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students to learn more about careers in aviation and aerospace I am very proud of all that our You CanFly Program has achieved in just a few short years, and being recognized by the NAA for all our work is an honor. Our high school aviation STEM program has introduced 5,000 students in more than 160 schools to opportunities in aviation so far. We’ve also made waves by welcoming underrepresented groups with 37 percent being minority groups and 22 percent being women. Thanks to generous donations and a match by the Ray Foundation, we were able to secure $1 million in flight training scholarship funds last year. And we’re just getting started. Our four-year high school curriculum will be in many more hundreds of schools in the next few years. 3. Is there something that you didn’t realize as a member (since 1984) that you’ve come to understand since taking the left seat at AOPA? For the past six years, I’ve been fortunate enough to lead this tremendous organization. I learned early on that AOPA goes way beyond our merchandise and the magazines you might see in pilot lounges across the country. AOPA is a fast-moving machine of nearly 300 dedicated employees working every day to further GA. When I first joined as a member, I didn’t realize just how much AOPA offers and how vital the advocacy arm of our organization is. GA pilots are such a small percentage of the overall population so it’s vital to advocate for the support we need in Congress while energizing our network of pilots and enthusiasts. I’ve made dozens of trips to the Hill since becoming AOPA’s president and it has really given me a better perspective of how much we need a united voice. 5. How has COVID-19 already affected GA, and what do you predict might be the effects once we get through the current pandemic? COVID-19 has temporarily uprooted the aviation industry from the bottom up. The airlines are dealing with the brunt of this crisis, but GA is also feeling the impact. From ATC zero events, airport closures, constantly changing airspace restrictions, impacts on flight schools and issues with airman certifications – this is an unprecedented time in our history. But through the hardships, we’ve seen just how vital GA is to the nation’s infrastructure. Our industry has played a huge role in recovery efforts by conducting humanitarian flights and delivering urgent supplies like masks, ventilators and other resources of need. AOPA and several partner organizations have been working with the FAA and Congress to highlight the value of GA, and fight for regulatory exemptions and policy deviations on behalf of our members. We were pleased to learn that the FAA is working to issue a Special Federal Aviation Regulation to help alleviate uncertainty about compliance and find solutions for those affected by this pandemic. Our main goal is to keep GA flying, and though we have certainly hit a rough patch, I have no doubt GA will come out on top again. It’s just a matter of time. NATIONWIDE AIRCRAFT FINANCING • Specializing in Turbo Prop Aircraft – 1980 & Newer • 27 Years Financing Aircraft Only • Best Rates, Terms & Service in the Industry • Fast Turnarounds Mile High Financial Call Dan at 800-439-4860 www.milehighmoney.com 4. You’ve owned quite a number of airplanes over the years – tell us about them. I knew early on that I had to work hard to keep up with my flying habit. Becoming president of AOPA was lifechanging for me and a career in this industry has opened many doors allowing me to keep up with my passion. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of aircraft – including my 1953 Super Cub, which I’ve owned for nearly 30 years, and I’m not sure I will ever part with it. Flying low and slow in the cub and taking it through the backcountry and grass airstrips really reminds me of what being a GA pilot is all about. I have also owned a few Beechcraft Barons and my current is a 1967 Baron 55D that I keep in our Twin Cities hangar for jumping around. On the business side, my 1980 Beechcraft King Air F90 is great for traveling to headquarters in Frederick, Maryland. May 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 13