Your 2025 aviation calendar

First off, we’re back to Buckeye. In 2023, we first participated in a successful, seasoned local airshow at the Buckeye Municipal Airport (BXK) in Arizona. Hosting a fly-in within a local airshow allowed us to not only see our own members but show off our association to a crowd we might normally not see, including nonpilots who might want to join our club. Was it a success? Well, the numbers told a great story, and we’re heading back again this year. Join the more than 30,000 anticipated attendees at this show in February for activities such as an exclusive AOPA members-only airshow, private parties, a meet and greet with AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance, educational seminars, rusty pilots get-togethers, and more. AOPA members get to take advantage of all the Buckeye Air Fair activities as well as the AOPA-planned events. Check out the website for updates to the planned activities and register to join us.

A highlight of the AOPA calendar is the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy Awards held in the historic Lobby Terminal A of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia. No one embodies the spirit of your freedom to fly more than the late R.A. “Bob” Hoover. A true pioneer, Bob inspired so many with his passion for flight, unbelievable skills, his humility and an unwavering commitment to the aviation community. The first Bob Hoover Trophy was presented to Hoover himself, in 2016 during the unveiling of the statue in his likeness at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center.

Hoover agreed to have his name forever memorialized as a tribute to aviators whose airmanship, leadership, mentorship, and passion for aviation inspire a love of flight in others. AOPA has been entrusted with carrying on his legacy through this annual award. The event takes place March 19, 2025. Be sure to register to join us as we honor the people who make general aviation great.

At Sun ’n Fun this year in early April, plan to see us at AOPA’s campus in Lakeland, Florida. We’ll have all the programs and excitement you’ve come to expect as well as the appearance of the beautifully restored AOPA Sweepstakes Cessna 182. Featured speakers as well as a Pilot Town Hall presented by new AOPA President Darren Pleasance will be highlights. And we’ll present a similar lineup in July at EAA AirVenture. As always, check in regularly on our website to see updated seminars, speakers, and featured events.

New in 2025 is another opportunity to join us at an established airshow. In August, we will join the Props & Pistons Festival held at the Akron-Fulton International Airport (AKR) in Akron, Ohio. This family-friendly airshow is held on the original U.S. military base (established in 1929), which has the Goodyear Airdock, a 200-foot-tall, 1,000-foot-long hangar that has housed blimps, airships, and dirigibles. When it was built, it was the largest structure of its kind and is where the first lighter-than-air ships were built. More than 130 airships and 4,000 naval Corsair fighter aircraft were produced at the airport by Goodyear Aircraft during World War II. There is a daily airshow, veterans’ events, kids’ zone, and food trucks. AOPA’s fly-in will have a specially designated area for its members, exclusive access to the airshow, seminars, and featured speakers. 

In September, we will return to the remarkable 7,000-foot-long grass strip at Triple Tree Aerodrome (SC00) in Woodruff, South Carolina, for the 18th annual fly-in. This family-friendly, always fun event features so many relaxing and inspiring activities, and we complement the chill atmosphere with our “Oasis at Triple Tree,” a comfortable spot for you to visit with fellow aviators, get out of the sun, and watch some college football.

We finish up the year with our annual AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Symposium to be held in November in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each year, the symposium brings together passionate educators from across the nation for three days of sharing insights, ideas, and best practices for building aviation STEM programs. As the only national symposium focused on high school aviation and aerospace education, this is your chance to explore how to prepare students for in-demand careers as pilots, drone operators, aerospace engineers, and more. Join us to discover how you can inspire the next generation of aviation leaders and equip your students for success in these exciting, well-paying fields.

Looking for more? AOPA represents your freedom to fly at many aviation events throughout the year. Check our website for new information.

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