Preflight

As a student pilot you're most likely not aware of the larger aviation community that exists outside of your flight school and airport. I remember not knowing basic aircraft types beyond trainers when I was learning how to fly, and I certainly wasn't aware of many of the new airplanes, proposed changes in regulations, or any of the other segments of general aviation. I didn't even know enough to know what I was missing. And I would bet most of you feel the same way.

As you progress through your flight training, though, take some time to understand the social fabric of general aviation and the issues it faces. You'll soon gain a new appreciation for the fraternity that is general aviation. Consider attending one of the many events around the country that bring pilots together. Some are very business-like, while others encourage casual aircraft camping. AOPA offers its own event called AOPA Aviation Summit, being held in Tampa on November 5 through 7, which hopefully you've read about by now. But what you haven't read is how much there is to offer student pilots at the show.

Summit is part aviation tradeshow and part aviation festival. The tradeshow part takes place in the Tampa Convention Center and is centered around a massive area of exhibitors. Here, in one place, you can shop and compare headsets, handheld GPS units, flight bags, and more. But more than that, the exhibit hall is a great cross-section of GA, and includes aircraft manufacturers, people who sell home sites on airports, parts suppliers, GA tour operators, flight schools, and all kinds of other things you probably don't even know exist.

Apart from the exhibit hall, the convention center will host forums, talks, and other events, many geared for the student pilot. On Saturday at 11 a.m. there's a session with tips on how to pass your checkride. On Friday at 11 a.m. there's a talk on how to make it through your private certificate. And if you want to come all three days, Thursday features a session on sport pilot and light sport aircraft at 3:30 p.m. Those sessions don't include the 42 other forums on federal aviation regulations, GPS, flying safely at night, and much more. Finally, for those who are thinking about aviation as a career, you have to check out the session on tips for how to get ahead in a tough economy that I'll be moderating on Saturday at 2 p.m. with an expert panel.

If listening and participating in forums isn't your thing, come to our student get-together in the convention center exhibit meet-up area on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Columnist Rod Machado will answer questions and generally just chat about learning to fly and finishing your flight training. The 2009 FAA CFI of the Year, Arlynn McMahon, will also stop by.

For flight instructors, I'll be holding our annual roundtable in the Marriot hotel's Room 6 on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please come and talk about the state of the industry and the challenges you're facing.

Peter O. Knight Airport just south of downtown Tampa is holding Airportfest, a great place to come and see every type of airplane you can imagine. There will be trainers, high-performance speedsters, antique airplanes, military helicopters, sailplanes, the Lockheed Electra featured in the movie Amelia, and tons of other new models.

The festival will also be the place to bring nonpilot friends for introductory rides. Each one is $70 to mark AOPA's seventieth anniversary. It will be a great place to be introduced to aviation.

But wait, as they say, there's more. There are parties, social gatherings, sessions with government leaders, recording artist John Oates will perform, there's a rally, and so much more. So come and be a part of the larger GA community and join us in Tampa November 5 through 7. I can't wait to meet you.