At least 100 flying club enthusiasts stopped by the yellow AOPA activities tent for breakfast at Sun n Fun, in Lakeland, Florida, eager for club camaraderie and information on flying clubs. AOPA President Mark Baker opened the event with great enthusiasm, sharing his passion for flying clubs and their tremendous importance to pilots in keeping the cost of flying low and the enjoyment of flying high.
Woody Cahall gave an overview of the topics in the new Guide to Starting a Flying Club, sharing that it included a wide variety of helpful information, such as ways to organize a club, types of insurance coverage, and sample forms and documents. Two club leaders shared their insights with the group. Marc Epner, of Leading Edge Flying Club spoke about how to get a club up and running. Jan Squillace, of Wings of Carolina Flying Club described her club’s many activities and the facilities her club enjoys. Thumb drives with AOPA’s Guide to Starting a Flying Club were available upon request. The excitement was palpable both at the breakfast event and throughout the week at Sun n Fun, as I talked with members and learned of their involvement or interest in flying clubs. I am looking forward to meeting more of you at our fly-ins throughout the rest of the year!
