IAOPA will analyze GA progress, future challenges at 20th World Assembly in Edinburgh, September 23-29

IAOPA will analyze GA progress, future challenges at 20th World Assembly in Edinburgh, September 23-29

The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) will examine current issues in general aviation worldwide during the organization's 20th World Assembly, September 23-29, in Edinburgh, Scotland. High on the agenda will be technological and regulatory developments in airspace control and airspace/airport access as they affect general aviation and aerial work (GA/AW).

IAOPA President Phil Boyer, who is also president of AOPA-USA, will preside over this semi-annual event.

Presentations will include the keynote address by Sir Malcolm Fields, chairman of Britain's Civil Aviation Authority, and technical discussions on such topics as the future shape of European airspace, datalinking and GA, GNSS-1, and the outlook for Mode S.

Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation (U.S.), will examine the question, "GA Safety—Too Complex?" And Ken McNeill of AOPA-Canada will talk about "Working with a Privatized Air Traffic Services Provider."

IAOPA President Boyer will offer a world perspective of general aviation and analyze a striking correlation among the several indicators of GA/AW's condition at any given time, all reflecting the influence of what Boyer calls "The X Factor."

Also on the schedule are John and Martha King, well known for their extensive series of aviation training videos and computer programs. In their humorous talk, "How to Avoid Unwanted Adventures," the married couple will explain lessons they have learned through many years of flying together throughout North America.

Major benefits of IAOPA membership are derived from the channels it provides for exchanges of experience among the several regions where GA is active. In a principal panel session, delegates from the AOPAs of France, Guyana, Brazil, South Africa, and the European Region will lead a discussion of "Regional Challenges for General Aviation."

IAOPA Secretary General John Sheehan underscores the organization's importance to the world public, pointing out the many ways in which general aviation and aerial work affect society at large. Critical health care depends on GA/AW emergency air transport. Business aviation supports national and international commerce. The majority of airline pilots today emerge from GA training.

The more than 600,000 GA pilots and 300,000 GA aircraft engaged in general aviation and aerial work throughout the world perform the majority of aviation operations, contributing significantly to the global economy. Their needs, Sheehan argues, must be accommodated in planning and operating the world's aviation infrastructure.

IAOPA, founded in 1962, is the international umbrella group of all AOPA organizations worldwide. Leading worldwide user input on national and regional issues affecting general aviation flying worldwide, IAOPA is the official representative for general aviation before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an arm of the United Nations.

IAOPA membership continues to grow, from the five charter members that created the organization in 1962 to the present membership of AOPAs in 53 countries. The Edinburgh Assembly will be the first for the most recent new members, China, Croatia, Guyana, Lithuania, Pakistan, and Poland.

For more information, visit the Web site.

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September 19, 2000