News from Headquarters: AOPA Plans DC Mall Flyover

Before we get into the exciting upcoming flyover, let me first address the elephant in the room.  You might be thinking: “Hang on, I thought Steve Bateman retired?  Why is he still writing articles for Club Connector?”.  Well, I have good news.  While Steve did retire, it turns out that he is a glutton for punishment and will still provide us with valuable content for the foreseeable future.  So, keep an eye out for the usual monthly Question of the Month and Safety article.  Afterall, Steve does need something to keep him busy between pickleball and flying the ‘batt.

AOPA Plans DC Flyover

Over the last 9 months or so AOPA has been deep in planning something that has never been done before.  On May 11^th, in celebration of general aviation and coinciding with AOPA’s 85^th anniversary, we (AOPA and me, specifically) will be flying a conga line of approximately 60 airplanes down the Washington, DC Mall.  Beginning with a Beechcraft Staggerwing, the line of aircraft will tell the story of general aviation as each flight of 3-4 passes over show center.  The event will be narrated and live streamed on AOPA’s YouTube page by AOPA’s Tom Haines and former CNN correspondent, Miles O’Brien. 

This will be a momentous event, aimed to bring awareness to, and grow interest in, general aviation.  This is a great opportunity for Flying Clubs to get together, break out the BBQ, pour a few beverages, and enjoy a storied show of general aviation history.  

Oldest Club in Each State…So Far

We’ve compiled the data we have received up to this point (keep it coming!) and have found the oldest club in 21 of the 50 states.  Have a look at the list and see if your club made it.  If so, send us an email, we’d love to have a chat about what has helped your club stay relevant and operational over the years.

If you have an inkling that your club might be “old”, please follow this procedure.  We’ll publish our findings and crown the victors in an May’s edition:

Please send an email to [email protected]

Subject Line:  Oldest Club Entry

Body of email:

1. Name of club: <Your response>
2. State of operation: <Your response>
3. Date of establishment: <Your response>
4. Airport ID (three-character ID): <Your response>
5. Your name: <Your response>
6. Your email address (not the clubs, yours): <Your response>
7. Your phone number (not the clubs, yours): <Your response>
8. Been in continuous operation?: Yes or No
9. With the same airplane: Yes or No
10. If yes, make/model/year: <Your response>
11. Comments:<Your response>

Photo by David Tulis/AOPA