As the cold weather chills AOPA’s Headquarters in Frederick, many of us are inside generating new resources for flying clubs. We are in the process of re-launching the Flying Club Network to include a new flying club website and a growing list of Q&A’s and club related information on subjects that come directly from you. As you and your members stumble across unanswered questions, we invite you to call us at 1-800-USA-AOPA to chat with one of our CFI’s or A&P’s. Your inquiries and feedback will help guide our 2015 online knowledge base.
We also are busy planning another year of ways and places to gather together. As many of our readers know, 2014 was a big year for AOPA and its members. Sun ‘n Fun and AirVenture have been upheld traditions for AOPA, but the regional fly-in concept was new ground.
In an effort to increase member engagement, one of AOPA President Mark Baker’s first acts as the association’s new leader was to move away from one annual convention and instead host a series of regional fly-ins to “meet the members where they are.” This was an extraordinary undertaking. With a tight planning schedule, seven locations were selected for 2014. Each fly-in attracted more than 2,000 members and aviation enthusiasts, hundreds of GA aircraft, and dozens of the region’s Flying Clubs.
Each fly-in included a presentation from a local flying club leader, sharing their tips and tricks for success. As we move forward into 2015 we plan to continue the presence of the AOPA Flying Club Initiative at the fly-ins, as well as both Sun ‘n Fun and AirVenture.
We will provide opportunities for flying club members and enthusiasts to learn about AOPA’s efforts and resources, share their experiences, provide feedback and advice to AOPA, and most importantly – meet and mingle. Additionally, we will host a social event at AirVenture specifically for members of the AOPA Flying Club Network.
As you plan your busy fly-in season, keep an eye on both the Club Connector and the AOPA Flying Club Network Facebook group for the latest details and updates on these events.
For those of you enjoying the winter weather, keep your pre-heaters warm. For those of you in the south, you’re missing a great Ski-Flying season!
