30th World Assembly
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 — promoting a unified voice before international aviation authorities.
FAA Administrator and general aviation pilot Michael Whitaker delivers opening remarks to the IAOPA World Assembly in Washington, DC, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Photo by David Tulis.
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. The World Assembly also 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.
Panel Sessions
The following topics were addressed by industry leaders and experts during panel sessions throughout the event.
Featuring Brent Blue, M.D., Senior Aviation Medical Examiner; Dr. Kate Manderson, Principal Medical Officer at CASA; and Brett Wyrick, D.O., M.P.H., Deputy Federal Air Surgeon at the FAA.
Featuring George Braly, Head of Engineering at GAMI; Curt Castagna, President of NATA and EAGLE Industry Co-Chair; Chris D’Acosta, CEO at Swift Fuels; and Bruce DeCleene, Director of the Office of Senior Technical Experts at the FAA.
Featuring David Boulter, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety at the FAA; Bruce Landsberg, Former Vice Chair of the NTSB; and Jim Viola, President of Vertical Aviation International.
Featuring Brian Cable, Manager of the Policy & Innovation Division at the FAA; Mark Giron, Group Manager of the General Aviation & Commercial Division at the FAA; and Rian Johnson, VP/Chief Engineer at Van’s Aircraft.
Featuring Melvin Cintron, Director of the Western Hemisphere at the FAA; Frank Hofmann, Representative to ICAO at IAOPA; Miguel Marin, Deputy Director of the Capacity, Development, and Implementation Bureau at ICAO; and Tim Shaver, Manager of the International Operations Branch at the FAA.
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, CEO at Reliable Robotics.
Featuring Damush, CEO at uAvionix; Dan Lind, Senior Director of Aviation Sales & Marketing at Garmin International; and Ryan McBride, Head of Community at ForeFlight.
NBAA President Ed Bolen, International Council of AOPA President Mark Baker, Vertical Aviation International President Jim Viola, and NATA President Curt Castagna participate in an industry leadership panel during the IAOPA World Assembly meetings in Washington, DC, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Photo by David Tulis.
“This week was an opportunity for the global GA community to unify and strengthen its shared vision to protect the freedom to fly. The conversations this week have helped solidify our shared goals and reminded us of the importance of our continued collaboration.”
Recognizing Service to the GA Community
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 Frank 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.
US Representative at ICAO Frank Hofmann shows a small jar of honey to attendees during the IAOPA World Assembly meetings in Washington, DC, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Hofmann said European airports present "a little bit of sweetness" to people visiting the general aviation airfields. Photo by David Tulis.