Topfive

Top five attractions at Aviation Summit

This year, you’ll find something new to do, see, or fly at AOPA Aviation Summit in Long Beach, Calif. AOPA has been highlighting some of the upcoming events. Based on the most popular articles, see what pilots and aviation enthusiasts have deemed a must see at this year's Summit.

1. AOPA forums on IFR challenges : Practicing approaches under the hood is one thing—flying in hard IMC is another. But some of the new equipment and technologies make it a little simpler to fly in the system and maintain a high level of precision. The Air Safety Institute will offer a number of "Real World IFR" forums to address these challenges. For those looking for tips for flying GPS and WAAS-based approaches, 2008 National CFI of the Year Max Trescott will speak Nov. 12 and 13.
2. Ultimate airplane travel forum : It's easy to fly into an airport with an open approach area and paved runway, but what about landing at secluded mountain strips, national and state parks, or international destinations? Learn how in a series of forums about flying in the West, the backcountry, Alaska, Mexico, and more.
3. AOPA forum on aircraft ownership : Join AOPA Pilot Editor in Chief Thomas B. Haines on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. for "Buying Your First Airplane." Haines brings the experience of buying nearly 20 airplanes and will walk pilots through the process, including giving tips on defining your mission, justification, inspections, financing, taxes, and insurance. Then at 3:30 p.m., plan to attend a forum on “Tax Benefits of Aircraft Ownership.” Other forums will serve pilots interested in turbine aircraft and dealing with maintenance "gotchas."
4. The Summit exhibit hall : Complete with the Women in Aviation "Women's Wing," the National Air Traffic Controllers Association "Controllers' Corner," and 13 product demonstrations, the exhibit hall will be bustling with activity. Check out the booth for The Aviators for the latest information in the documentary about pilots’ passion for flight. The exhibit hall opens at 9 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 12; exhibit hall hours Nov. 13 are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5. Airportfest : With more than 75 aircraft on display, including military and light sport aircraft, Airportfest is much more than an aircraft display. An appearance by Fifi, the only airworthy B-29 bomber, will be there for tours . Expect live music from the Flying Musicians Association, a Learn to Fly center, and aircraft manufacturers offering demonstration flights. Best of all, Airportfest is free and open to the public. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 12, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 13.

–Mitch Mitchell