Some pilots dream about flying as if it is the perfect antidote for the speedy little ground-bound world we inhabit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. As your airborne chariot climbs out for a leisurely buzz around the neighborhood on a calm summer evening, it's easy to leave the world behind and enjoy the magic of flight. Some are infected with the flying bug at a young age and never vary in their quest to fly; others must put aside their flying dreams for 10 or 20 years until the family is stable before they roar into aviation with all the verve of a teenager on his first date.
It doesn't matter what position you're playing on the aviation team - grizzled vet, focused youngster, life-experienced middle-ager, or lively senior citizen - aviation has a place for you that will enrich your life. Folks just like you will be attending AOPA Expo 2000 in Long Beach, California, the third week in October.
Road Trip
The aviation family is fairly small, and it's unlike any other world available to mortals. There's a lot to learn. Suppose you want more information about mountain flying, the pluses and minuses of different airplanes, moving maps, glass cockpits, headsets, or powerplant management? Don't feel intimidated. Grab your flight instructor or a few of your flying buddies and take a road trip - or better yet, an air trip - to AOPA Expo 2000. There's still time to plan, save your pennies, and gather your gang together, because Expo takes place on October 20, 21, and 22. If you have flying fever, or if you think you might have flying fever and you're waiting for your inspiration, it's a sure thing that something you see, touch, or hear, or someone you meet at Expo 2000 will hold the key to your aviation future.
Let's face it, sometimes the dream that got you into the cockpit for your first flying lesson dims slightly as time goes on and the newness of flying fades. It's possible to lose focus, especially if you're putting every one of your dollars and all your spare time into getting more flying time. Your friends are out surfing, golfing, or just relaxing, while you've chosen to put off some of those familiar pastimes to keep flying. There are many distractions and side roads that look appealing in the short term, but they won't get you into the cockpit. Losing focus is common in the pursuit of a pilot certificate. If you find yourself thinking about how taking a month off from flying won't really compromise your goals, you need an Expo 2000 shot in the arm.
Often it seems as if the cost and commitment to get to that goal of becoming a certificated pilot are awfully high. No one who has been bitten by the flying bug hasn't felt that way at one time or another. How can wannabe pilots with sagging morale and fuzzy focus get back the enthusiasm they felt after that first memorable solo or cross-country? AOPA Expo is how. You can meet and talk to thousands of flying enthusiasts from all over the world. And their enthusiasm will be infectious.
Flying is really all about joining the team. We can do that by learning as much as we can about the world of aviation. It's natural to feel a little overwhelmed during the early days of a flying life. But don't let that feeling stop you from achieving your goal - tell your flight instructor you're going to Expo 2000 and you want him to come along. Turn it into one of your required cross-country flights if you're in the area. Chances are good that your instructor's already planning to visit Expo - especially if he's attended one in the past. It's simply the best way to regain enthusiasm and refocus your decision to be a member of the aviation team.
If the call of bush flying has you, experts from African Aero Safaris and Baja Bush Pilots Ltd. will be in the Expo exhibit hall to give you pointers and offer flying vacation opportunities. Like helicopters? You can talk to representatives from Robinson Helicopter Company, one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world. Perhaps you have decided that flying is your career of choice and want to know what it costs to get the ratings and experience you need to open the doors for an airline interview. Expo 2000 is the place. Representatives from a number of professional pilot training programs will be there, and they're looking for you if you're serious about your career choice and willing to work hard.
Perhaps you're ready to make an investment in your first headset, handheld transceiver, GPS, or flight bag. This is your chance to test out all of the products in one place and get some great show discounts from top manufacturers. You'll also see some of the exciting educational software and video programs that can help you through the training process or get you started on that advanced certificate or rating you want.
Maybe the flying bug bit you a long time ago, and you've finally fulfilled all those family obligations. Now it's your turn. Join the crowd; baby boomers are flooding into the aviation world. Indulge your dream - get thee among your people - the fliers of the world at Expo 2000.
Seminars
Besides having the chance to meet and talk with fellow pilots from every walk of life, there are plenty of structured learning opportunities at Expo. There will be continuous seminars daily from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. - more than 90 hours in all. Experts from the aviation industry will be on stage teaching and explaining the details about their specialties. You'll hear about subjects like weather, communications, aviation decision making, navigation, buying an airplane, aircraft taxes, and dozens more.
Since we all have to pass a physical examination to fly, you can get the latest information on important medical topics such as flying safely with diabetes or hypertension and flying while using over-the-counter drugs and after heart problems.
Nonpilot spouses are urged to attend the award-winning AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Pinch Hitter Ground School, which covers many of the basics of airplane operations and communications. There is valuable information in this course that can make every right-seat flier feel more comfortable.
Static Displays
There is power in seeing, feeling, and sitting in an airplane. More than 70 airplanes will be on the ramp, ready for Expo 2000 attendees to see, feel, and climb aboard. Ask questions of the factory representatives and imagine what the folks at your airport will say when you tell them that you've sat in the cockpit of the future. You can check out the airplane of your dreams or visit with old favorites. The new millennium is an exciting time in aviation. For a full dose of the excitement, come to Expo 2000.
Long Beach
Long Beach is great place to bring your family and friends, even if the aviation bug hasn't yet bitten them. Long Beach is an exciting destination for everyone, with beaches, shops, water sports, and fine dining. Nonpilots can enjoy guest programs in the exhibit hall, with topics like cooking California-style. There is plenty to do in and around the sunny coastal city. Attractions within 15 minutes of the Long Beach Convention Center include museums, the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, as well as many shops and restaurants. Within an hour are world-famous attractions like Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and Santa Catalina Island.
Attendees can fly in to Long Beach/ Daugherty Field Airport (LGB) (see the fly-in procedure on the Web site), drive right to the convention center, or catch a ride with the airlines. In addition, AOPA's Share-A-Flight program can help pair up pilots and passengers. Discounts are available for rental cars, and shuttles will help attendees get around during Expo. Preregister for Expo 2000 by calling 888/GO2-EXPO or visiting AOPA Online (www.aopa.org/expo). On-site registration also will be available.
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