Giving season

Since my first aircraft purchase—a 1968 Cessna 150—at age 17, I have been able to own and experience a wide variety of aircraft, enjoying floatplanes, antiques, turboprops, jets, and helicopters. Again, I understand how lucky I am, and so my mantra, my belief, my goal is always to share aviation as much as I possibly can. I believe firmly that if you are lucky enough, you should share that good fortune.

This belief extends across all parts of my aviation life. It’s not just in exposing others to flying, but in giving back in multiple ways. In this season of giving, I am reminded that beyond sharing the joy of flying, we all have a responsibility to make sure general aviation is strong for those who come after us, so that we keep the passion alive for generations to come.

That is why I am so proud to support the AOPA Foundation as both an annual donor and Legacy Society member and encourage you to do the same. The foundation funds our important programs—the You Can Fly initiative and the AOPA Air Safety Institute—that your membership dues do not cover. These programs are critical to our mission of getting more pilots in the air and keeping them there safely. An energized, excited, and committed general aviation community is our ultimate goal, as it always has been since this association was founded 85 years ago.

There are many ways to support the AOPA Foundation, and every contribution counts. Whether it’s a one-time or annual gift, there is a giving level to suit every bank account. It is especially gratifying to know that thousands of AOPA members choose to go the extra mile and support the foundation.

Without your support so much of the good work we do could not exist; a thriving, safe, and bright future for GA is all our responsibility. The Legacy Society is just one way you can support the AOPA Foundation. As a Legacy Society member—like me—you commit to include a gift to the AOPA Foundation in your estate plans. Members’ names are listed on our Legacy Society recognition wall in Legacy Court at AOPA headquarters, as well as in the AOPA Foundation’s annual report, although you can decline this recognition if you wish to remain anonymous. Members are invited to special AOPA Foundation gatherings at aviation events, airshows, and AOPA celebrations. But you don’t have to plan your estate as I have—there are many other ways to give on our website (foundation.aopa.org/ways-to-give).

Giving back to aviation can take many forms. From taking a prospective pilot on their first flight to volunteering your time to humanitarian efforts, or making a financial contribution, giving back has many rewards. I am gratified by the remarkable success of the You Can Fly High School Aviation STEM Curriculum that has helped nearly 100,000 students learn about aviation. Because of our program—now in more than 550 high schools around the country—aviation is no longer a mystery behind an airport fence but an attainable life goal. How might your life be different if you had been able to take aviation classes in high school?

I am humbled by the work of the AOPA Air Safety Institute and its aviation safety goal. We are anticipating that 2024 has been one of the safest years yet for general aviation, a remarkable accomplishment made possible by the terrific educational content the ASI team produces. More than 10 million times over the past year pilots and aircraft owners downloaded ASI videos, guides, and other materials that enhance their flying life, making them better, safer pilots.

Both You Can Fly and ASI are the products of a giving aviation community that supports these programs through donations to the AOPA Foundation. In this season of giving, I hope that as you enjoy your family, your friends, and your flying, you remember that without your support so much of the good work we do could not exist, and that a thriving, safe, and bright future for GA is all our responsibility. I hope you have a happy holiday season and take a moment to give thanks for our freedom to fly. Blue skies!

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