AOPA calls for fly-in volunteers

The AOPA Fly-In at the Buckeye Air Fair will take place February 17 to 19 at the Buckeye Municipal Airport in Buckeye, Arizona. Volunteers can expect a weekend of fun and rewarding aviation camaraderie as they work side by side with AOPA staff and other aviation lovers from across the county.

On the airside, AOPA is seeking certificated pilots and student pilots to help marshal and park aircraft, greet pilots and passengers, and take fuel orders. Working the flight line is a great way to gain hands-on experience working on an airport flight line and get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft and aviators.

Showside volunteers will also take part in the action, registering and greeting attendees and exhibitors; setting up and tearing down exhibitor displays; assisting with safety and cleaning protocols; and more. You don’t need to be a pilot to assist on the showside; all that’s needed is an interest in general aviation and a desire to participate. Sara Schwegel, a mechanical engineering major who’s interested in aerospace, volunteered at AOPA fly-ins in Spokane, Washington, and Livermore, California, and said working the showside was a great way to learn more about the aviation industry.

All volunteers will be provided lunch and receive a free volunteer event T-shirt. Potential volunteers are asked to keep their physical capabilities in mind when considering signing up. All volunteer roles involve extended periods of being on your feet, some lifting, and being in the sun.

Interested parties can learn more and sign up on AOPA’s website.