Gathering To Be Held November 11-13 At Long Beach Convention Center

Yes, we know that we haven't all been to Wisconsin yet, but planning is important too, right? AOPA has announced that its Aviation Summit is returning to the West Coast, landing at the Long Beach, CA, Convention Center Thursday through Saturday, November 11-13, 2010. At the same time, the AOPA Airportfest will take place at nearby Long Beach Airport (KLGB).

"The AOPA Aviation Summit is the one place our members know they can come and hear what's really going on in general aviation today, interact with decision makers who influence our future, see the latest GA has to offer, and enjoy the company of their fellow pilots," said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. "Just as important, it's a chance for them to tell us what's on their minds so AOPA can continue to be responsive to our members' needs."

One of the highlights of the show - and something AOPA has never done at Summit before - is sure to be the awarding of the grand prize from the Fun To Fly Sweepstakes, a 2010 Remos GX light sport aircraft.

On Saturday, pilot, AOPA member, and renowned futurist John L. Petersen will deliver the keynote address, discussing where general aviation is likely to be a decade from now. Petersen is the founder of The Arlington Institute, a future-oriented think tank that serves as a global agent for change by developing new concepts, processes, and tools for anticipating the future and translating that knowledge into better present-day decisions.

AOPA expects approximately 500 exhibitor booth spaces, in the convention center exhibit hall, looking at everything from aviation-themed jewelry and souvenirs to pilot supplies, avionics, and aircraft. The Beta Prototype from Terrafugia, makers of the Transition roadable aircraft, often incorrectly referred to as a "flying car," is scheduled to be at the show. The Beta Prototype, which will be unveiled at EAA's AirVenture at Oshkosh, builds on lessons learned from Terrafugia's proof-of-concept aircraft, which flew successfully last year.

The Exhibit Hall will once again feature: the Controllers' Corner, where pilots and air traffic controllers can mingle and discuss life on both sides of the radio; Women's Wing, a joint venture between AOPA and Women in Aviation, International, intended to draw more women into aviation and support those who already fly; and the AOPA Health Pavilion, promoting healthier living to help pilots maintain their medical certificates.

AOPA Summit Exhibit Hall 2009

This year, pilots and aviation enthusiasts attending the AOPA Aviation Summit have some 66 hours of aviation forums to choose from, including a brand new track on light business aircraft (LBA), hosted with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). The LBA track will offer forums on topics such as how to use your airplane for business, tax benefits of business aviation, legal reimbursements under Part 61.113 of federal aviation regulations, insurance, and safety. Identical forums will be offered during NBAA's annual convention as well.

The AOPA air Safety Institute will offer an array of seminars, from Real World IFR and its renowned Pinch Hitter course for cockpit companions to What Went Wrong?, a seminar that lets pilots learn from others' mistakes before they make the same mistakes themselves. There will also be ownership forums, learning to fly forums, destination forums, and just-for-fun forums, such as Rod Machado's popular Aviation Humor. The educational opportunities continue right on out onto the Exhibit Hall floor, with mini-forums being held throughout the Aviation Summit at Controller's Corner, Women's Wing, and the Health Pavilion.

Long Beach Sectional

Approximately 100 aircraft ... from light sport aircraft to business jets ... are anticipated to be on display at Airportfest at KLGB. There will also be displays and activities for non-flyers who are interested in - or even just think they might be interested in - aviation. Given Southern California's numerous military installations and in honor of Veterans Day, military aviation will be among the displays at Airportfest.

FMI: www.aopa.org