The 2018 fly-in season is coming to a close. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is hosting its final fly-in of the year in Gulf Shores, Alabama, at the Jack Edwards National Airport (KJKA) on October 26-27. The fly-in hosts thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts who gather to see vibrant airplanes on display, take classes and seminars on a variety of topics, and enjoy sharing the fun of flight with others.
The AOPA has increased the amount of educational opportunities at the fly-in this year as part of its commitment to safety. Events will take place in four themed pavilions: the main stage, skills and 
safety, “You Can Fly,” and aviation products. Check out each pavilion throughout the day for the best variety of presentations. On Friday, the AOPA offers members (and non-members, for a fee) the option to complete workshops covering topics such as aviation photography, owner-performed maintenance, and survival. Numerous free seminars are available to all attendees on Saturday.
For some, the most exciting attraction is the aircraft display, where you can see vintage planes and some of the latest general aviation aircraft. Owners will be happy to talk to you about how they restore and maintain their planes. Some enthusiasts have transformed barely-flying scrap metal into the most beautiful planes in the sky. It’s astounding to witness decades-old warbirds that are still flying today.
Of course, the fly-in is more than just a couple days of educational classes and looking at planes. Friday night concludes with the Barnstormers Party, which boasts excellent food and live music under the night sky.
Experts at the AOPA Village can help you with just about anything related to the fly-in or general aviation, so definitely stop by if this is your first event. AOPA staff will be available to show you the benefits of becoming a member of the organization. They can also help advise you about aircraft purchases and saving money on insurance or financing. We highly recommend some coaching from an AOPA staff member before you head over to the Trade-A-Plane Sellers Corral to bargain for a plane.
Don’t forget to come visit Gleim Aviation at booth 26 in the exhibit hall. Gleim will be at the Gulf Shores fly-in for the first time this year. Test fly the Gleim Virtual Cockpit flight simulator and the X-Plane Flight Training Course, which have everything you need to safely practice flying at home. Event attendees can take advantage of exclusive fly-in deals like free deluxe pilot kit upgrades and discounts on refresher courses for flight instructors and aviation maintenance technicians.
From October 26-29, 2018, you can call us at 800.874.5346, ext. 471, to order the Virtual Cockpit Ultimate Set along with X-Plane and the training course to receive a $150 savings on your order. During this limited time, we’re also offering free shipping* to the 48 contiguous states for our other products.
Like all AOPA Fly-Ins, the event comes to a close with the Pilot Town Hall, hosted by AOPA President and CEO, Mark Baker. Baker will be discussing AOPA news and the latest buzz in general aviation. This is also one of the best ways to make your desires and concerns about aviation known so that the AOPA can properly support its members. Stick around for the ice cream social at the end of the fly-in for a sweet sendoff.
We know you’ll have fun at the AOPA Fly-In, and we hope to see you there!
Learn more about the AOPA Gulf Shores Fly-In.
Written by Austin Scott, Marketing Assistant for Gleim Aviation
About Gleim Aviation
Since 1980, Gleim Aviation’s team of pilots, instructors, writers, designers, and programmers has helped aviators pass millions of FAA knowledge and practical tests using the unique Gleim Knowledge Transfer System. Gleim is an environmentally-friendly company headquartered in Gainesville, FL.
*Free shipping offer does not apply to the Gleim Virtual Cockpit.