AOPA President Phil Boyer reminded flight instructors and fixed base operators how important it is to secure every airplane, all the time. "What's hurting us doesn't have to happen. And you are an important key in stopping the threat to GA," he wrote. (See "Instructor Report: You Are the Key," September 2005 AOPA Flight Training.)
That threat comes, in part, in the form of additional regulation that could make it more difficult and more expensive to fly. In response to those events this summer, several members of Congress already have asked if more security is needed, and they are calling for an investigation into the possibility of GA aircraft being used for criminal or terrorist acts. GA already has done much as an industry to mitigate security issues. Learn how you can help protect GA by keeping your aircraft and airport secure with AOPA's Airport Watch Program.
AOPA Expo provides taste of every GA segment
From aircraft renters to owners, low-time student pilots to veterans, AOPA Expo 2005 can meet any pilot's desire for equipment, aircraft, or know-how. Just how diverse is this year's Expo?
The 500-plus exhibits in the Tampa Convention Center range from the latest cockpit gadgets to aviation apparel. Aircraft from light sport to personal jets come together in AOPA's aircraft display at Peter O. Knight Airport.
More than 75 hours of seminars cover topics ranging from the latest cockpit technology to aerial photography. A series of proficiency seminars focus on flying techniques, weather, airspace, risk management, and more.
Bring along a nonpilot friend and share the joys that you have experienced during your flight training. Prospective-pilot guests will learn about all the steps needed to go from zero flight time to a pilot certificate during free sessions designed just for them.
AOPA Expo 2005 takes place November 3 through 5 in Tampa. For more information, see AOPA Online.
ASF offers holiday cards
Aviation-themed holiday cards are offered again this year by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation to help pilots share their love of aviation while they spread holiday cheer.
Select from 29 cards in four categories: holiday airplane, holiday scene, Santa, and Chanukah. The cards range from Christmas Eve Flight, a cartoon drawing of Santa loading his biplane, to CAVU Christmas, which depicts a biplane parked on the snow-covered front lawn of a farm house.
Boxes come with 25 cards and 26 envelopes (in case you should happen to misaddress one), 25 return address labels, and 25 decorative seals. With orders of three or more boxes, you can get a free personalized name imprint inside the card.
The cards range from $23 to $27 a box, and a portion of the proceeds go to ASF to help support its efforts to improve general aviation safety. To see the card designs or order online, visit the AOPA Online Safety Center. To order by telephone, call 800/308-4285.
AOPA revamps members-only Web boards
Have you ever wanted training advice from pilots or instructors other than your flight instructor? Would you like to talk with other students about the joys and challenges of flight training? Visit AOPA's revamped Aviation Forums to converse with AOPA members across the country about instructional questions and flying techniques in Left Seat/Right Seat. Other forums focus on instrument flying, places to fly, aircraft ownership, and more. Registration is free but available only to AOPA members and lets you post messages, send private messages, and more.
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