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First AOPA Regional Hits Critical Mass

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • AOPA's first "grassroots effort" regional fly-in in San Marcos, Texas, was an unexpected and overwhelming success, drawing over 2,500 attendees and nearly 470 airplanes despite IFR conditions.
  • The event featured well-attended forums, speakers, and a town hall meeting with AOPA chief Mark Baker, proving so popular it raised questions about whether a fly-in could be "too big."
  • Due to its success, AOPA is now considering expanding future regional fly-ins, potentially into multi-day events, as this new series replaces the organization's former national Summit.
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The first in a series of fly-ins that AOPA is calling a “grassroots effort” took place in San Marcos, Texas, this past Saturday, and the results were beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.

The event raised the question, “can a fly-in be too big,” and punctuated it with a big “yes.” This one came close. With “more than 2,500” in attendance — it was probably substantially more than that — and around 470 airplanes, the event drew more airplanes than AOPA’s national Summit held last fall in Fort Worth, Texas. The one-day event on Saturday featured forums, discussions, speakers and culminated with a town hall style meeting conducted by AOPA chief Mark Baker.

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