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AOPA Action

Events at Aviation Summit November 5-7

Summit sessions

Thursday, November 5

9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
“One Voice”

Hear directly from the leaders of top aviation organizations.AOPA President Craig Fuller hosts a discussion of the issues that affect the future of GA, and reveals the unprecedented cooperation between major aviation organizations on initiatives designed to overcome those challenges.

9:50 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“GA of the Future”

Joined by Cessna’s Jack Pelton, Cirrus’ Founder Alan Klapmeier, Teledyne Continental’s Rhett Ross, and Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine’s Kenneth Roberts, Editor in Chief Tom Haines leads a lively discussion on what’s on the horizon for GA in the future.

9:50 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“Flying the Future Now”

Editor in Chief Tom Haines leads a panel discussion on what’s coming to GA cockpits today and in the future. With Bill Stone of Garmin, Tim Taylor of FreeFlight Systems, and David Vos of Rockwell Collins.

Saturday, November 7

9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
“Inspired to Fly”

There are many obstacles to learning to fly, but sport pilot Jessica Cox overcame a hurdle most of us can’t imagine—she was born with no arms. Editor in Chief Tom Haines interviews this amazing young woman and then meets with Corvin Huber, managing director of Remos Aircraft, a light sport manufacturer that is also inspiring people to take to the skies.

9:35 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“President’s Town Hall”

AOPA President Craig Fuller hosts a “Town Hall” style get-together, where your questions will set the agenda. Whether you want to talk about NextGen or user fees, growing the pilot population or GA Serves America, Fuller will be ready to answer all your questions in this interactive session.


Special events

Friday Night Party Complete Package

New for AOPA members! Purchase the Friday Night Party Complete Package and get a ticket to the John Oates “Freedom to Fly Concert” and a John Oates “1,000 Miles of Life” CD for only $20! Also, you will automatically be entered to win an opportunity to have your photo taken with John Oates and have your CD autographed.

Friday, November 6

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
GA at the Movies Luncheon

AOPA President Craig Fuller will present the Joseph B. “Doc” Hartranft Award and the Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award to recognize each winner’s contributions to GA. During lunch, get a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie Amelia, view clips from Wilco Films’ A Pilot’s Story, and be a part of GA’s filmmaking future.

6 p.m.
Friday Night Party

Tour Tampa’s world-renowned Florida Aquarium while enjoying an exclusive early reception. Travel to the Tampa Convention Center for a channelside buffet dinner.

8 p.m.
John Oates: Freedom to Fly Concert, Supporting GA Serves America

Recording artist John Oates of the band “Hall & Oates” will be presenting his new concert tour, “1,000 Miles of Life,” for one show only. Oates is a private pilot who has used GA to travel to his concerts.

Saturday, November 7

6:30 p.m.
AOPA Celebrates Seven Zero on the Riverwalk

Walk back into AOPA’s historic past as we celebrate AOPA’s seventieth anniversary on the Tampa Riverwalk.


Show highlights

AOPA Health Pavilion

Choose from a variety of health screenings, check out the latest in medical technology, and pick up some new exercise tips all designed to keep you flying longer. Special guest include Mike Torchia, trainer to the stars in Hollywood.

AOPA Women’s Wing hosted by Women in Aviation, International

Meet women leaders in aviation, take a spin in a Frasca flight simulator, and see special programming from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. each day on topics ranging from learning to fly to careers in aviation. 

AOPA Controllers’ Corner

Talk with air traffic controllers, find out what it’s like to be on the other side of the mic, and hear special presentations from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. each day. The AOPA Controller’s Corner is hosted by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

AOPA Learn to Fly Center

Find out how AOPA’s free programs support your flight training goals. See what flying is like in a Frasca flight simulator, and take your first flight. Discovery Flights are provided by Cessna Pilot Centers and hosted by Atlas Aviation at Airportfest.


Special guest events

Thursday, November 5

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm
Ybor City Tour with Columbia Restaurant Lunch and Cooking Demonstration
Tickets: $79

Friday, November 6

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tarpon Springs Tour and Lunch
Tickets: $69.

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay Discount Tickets and Excursions

Receive $10 off adult admission to Busch Gardens by showing your Summit credentials and photo ID. Also, get $10 off Serengeti Safari Adventure Tour.


For more information about all AOPA Aviation Summit events and registration, please visit the Summit Web site.

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