But get there early. The parade of planes takes place Wednesday, November 8. More than 80 aircraft will taxi from Palm Springs International Airport to the Palm Springs Convention Center at about 10 a.m. The aircraft will remain on display around the convention center to make it easy for you to take in general sessions with AOPA President Phil Boyer; more than 500 exhibits; and brand-new educational seminars--as well as scout out the latest GA aircraft.
For an introduction to every aspect of general aviation, AOPA Expo is the place to be. To register for Expo, visit AOPA Online.
Flight Training Online, ASF offer free training materials
Need help getting the hang of calculating weight and balance or aircraft performance? How about understanding the engine, fuel, and electrical systems of your trainer? AOPA Flight Training Online offers tips on flying skills, interactive courses, and more in its student section (ft.aopa.org/student) to help you through each phase of training.
For free interactive courses on weather, mountain flying, GPS operation, or engines and propellers, visit the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Web site.
AOPA opposes proposed closure of training airport
General aviation airports are the key training grounds for future pilots, and it is essential that they remain open. Opa Locka West Airport in Florida is an example of a training facility that the GA community cannot afford to lose. That is why AOPA opposes the proposed closure of Opa Locka West Airport. The Miami-Dade Aviation Department wants to decommission the airport in order to mine lime rock aggregate.
"Because of the airport's location, it provides an ideal training facility away from more congested GA airports in the immediate area," AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn wrote the FAA in May.
According to an April 2005 Florida Aviation System plan, "In its current role, Opa Locka West Airport serves the general aviation needs of the local community.... The airport serves as a remote area for training flights to practice 'touch and goes,' easing the burden of these flights on Opa Locka Airport and other nearby general aviation airports in Miami-Dade and Broward counties." AOPA recommended investing federal and state funds to turn the airport into the Miami area's flight training facility of choice.
Nall Report confirms continued safe flying
It's always a good idea to learn from others' mistakes. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's 2005 Joseph T. Nall Report, the nation's first authoritative look at the general aviation accident rate for the preceding year, and its "Do the Right Thing--Decision Making for Pilots" seminar are perfect places to start.
The Nall Report shows just 1,413 GA accidents in 2004, a historic low accident rate of 6.22 total accidents, and 1.2 fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours.
But pilot error continues to top the list of accident causes.
"Although the accident rate is down this year, there is still work to be done," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "Pilots are off to a good start with record attendance at 'Do The Right Thing,' a live safety seminar that helps pilots hone their decision-making skills."
The seminar will be offered through September. Visit the ASF Web page for a complete schedule. The Nall Report can be downloaded or ordered by calling 800/USA-AOPA.
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