2009 Convention
Memphis, Tennessee! Home of the Blues!
Where else can you go to hear from the likes of Craig Fuller, President of AOPA updating us on all the turmoil in Washington over the next generation Air Traffic Control System, it’s funding and the pressures being put on General Aviation; Bruce Landsberg, President of the Air Safety Foundation, on their current focus and new on-line safety programs; The Royal Canadian Mounted Police telling tails of their world and how the PC-12 fits into it; and Plane Sense Fractional Share spokesman and head of Operations, Everett Clark, sharing their world of flying and maintaining over 30 PC-12s up and down the busy Northeast corridor by over 100 different pilots? No where but the POPA Convention!There were the normal updates that are becoming more informative all the time by Pilatus, Honeywell and Pratt and Whitney followed by in depth break-out sessions conducted by after market avionics vendors, BPPP Vice President Ron Zasadzinski working to help those with Garmin equipment optimize their use, and another with Peter Duncan, PilBAL Chief Pilot, sharing insights with those flying the new NG.
Our venue in Memphis at The Peabody served us well as the meeting space, dining area and Vendor booths were all together again. This delighted not only the vendors, but convention participants who got to spend more time exploring the options for PC-12 owners and operators in the market place. There truly was something there for everyone…..including fantastic weather, rooftop cocktails and Beal Street for those who wanted to experience some of that down home Memphis music.
From the feedback we got, we are pleased that our direction focusing on Safety, Education and optimizing the PC-12 ownership experience is resonating with you, our members.
We thank Bob Wilson, President of Wilson Air Center Memphis and past POPA President, for his personal involvement and his team’s hospitality for all of us who flew in. Thanks also to Rob Hartwein of Wilson Air center for arranging the venue for the Atlas Pilatus Pilot Training Course on Sunday at Wilson Air. It’s no wonder that Wilson Air Centers recently won top honors in Professional Pilot magazine FBO category!
Having helped to keep the costs manageable through their contributions, we would like to thank the convention sponsors for their generous contributions. And a big “thank you” goes to all the vendors who supported us both financially and especially with their presence at the convention.
Thanks to all of you who attended the convention in this very challenging economic climate, and for helping to make this one which some consider to be the best yet.