AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2008 - (Page 30) PILOTBRIEFING 1988-1997 September 1993 The Learjet 23, the world’s first popular light business jet, was an interesting choice to highlight that month’s “Turbine Pilot” section. The story was a brief history of the airplane’s first flight, taken nearly 30 years earlier. AOPA Pilot Senior Photographer Mike Fizer shot the 23 from a low angle to highlight the lights reflecting off the wet pavement, made that way thanks to a utility truck. The ominous overcast layer was just an added bonus. 1998-2007 September 2003 Sometimes the best cover is an iconic aircraft like the Cessna 172, and other times it’s just a beautiful photograph, like this one taken by senior photographer Mike Fizer. Like the Aerocar, this Sikorsky S–38 Amphibion is an unusual aircraft with a nostalgic appeal. Fizer’s photograph sets the zebra-striped airplane in front of southern Nevada’s sparse desert and beautifully captures the romance of such a wonderful machine. Of course, being sea-worthy, no photo of an S–38 is complete without water. Maintaining a theme Some of AOPA Pilot’s more popular covers over the years have been those that wrap a themed issue. These magazines can range from two or three feature stories to entire editions dedicated to a single, cohesive issue or idea, much like this fiftieth anniversary issue. There’s no set schedule for when they are published. Rather, the editors come together and decide that an issue is important enough that it deserves a strong, detailed presence in the magazine. Sometimes, such as the October 1989 issue centered on the association’s fiftieth anniversary, the choice is easy because the magazine is focused on an event. But recent theme issues such as June 2005’s “The State of General Aviation” take June 2005 July 1986 October 1989 March 1996 theme issues and their associated covers are a great way to grab the reader with an unusual cover. Take that June 2005 issue for example. The mosaic of more than 2,500 photographs from AOPA’s archives was compiled to create the digital image of a Columbia 400. And who could forget July 1986? That simple close-up photo of a Piper Cub tail with the bear cub emblem spoke for itself in what has become an iconic issue. The March 1996 issue was dedicated solely to buying an airplane, something almost all members strive towards. Finally, the August 2007 issue featuring “A Day in the Life of America’s Airports” was a huge success that incorporated new multimedia tools not available when AOPA Pilot first dedicated its cover to saving airports. That was in August 1989. August 1989 August 2007 more consideration. Either way, AOPA PILOT • 30 • MARCH 2008
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