AOPA monitors coronavirus, postpones Hoover ceremony

Because AOPA hosts and participates in hundreds of events nationwide each year, we are monitoring the situation as the effects of the COVID-19 virus evolve in the United States.

“The health and welfare of our staff and event attendees are of the utmost importance,” AOPA said in a March 12 statement. “Should circumstances change, we will comply with any mandates put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other government entity. Until then, AOPA will remain in contact with all stakeholders and announce any changes or cancellations through our website, direct correspondence to registrants and vendors, and on our media and social media channels. Please refer to our website for the latest information.”

We have postponed the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Awards in Washington, D.C.,—originally scheduled to take place March 18—until October 6 in Orlando, Florida.

Officials in Washington, D.C., asked that all “non-essential gatherings” be canceled amid efforts to limit the effects of the coronavirus. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency. Additionally, several key event participants expressed concern about possible exposure to the virus.

The Hoover awards ceremony will take place in conjunction with the National Business Aviation Association’s annual Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition. We will announce additional details soon.