While 2023 will bring a new events strategy at AOPA, the same commitment to meeting and engaging members where they live and fly remains a key component of the focus moving forward: partnering with existing and well-attended aviation events around the country.
Members, the general aviation community and enthusiasts will experience this new direction when AOPA joins forces with the Buckeye Air Fair, February 17 through 19, at Buckeye Municipal Airport (BXK) in Arizona.
Located just 35 miles from Phoenix, the annual Buckeye Air Fair is a highly anticipated event that draws more than 30,000 visitors each year. AOPA will join the show with seminars, exhibitors, and informative presentations from senior staff.
“We are joining established airshows to partner what we do best—aviation—with what they do best—put on an airshow,” says Elizabeth O’Connell, AOPA director of outreach and events. “Members told us they want to see more aerial acts, so we will provide the basics you’ve come to expect—aviation, safety, and industry—with the excitement of a local airshow.”
The Buckeye Air Fair features airshow performances on Saturday and Sunday, military aircraft displays, and airplane rides. Featured performers have included Jon Melby, Brad Wursten and the Vanguard Squadron. AOPA will present informative safety seminars, hands-on aircraft displays, and industry experts, as well as representation from some of the leading manufacturers in aviation. Visitors will also hear from AOPA President Mark Baker, as well as other senior staff.
Buckeye Air Fair will also have plenty activities for kids to do at the Arizona Scitech Area and Kids Zone.
“This focus provides an excellent opportunity to engage with members and the general public,” O’Connell said. “We will have a strong presence from our You Can Fly team, which will be able to introduce the excitement of aviation to a new audience, bringing them the information they need to take their interest in the airshow beyond the event.”
As with past events, AOPA will welcome volunteers. Primary needs will center on airside operations (marshalling and parking aircraft; greeting pilots and passengers; assisting in taking fuel orders), and showside support (registering and greeting exhibitors and attendees; assisting with exhibitor move-in and load-out; assisting with safety and cleaning protocols).
Airside volunteers must be a certificated pilot or student pilot. Lunch will be provided, as well as a volunteer event T-shirt.
More information on the AOPA Fly-in @ The Buckeye Air Fair, including registration, can be found at https://www.aopa.org/community/2023/buckeye-air-fair.
