Organization Hopes To Attract Opinion Leaders, General Public

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will host its inaugural AOPA Aviation Summit this November in Tampa. The Association's annual convention and trade show will take place at the Tampa Convention Center November 5-7 with everything the general aviation community has come to expect - a packed exhibition hall, safety forums, scores of aircraft on display - and more.

"AOPA's annual convention has traditionally been the place for our members to come and learn about what's going on in the aviation world," said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. "But this year we're expanding our reach. We want opinion leaders, decision makers, and the general public to come to the AOPA Aviation Summit as well, and to learn more about general aviation."

AOPA continues to build collaborative relationships with leaders involved in general aviation to help explain how GA serves America, and why it is vital to the country's success. Many of those leaders, from other associations, industry, and the government, will be at the Summit to speak - and to listen.

More than 500 exhibitor booths are planned, displaying everything from aviation collectibles to avionics, engines and airframes. And in the middle of it all will be a center stage where attendees can listen to industry leaders or watch product demonstrations. Visitors will also find the educational opportunities that past AOPA conventions have been so well known for, covering everything from safety of flight issues to medical issues to flying more frugally. In addition, there will be forums and roundtables that will continue the themes of the morning Summit sessions.

At nearby Peter O. Knight Airport, visitors will see a wider variety of general aviation aircraft than has ever been on display before, and AOPA's "Let's Go Flying" Sweepstakes grand prize for this year is a 2005 Cirrus SR-22.

There will also be a display area dedicated to public benefit flying, including volunteer pilot organizations and agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard. There will even be a display of tethered hot air balloons. As in past years, the aircraft display area is free and open to the public. "This year, though, we are deliberately reaching out to the people of the bay area," said Fuller. "Saturday will be Community Day, with special events to give the public a better look at general aviation."

"The AOPA Aviation Summit is an opportunity for anyone interested in aviation to discuss the pressing issues facing the industry today, and where we are headed in the future," concluded Fuller.

FMI: www.aopa.org