Gathering To Be Held November 11-13 At Long
Beach Convention Center
Yes, we know that we haven't all
been to Wisconsin yet, but planning is important too, right? AOPA
has announced that its Aviation Summit is returning to the
West Coast, landing at the Long Beach, CA, Convention Center
Thursday through Saturday, November 11-13, 2010. At the same time,
the AOPA Airportfest will take place at nearby Long Beach Airport
(KLGB).
"The AOPA Aviation Summit is the one place our members know they
can come and hear what's really going on in general aviation today,
interact with decision makers who influence our future, see the
latest GA has to offer, and enjoy the company of their fellow
pilots," said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. "Just as
important, it's a chance for them to tell us what's on their minds
so AOPA can continue to be responsive to our members' needs."
One of the highlights of the show - and something AOPA has never
done at Summit before - is sure to be the awarding of the grand
prize from the Fun To Fly Sweepstakes, a 2010 Remos GX light sport
aircraft.
On Saturday, pilot, AOPA member, and renowned futurist John L.
Petersen will deliver the keynote address, discussing where general
aviation is likely to be a decade from now. Petersen is the founder
of The Arlington Institute, a future-oriented think tank that
serves as a global agent for change by developing new concepts,
processes, and tools for anticipating the future and translating
that knowledge into better present-day decisions.
AOPA expects approximately 500 exhibitor booth spaces, in the
convention center exhibit hall, looking at everything from
aviation-themed jewelry and souvenirs to pilot supplies, avionics,
and aircraft. The Beta Prototype from Terrafugia, makers of the
Transition roadable aircraft, often incorrectly referred to as a
"flying car," is scheduled to be at the show. The Beta Prototype,
which will be unveiled at EAA's AirVenture at Oshkosh, builds on
lessons learned from Terrafugia's proof-of-concept aircraft, which
flew successfully last year.
The Exhibit Hall will once again feature: the Controllers'
Corner, where pilots and air traffic controllers can mingle and
discuss life on both sides of the radio; Women's Wing, a joint
venture between AOPA and Women in Aviation, International, intended
to draw more women into aviation and support those who already fly;
and the AOPA Health Pavilion, promoting healthier living to help
pilots maintain their medical certificates.
AOPA Summit Exhibit Hall 2009
This year, pilots and aviation enthusiasts attending the AOPA
Aviation Summit have some 66 hours of aviation forums to choose
from, including a brand new track on light business aircraft (LBA),
hosted with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
The LBA track will offer forums on topics such as how to use your
airplane for business, tax benefits of business aviation, legal
reimbursements under Part 61.113 of federal aviation regulations,
insurance, and safety. Identical forums will be offered during
NBAA's annual convention as well.
The AOPA air Safety Institute will offer an array of seminars,
from Real World IFR and its renowned Pinch Hitter course for
cockpit companions to What Went Wrong?, a seminar that lets pilots
learn from others' mistakes before they make the same mistakes
themselves. There will also be ownership forums, learning to fly
forums, destination forums, and just-for-fun forums, such as Rod
Machado's popular Aviation Humor. The educational opportunities
continue right on out onto the Exhibit Hall floor, with mini-forums
being held throughout the Aviation Summit at Controller's Corner,
Women's Wing, and the Health Pavilion.
Long Beach Sectional
Approximately 100 aircraft ... from light sport aircraft to
business jets ... are anticipated to be on display at Airportfest
at KLGB. There will also be displays and activities for non-flyers
who are interested in - or even just think they might be interested
in - aviation. Given Southern California's numerous military
installations and in honor of Veterans Day, military aviation will
be among the displays at Airportfest.