12th annual fly-in to AOPA headquarters June 1 features new seminars, exciting exhibits, and 'Spirit of Liberty'

AOPA's twelfth annual Fly-In and Open House is set to prove that the general aviation industry is back on its feet after massive flight restrictions following September 11. The Saturday-only event at the Frederick (Maryland) Municipal Airport will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 1.

"We started this fly-in more than a decade ago so that AOPA members could visit their association on a weekend and talk with the staff about issues of concern, and that's still a good reason to come to the fly-in," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But now there's so much more for everyone."

This year participants will have an opportunity to see more than 100 exhibitors and aircraft on display, plus attend a wide variety of free safety and informational seminars offered throughout the day.

In addition, visitors will be able to see firsthand the "Spirit of Liberty" Socata Trinidad GT, up for auction in the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Silent Auction. The aircraft sports a custom paint scheme incorporating both the U.S. and French flags, as well as an impressive avionics suite. The aircraft was donated by Socata Aircraft, Inc.

The AOPA Fly-In has become the largest one-day fly-in on the East Coast. In good flying weather, the AOPA headquarters event has drawn as many as 700 aircraft and an estimated 6,500 people. A temporary FAA control tower will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and arriving aircraft will be required to follow special procedures. Pilots are cautioned to check notams and avoid expanded prohibited area P-40 15 nautical miles north of FDK.

Continuously updated fly-in information before, during, and after the event will be available on AOPA Online. The fly-in Web page includes links to detailed information about arrival procedures, driving directions, exhibitors, seminars, weather, and more.

The 2002 seminar schedule includes many new or updated topics among 17 total sessions. Many of the more popular seminars will be held in the large, outdoor seminar tent, to ensure there is room for all who want to attend.

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation will host many of the seminars, while other seminars will feature special guest speakers. Brand-new topics will look at renting or buying an airplane, weather as a factor in accidents, spatial disorientation, and upgrading an airplane. New content will be featured in the revised "Operation Airspace 2002."

Other seminars will examine collision avoidance, single-pilot IFR, legal issues, volunteer flying, alternatives to ownership, decision making, tips on buying an airplane, GPS for VFR operations, advice for nonpilot cockpit companions, and AOPA's Airport Support Network.

Rod Machado returns by popular demand—the aviation educator and humorist will host "Defensive Flying" and "Hangar Flying 2002" sessions. Machado's presentations have become a must-see fixture at AOPA's springtime fly-in and Expo.

Brand-new and historic airplanes will be on display at the Frederick airport. New aircraft will take center stage on the AOPA ramp in front of the headquarters building. Vintage airplanes will be showcased nearby.

AOPA's Fly-in runs concurrently with the Frederick Airport Appreciation Day to spotlight airport values to the community and surrounding region. Food and refreshments from area vendors will be served throughout the day, starting with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Registered fly-in participants will be eligible for various AOPA door prizes.

For more information, visit the Web site or call 888/462-3976.

The 380,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, headquartered just outside Washington, D.C., is the world's largest aviation organization. Some two thirds of the nation's pilots are AOPA members.

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