If you missed AOPA Aviation Summit, or couldn’t squeeze in everything on your to-do list while at the show, catch up on the highlights by perusing some of the notable quotes heard in and around the Palm Springs Convention Center in California.
“Look to the future with confidence. No single group can stem this downward trend, but working together the industry can overcome this threat.”— AOPA Senior Vice President of the Center to Advance the Pilot Community Adam Smith at the Flight Training summit.
“We are in the midst of establishing chapters at colleges and universities around the country.”—John Zapp, co-founder of Flying Musicians on its efforts to grow its membership.
“We expect to have an STC (supplemental type certificate) by the end of the year.”— Brian Willett, vice president of sales and marketing for the Tamarack, developer of ATLAS (Active Technology Load Alleviation System) winglets for the Cirrus SR22.
“You’re about to find out that you’ve just joined a fantastic community of aviators. The people who own and support these airplanes are some of the most knowledgeable, outgoing, and interesting people you could find anywhere.”— Tim Clifford, owner of the stand-in Husky, and a Recreational Aviation Foundation board member, as he presented the sweepstakes airplane to winner Richard Zahn.
“Your leadership and tenacity in advocating for the airport, your tireless efforts at telling VNC’s story to the local and national public, and your strong commitment to providing opportunities to engage young people were critical factors for AOPA’s Board of Trustees in making this award.”— AOPA President Craig Fuller in a letter to Nicholas F. Carlucci Jr., winner of AOPA’s 2012 Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award.
“This Debonair is one of Beechcraft’s earlier versions, which has been a very popular choice over the years because of its clean lines, modest power—225-hp—yet 150-knot cruise speed. Many pilots fondly call it the ‘Baby Bonanza.’ Be sure to follow the restoration process through AOPA’s magazines, websites, email newsletters, and video channels.”— AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne on the 2014 AOPA sweepstakes aircraft.
“Our members have admired the work of AOPA’s photographers for years. With the opening of this gallery, the best of our images can now hang proudly in their homes.”— Chris Ward, AOPA vice president of new product development and interactive marketing.
“Simple, simple, simple, that’s what we want people to think when they use the application.”— Jeff Simon, director of strategic marketing for Bendix/King on the company’s new iPad app: MyWingMan electronic flight bag.
“As a member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, Senator Thune has gone on the record twice opposing user fees. He also joined 25 other senators in signing a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood expressing concern regarding the Block Aircraft Registration Request. All of us who use general aviation appreciate his strong support on Capitol Hill.”— AOPA President Craig Fuller on Thune winning the Joseph B. “Doc” Hartranft Jr. Award, one of AOPA’s two highest honors.
“[Pilot Terry Bender] really helped me reinvent my life. When people asked me what I did [before], I said I was an actor. And [I] didn’t want to go off into the sunset having only done one thing.”— Actor/pilot Harrison Ford in a keynote address at the AOPA Aviation Summit.
“There's so much fun to be had, so many places to go. I need to be more adventurous. I'm spending my life within 40 miles of Sky Harbor.”— New pilot Neil Bradon on making plans to fly further away from his home base.
“I would love to host a TV series titled ‘Fly Away with Dave Coulier,’ where I fly to destinations that you wouldn't really go to by automobile.”— Actor/comedian/pilot Dave Coulier answering a question about flying on tour.
“We have been working to develop an aircraft that will give personal pilots better speed, comfort, safety and overall travel capabilities than any other current single-engine aircraft. The reason we chose SmartDeck can be summed up in one word—simplicity.”— David Loury, founder and CEO of Cobalt on choosing Esterline CMC Electronics avionics suite.
