As the largest aviation community in the world, AOPA connects pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts with fellow members of the general aviation community; inspires people to fly; helps support aircraft ownership and access to flying; and promotes pilot safety. Content across all our media platforms should serve readers’ need for community, inspiration, accessibility, and safety.
We maintain a strong focus on GA and consider for publication only articles that align with that focus. You may find it helpful to review recently published issues for examples of content, structure, and style: aopa.org/publications.
Successful stories are relevant to our audience and offer a new or unusual angle. While we cover perennial training topics and often revisit the basics, we strive to approach them from a fresh perspective. We do not reprint press releases; instead, we provide context and perspective unique to AOPA.
Write concisely. Organize your story around a single central idea. Include enough detail to convey your message without overwhelming or boring the reader.
In general, articles for AOPA should be written in the third person. Overuse of the first person (i.e., “I,” “we”) is seen frequently in articles rejected by Pilot. While use of the first person can be appropriate or even required in some instances, it should generally be avoided. See below for a list of exceptions we reject.
Do not submit stories on subjects in which you have a financial interest.
AOPA generally assigns staff editors to write flight reports and aircraft reviews. Our editors also attend most major airshows and significant aviation events, so general articles on events like Oshkosh are not needed. However, a specific experience, a person you met, or a unique aspect of such a trip may be of interest to our readers.
Submissions must be entirely original. By submitting a manuscript, authors affirm that the work is their own and that all facts, data, and sources have been verified and accurately reported.
Although limited use of artificial intelligence is permitted with human verification, revision, and approval to assist in ideation, formatting, and transcribing, we do not accept submissions created by generative AI. Additionally, AI may not be used as the sole source for verifying any statements of fact. AOPA prohibits all use of AI in any manner that infringes or otherwise violates the intellectual property rights of third parties.
While all submissions are treated with care, AOPA cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials. Do not send irreplaceable original photographs or materials unless we specifically request. Instead, send digital copies or a brief written description. When sending digital materials, provide high-resolution images and include the name of the person or organization to credit for the work.
AOPA Pilot is the nation’s leading general aviation publication. It serves readers with practical information to improve skills and safety, as well as inspirational stories that fuel their enthusiasm for flying and the aviation community.
These are reported stories that explore a specific aspect of the GA world, such as new or notable aircraft, industry trends, or other topics of interest and importance to pilots. (1,500–2,100 words)
This section is a compilation of short stories covering a wide range of aviation topics—the “who, what, where, when, and how” of “people, places, and things.” It relies heavily on photography and illustrations, so concise, engaging text creates more opportunity for strong visuals. Stories include:
This section features articles offering in-depth insight into pilot proficiency, aircraft ownership, maintenance, and technical topics. Content may include practical how-tos, troubleshooting tips and advice, explanations of systems, aviation weather, technological updates and innovations, or informed opposing viewpoints. Writers should combine clear explanations with real-world examples, studies, or personal experience to make complex topics compelling and accessible to aspiring, new, and seasoned pilots alike. Stories include:
Personality profiles featured on the magazine’s last inside page, highlighting pilots for whom aviation has been a significant part of life or who have made notable, often unrecognized contributions to GA. The narrative should be organized around a specific theme, not a rundown of varied accomplishments. Articles should avoid first-person narrative and include professional photography. Each profile must include a “logbook” sidebar with the subject’s name; occupation; flight hours logged; certificates and ratings; affiliations; favorite aircraft; most memorable flight; and an “extra”—an intriguing fact about or a quote from the subject. (400 words)
AOPA Pilot, Turbine Edition includes all the content of the regular edition, plus a dedicated section for turbine operators. Coverage addresses the needs of pilots who fly or aspire to fly turbine business aircraft, offering tips on flying jets, turboprops and turbine helicopters, inspirational reports on operating various models, and practical guidance on owning and maintaining turbine aircraft.
Flight Training is the only magazine designed specifically for student pilots and flight instructors; it informs, instructs, motivates, and inspires a diverse audience to discover aviation and achieve their aviation goals.
