AOPA Fly-Ins double educational programming

“Our educational programs are among the most popular events at our fly-ins,” said Chris Eads, AOPA senior director of outreach and events. “We decided to expand our offerings, doubling the content so that you have more to choose from at each event.”

New this year is that the workshops will qualify as ground school training and you’ll receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor. The time can be counted toward certificates or ratings you might be pursuing or toward the ground portion of the flight review. Previously, we offered just one day of these workshops, but we have expanded them to both days and doubled the course options.

“For the same low price as previous years, you get access to more in-depth workshops and a logbook endorsement,” Eads said. Previously, you could only take in a couple of the workshops during the single day they were offered. Now, you can choose among seven or eight workshops, jump between them, and take in as many as you want.

The seminars and ground school workshops are all taught by aviation experts.

One of the new ground school workshops covers the basics of formation flying, and who better to learn from than a former commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and experienced warbird formation pilots? In this ground school, you’ll learn from AOPA Air Safety Institute Executive Director Richard McSpadden, who was the commander and flight leader for the Thunderbirds; AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Mike Ginter, who had a 27-year career as a U.S. Navy pilot and flies warbirds; and AOPA Vice President of the Pilot Information Center and Flight Operations Mike Filucci, who flew for the U.S. Air Force, had a 28-year career flying for American Airlines, flies warbirds, and teaches formation flying.

The other new ground school features Catherine Cavagnaro, who operates Ace Aerobatic School and is a columnist for AOPA Pilot. Cavagnaro has extensive aerobatic and spin training, even teaching with the late Bill Kershner, making her a perfect guide to walk you through aerobatics and upset recovery training.

Seminar and ground school workshop topics include some of the most popular ones from previous years as well as new subjects.

You won’t want to miss these educational opportunities; register in advance for meal tickets and the ground school workshops to save money! The Frederick AOPA Fly-In, where we’ll be celebrating our eightieth anniversary, is coming up soon, May 10 and 11, so register now!

We’ll also be hosting fly-ins at Livermore, California, June 21 and 22, and Tullahoma, Tennessee, Sept. 13 and 14.

Coming to an AOPA Fly-In? Check in with fellow pilots in advance through the AOPA Fly-In Hub.