AOPA Aviation Summit Spotlights Aviation Powerhouses

Thousands of pilots, lawmakers, regulators, and aviation enthusiasts converged on Tampa, Florida, last week to attend the AOPA Aviation Summit and to address the issues that confront general aviation today - from how to fund the FAA, to how to address security concerns without curtailing personal rights and privileges, to how to enhance general aviation safety even further.

7,294 people attended the Summit in person at the Tampa Convention Center last week. In-person attendees checked out the latest in general aviation technology, and attended informational and educational forums, while online participants heard from industry and government leaders about plans for the future. In addition, hundreds of members of the Tampa community came out to  Peter O. Knight Airport for the community day activities at Airportfest.

AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller led discussions about the future of the industry, security issues, protecting our freedom to fly, and more in Summit Sessions and on Center Stage in the exhibit hall. In the One Voice opening session, Fuller led association CEOs from EAA, NATA, NBAA, GAMA, WAI, and AEA in a frank discussion of where GA is headed. He also spoke one-on-one with industry leaders about how technological advancements, policy, and pilots' involvement in aviation issues will shape the future of GA.

"There was a strong sense that the entire GA community had come together to address the issues we face," said Fuller. "Everyone involved, including the many industry leaders and government decision makers I spoke with, indicated a desire to help grow and strengthen GA. Now AOPA will work with the rest of the industry to carry that momentum forward as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the new year."

Craig Fuller

Summit also hosted its share of inspiration. Jessica Cox, the first sport pilot without arms, talked about the challenges she faced in flight training and encouraged attendees to "think outside the shoe," as she did when she learned to tie her shoes in grade school. Thanks to Summit Platinum sponsor DTC DUAT, SR-71 pilot Brian Shul spoke about his triumph over what doctors deemed career-ending injuries and how he went on to join the elite group of pilots who have flown the spy plane.

More than 1,000 aircraft flew into Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Tampa International Airports during Summit. The airport grounds were packed for Community Day on Saturday, with hundreds of people from the area watching the steady stream of aircraft taking off, walking among the 104 aircraft on display, and participating in activities designed for the whole family. Among the most popular for the kids was a chance to make and wind their own rubber-band-powered model aircraft to fly in a hangar, and interested attendees took off on discovery flights in full-size aircraft.

AOPA also took the opportunity at Summit to unveil its new Medical Services Program, part of a redoubled focus on health issues. The program will have two levels and provide pilots with more resources to help retain their medical certificates.

The next AOPA Aviation Summit will be in Long Beach, California, November 11-13, 2010.

FMI: www.aopa.org