A Lawyer Left Speechless

The AOPA Board of Trustees last week honored John Yodice, secretary and general counsel, for 30 years of service on the board. During a board meeting in Washington, D.C., AOPA Chairman Paul Heintz presented Yodice an engraved crystal trophy reading, "The Board of Trustees and AOPA's more than 390,000 members thank you for 30 years of sage advice, counsel and guidance.

Yodice (below, right), surprised by the award, responded, "I'm at a loss for words. And a lawyer at a loss for words shows how much I appreciate this honor."

Defended Bob Hoover

John Yodice is the association's chief legal officer and is recognized as one the top aviation attorneys in the nation. He defended Bob Hoover against the infamous FAA certificate action. Yodice writes the "Pilot Counsel" column in AOPA Pilot magazine and presents popular legal seminars at events like AOPA Expo and the AOPA Fly-In. He owns a Cessna 310 and a Piper J-3 Cub.

The AOPA Board of Trustees is the governing body for both AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Trustees serve without compensation, generously giving of their time and expertise for the furtherance of AOPA and general aviation.

FMI: www.aopa.org