AOPA has something for everyone at 2015 AirVenture

AOPA members attending EAA AirVenture might have a hard time choosing between nearly four dozen AOPA events at the association’s front-row flight line position at Oshkosh, July 20 through July 26. The outdoor seating area next to AOPA’s main tent affords pilots a prime spot for socializing, soaking up aviation knowledge from seminars, or viewing the daily airshow from a perch adjacent to the Brown Arch on Wittman Road.

In addition to nonstop action from airshow performers Sean D. Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, and 19-year-old Pitts S1S pilot Sammy Mason, the 2015 show also includes a pair of notable anniversary celebrations. Warbirds of America will honor the seventieth anniversary of the Pacific victory and a gaggle of Ercoupes will celebrate the twin-tailed craft’s seventy-fifth anniversary.

At the AOPA tent, AOPA President Mark Baker will visit with members during an free ice cream social at 1 p.m. July 21, and Baker will share ideas and updates over free coffee and donuts at 9 a.m. July 24.

Pilots won’t want to miss out on roundtable Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast discussions throughout the week in the association’s yellow activity tent. A pair of free Rusty Pilots sessions for lapsed pilots are scheduled for July 22 and July 25 mornings at 8 a.m., with coffee and donuts available beforehand.

Helping complete the scene, a pair of general aviation’s flying workhorses will dot the AOPA campus. The yellow Reimagined 152 sweepstakes airplane will be showcased near a restored Piper Super Cub (serial number PA-18-1) and the 2015 “You Can Fly” tent. Airshow star and AOPA Ambassador Patty Wagstaff will sign autographs from 11 to 11:45 am July 23 through 25.

The AOPA campus will also be your best bet to catch up with like-minded pilots seeking the latest aviation developments. Air Safety Institute seminars on mind over matter, weather, and loss of control will be delivered in the activity tent. Additional seminar topics include Lockheed’s flight service, RNAV tips from Jeppesen, and many more.

Speaking of seminars, aviation humorist Rod Machado will hold court on learning tips while John and Martha King will describe their unwanted adventure. Spoiler alert: If you haven’t attended this informal session from the ever-popular first family of aviation, you might be surprised to learn how the couple powered through a little off-airport adventure of their own.

Renew your membership to take advantage of a $5 off show special and choose your own gift, either a stylish AOPA cap or a T-shirt; visit with AOPA staff; and test out the latest AOPA Go flight app before its official launching.

Find out more about what is going on at the AOPA campus, including highlights and what to see and do, by going online.