News

Former AOPA CEO Encourages Members to Enact Change

Darren Pleasance commits to supporting GA's future.

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 04:10 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Plane + Pilot editor-in-chief Cayla McLeod has a sit-down interview with former AOPA president and CEO Darren Pleasance in Valdez, Alaska. [Credit: Cayla McLeod]

Key Takeaways:

Former AOPA President Darren Pleasance, in his first interview post-removal, discussed critical issues facing general aviation, including the transition to unleaded fuel, ADS-B misuse for fee collection, and BasicMed expansion in Canada.
Pleasance reaffirmed his deep commitment to the aviation community and AOPA's mission, despite his departure, and urged members to support the organization's new leadership and ongoing changes.
He described his past role as a "dream job" for an aviation enthusiast and expressed confidence in AOPA's future direction under the new chairman and board nominees.

See a mistake? Contact us.

During a recent interview with Plane + Pilot’s Cayla McLeod in Valdez, Alaska, former AOPA president and CEO Darren Pleasance discussed the issues facing the future of general aviation and the importance of a robust organization to advocate for solutions just months after being removed from leadership.

In one of the first conversations since leaving the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Pleasance talked about his time serving as the organization’s head, pointing to the strenuous role in a seven-day-a-week job for much of the year but adding that it remains a dream job for an aviation enthusiast.

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.