BY THE NUMBERS "The fly-ins have enabled us to build quality relationships with the communities, with the mayors, with the economic developers, and with the residents who then realize how cool airplanes and their local airport can be." Eads says he is most proud of the fact that AOPA Fly-Ins expose local communities to the dream and excitement of aviation. ON TO 2017 As of press time, the AOPA team was in final selection of the fly-in locations for 2017. Four fly-ins will be held across the country beginning in late spring. Look for the location announcement on AOPA Online. Building on what they have learned in the past three years, the AOPA team will expand the events, with two 43,760 Attendees (2014-2016) 6,026 Aircraft flown in across 16 locations goals in mind: Deepening pilot skills and enhancing friendships. The 2017 flyins will feature an expanded workshop and clinic lineup on Fridays. In addition to the highly successful Friday night Barnstormers Party, attendees can come in early for in-depth clinics with aviation experts who will help them build their skills and confidence. Sharing and engaging with other aviation enthusiasts will also strengthen friendships and build camaraderie. Look for more information online and in upcoming issues of AOPA Pilot. EMAIL julie.walker@aopa.org WEB www.aopa.org/fly-ins www.aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 33http://www.aopa.org/fly-ins http://www.aopa.org/fly-ins http://www.aopa.org/pilot