From AOPA Headquarters: The Show Goes On - by Mark Baker

The Show Goes On

by Mark Baker

AOPA President and CEO

Over the past year, I think we’ve all learned a simple lesson in appreciation. Most of us didn’t realize how much we’d miss the little things: a family gathering, a sporting event, and for us pilots, an airshow. Or to be more specific, the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

I’ve spent many summers at EAA Mark Baker AirVenture in Oshkosh, long before I became president of AOPA, and I’ll likely return to these grounds long after that title is retired. Along with half a million aviation enthusiasts, I was disappointed to miss last AirVenture’s weeklong celebration reinforces what makes year’s show. But we’ve waited patiently, weathered the storm, our aviation community so special and reassures me that our and I can tell you it will feel really good to be at Wittman general aviation industry is thriving. The same demand to be Regional Airport once again. in the company of the aviation community is extending to the

Reflecting on previous trips, within minutes the nostalgia desire to buy aircraft. Demand for aircraft outstripped supply sets in. The roar of the military fighters over the flight line, in numerous market segments in the first quarter of 2021. the seaplanes splashing along Lake Winnebago’s shore, and According to the aircraft valuation service Vref, piston singlethe smell of brats grilling in the afternoon. I’ve missed being engine aircraft accounted for almost 65.5 percent of valuation in the company of legendary pilots and innovative aircraft. activity. Cessna 182 Skylane models were at the top of a mostBut above all, I’ve missed that unmistakable blue tent proudly valued list for the category, followed by some Cessna 172s. displaying my favorite acronym. In other words, I’ve missed The momentum for GA is alive and well. It makes me seeing you. excited for fly-ins down the road, and especially for our AOPA

Of course, it’s what’s inside AOPA’s tent that brings the Aviator Showcases. I think we all could use an excuse to get magic to life. Over the course of a week, this tent is home to out and fly! AOPA’s Aviator Showcases will be held August 27 many aviators across the spectrum—rusty pilots, students, in Manassas, Virginia, and October 1 in Fort Worth, Texas. professionals, and pilots flying for fun. These events require registration in advance and won’t be

I know there are hundreds of exhibitors to visit, lots of like our usual fly-ins, but rather a more intimate experience merchandise to buy, and many performances to see, but I geared toward connecting pilots with industry leaders in hope a stop at the AOPA campus is on your agenda. Come avionics, technology, and aircraft. While these events may take say hello to the people behind your AOPA membership a different shape, I can assure you that they reflect our same who work hard for your freedom to fly every day. Our passion to connect with the community. government affairs staff, AOPA Air Safety Institute experts, If you aren’t able to make it to our showcase events, we member service representatives, and legal specialists are on will be hosting a multi-stop air tour later this fall during site to answer any of your questions. Check out our recently which members will be able to interact in person with me and renovated AOPA Sweepstakes Grumman Tiger in person (you other AOPA leaders. I look forward to meeting you, all while might be calling it yours someday) or join us and your fellow building on our aviation inspiration. AOPA members for a great view of the excitement taking I know I’ve said it time and time again, but the GA place on the flight line. From educational seminars to my community never ceases to amaze me. It’s easy to see the Pilot Town Hall, and our social media meet-and-greets, a lot spirit of GA come to life each year at grand celebrations like of action is jam-packed into this airshow. We wouldn’t have it AirVenture or major fly-ins. We should all strive to keep that any other way. energy alive year-round for, as they say, the show must go on. q