Max Karant joined the AOPA staff as assistant general manager in 1948 and was soon known throughout the aviation community as an indomitable fighter for pilot rights.
Karant founded AOPA Pilot magazine in 1958, and was editor for 18 years.
Before moving to AOPA, he was managing editor of Flying magazine. Originally known as Popular Aviation, this Ziff Davis publication had been the "official" magazine for AOPA members, carrying an "AOPA News" section beginning in 1939.
A pilot for more than half a century, Max Karant logged some 11,000 flight hours, including five crossings of the Atlantic. To help convince ICAO delegates that general aviation deserved as place at the international table, Karant often flew his own Twin Comanche to ICAO meetings as far away as Buenos Aires.
No memorial service will be held, according to family wishes. However, Max had requested that his ashes be scattered at sea. In response to an inquiry from a family representative this morning, AOPA has volunteered to perform the memorial flight in honor of this beloved longtime employee so central to the history of the association.