AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2024 - 4

PRESIDENT 'S POSITION
Giving season
Keeping GA shiny and bright
BY MARK BAKER / President and CEO
AOPA Foundation Legacy Society member
I RECOGNIZE THAT I am a lucky man. I've been able to fuel my
passion for flying with great airplanes and wonderful people who
shared their passion for aviation with me. Since my first aircraft
purchase-a 1968 Cessna 150-at age 17, I have been able to own
and experience a wide variety of aircraft, enjoying floatplanes,
antiques, turboprops, jets, and helicopters. Again, I understand
how lucky I am, and so my mantra, my belief, my goal is always to
share aviation as much as I possibly can. I believe firmly that if you
are lucky enough, you should share that good fortune.
This belief extends across all parts of my aviation life. It's not
just in exposing others to flying, but in giving back in multiple
ways. In this season of giving, I am reminded that beyond sharing
the joy of flying, we all have a responsibility to make sure general
aviation is strong for those who come after us, so that we keep the
passion alive for generations to come.
That is why I am so proud to support the AOPA Foundation
as both an annual donor and Legacy Society member and
encourage you to do the same. The foundation funds our
important programs-the You Can Fly initiative and the AOPA
Air Safety Institute-that your membership dues do not cover.
These programs are critical to our mission of getting more
pilots in the air and keeping them there safely. An energized,
excited, and committed general aviation community is our
ultimate goal, as it always has been since this association was
founded 85 years ago.
There are many ways to support the AOPA Foundation, and
every contribution counts. Whether it's a one-time or annual gift,
there is a giving level to suit every bank account. It is especially
gratifying to know that thousands of AOPA members choose to go
the extra mile and support the foundation.
The Legacy Society is just one way you can support the AOPA
Foundation. As a Legacy Society member-like me-you commit
to include a gift to the AOPA Foundation in your estate plans.
Members' names are listed on our Legacy Society recognition
wall in Legacy Court at AOPA headquarters, as well as in the
AOPA Foundation's annual report, although you can decline
this recognition if you wish to remain anonymous. Members are
invited to special AOPA Foundation gatherings at aviation events,
airshows, and AOPA celebrations. But you don't have to plan your
4
AOPA PILOT / December 2024
estate as I have-there are many other ways to give on our website
(foundation.aopa.org/ways-to-give).
Giving back to aviation can take many forms. From taking a
prospective pilot on their first flight to volunteering your time to
humanitarian efforts, or making a financial contribution, giving
back has many rewards. I am gratified by the remarkable success
of the You Can Fly High School Aviation STEM Curriculum that
has helped nearly 100,000 students learn about aviation. Because
of our program-now in more than 550 high schools around the
country-aviation is no longer a mystery behind an airport fence
but an attainable life goal. How might your life be different if you
had been able to take aviation classes in high school?
Without your support so much of the good
work we do could not exist; a thriving, safe,
and bright future for GA is all our responsibility.
I am humbled by the work of the AOPA Air Safety Institute
and its aviation safety goal. We are anticipating that 2024 has
been one of the safest years yet for general aviation, a remarkable
accomplishment made possible by the terrific educational content
the ASI team produces. More than 10 million times over the past
year pilots and aircraft owners downloaded ASI videos, guides,
and other materials that enhance their flying life, making them
better, safer pilots.
Both You Can Fly and ASI are the products of a giving aviation
community that supports these programs through donations to
the AOPA Foundation. In this season of giving, I hope that as you
enjoy your family, your friends, and your flying, you remember
that without your support so much of the good work we do could
not exist, and that a thriving, safe, and bright future for GA is all
our responsibility. I hope you
have a happy holiday season
and take a moment to give
thanks for our freedom to fly.
Blue skies!
mark@aopa.org
MARK BAKER is a
commercial pilot with
single- and multiengine
land and seaplane ratings
and a rotorcraft rating.
http://foundation.aopa.org/ways-to-give
AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2024

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