Aviation regulations and technology crafted in Europe have a way of making their way across the pond. So when the world meets to discuss general aviation in Friedrichshafen, Germany, AOPA will be there.
As the world’s largest civil aviation organization, AOPA is going to the AERO Friedrichshafen trade fair April 8 through 11 to engage with international GA leaders about the future of the industry. AOPA President Craig Fuller, also president of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), will speak at a meeting of industry leaders and a press luncheon, as well as attend the Europe regional meeting of IAOPA.
“The United States has a robust general aviation community, and participating in Europe’s largest general aviation show allows us to connect with our counterparts in other areas of the world,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “We have worked hard at home to demonstrate how GA serves America, and it’s important to extend that message to other countries and explain how GA serves the world.”
AERO, both international in scope and devoted solely to GA, attracts thousands of aviation enthusiasts and showcases “everything that flies”: from hang gliders, ultralights, gliders, and motorized aircraft to turboprops, business jets, and helicopters. A delegation from AOPA, including staff from government affairs and media divisions and the Air Safety Foundation, will speak with industry leaders about safety, security, and regulatory issues facing GA in Europe and worldwide.
Based on its past successes on a previously biennial schedule, AERO is now an annual event. The show promises 450 exhibitors from 25 nations. Check back on AOPA Online April 8 through 11 for news from Friedrichshafen, and watch for more in the July edition of AOPA Pilot.