AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2021 - 75

MARK BAKER

AOPA president and CEO

GENERAL AVIATION continues to contribute to our nation's
economy and benefits thousands of communities in a very positive way. But, there's much work to be done. We must continue
to work together to inspire the next generation of pilots and aircraft technicians, and honor this uniquely American industry
and its exceptional impact on our country.
I find solace in flying; it's my time to think and appreciate how blessed I am to have the freedoms that I do-namely
the freedom to fly. Since 1939, AOPA has stayed true to that
mission, laid out by its founders. We continue to advocate on
behalf of our members, educate leaders and policy makers
alike, and support activities that ensure the long-term health
of GA. We've done so in great times and down times. Some of
our initiatives have changed over the years, but the core of our
mission remains the same.
AOPA continues to grow the pilot population by bringing
more aviators to the skies, keeping them there, and keeping
them safe. We are championing the idea of aviation workforce
development with Congress. The National Center for the
Advancement of Aviation would bring together all sectors of
the aviation industry to collaborate on emerging technologies
and training methods, maintenance and technician development, dissemination of STEM aviation curriculum in schools,
helping veterans transition to opportunities in the aviation sector, and conducting aviation safety data analysis and research.
We need an industry coordinated approach to address workforce needs and the NCAA provides that missing piece.
I hear from many pilots about the frustration with the
delays when it comes to special issuance medicals. AOPA is
working with the FAA to address this issue and our Board of
Medical Advisors is helping to develop these long overdue
changes. There is no reason that the FAA cannot use today's
technology to communicate with pilots and aviation medical examiners. And while we have made some progress with

" What does aviation's
future look like? "
getting more designated pilot examiners in the field, we have
a long way to go. This remains a top priority for us. No one
should have to wait months for a DPE.
The FAA plans to advance a sweeping initiative to bring
reforms to the light aircraft category, amateur-built aircraft,
and the legacy fleet. We are excited about the Modernization
of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC), which at its
heart includes changing limitations on light sport aircraft, and
believe it has the potential to fundamentally change and modernize the GA fleet.
These initiatives represent a fraction of what our organization does daily. From our nationally recognized government
affairs team advocating on behalf of GA on Capitol Hill, to our
regional managers who deal with hundreds of local airport
issues each year, to our staff in Frederick working on behalf
of our members, AOPA is an effective leader in promoting and
protecting GA, fueled by support from our members who all
share the passion of flight.
aopa.org/advocacy

NOTHING WE DO WOULD BE POSSIBLE without our
members, and your dues go a long way to preserving and promoting the freedom to fly. The AOPA
Foundation is the philanthropic arm of AOPA.
Your contributions fund programs that membership dues don't cover, including the AOPA Air
Safety Institute and You Can Fly program.
Many members share a deep commitment
to the future of aviation, which is why we have
seen such an incredible outpouring of support in the form of contributions to the AOPA
Foundation. Our goal is to fund opportunities
for growth for AOPA members and the entire
general aviation community.

Thanks to this year's You Can Fly Challenge
by the Ray Foundation, the AOPA Foundation
raised more than $5.3 million from 4,200 generous donors. We are grateful for supporters who
believe in what we do and understand how important it is to fuel the future of general aviation.
Both the AOPA Air Safety Institute and You
Can Fly operate because of donations made to
the AOPA Foundation. The money raised will
continue to support growing initiatives and programming such as the AOPA High School Aviation
STEM Curriculum that is educating more than
8,000 high schoolers across the country.
aopafoundation.org
aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 75

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy http://www.aopafoundation.org http://www.aopa.org/pilot

AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2021