Cutest moments of AOPA’s 2018 Fly-Ins
Next generation of pilots are training early
These future pilots will steal your heart and could easily work their way into a ride in your airplane with a single ask! The next generation is already getting a taste of general aviation flying—from airplanes to pancakes—at AOPA’s 2018 Fly-Ins. Check out the adorable photos of these youngsters who already have aviation in their blood. Oh, and a few pilots’ four-legged friends as well.
Kickoff time
Forget the Texas STOL demo and air tanker water drop—four-year-old Taylor Komberec stole the show at AOPA’s Missoula, Montana, Fly-In when she opened the event on June 16 with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ready, Captain!
Amundsen Schmitz is getting the pilot’s lifestyle down at an early age—fly to an airport, look at airplanes, eat, and hang out with other pilots! He flew in with his father, Arlan Schmitz, in a Cessna 185 during the pancake breakfast at AOPA's 2018 Santa Fe, New Mexico, Fly-In.
It’s a dog’s (airport) life
Andrew Gaumer cradles Raiser at AOPA’s Missoula Fly-In. Flying and getting carried around the airport, now that’s a dog’s life.
Fly-In fashion
From princess dresses to mud boots, bring your own style to AOPA’s Fly-Ins.
Traveling in style
This future pilot looks right at home in the left seat of a Travel Air at AOPA’s Missoula Fly-In.
Breakfast with a smile
Despite a cold, rainy morning for the pancake breakfast at AOPA’s Missoula Fly-In, there were plenty of reasons to smile—including the hot, buttery pancakes!
Open wide
Wilson Ristau and his father, Eric, chow down at the pancake breakfast during AOPA’s Missoula Fly-In. Wilson has already figured out that pancakes and airplanes go well together.
Family ties
Caden McVey rides on the shoulders of his grandfather, Skip Cosgrove, on the flight line at AOPA's 2018 Carbondale Fly-In in Illinois.
Cheese!
Everyone can get their closeups with airplanes at AOPA’s Fly-Ins.
Sniffing out a deal
Winston, a Boston Terrier, helps Dothan Regional Airport Director Art Morris III look for some deals inside the exhibit hall at AOPA’s Gulf Shores Fly-In in Alabama.
Stick time
A biplane simulator at AOPA’s Gulf Shores Fly-In proves popular with children who can’t help but hop in for a ride.
Imagination station
Children try their hand at adding to a Cessna’s paint scheme at the AOPA Gulf Shores Fly-In. The SafeLaunch Skylane is used to carry the message of addiction prevention. Children and teens are encouraged to paint their “dreams for a healthy future” on the airplane.
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