AOPA Expo 2001

More firsts for you at AOPA Expo

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosts a fistful of fly-in firsts when AOPA Expo comes to town this November. To begin with, Fort Lauderdale is home to Expo for the first time. And you can join us for a Parade of Planes, another first in 20 years at an East Coast Expo. Add to this an expansive exhibit hall, and you'll likely be the first to see the latest in a whole new generation of products, from cockpit displays to datalink. With everything in store, there's no better place to be this November if you're a pilot.

Join the parade

For the first time in more than 20 years, an East Coast AOPA Expo will be kicked off by a Parade of Planes. At 10 a.m. on November 7, you can join the crowd lining the city streets and watch more than 50 airplanes taxi from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. A barbecue, sponsored by the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program from MBNA, follows the taxi promenade.

The purpose of the parade? Surprisingly, it's not just for show, it's for convenience. This time you can enjoy the static aircraft display at the convention center. No need to take a shuttle — we're able to bring everything together for you. More than 50 aircraft and aircraft modifications await.

Exhibit hall

Last year's AOPA Expo hosted a record number of exhibitors, and this year looks to be even better. Whether you're shopping for an airplane or a headset, a handheld GPS or an aircraft interior, you're bound to see something new and different among the more than 560 exhibitors displaying their wares. From aircraft and avionics manufacturers to mod shops, from fly-in communities to flight-training centers, from airports to the FAA — if you're interested in aviation, you'll find an exhibitor that has what you're looking for.

Sure to be prominent are a whole host of new cockpit screens, including not only moving maps, but also primary navigation displays. Datalinking of weather and other information to the cockpit is another new concept spurring new hardware that is forecast to debut at the show.

For those who want to get some hands-on experience with the new stuff, check out the product demonstrations. These 30-minute presentations give you the opportunity to get your questions answered with detailed information — in small groups, away from the hustle and bustle of the exhibit hall.

As the number of exhibitors grows, check in often on the Web site for updates on what you'll be able to see when you get to Fort Lauderdale.

Seminars

For pilots and guests who wish to add a dose of learning to the fun of AOPA Expo, 90 hours of seminars will be offered in several tracks. Aviation General Interest talks cover topics such as flying to the Caribbean and aviation humor; Proficient Pilot seminars focus on techniques for becoming a better pilot, while All Pilot seminars look at working with the FAA and air traffic control. If you have concerns about your fitness for flight, Medical Issue seminars detail specific health concerns for certification. Seminars in the Safety series look at runway incursions, a current hot topic, and night flying. Owner forums offer guidance for those of you interested in, for example, upgrading your aircraft's interior. Your guests won't be bored either. Special programs for family and friends include cooking, aromatherapy, and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's popular Pinch-Hitter® Ground School.

If you've ever considered a seaplane rating, here's a great opportunity to get started. The Seaplane Pilots Association will host a seminar covering the basic ground school lessons for a single-engine sea add-on rating, including water handling, flight characteristics, and landing area assessment.

Short on time?

It takes more than one day to see it all, but if you only have a limited amount of time, be sure to drop in for a general session, given each day from 9 to 10 a.m. You can catch one of these at no charge, and they feature a variety of speakers, including FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, sponsored by Trade-A-Plane, and a special focus session on airports, featuring the AOPA Airport Support Network and sponsored by The New Piper Aircraft. For this and all AOPA Expo events, see the schedule on page 111 or visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/expo/).

Special events

An opening luncheon on November 8 recognizes positive reporting on GA in mainstream media, and a welcome reception that evening allows you to mingle with other pilots. More opportunity for socializing takes place on November 9, with the "AOPA Friday Night Live" swing dance party. Miami's own Ed Calle and his musicians will play all your favorites from Glen Miller to Duke Ellington. And don't forget the closing banquet on Saturday, November 10. This year we bring you "Incredible Productions," a live entertainment troupe that promises to amuse you with skits about AOPA and aviation.

For those who are flying into AOPA Expo 2001, arrival procedures into Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International will be available online in September.

To see and do

There's plenty to do in and around downtown Fort Lauderdale — and a lot of the best things are free. The beaches beckon, as does the newly renovated, brick-lined Fort Lauderdale Beachfront promenade. You'll pass by the Elbo Room, made famous in the 1960s' classic film Where the Boys Are. For a different water view, stroll along the New River on the Riverwalk, which is home to shops, restaurants, and outdoor entertainment. The Museum of Science and Discovery and an IMAX theater are on the Riverwalk, as is the Florida Grand Opera.

For those who wish to explore more of the region's natural history, a field trip to Anne Kolb Nature Center features trails throughout a 1,500-plus-acre mangrove estuary. You'll see birds and other native wildlife and gain an appreciation for the other side of Fort Lauderdale. For more information on things to do in town, visit the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site ( www.sunny.org).

E-mail the author at [email protected].

ASF Golf Tourney

For golf enthusiasts, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation is launching its "Score for GA Safety" golf tournament — yes, another first — on November 7 at noon. The tournament, at the Palm Aire Country Club in Pompano Beach, is sponsored by STR Corporation, Mooney, Garmin International Inc., Bahamas Tourism Council, the AOPA Insurance Agency, and AIG Aviation, and benefits ASF's mission to promote general aviation safety.

Schedule of Events