AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2021 - 8

PRESIDENT 'S POSITION
The show goes on
See you at the World's Greatest
Aviation Celebration
BY MARK BAKER / President and CEO
OVER THE PAST YEAR, I think we've all learned a simple lesson in
appreciation. Most of us didn't realize how much we'd miss
the little things: a family gathering, a sporting event, and for us
pilots, an airshow. Or to be more specific, the World's Greatest
Aviation Celebration.
I've spent many summers at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh,
long before I became president of AOPA, and I'll likely return
to these grounds long after that title is retired. Along with half
a million aviation enthusiasts, I was disappointed to miss last
year's show. But we've waited patiently, weathered the storm,
and I can tell you it will feel really good to be at Wittman
Regional Airport once again (see " Baby, It's Back, " p. 31).
Reflecting on previous trips, within minutes the nostalgia
sets in. The roar of the military fighters over the flight line, the
seaplanes splashing along Lake Winnebago's shore, and the
AirVenture's weeklong celebration reinforces
what makes our aviation community so special and
reassures me that our GA industry is thriving.
smell of brats grilling in the afternoon. I've missed being in the
company of legendary pilots and innovative aircraft. But above
all, I've missed that unmistakable blue tent proudly displaying
my favorite acronym. In other words, I've missing seeing you.
Of course, it's what's inside AOPA's tent that brings the magic
to life. Over the course of a week, this tent is home to many aviators
across the spectrum-rusty pilots, students, professionals,
and pilots flying for fun.
I know there are hundreds of exhibitors to visit, lots of merchandise
to buy, and many performances to see, but I hope a stop
at the AOPA campus is on your agenda. Come say hello to the
people behind your AOPA membership who work hard for your
freedom to fly every day. Our government affairs staff, AOPA
Air Safety Institute experts, member service representatives,
and legal specialists are on site to answer any of your questions.
Check out our recently renovated AOPA Sweepstakes
Grumman Tiger in person (you might be calling it yours
8
AOPA PILOT / August 2021
someday), or join us and your fellow AOPA members for a great
view of the excitement taking place on the flight line. From educational
seminars to my Pilot Town Hall, and our social media
meet-and-greets, a lot of action is jam-packed into this airshow.
We wouldn't have it any other way.
AirVenture's weeklong celebration reinforces what makes
our aviation community so special and reassures me that our
general aviation industry is thriving. The same demand to be
in the company of the aviation community is extending to the
desire to buy aircraft. Demand for aircraft outstripped supply
in numerous market segments in the first quarter of 2021.
According to the aircraft valuation service Vref, piston singleengine
aircraft accounted for almost 65.5 percent of valuation
activity. Cessna 182 Skylane models were at the top of a mostvalued
list for the category, followed by some Cessna 172s.
The momentum for GA is alive and well. It makes me excited
for fly-ins down the road, and especially for our AOPA Aviator
Showcases. I think we all could use an excuse to get out and fly!
AOPA's Aviator Showcases will be held August 27 in
Manassas, Virginia, and October 1 in Fort Worth, Texas (see
" Prepare to Be Wowed, " p. 43). These events require registration
in advance and won't be like our usual fly-ins, but rather
a more intimate experience geared toward connecting pilots
with industry leaders in avionics, technology, and aircraft. While
these events may take a different shape, I can assure you that
they reflect our same passion to connect with the community.
If you aren't able to make it to our showcase events, we will
be hosting a multi-stop air tour later this fall during which members
will be able to interact in person with me and other AOPA
leaders. I look forward to meeting you all while building on our
aviation inspiration.
I know I've said it time and time again, but the GA community
never ceases to amaze me. It's easy to see the spirit of GA come
to life each year at grand celebrations
like AirVenture or
major fly-ins. We should all
strive to keep that energy
alive year-round for, as they
say, the show must go on.
mark.baker@aopa.org
AOPA President
MARK BAKER is a
commercial pilot with
single- and multiengine
land and seaplane ratings,
and a rotorcraft rating.
AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2021

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