AOPA's annual Fly-In and Open House to be held June 3 in Frederick, Md.

AOPA's annual Fly-In and Open House to be held June 3 in Frederick, Md.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will host its 16th annual Fly-In and Open House at its Frederick, Md., headquarters on Saturday, June 3, 2006. Pilots and nonpilots are encouraged to join in the day-long event.

"Fly-In is an opportunity for AOPA staff and AOPA members to meet face-to-face," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We also welcome the general public and enjoy showing them what AOPA and general aviation are all about."

The AOPA Fly-In and Open House attracts thousands of people each year, making it the nation's largest one-day fly-in event. In good flying weather, hundreds of aircraft fly into the Frederick Municipal Airport, making it one of the busiest airports in the nation. The FAA operates a temporary control tower at the airport to handle the high volume of traffic.

Special attractions at the Fly-In and Open House include a ramp full of the latest in general aviation aircraft, fun and informative seminars, and a self-guided tour of the AOPA headquarters building.

Aircraft display

AOPA's Win a Six in '06 sweepstakes airplane will be the highlight of the 40 aircraft on display at the event. Throughout the year, the 1967 Piper Cherokee Six-260 will undergo an engine overhaul, a new paint scheme, and avionics upgrades to the panel.

Early in 2007, the better-than-new airplane will be awarded to one lucky pilot. Anyone who joins or renews AOPA membership in 2006 is eligible to win the sweepstakes plane. Complete rules, eligibility requirements, and alternate methods of entry are available online.

Other aircraft on display will include a variety of the best of general aviation, including Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Grumman, and Raytheon.

Seminars and exhibits

Seminars will be presented throughout the day on topics of interest to all pilots, such as aviation safety, the latest GA issues, and emergency procedures. Rod Machado will return to Fly-In this year to present his popular seminars that mix humor with knowledge.

Boyer will host a hangar session at 12:30 p.m. The annual event attracts hundreds of pilots who gather to hear AOPA's president speak about current GA issues in the Mid-Atlantic region and ask questions of him.

New this year, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation presents "Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots," which offers no-nonsense, real-world strategies for making better choices in the cockpit and on the ground. The seminar uses DVD-branching technology to create interactive scenarios; audience members make decisions for the scenario pilots and the audience then sees the consequences of their decisions.

One hundred aviation exhibits will be under a big tent and will feature everything from the latest in avionics, to charts, to aviation insurance. Pilots are sure to find everything they need under the tent.

Activities for prospective pilots

Again this year, AOPA will host special activities for anyone interested in learning to fly. Informational sessions will run throughout the day and will include Q&A with a flight instructor.

"Every pilot knows someone who wants to learn how to fly, and AOPA's Fly-In and Open House is the perfect way to introduce him or her to the exciting world of general aviation," said Boyer. "There is strength in numbers. The more people that become aware of the benefits of general aviation, the better it is for all of us."

Hours, directions, and aircraft arrival procedures

AOPA's Fly-In and Open House begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Vendors will be on site throughout the day selling beverages, snacks, and meals.

The Frederick Municipal Airport is located off of Exit 56 (East Patrick Street) from Interstate 70. Traveling from Washington, D.C., take Interstate 270 North to I-70 East, then Exit 56. From Baltimore, Md., take I-70 West to Exit 56. From Loudoun County, Va., take Route 15 from Leesburg (joins Route 340 from Charles Town, W.Va.). Take Route 340 to I-70 just outside of Fredrick. At the I-70/I-270 split stay left to continue on I-70 and take Exit 56. From Harrisburg/Gettysburg, Pa., take Route 15 South to I-70 East and take Exit 56. From Johnstown, Pa., and points west, take I-70 East to Exit 56.

More information, including the schedule of seminars, list of exhibitors, and aircraft arrival procedures, will be available soon on AOPA's Web site.

With more than 407,000 members, AOPA is the world's largest civil aviation association, working to protect the interests of general aviation. Nearly two-thirds of all U.S. pilots are members of AOPA.

06-1-024

February 28, 2006