AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2011 - 4

PRESIDENT’SPOSITION

BY CRAIG FULLER
AOPA PRESIDENT

‘Rally GA’ personified

hen we elected to focus on a positive Rally GA message this year, we could never have imagined the effort that would be put forth in

people were helping people. Campers who lost everything found housing with fellow pilots, who invited strangers into their homes and accommodations. Best of all, the hard work and dedication of the Sun ’n Fun team was rewarded with thousands of attendees descending into Lakeland, which saw nothing but sunny weather for the final three days of the event. And, we heard encouraging stories about aircraft and equipment purchases. Lakeland, Florida, following a tornado that The general aviation community is resilient. touched down near the Sun ’n Fun fly-in. With That resilience was certainly tested, but the attiAOPA President wind and rain the likes of which not many tude and total commitment demonstrated by so Craig Fuller piloted of us had ever seen, the week-long airshow many staff, volunteers, and attendees was somehis Bonanza A36 extravaganza was, for many, turned upside thing to behold. to Sun ’n Fun this down—literally. Thankfully, there were only a For me, the chance to be with so many memyear. few injuries, none serious. But, once the storm bers over the course of the weeklong program was passed, we saw the sad reality of dozens of damwonderful. I find these gatherings rejuvenating. aged aircraft, some flipped over by the strong winds. We at So many people express their enthusiasm and appreciation AOPA were exceptionally fortunate—our tent withstood the for the work we do at AOPA. And, many share their thoughts storm and none of our aircraft was damaged. I was among on the challenges we face in general aviation. several AOPA staff members who had flown our own personal Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) organized a Town Hall-style aircraft to Sun ’n Fun, and all of us were lucky enough to meeting where I joined with EAA’s Rod Hightower, GAMA’s be spared the damage and accompanying heartbreak that Pete Bunce, HAI’s Matt Zucarro, and Steve Brown from the Commemorative Air Force. We touched on developafflicted so many others. ments in Washington from avgas to NextGen. And, we spoke about the commitment we all share to build the pilot population. The week also included several contacts with FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, who led his own forum to discuss issues including the FAA’s safety initiatives designed to reduce aircraft accidents. Of course, we were also able to see a wide range of aircraft, avionics, and other aircraft equipment. While Sun ’n Fun offers so much on the ground, the show in the air featuring Sean D. Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, Mike Goulian, the Blue Angels, and so many others provided a unique level of excitement. Much has been said of the destructive nature of the storm, I share the remarkable experiences of Sun ’n Fun as but the wonderful element of this episode is found in the a way to thank the dedicated people who worked so hard spirit of the people of Sun ’n Fun—those who work there and to make sure thousands enjoyed an exceptional event. I also encourage all of you during the coming months to those who attended the show. Shortly after the storm, with the extent of the damage take every opportunity to celebrate general aviation and still unknown and more storms threatening, the Sun ’n Fun attend the air shows and aviation gatherings held across grounds were closed. As visitors and exhibitors left for the the country. day, the Sun ’n Fun staff and thousands of volunteers, led by Don’t miss our dozens of AOPA Live segments filmed John Burton, made miracles happen. They simply did not on location at Sun ’n Fun. We had a chance to interview sleep until the campus was cleaned up, made safe, and ready several exciting airshow legends, along with leaders in the to reopen. Within 24 hours of the storm, displays had been general aviation community. You will find this and more at rebuilt and a sense of normalcy returned. AOPA Online (www.aopa.org). Throughout the remainder of the week, the spirit of the aviation community was at its finest. Everywhere you looked, Email AOPA President Craig Fuller at craig@aopa.org.

The attitude and total commitment demonstrated by so many staff, volunteers, and attendees was something to behold.

AOPA PILOT •

4 • MAY 2011

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AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2011