Remembering longtime GA advocate Steve Hedges

Hedges was employed at AOPA for 18 years serving as director of media relations and as the Southern regional manager in the office of government affairs and advocacy. He had a fierce passion for general aviation, which was reflected in his tireless airport and pilot advocacy work.

“Steve was a fighter and a gentleman with a quiet and determined passion to protect and promote general aviation. While he loved to fly, aviation was second to his love for his wife, Rebecca, and their four children,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. “Whether it was communicating the importance of general aviation or navigating the halls of state houses and city councils, or meeting with local airport communities and residents, Steve took a collaborative approach to resolving issues, and he did it all with his signature sense of humor and humility. We will miss Steve very much and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Hedges was instrumental in helping to protect GA at the Wilmington International Airport and sponsored the creation of the ILM Pilots Association. AOPA member Tom Goodwin, executive director of the ILM Pilots Association, recently visited Hedges at his North Carolina farm to show his appreciation for all he did to help GA at Wilmington.