Pete flies with AOPA

“I began flying as a passenger with my mom and dad when I was about five years old. My family has rented or owned airplanes as far back as I can remember, but I failed to take advantage of my easy access to airplanes to take flight instruction. Today I regret it, but I didn’t begin flight instruction until I was 26 years old, and I got my certificate a few months later in 1997.

“I began flying with AOPA around 9 years ago, about the same time as my RV-10 was completed.

“I joined AOPA to be connected to the aviation community. Initially, I enjoyed the obvious benefits like discounts on fuel and insurance, but since I have found many other things to love about AOPA. 

“I particularly like AOPA’s educational videos and the flight planning tool. I recently flew cross-country from SD to AZ with my four young sons, and the AOPA flight planning tool was invaluable for me to find airports and fuel prices along the route.

“The resources available to me as an AOPA member are fantastic. The magazine is filled with great content, and the emails have pertinent and relevant aviation news and information. I know why I fly with AOPA, what about you?”

(Pete most frequently flies his Vans Aircraft RV-10, as it is an excellent aircraft for personal and business use. He often flies his sons to Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota for their soccer games. He particularly enjoys doing longer cross-country flights like the one to Tucson, AZ)

Interested in flying with AOPA? Learn more about the benefits of AOPA membership here.