Click Picture for the Forbes bio of Craig Fuller
For General Aviation, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is like a big brother protecting the rights of its members. With a vast amount of products and services all intended to help everyday pilots stay safe and informed. At the helm of this association is a man whom is only the fourth person to hold this position since AOPA was founded in 1939 his name is Craig Fuller. Fuller became the President and CEO of AOPA on January 1, 2009. If you are a pilot, being a member of AOPA will enhance your investment in flying and in aviation.
AOPA is the largest General Aviation membership organization in the world with more than 416,000 individual members. AOPA publishes the largest General Aviation magazine, operates the largest General Aviation insurance company and utilizes the internet with the largest General Aviation electronic publications and interactive courses for members to keep up on aviation skill and knowledge.
Although his roll as the president is to lead the organization, it is clear that his interest in aviation has made performing the duties of his position seem like a passion rather than an occupation. His drive to educate the general public about aviation, dismay the negative image that the recent economic downturn has painted, and to keep General Aviation accessible and affordable are accomplishments all pilots are gaining an advantage from.
Fuller has been instrumental in abolishing user fees in the past and is fully engaged in the fight again. With his background in politics as the assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs (1981-85) and chief of staff to Vice President Bush (1985-89) Fuller has the knowledge and experience to represent his members in the fight in the political arena. Recently Senator Ben Nelson and Senator Mark Begich spoke about the harm user fees will cause in this video. Fuller's influence in putting a stop to the current user fee battle I believe will be recognized as a powerful factor.
Another landmark fight that Fuller is engaged in is to stop Lightsquared from launching a system that will interfere with GPS accuracy and render some GPS units unusable. In this video Mr. Fuller shows how his experience in a political setting testifying in front of Congress, his knowledge of aviation and of the subject at hand is why he is a great choice to have in General Aviation's corner.
Craig Fuller is in my opinion a great advocate for General Aviation, and his ability to write and deliver messages in a fashion that gets the attention of the people who are decision makers in the industry is formidable. It is for this reason that Fuller is an influential member of the aviation industry.
Craig Fuller vision and leadership as President and CEO of AOPA is evident and essential to our aviation industry, particularly to general aviation. In my opinion, AOPA Foundation, a non-profit organization, is one of few aviation organizations in the world that aspire to educate and empower its members while serving their interests and needs. The second influential part of AOPA, is its Political Action Committee; it stands up for the right of pilots (AOPA's members) and represent the interest of general aviation in Congress. Mr. Fuller and former AOPA's Presidents have truly enhanced the image of GA and preserved the freedom to fly, while keeping GA safe and somewhat affordable. In addition Graig Fuller political background and life experience in GA is an advantage having him representing over 416,000 members.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Craig Fuller! The guy does a lot for general aviation, and that's what we all are right now. I know that I appreciate the $10 off each of my FAA exams, that's a pizza right there. I think it is great that the Fullster is in charge and is working so hard for the cause of AOPA!
ReplyDeleteNice write-up with good information. Always nice to have the change of viewing a video instead of a link.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe Craig Fuller is one of the few individuals in today's world of general aviation who has made such a significant impact that when you speak his name, pilots from all over the world know his name. I am a member of AOPA, and because he continues to fight for what's best for GA, and not for the politicians, is why I continue to support AOPA.
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