AOPA has announced plans for five new fly-ins in 2015 following the success of last year’s inaugural events.
AOPA’s 2015 Fly-Ins are scheduled for California’s Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) on May 16, Minnesota’s Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) on Aug. 22, Colorado’s Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) on Sept. 26, and Tennessee’s Tullahoma Regional Airport (THA) on Oct. 10. In addition, the AOPA Homecoming Fly-In will be held at Maryland’s Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) on June 6.
“We had a great time with the AOPA Fly-Ins last year and they put us in touch with thousands of members we’d never met before, so we can’t wait to do it again,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “With new locations we’ll be able to meet even more members, support more general aviation airports, and continue our mission to build the GA community all across the country.”
During 2014 more than 16,000 people attended AOPA Fly-Ins, which also drew more than 2,800 aircraft. AOPA received requests from more than 40 airports to host a 2015 fly-in. Final selections were made based on a combination of location, runway and ramp capacity, facilities, prevailing weather, and several other important factors.
“A large number of very nice airports volunteered to host a fly-in. We appreciate all the wonderful proposals we received and are sorry we couldn’t host an event at every airport that offered,” said Baker. “While the selection process was not easy, we know our final choices will make it possible for thousands of AOPA members to attend a fly-in near them, while enjoying a day of general aviation at a terrific airport.”
The AOPA Fly-Ins are designed to give anyone the chance to experience the fun, wonder, and excitement of general aviation. And for the first time, each AOPA Fly-In will kick off with a Friday night social event. Most locations will also offer on-field camping.
“We hope people will make a weekend of it,” said Baker. “Join us for a great social gathering on Friday, camp under your wing, and spend Saturday soaking in all the camaraderie and fun of a day at the airport with fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts. I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend.”
Participants will be able to see, test, and buy the latest aviation products and services from exhibitors. Aircraft displays will feature everything from newt models rolling off the assembly line to rare antiques and venerable warbirds. A variety of seminars and educational opportunities will be offered throughout the day with an expanded slate of speakers on aviation safety, maintenance, flying tips, and aircraft ownership.
Attendees also will have the chance to hear directly from Baker during a Pilot Town Hall, and to ask questions and mingle with AOPA staff throughout the day.
Food is an important part of any fly-in, and AOPA will honor tradition by offering a pancake breakfast for just $5. Lunch will be provided by gourmet food trucks or local restaurants, and special pricing will be available for attendees who register in advance.
For those just venturing into aviation, each AOPA Fly-In will include a “Learn to Fly” area with information and activities for future pilots.
For pilots who may not have been actively flying, free “Rusty Pilots” seminars will be offered at each fly-in. Those who complete the Rusty Pilots seminar can receive a logbook endorsement for the ground portion of the flight review, making it a great way to return to the skies.
Get more information and see a map of the locations on AOPA’s 2015 Fly-Ins Web page. Attendees can pre-register beginning next month.
Exhibitor registration is open now. For exhibitors, the AOPA Fly-Ins offer a unique opportunity to reach new markets, highly qualified prospects, aircraft owners, and pilots of all experience levels in a fun and relaxed environment. With new sponsorship opportunities available for 2015, the AOPA Fly-Ins give aviation businesses the chance for face-to-face encounters with thousands of pilots who are looking for the best aviation products, from headsets to software and from avionics to aircraft. Learn more and register as an exhibitor or sponsor on the 2015 Fly-Ins Exhibitor page.
