ALL SYSTEMS GO!
MAY 11 FLYOVER ABOVE WASHINGTON, D.C., GETS FINAL APPROVAL
FREDERICK, Md., May 7, 2024—The intricate planning and intense coordination with a myriad agencies and regulators have been in the works for more than a year. But the team always knew takeoffs wouldn’t happen until it received an official yes/no the week of the event.
The light has just officially turned green.
With final government approval, 56 general aviation (GA) aircraft will depart Frederick (Md.) Municipal Airport shortly before noon on Saturday, May 11, to participate in The National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover.
The unique event, coordinated by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, will feature a wide array of aircraft representing virtually every chapter of general aviation’s storied history, which will fly over the National Mall to celebrate the value the general aviation industry has provided to our nation since 1939.
“The idea to celebrate the many contributions of general aviation to our nation’s communities began over a year ago, and we’ve had countless meetings and planning sessions with officials from the FAA, TSA, and Secret Service for the route, airspace, aircraft, and pilots,” said AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Mike Ginter, who will also serve as the air boss for the upcoming celebration. “We greatly appreciate the support from these partner agencies and getting the final approval was great news. We’re ready to go!”
The National Celebration of GA Flyover will be broadcast live on AOPA’s YouTube channel with commentary from longtime AOPA Live This Week host Tom Haines and noted journalist Miles O’Brien. AOPA is encouraging watch parties at local airports and other gathering places.
This special event will take place over one of Washington, D.C.’s, most restricted flight zones, Prohibited Area P-56, something that hasn’t been done with GA aircraft since September 11, 2001. Spectators on the ground and online will watch the aircraft fly above the Lincoln Memorial, down Independence Avenue, and past the Washington Monument.
The aircraft, comprising 15 different “chapters,” will tell the story of GA in the United States, from those in the Golden Age and representing GA after World War II to the general aviation trainer era, vertical flight, backcountry flying, seaplanes, corporate and business aviation, technically advanced aircraft, homebuilt aircraft, airshow performers, and other examples of general aviation aircraft that support public service missions.
The pilots were specifically selected to participate based on their aircraft and level of pilot qualification, and all aircraft will be inspected by the TSA, Secret Service, and FAA prior to departure. All pilots and crews were required to pass a security screening, and every detail of this flyover was carefully planned with the government agencies.
“It’s going to be a special time for AOPA and for general aviation,” AOPA President Mark Baker said about the event. “What a sight it will be to see the history of general aviation flying over the National Mall as GA has given this nation so much over the past many decades. Celebrating our own 85thbirthday this year, AOPA is uniquely positioned to plan this complex event and execute it safely and professionally.”
More information on the event, route and planned aircraft can be found on AOPA’s GA Flyover campaign web page.
Related Articles
