On Saturday, May 21, 2011, people around the world will celebrate the second annual International Learn to Fly Day. As part of the worldwide effort, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), in conjunction with other aviation businesses located at Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Md., will host a daylong event designed to introduce the local community to general aviation.

“It’s incredible to see pilots’ enthusiasm for inspiring others to learn to fly,” said Craig Fuller, president and CEO of AOPA. “The international aviation community is coming together to introduce people around the world to the benefits of general aviation.”

To kick off International Learn to Fly Day at Frederick, which runs from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Fuller will lead a rally event to show support for general aviation. In addition, there will be free familiarization flights (on a first come-first served basis), a static aircraft display, music, and aviation activities for everyone to enjoy.

“I hope you’ll help us Rally GA,” said Fuller. “Join us. And bring a friend who’s interested in learning more about all that GA has to offer.”

The official website for International Learn To Fly Day, www.learntoflyday.org, includes a searchable database of events.

Attending an event on International Learn to Fly Day is just the first step toward learning to fly. AOPA’s Let’s Go Flying website, www.letsgoflying.com, includes free resources and a database of more than 3,500 flight schools that can be searched by zip code.

About AOPA
With more than 400,000 members, AOPA is the world’s largest civil aviation association. Since 1939, AOPA is dedicated to protecting the interests of general aviation, improving general aviation’s public perception, and growing the pilot population.