Going back for more

Join AOPA at the Buckeye Air Fair at Arizona’s Buckeye Airport (BXK) for three days of high-quality pilot education, aerial entertainment, and aviation enthusiast camaraderie. From February 14 through 16, attendees can walk the robust flight line of aircraft on display; peruse AOPA’s expansive indoor exhibit hall showcasing the latest in aviation technology, pilot gear, and services; and attend educational seminars and a Pilot Town Hall led by AOPA’s new CEO and president, Darren Pleasance. A matinee airshow, followed by Buckeye’s twilight airshow and fireworks display, will take place on Saturday.

2024 was a monumental hit

Last year, the Buckeye Air Fair in Arizona saw its biggest turnout yet, with more than 30,000 attendees and 340 total fly-in aircraft over the event’s three-day weekend in 2024. It wasn’t just the numbers that made the overall event, including the AOPA Fly-in at the Buckeye Air Fair, a monumental hit.

The Buckeye Air Fair, brainchild of Buckeye mayor, pilot, and AOPA member Eric Orsborn, started as a small airport open house and has since grown into one of the largest general aviation events in the Western United States. And although the event has sustained steady growth throughout the years, the event still manages to maintain a small community fly-in feel, making it the perfect partnership for an AOPA Fly-In.

The surrounding desert landscape in February makes for spectacular flying, aviation spectating, and aircraft camping weather; of the 340 aircraft that flew in for the event in 2024, 60 stayed, set up camp, and spent the weekend taking in everything the Air Fair had to offer.Be sure to bring the kids and teens along for all day family friendly activities.

What to expect in 2025

This year, AOPA and the Buckeye Air Fair are joining forces once again to bring members an exciting lineup of aviation entertainment and a comfortable place to see it all, at the members-only AOPA Flightline Chalet. Here, members can mingle with guests, AOPA senior leadership, and influencers, all while enjoying the benefits of prime airshow seating, exclusive partner giveaways, and an assortment of light food and beverages. On Friday, AOPA Fly-In attendees can catch a special sneak peak of Saturday’s airshow with a private viewing of the event’s airshow practice session. To access the Chalet, please first visit an AOPA membership representative inside the exhibit hall to validate your membership and receive your VIP wristband.

Earlier in the day on Friday, AOPA is offering two separate seminar tracks that focus on safety and the aviation industry with presentations from AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter, AOPA Pilot Protection Services, SiriusXM Aviation, AssuredPartners Aerospace, and more. Seminars will run on the hour throughout Saturday and the Pilot Town Hall, featuring AOPA’s new CEO and president, Darren Pleasance, will take place at 11 a.m. in the safety seminar tent. The Rusty Pilots seminar will be held on Sunday at 9 a.m. for those looking to get back on the flight deck and refresh their flying skills

Be sure to bring the kids and teens along for all day family friendly activities including the Buckeye Aviation Academy, Arizona SciTech event, and Flight School Sunday. Check the website for continuing information on this can’t-miss event.

[email protected]

aopa.org/buckeye