Story ID: 
AOPA App's Pilot Passport Gamifies Flying
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: The AOPA app's new Pilot Passport feature lets users search for new places to fly, check in at airports and aviation events, and earn points and badges.
Word Count: 199
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) released a new feature via its app that gamifies flying, it announced on the eve of Sun ‘n‘ Fun 2019. Called Pilot Passport, the new feature lets users search for new places to fly, check in at airports and aviation events, earn points and badges for meeting certain criteria, and share adventures with others through social media and the AOPA Hangar.

“Now you can check in at an airport or event right from your mobile device like you would on social media and earn points and badges for bragging rights and prizes,” said AOPA senior v-p of marketing Jiri Marousek.

With Pilot Passport, pilots can earn badges for landing at different types of airports, including grass strips, seaplane bases, heliports, and paved runways; landing at airports in your state; and visiting airports and aviation events across the country. A special AOPA 80th anniversary badge is also available from now until December to honor the association’s milestone.

Pilots can also accumulate points to unlock higher levels that range from bronze to silver to gold. The AOPA app is available for both iOS and Android devices.