The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is launching an AOPA Alliance organization program designed to cross-promote groups that have mutually beneficial goals for the full aviation community.
AOPA is introducing this initiative with the Antique Airplane Association (AAA).
Niche aviation associations and type clubs, such as AAA, are a critical part of the general aviation fabric. While they are among the most avid aviation groups, many pilots and aircraft owners who would benefit from their educational programs and sense of community may be unfamiliar with AAA and other such groups.
The AOPA Alliance program will support these types of organizations through a dedicated web page on aopa.org and exposure in AOPA print, online, and video media channels. AOPA allied organizations will, in turn, educate their members about AOPA’s mission and initiatives through their websites, channels, and events.
Based at Antique Airfield (IA27) in Blakesburg, Iowa, the Antique Airplane Association is the world’s oldest organization dedicated to antique and classic aviation. Formed in 1953 by Robert L. Taylor, and currently run by son Brent Taylor, its mission is to help the owners, restorers and pilots of antique and classic aircraft to “keep the antiques flying.” The association comprises 3,500 members across the U.S., who fly a range of vintage and classic aircraft dating from the 1920s through the 1950s.
Each Labor Day weekend, members gather at the annual AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in held at Antique Airfield, this year slated for August 30 through September 5.
“While different organizations may have different goals and memberships, all of GA needs to come together and protect our shared passion for aviation and our collective freedom to fly,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Members of the Antique Airplane Association are among the most passionate aviators we know and share many values with AOPA. This is a great fit, and we look forward to such partnerships with other organizations.”
“When AOPA began in 1939, most of the airplanes viewed today as antique or classic aircraft were then current production airplanes,” said Taylor. “This affiliation will bridge that past with the present for both organizations. This opportunity helps our respective organizations attract new members.”
To inquire about your organization becoming an AOPA allied organization, please email pubs@aopa.org.