In-depth explorations of topics of relevance to training-minded pilots. These stories go beyond handbooks and test standards and tap into the wisdom of the pilot community. Provide context and insight: Why do we learn this? How can pilots correct common errors? What fears might need to be addressed? How can we make the maneuver more fun? Focus on telling a story, not simply presenting a topic. When teaching a concept or maneuver, organize your thoughts around a thesis. Look for opportunities for sidebars and visual elements to give multiple entry points to the text. (1,300–2,000 words)
A collection of short, focused stories on a wide range of topics relevant to student pilots and pilots continuing training and growth beyond the initial certificate. Similar in concept to the “Briefing” section in Pilot, these stories highlight practical tips and key insights designed to engage and inspire student pilots. Stories include:
Include a brief sidebar with the following:
Qualifications:
Work/life balance:
Favorite part of the job:
Least favorite part of the job:
Pay (or career path):
Provide answers for the following questions:
How did you get started in aviation?
What were your biggest challenges?
What is your favorite aviation-related activity?
Favorite aircraft?
Advice for students?
Additionally, include a concise “Logbook” sidebar:
Who:
Hours:
Ratings:
Extra (one or two quotes):
Include a “Spotter’s Guide” sidebar:
Natural habitat (e.g., Alaskan backcountry, agricultural operations):
Distinguishing traits:
How much:
Did you know (fun fact):
Also include an abbreviated spec box. Specs should include some or all of the following:
Powerplant:
Seats:
Length:
Height:
Wingspan:
Empty weight:
Max gross weight:
Max speed:
Cruise speed:
Stall speed (VS0, VS1):
Range:
Use only specifications provided by the manufacturer’s website or AOPA’s aircraft guide: aopa.org/aircraftguide
If you are unsure about an article idea, you may submit a written query letter or email to AOPA Media or call to discuss your idea with production staff. This may save time and effort if the topic is not currently of interest. Staff may also provide guidance or suggestions to help shape your article, so it better aligns with our readership.
If AOPA Media is interested in an article you have pitched, we do not commission the manuscript in advance. Instead, we ask that you submit a draft “on spec” (“on speculation”). The article will go through our standard review process, after which a purchase decision will be made regarding publication and purchase.
You may email submissions to [email protected]. Submissions should be typewritten in standard black color, Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1.5-line spacing. Use single spaces after periods. Submit articles in Word or Google Docs format only.
Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, a brief bio (two to three sentences), and relevant flight credentials with all submissions.
Photo submissions should be high-resolution JPEG or PNG files.
Exclusivity: Submissions that have been sent to, are under consideration by, or have been published in any other publication will not be accepted. We encourage submitting your manuscript to one publication at a time, waiting for a decision, and, if rejected, then submitting the material to AOPA Media for consideration.
AOPA is not responsible for unsolicited original photographs. Do not hire a photographer or incur other related expenses without explicit prior approval from AOPA Media. The association will not reimburse photographic expenses unless they are specifically authorized in advance.
Unsolicited manuscripts are reviewed by AOPA editors. After evaluation, a decision will be made to purchase the article, return it for revisions, or reject it. Because of magazine deadlines, trade shows, and travel required of our editors, we ask that you allow about eight to 10 weeks for this process, ensuring that every manuscript receives careful consideration.
Keep in mind that a manuscript rejection is not necessarily a reflection on the quality of your work. Few articles are rejected solely for writing or content issues. More often, manuscripts are rejected because the topic was recently featured in our media, a similar article is already in production, or the piece simply doesn’t fit the association’s current editorial needs.
Payment is made for articles once they are accepted for publication, even if a publication date has not been scheduled. Before payment, authors must sign and return AOPA’s standard author license agreement. This contract grants AOPA first and exclusive one-time international rights to the manuscript, as well as a nonexclusive right to republish the article. This means that AOPA has the right to republish the article after it has been printed in the magazine and may republish the article on AOPA.org or in another AOPA publication. Some material may be published on AOPA Online instead of or before appearing in the magazine. In all cases, our exclusive rights revert to the author 90 days after our first publication of the manuscript.