The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will celebrate its 85th anniversary and honor the history of general aviation through a commemorative aircraft display and flyover in May 2024 at the National Mall, the association announced this week at EAA AirVenture.
With the support of Congress and in coordination with 15 interagency partners such as the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Secret Service, the flyover will broadcast live on YouTube, with long-time AOPA Live This Week host Tom Haines providing commentary with other guests.
AOPA said it will span more than 20 different chapters of the general aviation story beginning with the Golden Age with AOPA president Mark Baker’s Beechcraft Staggerwing. Other aircraft flown during and after World War II will participate, as well as those representing training, vertical flight, backcountry flying, seaplanes, corporate and business aviation, technically advanced aircraft, experimental homebuilts, airshow performers, and public-service use.
“It’s going to be a special time for AOPA in May 2024,” Baker said. “What a sight it will be to see the history of general aviation flying over the National Mall as GA has given this nation so much over the past many decades. AOPA is uniquely positioned to be able to plan this complex event and execute it safely and professionally.”
The pilots for the flyover have been identified as planning for the event continues.