Catalina

Land free on Catalina during Summit

Santa Catalina Island is a prime destination for pilots who want to indulge in a bison burger with all the fixings and a famous Killer Cookie at the DC-3 Gifts and Grill Café at the island’s Airport in the Sky.

During AOPA Aviation Summit at Long Beach, Calif., AOPA members will enjoy a no-landing-fee weekend Nov. 13 and 14, as long as they show their AOPA membership card.

“All AOPA pilots are welcome to enjoy the unique experience of landing on our mountaintop runway,” said Mel Dinkle, Conservancy COO and treasurer, a pilot himself. “If the visibility is bad on the mainland, call the ASOS (310/510-9641) first because the weather may be much improved over the Island.”

The Conservancy has initiated the new Catalina Aero Club that provides member pilots unlimited landing at the Airport in the Sky for one year in addition to 20 percent off the Wildland’s Express shuttle service to and from Avalon, and a free “Killer Cookie” with every $10 of food purchased at the gift shop and grill. Other benefits include one annual Freewheeler bike pass into the interior and 50 percent off Conservancy campground fees.

The Catalina Aero Club membership is $150 per year. Current Conservancy members who would like to upgrade to the Aero Club can do so by extending their membership for $115. For information, call 310/510-2595, ext. 114.