I’ve spent the past two days in Albuquerque, New Mexico, visiting a couple of amazingly innovative general aviation companies and getting a first-hand look at their impressive products.

On Thursday, I had the chance to spend some time with John Uczekaj, president and CEO of Aspen Avionics. We had a great meeting and I really enjoyed touring their facility, where I had the chance to meet many more of the technical and management staff. I was impressed by the experience and commitment of this group—and of course I had the chance to get a good look at Aspen’s Evolution Flight Display glass cockpit system. John and his team are committed to bringing the top-end technology available in commercial aircraft into GA cockpits at affordable prices, and Evolution system’s design allows you to make the switch from traditional instruments to a fully integrated glass cockpit all at once or in stages. You can see how the system works on this AOPA Live video from Sun ‘n Fun.

Today, Friday, I am at another innovative company, Eclipse Aviation. I love to fly all kinds of aircraft so I was especially excited that AOPA Pilot Editor in Chief Tom Haines and I had the chance to take a flight in an Eclipse 500. VLJs (very light jets) like this one are continuing to change the marketplace and open jet ownership to a wider audience, a bit like the way light sport aircraft are reshaping opportunities for piston pilots.

It’s heartening that everywhere I go I see GA companies continuing to innovate despite tough economic conditions. Their actions speak volumes about our industry’s resilience and optimism for the future.

With membership in the General Aviation caucuses in the House and Senate growing to record numbers, Harrison Ford came to a General Aviation gathering on Capitol Hill where he had the opportunity to talk about what general aviation means to him and to America.

Honestly, we could have no more passionate or articulate spokesman than Harrison Ford. Even with Congress debating a significant number of issues, we had a standing-room-only crowd as members of Congress and congressional staff listened to a discussion with Ford.

Our AOPA Live team was in the room. Watch the video online.

I am headed to Texas today for some meetings on my way back to the Washington area after a great couple of days in the Southwest. Last night I was in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a wonderful town hall meeting. We brought together AOPA members and others interested in the future of general aviation at the beautiful Hangar One complex built by AOPA member Bennett Dorrance. Bennett was a terrific host and the audience was impressively well-informed about the issues that affect our freedom to fly.

We were joined by a candidate for the open Congressional seat in the area, as well as a very pro-aviation mayor from a nearby city, and a state representative. All three seemed to appreciate my General Aviation Serves America message about the true value of general aviation for all Americans. Gatherings like this, when we can bring informed pilots and elected officials together, are critically important to helping us demonstrate just how “engaged” and passionate the general aviation community is. I think the officials who were part of the gathering left with a better understanding of GA, and the pilots and AOPA members who were present played an important role in delivering that message.

 

 

I will be continuing to travel the country with the GA Serves America message throughout the year. I hope you’ll join me and be part of sharing the GA Serves America message when I’m next in your area. You can find a list of upcoming events on the President’s Page  on AOPA Online. We’ll also send you an e-mail invitation to the next gathering in your area. Login in to your member page to make sure we’ve got your current e-mail address so you don’t miss out on these great opportunities to get engaged!

I’m traveling in the Southwest this week. Later today, I’ll be updating AOPA members about all that’s going on in Washington and around the country at a town hall meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. And on the way home tomorrow, I’ll be stopping in Texas for some meetings.
 
This morning, my day got off to an early and great start with a call to turn on CNN about a Cessna story.  I flicked on the TV, a bit concerned about what I might see, only to find one of the real leaders in our general aviation community, Jack Pelton, talking about innovation and building aircraft.  It was a positive story and a tribute to what Jack and the Cessna team have done to build the foundation for a strong recovery.
 
Without a doubt, this news story made my day!

I love watching airshows. What pilot doesn’t appreciate seeing exceptionally skilled fliers push themselves and their aircraft to new heights? Sun ‘n Fun has a great airshow and, as is so often the case, the performers are as impressive as the performances.

In case you are harboring dreams of being an airshow pilot yourself, you could follow in the footsteps of Jacquie B. Flying a Pitts Special, she didn’t begin performing in airshows until she was 50 years old.

The view from the AOPA Chalet on the Sun ‘n Fun flight line is excellent and I am looking forward to a special treat later today–an evening airshow viewed from this unique vantage point.

Whether you’re here at Sun ‘n Fun or stuck in the office and daydreaming about flying, I want to encourage you to take a minute to check out AOPA LIVE.

Throughout the show we’ll be interviewing aviation authorities and celebrities, letting you hear first hand from experts about all aspects of general aviation—from the latest tools and products to stories of daring adventure from famous pilots.

 

Here on site, come to the AOPA LIVE stage at the Big Yellow Tent. If you’re at home, you can see our live streaming coverage, or our archived videos, online.

We’ll be hosting new episodes of AOPA Live now through Saturday. Check it out!

As president of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, I am excited about this morning’s IAOPA meeting here in Friedrichshafen. It’s a long standing tradition—this group has been meeting since 1965. More important, it’s an opportunity for me to sit down with representatives from 33 countries and talk about some of the issues that affect our flying and the future of general aviation.

No matter where in the world you fly, you face many of the same challenges, and meetings like this give us a chance to share insights and experiences so that we can determine the best course forward.

Today we will be talking about air traffic control modernization, keeping airports open, and working effectively with aviation authorities—all big issues regardless of where you fly.

The first look at AERO Friedrichshafen is indicative of the optimism and enthusiasm of the general aviation community here. The exposition center features a remarkable design of several new, beautifully constructed hangar-like halls.

Even with the perfect Spring weather calling, this indoor show is very attractive.

Even better, the wonderful setting seems to be a good backdrop for doing business. The exhibitors I’ve spoken with are pleased with the opening day activity.

There’s an especially strong presence from the LSA community and the vendors are attracting good crowds. One manufacturer even told me he is pretty sure he has sold 2 aircraft in the first hours of the show.