AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2012 - 80

AOPA-U.S. became a member of the U.S. delegation to ICAO when general aviation interests were on the agenda. The AOPA representatives compared notes with other ICAO delegates sympathetic to general aviation interests, and other countries began forming their own associations. By the late 1950s, AOPAs were formed in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Hartranft, Wolf, and Karant proposed an “association of associations” that would represent general aviation in world aeronautical councils, principally ICAO. The object was to gain “observer status” within ICAO, which would allow AOPAs to enter discussions with member States that had voting privileges at meetings (countries are referred to as “States” in ICAO). In 1962, IAOPA members included AOPA.-U.S., AOPA-Australia, AOPA-South Africa, the Philippines Airmen’s Organization, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, ILA Germany, APPA Mexico, OAPA Italy, and FVA Venezuela. ICAO recognition of the new organization followed in May 1964, providing its coveted observer status. Work around the world The fledgling association grew rapidly as general aviation interests around the world realized its importance and benefited from its work. In its first three years, IAOPA petitioned for adequate general aviation facilities at international airports; the establishment of regular working hours for immigration, customs,

John J. Sheehan to retire
After more than 15 years as secretary general to the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), John J. Sheehan will retire in April. He is the fourth secretary general of IAOPA in its 50 years. Sheehan has partici-

pated in more than 25 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) panels, meetings, and conferences on subjects that include safety, flight operations, security, personnel licensing, economics, and air traffic management. Sheehan, an ATP, will enjoy retirement with his family in Wilmington, North Carolina.

and agriculture clearance personnel; VFR weather minimums; IFR and VFR regulations operating in VMC; and advisory air-to-ground communications. The first IAOPA World Assembly was held in London in 1966 with representatives from 16 States participating in

the landmark meeting. The assemblies are held at two-year intervals and gather delegates from all affiliate organizations. Delegates discuss the current state of worldwide general aviation and develop resolutions that IAOPA uses to take action to protect and promote general aviation around the world. Those who travel internationally in general aviation aircraft realize the benefits of IAOPA’s influence: pilot licensing requirements; aircraft registration and equipment requirements; airspace standardization; security provisions; and air traffic control procedures all contain positive evidence of IAOPA’s work. “I never cease to admire the resolve of individual AOPAs in their efforts to improve and protect general aviation in their areas of interest,” said Sheehan. “I recently visited Chile, where their several forms of GA are very active. Although recent fee increases, airport closures and restrictions, and increasingly restrictive regulations slowed their growth, they have found a means of increasing GA’s influence. AOPA-Chile, flying clubs, flight schools, helicopter, and glider operations have joined together to form a coalition of interests to develop a united force to improve their lot within this lovely South American country.” According to Sheehan, AOPAs in Europe are the most active. There are 30 individual European AOPAs, but general aviation flying in Europe has come under the scrutiny of two pan-European regulatory organiza-

IAOPAs are represented in areas that are gold.

AOPA PILOT •

80 • MARCH 2012

AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2012

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