AOPA Fly-Ins
Learn, experience, explore
Four great fly-in locations
AOPA’s Fly-Ins provide a special opportunity for pilots to feel welcome, relaxed, and connected with other pilots and enthusiasts. Whether you’re an aircraft owner, experienced pilot, rusty pilot, new pilot, student pilot, or just plain crazy about airplanes, an AOPA Fly-In has something for you. The combined two days are loaded to maximum gross with workshops; the Barnstormers Party; seminars; exhibits; world-class presenters; and lots of aircraft, technologies, products, and services to make your flying more enjoyable, practical, and safe.
• Learn: Be a more informed pilot
You’ll find lots of hands-on workshops and seminars for every level of pilot. Don’t miss the Pilot Town Hall, where you can share your ideas with AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker.
• Experience: Fly-In activities and exhibits
Enjoy the Friday night Barnstormers Party. Check out the amazing exhibit hall and aircraft display. Learn about your AOPA member benefits at the AOPA Village, and much more.
• Explore: Local attractions
Take in the sights and sounds of local culture through one of our planned excursions. Experience a new flying destination and meet other pilots by participating in an organized fly-out.
Web: www.aopa.org/fly-ins
Membership
Find great places to fly
Online resources for travel-minded pilots
The editors and writers of AOPA have gathered their collective wisdom of great places to fly in one place online (www.aopa.org/destinations). From inspiring stories to great photography, this section of AOPA.org has everything you need to start planning your next great flying trip:• Stories on destinations from Maine to Mexico, featuring ski areas to snorkeling spots, and sites of aviation history to challenging airports.• An interactive map you can view by region—or see the entire United States.• Discussion posts from the AOPA Hangar submitted by other pilots who have been to new locations and/or offer advice on places you’ve never thought of.• Links to additional travel information such as restaurants, museums, and lodging.• The AOPA Flight Planner, airport information, AOPA Go, and all AOPA weather-related information.• Tips for international and cross-border travel.
Web: www.aopa.org/destinations
Events
For the young—and young at heart
Triple Tree to host Young Aviators Fly-In
By David Tulis
College student Cayla McLeod and commercial pilot Ryan Hunt are launching “the young people’s Oshkosh” at the sprawling Triple Tree Aerodrome in South Carolina, known for its putting-green-perfect 7,000-foot-long grass strip, June 8 through 10. McLeod, a tailwheel private pilot who earned her certificate in January, plans to make the first-ever Young Aviators Fly-In a low-cost, fun event with options that keep visitors occupied and engaged.
The University of West Georgia communications major said the fly-in would be “for young aviators and presented by young aviators.”
The private airfield in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains attracts aviators who fly a variety of aircraft—from warbirds to remote-control airplanes. Aviation workshop subjects, panel discussions, and safety seminars will be tailored to improve younger pilots’ decision making and will be presented in an engaging environment. Attendees can purchase continental breakfast for a small fee, and food trucks will be on site throughout the weekend. Other plans include free camping, access to the field’s wood-paneled restrooms with showers, and a lot of camaraderie.
“It may be called the Young Aviators Fly-In, but everyone is welcome to attend, and we need help from seasoned aviators as well.” With coaching from the Triple Tree aviators and others, McLeod says the gathering will be a safe and successful event.
Web: www.tripletreeaerodrome.com/youngaviatorsflyin.php
Industry news
HFI awards $30,000 in scholarships
The next generation of helicopter industry professionals
The Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) announced 18 scholarship recipients for 2018. The scholarships, offered to aviation students around the world, continue the foundation’s longstanding mission to educate the next generation of helicopter industry professionals. HFI is the charitable arm of Helicopter Association International, and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS.
This year’s awards include six scholarships for students in helicopter maintenance technician programs, four scholarships for pilots working toward commercial helicopter ratings, one for safety professionals, and seven for established maintenance professionals seeking training for specific helicopters or components.
“We are aware of the financial commitment undertaken by students in our profession,” said Allison McKay, HFI vice president. “Through our scholarship program, we help to offset this burden and allow the students to focus on continuing their education.”
HFI funds these scholarships—valued this year at about $30,000—through donations, auctions, and other fundraising events. As a nonprofit foundation, HFI also supports helicopter safety programs and preservation of the helicopter industry’s history.
Related Articles
