Swing Into Expo

Expect a bounty of fly-in firsts when AOPA Expo comes to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this November. To begin with, this year will mark the first time Fort Lauderdale has been home to Expo. And for the first time in 20 years at an East Coast Expo, you can join us for a Parade of Planes in which aircraft parade through town as they taxi to the static display site. In the expansive exhibit hall, you'll likely be the first to see the latest in a whole new generation of products, from GPS receivers to the newest training software. With everything in store, there's no better place to be this November if you're an aspiring pilot.

Whether you're a student pilot, an instructor, or somewhere in between, there's plenty to see and do at Expo. If you're thinking about pursuing a pilot certificate or looking to advance your ratings, talk to representatives of schools such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, FlightSafety International, and University of North Dakota Aerospace. Since Florida is a veritable hub of aviation training, expect some savvy exhibitors to focus their attention on those involved in the business of learning to fly with new products and opportunities for students. You can even make a learning experience out of the trip by planning a cross-country flight - dual or solo, if you're game - to Fort Lauderdale. November's clear Florida skies beckon.

Airplanes...And Airplane Stuff

For the first time in more than 20 years a Parade of Planes will kick off an East Coast AOPA Expo. At 10 a.m. on November 7, the day before Expo opens, you can join the crowd lining the city streets to watch more than 50 airplanes taxi from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. A barbecue that follows the taxi promenade continues the festival atmosphere.

The purpose of the parade? As wonderful as the spectacle is, it's not just for show; it's for convenience. You can enjoy the static aircraft display at the convention center. No need to take a shuttle - AOPA is able to bring everything together for you.

The parade should whet your appetite for what's to come: Last year's AOPA Expo hosted a record number of exhibitors, and this year's will be even better. Whether you're shopping for a headset or an airplane, a handheld GPS or the latest training materials, you're bound to see something new and different from the more than 560 exhibitors displaying their wares, including King Schools, Sporty's Pilot Shop, and Jeppesen. From new aircraft to the latest avionics, 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 is the next generation of cockpit screens, including not only moving maps but also primary navigation displays. Your training aircraft may not look like that yet, but seeing the future is definitely inspiring. And if you worry that the call to flight service for weather isn't enough, there's something to look forward to: Datalinking (a fancy term for transmission of weather and other information to the cockpit) is another cutting-edge 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. There's a lot to learn about what's new, whether you're an instructor or student.

If your aim is a professional pilot career, the exhibit hall offers some key contacts. Check out the flight schools, but don't forget that aircraft manufacturers often need demo pilots, and this is a great way to build time in interesting, brand-new machines.

The number of exhibitors is continually growing, so check in often on AOPA Online for updates on everything you'll see when you get to Fort Lauderdale.

Seminars

Your learning experience continues at AOPA Expo 2001 with 90 hours of seminars offered in several tracks. Talks in the Aviation General Interest track cover topics such as flying to the Caribbean and aviation humor with Rod Machado; 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 purchasing or maintaining an airplane. For example, check out the seminar on upgrading an aircraft's interior. Your nonflying 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 a seaplane rating is on your training wish list, 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.

While you're at it, test your airplane knowledge and powers of observation by performing a preflight inspection on a specially prepared aircraft. The aircraft will be rigged with a number of standard faults that you could find during a typical preflight inspection. Visit the aircraft static display anytime during exhibit hall hours and look for the Preflight Contest aircraft. You may even want to challenge your flight instructor to a friendly preflight duel. The contest ends at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, and the winner will be announced at the Saturday evening banquet.

Short on time?

It takes more than one morning to see everything, especially if you have a lot of questions - and this is a great time to ask them! - 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. They feature a variety of speakers, including FAA Administrator Jane Garvey. Another session will focus on airports and feature the AOPA Airport Support Network. For this and all AOPA Expo events, see the schedule on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/expo).

Special events

An opening luncheon on November 8 recognizes positive reporting on general aviation in the 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 jazz favorites from Glen Miller to Duke Ellington. And don't forget the closing banquet on Saturday, November 10. This year AOPA brings you "Incredible Productions," a live entertainment troupe that promises to amuse you with skits about AOPA and aviation.

After Expo, you may want to talk your favorite CFI into an overwater cross-country flight to the Bahamas. Air Journey, in cooperation with The Islands of the Bahamas and the Out Islands Promotion Board, is offering pre- and post-Expo general aviation four-day tours. Call 888/554-3774 or 561/841-1551 for details, or visit the Web site ( www.airjourney.com ).

For those who are flying into AOPA Expo 2001, arrival procedures into Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International will be available online in September. You may want to review these procedures whether you plan on attending the show or not, as they make an excellent training tool.

If you have a few extra days, you'll find there's plenty to do in and around Fort Lauderdale. The beaches beckon, as does the renovated beachfront promenade and the Riverwalk, which is home to shops, restaurants, and outdoor entertainment along the New River. For more information on things to do in town, visit the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site ( www.sunny.org ).