Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
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| Type | Not for profit |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Headquarters | Frederick, Maryland, United States |
| Membership | Individuals and companies |
| Field | Aviation advocacy |
| Number of Members | 400,000 (2007) |
| Key Personnel | CEO: Craig Fuller (since 1 January 2009) |
| Website | www.aopa.org |
An Cessna 182 panel upgrade featured in AOPA publications for the 2011 sweepstakes
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is a Frederick, Maryland-based non-profit political organization.
Incorporated on 15 May 1939, AOPA's membership consists mainly of general aviation pilots in the United States.[1] AOPA exists to serve the interests of its members as aircraft owners and pilots, and to promote the economy, safety, utility, and popularity of flight in general aviation aircraft.[2]
With 414,000 members in 2009, AOPA is the largest aviation association in the world.[2]
Programs
AOPA has three main programs.
- AOPA Foundation, is AOPA’s 501(c)(3) charitable organization.[3] The foundation's four goals are to improve General aviation safety, grow pilot population, preserve and improve community airports, and provide a positive image of general aviation.[4]
- AOPA Political Action Committee, is just for AOPA members. Through lobbying, it represents the interests of general aviation to Congress, the Executive Branch, and state and local governments. The AOPA PAC campaigns in favor of federal, state and local candidates that support their policies and oppose those who do not through advertising and membership grassroots campaigns.[3]
- GA Serves America, was created to promote general aviation to the public.[3]
See also
References
- ^ Flying Magazine: 76. August 1945.
- ^ a b Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (undated). "History of AOPA". http://www.aopa.org/info/history.html. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
- ^ a b c Fuller, Craig. "Engage in AOPA". http://www.aopa.org/prez/. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
- ^ "AOPA foundation". http://www.aopa.org/foundation/about.html. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
