Dozens of elected officials across the U.S. have issued formal declarations celebrating general aviation in honor of the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover—which coincides with AOPA’s eighty-fifth anniversary.
AOPA was founded in 1939 with the mission of protecting the freedom to fly. That same year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed National Aviation Day into law, recognizing the value general aviation was bringing to the nation and ushering in a new golden era of general aviation.
To celebrate the accomplishments of the industry, AOPA has planned the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover on May 11 to feature a parade of more than 60 general aviation aircraft, which will traverse the skies over the National Mall in Washington, D.C.—some of the most restricted airspace in the country.
For aviation enthusiasts and local residents across the country, the best way to celebrate is by tuning into AOPA’s YouTube channel (@flywithaopa) at 11:45 a.m. Easten time on May 11. AOPA’s Tom Haines and noted aviation journalist Miles O’Brien will be hosting the live flyover—commentating as the aircraft fly above the Lincoln Memorial, down Independence Avenue, and past the Washington Monument.
Elected officials in cities and states across the U.S. are joining the celebrations in recognition of the economic and social value general aviation brings to their communities. Through the issuance of formal declarations, governors, mayors, and legislators are proclaiming General Aviation Month, National Celebration of GA Flyover Day, National Aviation Flyover Day, and more.
AOPA has received governor’s proclamations from Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
Arizona, California, Indiana, and Tennessee also issued legislative resolutions for the event.
Thanks to support from the Alliance for Aviation Across America, several cities are participating through city mayoral proclamations, including Cartersville and LaGrange in Georgia; Crawfordsville, Frankfort, Greencastle, and Lafayette in Indiana; Madisonville, Murray, and Paducah in Kentucky; Sanford, Maine; Salisbury, Maryland; and Wildwood, New Jersey.
The proclamations will be displayed at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, on May 11—where the fleet of 60 aircraft, organized into 15 chapters of history, will take off and land for the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover.
The Maryland Aviation Administration is the presenting sponsor of the Flyover. Other supporting sponsors include AMBA, Piper, Signature Aviation, and the Titan Aerobatic Team.
“We appreciate and value the support shown by all these cities and states,” said Mike Ginter, AOPA vice president of airport and state advocacy and the air boss for the flyover. “So much of AOPA’s advocacy mission happens at the state and local level, and it is great to see these states proclaim general aviation with such a strong voice.”
