The IAOPA World Assembly serves as a vital platform for the global aviation community to converge, exchange insights, and discuss the latest challenges, opportunities, and developments impacting GA. It promotes a unified voice before international aviation authorities, demonstrating our shared mission to protect and promote our freedom to fly.
The 30th IAOPA World Assembly was held in Washington, DC and included remarks from FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker, IAOPA President Mark Baker, and EASA representative to the US, Ludovic Aron. Additionally, the World Assembly heard from GA industry leaders including National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen, National Air Transportation Association President Curt Castagna, and Vertical Aviation International President Jim Viola.
The following topics were among those addressed by industry leaders and experts during panel sessions throughout the event.
Session 1.2 - IAOPA’s Class 2-R Proposal; Medical Standard for Private Pilot License, featuring Brent Blue, M.D., Senior Aviation Medical Examiner; Dr. Kate Manderson, Principal Medical Officer at Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA); and Brett Wyrick, D.O., M.P.H., Deputy Federal Air Surgeon at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Session 1.3 – Transition to an Unleaded Future for General Aviation, featuring George Braly, Head of Engineering at General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI); Curt Castagna, President of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) Industry Co-Chair; Chris D’Acosta, Chief Executive Officer at Swift Fuels; and Bruce DeCleene, Director of the Office of Senior Technical Experts at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Session 1.4 – Advancing General Aviation Safety, featuring David Boulter, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Bruce Landsberg, Former Vice Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); and Jim Viola, President of Vertical Aviation International (VAI).
Session 1.5 – The Evolution of General Aviation: A Short and Long Range Look, featuring Brian Cable, Manager of the Policy & Innovation Division at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Mark Giron, Group Manager of the General Aviation & Commercial Division at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and Rian Johnson, Vice President/Chief Engineer at Van’s Aircraft, Inc.
Session 2.1 – Navigating the ICAO Standards Process, featuring Melvin Cintron, Director of the Western Hemisphere at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Frank Hofmann, Representative to ICAO at the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA); Miguel Marin, Deputy Director of the Capacity, Development, and Implementation Bureau at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); and Tim Shaver, Manager of the International Operations Branch at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Session 2.2 – The Future of Advanced Air Mobility, featuring Greg Bowles, Head of Government Affairs at Joby Aviation; Matt McCardle, Director of Global Regulatory Affairs and Strategy at Amazon Prime Air; Billy Nolen, Chief Safety Officer (Former Acting FAA Administrator) at Archer Aviation; and Robert Rose, Chief Executive Officer at Reliable Robotics.
Session 2.3 – Technology and Its Role in Advancing General Aviation, featuring Damush, Chief Executive Officer at uAvionix; Dan Lind, Senior Director of Aviation Sales & Marketing at Garmin International; and Ryan McBride, Head of Community at ForeFlight.
“This week was an opportunity for the global GA community to unify and strengthen its shared vision to protect the freedom to fly,” said IAOPA President, Mark Baker. “The conversations this week have helped solidify our shared goals and reminded us of the importance of our continued collaboration.”
Several individuals were presented awards in recognition of their enduring commitment, leadership, and service to the international GA community. Distinguished Service awards were presented to Jaime Fabrega, vice president of IAOPA South America Region; Michael Erb, vice president of IAOPA Europe Region; and Hofmann, the IAOPA Representative to ICAO. Andrew Anderson, vice president of IAOPA Pacific Region, was presented with the first-ever Mark R. Baker International Leadership award.
The coalition ended the week celebrating the history and achievement of the GA industry by watching the National Celebration of General Aviation D.C. Flyover on May 11.
