'Parade of Airplanes' Over Washington to Celebrate 85 years of GA

Here's what you need to know about the National Celebration of GA Flyover the National Mall on May 11.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 05:08 PM ET

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AOPA president Mark Baker will lead the National Celebration of GA Flyover in his Beechcraft Staggerwing 17. [Credit: Chris Rose]

Key Takeaways:

AOPA will host a "National Celebration of GA Flyover" on May 11th over the National Mall in Washington D.C., showcasing the history, technological advancements, and safety record of general aviation.
Sixty diverse general aviation aircraft, ranging from historic planes to modern designs, will participate, taking off from Frederick Municipal Airport.
The event aims to bring general aviation visibility outside airport communities and will be broadcast live on AOPA's YouTube channel, requiring extensive coordination due to D.C.'s restricted airspace.

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The history of general aviation will be on public display overhead in Washington, D.C., on May 11 as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) hosts a “parade of airplanes” over the National Mall.

In 1939, Franklin Roosevelt was the first sitting president to recognize GA, according to AOPA president Mark Baker. This year also marks the 85th anniversary of AOPA, an organization created to support GA.