This Saturday's Nat'l AOPA Fly-In is shaping up to
be a "must." Despite some weather concerns (which are starting to
look a lot more VFR than they were a day or two ago), activity here
in Frederick, MD, (home of AOPA's headquarters) is ramping up
heavily. The giant vendors' tent is up in the AOPA parking lot,
where more than 100 vendors will offer everything from aviation
souvenirs to the latest in avionics (and ANN's own KLYDE MORRIS
gang will be there!).
So is the Speakers Tent, where AOPA President Phil Boyer and
aviation funnyman Rod Machado will host their seminars. All told,
visitors can choose from 14 seminars. The 13th annual AOPA Fly-In
and Open House takes place this Saturday, June 7, from 0830 to
1700.
Some two dozen aircraft will be on display on the ramp in front
of AOPA's headquarters, including the AOPA Centennial of Flight
Sweepstakes aircraft, a restored 1940 Waco UPF-7 biplane.
Local vendors will offer food service. And extra parking —
served by a free shuttle service — has been arranged for
those who prefer to drive.
Oh Yeah, That P-40 Thing...
Pilots planning to attend the 13th annual AOPA Fly-In and Open
House in Frederick, Maryland, this Saturday need to pay close
attention to P-40 northwest of Frederick Municipal Airport. While
President Bush hasn't decided that he'll be coming to the Fly-In
(though I'm sure he has an open invite), he will be hanging out at
nearby Camp David. And that means that the prohibited area
surrounding the mountain retreat will expand to a 10-nm radius. But
not to worry; the Fly-In arrival procedures are designed to keep
pilots clear of expanded "no-fly" zone and the Washington ADIZ.
AOPA kicks off this event at 0830 Saturday morning, but pilots
planning to fly in should be aware that due to airport
construction, the amount of space available for aircraft parking is
reduced compared to last year, though there's still room for more
than 400 aircraft. Even if the weather is below VFR, there's plenty
of parking for anyone driving in, with free shuttle service between
the outlying parking areas and the airport.
Straight Talk From Uncle Phil... Don't Miss It
During
his time as president of AOPA, Phil Boyer has talked to tens of
thousands of pilots at Pilot Town Meetings and speeches,
one-on-one, and via e-mail. But he's never hosted an old-fashioned
hangar session at AOPA's annual Fly-In and Open House — until
now - and in light of all the recent airspace and security
foolishness, Boyer's discussions have the potential to be
eye-openers. Hint: Don't miss this seminar... we have a feeling
it's going to be "interesting."
"I've always loved the opportunity to talk one-on-one with
members as they wander about our headquarters during the Fly-In and
Open House," said Boyer. "This year, I know that many of the pilots
visiting the Fly-In are directly impacted by the Washington ADIZ.
This will be an opportunity to talk frankly about how it is
affecting all of you and what is likely to happen in the
future."
Boyer's hangar session will take place in the Speakers' Tent at
11:30 a.m.
Boyer's seminar is one of more than a dozen being offered, on
topics ranging from Single-Pilot IFR to the aviation humor of Rod
Machado.
The AOPA Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes grand prize, a
beautifully restored 1940 Waco UPF-7 biplane, will headline the
static display of some two dozen aircraft. Also on display will be
two Boeing PT-17 Stearman aircraft. Wacos and Stearmans were two of
the most common flight training aircraft for America's World War II
pilots. Among the other aircraft on display will be the recently
certified Luscombe Model 11E, a Cirrus SR22, and a Lancair
Columbia. Overall, the static display aircraft will run the gamut
from two-seat trainers to high-end aircraft like the Beech King Air
and Pilatus PC-12.
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