AOPA Expo 2005: The premiere event of the year
What do you get when you bring together aircraft from every sector of general aviation, leading GA experts, pilot products, and thousands of aviators? AOPA Expo 2005, November 3 through 5 at the Tampa Convention Center and Peter O. Knight Airport in Tampa.
This year's event boasts a dynamic lineup of aviation speakers, including Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, leaders from Cirrus and Eclipse, and AOPA President Phil Boyer. Plus there are more than 75 hours of educational seminars hosted by GA experts like John and Martha King and aviation humorist Rod Machado, more than 530 exhibit booths to browse through, and a revamped aircraft display that will include the latest light sport aircraft.
For the first time in AOPA Expo history, a Secretary of Transportation will be addressing AOPA members during Thursday's general session. (Schedule subject to change. Check AOPA's Expo Web page for current information.)
"Norman Mineta has been a knowledgeable and independent friend to aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "He has always given a fair hearing to the concerns of the nation's general aviation pilots."
Other general sessions include an update from AOPA headquarters with Boyer and a look into the future of GA. Industry leaders from the light sport aircraft, technically advanced aircraft, and very light jet industries will speak about how these aircraft are going to help build the future of GA.
And you will have the chance to ask questions at the end of each of these free sessions in the Tampa Convention Center.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg and the association's AOPA Pilot editors: Tom Haines, Julie Boatman, Tom Horne, and Steve Ells will be hosting hours of educational seminars covering topics on the latest cockpit technology, flying techniques, weather, airspace, aircraft insurance, aircraft painting, and more.
Need a new pair of headsets, a door seal, new interior for the old bird, or how about a brand-new airplane? All that and more is available in the Tampa Convention Center exhibit hall. There are even exhibits to satisfy the nonpilot husband or wife.
Light sport aircraft, personal jets, and everything in between will be on display at Peter O. Knight Airport. The aircraft display will even include hands-on demonstrations. For those considering the purchase of a new aircraft, some exhibitors will be giving demonstration flights. (Demo flights must be arranged with the company prior to Expo.)
But Expo is not only about serious shopping and gaining safety tips. Enjoy the sunny surroundings of Tampa Bay, network with other pilots, and attend fun social events like the Friday Night Pirate's Party.
If you are planning to fly in to the Tampa area for Expo, AOPA has posted arrival procedures for Vandenberg Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Peter O. Knight Airport.
September 16, 2005
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