14th annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House coming June 5
Thousands expected for biggest one-day event of its kind
Feb. 12, 2004 - Thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts and hundreds of aircraft are expected for the 14th annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House, June 5 at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Md. It has become the biggest one-day fly-in in the nation.
"AOPA Fly-In is something we look forward to all year long," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We get to meet our members face-to-face and show them where we work and what we do to protect their interests the other 364 days a year."
In good weather, the fly-in transforms Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), already Maryland's second-busiest airport, into one of the busiest in the nation. The FAA operates a temporary control tower at FDK to handle all the extra traffic. In 2002, only the tower at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport handled more operations than the controllers at FDK.
Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes Twin Comanche headlines static display
On the ramp, AOPA's Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes grand prize, a 1965 Piper Twin Comanche that will be better than new by the time AOPA is done with it, will be the star of the static display. It will be awarded early next year. Throughout the year, AOPA will give away more than 2,300 other prizes as part of the sweepstakes, ranging from AOPA eyeglass Croakies® to leather flight jackets. Anyone who joins or renews membership during 2004 is automatically entered to win. Complete rules, alternate methods of entry, and eligibility requirements are available online.
Joining the Win-A-Twin aircraft in the static display on the ramp will be some three dozen general aviation aircraft. Past fly-ins have hosted everything from two-seaters like the Diamond DA 20-C1 and the OMF Symphony, through the Cessna 172 and Luscombe 11E, on up to the Pilatus PC-12 and Beech King Air.
More than 100 vendors will display their wares during the fly-in. Everything from avionics to engines to the latest "gotta have" gadgets will be on display. Representatives from AOPA's Member Products will also be on hand, offering services from aircraft financing and insurance to legal services to credit cards and rental car savings. Using Member Products from AOPA partners helps keep the cost of membership and insurance low and helps provide AOPA with the financial means to fight the battles that need fighting, such as the successful campaign to save Albert Whitted Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., or the efforts to reduce the number and the impact of temporary flight restrictions.
More than a dozen seminar opportunities
Two seminars will make their fly-in debut this year. Dr. Ian Fries, a member of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's governing body, will discuss "How To Save Your Life In An Aircraft Accident." Dr. Fries is a renowned aviation medical advisor and has served as a member of the AOPA Board of Aviation Medical Advisors for more than 20 years.
And ASF will offer "Maneuvering Flight - Hazardous to your Health?" for the first time at the fly-in. "Maneuvering flight is something every pilot does on every flight, without exception," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "This seminar shows clearly that successful maneuvering flight involves both basic airmanship and judgment and offers straight talk that can help save both money and lives."
In addition, fliers and non-fliers alike will enjoy a "hangar talk" session featuring stories from aviation humorist Rod Machado.
Hours, directions, and aircraft arrival procedures
The 14th annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Local vendors will provide a wide selection of beverages, light snacks, and meals, available throughout the day.
Detailed information on aircraft arrival procedures will be posted on AOPA Online as soon as the notam is published.
To reach Frederick Municipal Airport from Washington, DC, take Interstate 270 North to I-70 East, then Exit 56 (East Patrick Street) and follow signs to the airport. From Baltimore, MD, take Interstate 70 West to Exit 56 (East Patrick Street) and follow the signs.
AOPA is the world's largest civil aviation organization. Its more than 400,000 members make up approximately two thirds of all pilots in the United States. AOPA is committed to protecting the interests of general aviation and to ensuring the continued viability, growth, and development of aviation and airports in the United States.
04-1-081
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