a difficult time getting into the Los Angeles area because of a software glitch in the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center computer. Because of the weather, some pilots opted to land short of their destination and continue on to Expo by car.

A record 502 exhibitors, 85 static display aircraft, and more than 90 hours of educational seminars covering some 82 topics were available to Expo-goers.

The association unveiled exciting new programs for members during AOPA Expo 2000. Top of the list was an increase to 5 percent in the AOPA FBO Rebate Program. Beginning in January, members who use their AOPA Visa or MasterCard for eligible purchases at any qualified FBO can request a 5 percent credit rebate.

AOPA also announced that members will soon be able to download from AOPA Online free government-published "NOS" instrument approach charts. AOPA's Airport Directory Online will also be downloadable to a personal computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Cirrus Design Corporation announced the new SR22 at AOPA Expo 2000, and the FAA administrator presented the type certificate for the new Micco SP26 during an Expo general session.

AOPA Expo 2001 will be November 8-10 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

October 22, 2000