T-Minus Eight Days And Counting...

The ANN staff is gearing up for next week's AOPA Expo 2006 in Palm Springs... and, if the large number of crowded flights into Southern California next week are any indication, we're not the only ones planning to attend.

All attendees will have the opportunity to witness a unique tradition, performed only when Palm Springs hosts the annual AOPA get-together. It's the the Parade of Planes -- which gives new meaning to that old speeders' joke about "flying low." On November 8 -- one day before the three-day event kicks off at the Palm Springs Convention Center --  more than 100 aircraft will taxi from Palm Springs International Airport through the streets of Palm Springs to the convention center.

"Palm Springs is the only Expo location where we can host a parade of planes through the city streets," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We’re thrilled to return to this venue and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the parade."

The parade starts at 10 am Wednesday, when the planes will exit the airport and taxi two miles to the convention center. Leading the parade will be the grand prize in AOPA’s annual Sweepstakes -– a completely updated, upgraded 1967 Piper Cherokee Six, complete with a brand new interior, new paint job, and state-of-the-art avionics.

Early in 2007, AOPA will give this plane away to some lucky pilot... but that's only the beginning.

"Spectators will get to see the wide variety of aircraft that make up general aviation," said Boyer. "We’re going to have everything from little two-seat light sport aircraft through the propeller-driven planes, right on up to the new very light jets, and even some typical business jets."

"And you’ll be able to stand on the curb and see them pass barely an arm’s length away," Boyer added.

Indeed... it's rare the general public is able to get such a close look at general aviation.

AOPA Expo, to be held November 9-11 in Palm Springs, will also feature more than 70 hours of educational seminars... as well as 500 exhibit booths with the newest avionics, flight gear, pilot services, and more,

Oh, and then there's the planes... 80 aircraft on display with the latest models, including a light sport aircraft section.

We'll see you there!

FMI: www.aopa.org/expo/2006/