History and Mission

History and Mission

HISTORY & MISSION

We are the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia. Thousands strong, we represent general aviation Australia-wide.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA Australia) was founded in 1949 to speak as the unified voice for general aviation in Australia.  Since then, AOPA Australia has grown to meet the ever changing needs of the aviation community becoming the recognised voice of general aviation in Australia.

Today we represent thousands of members from each state of Australia, each recognising the need for strong, effective representation resting on our core principals of integrity, commitment, discovery, unity and leadership.

For many of us our aviation ambition is simply taking the controls of an aircraft and living out a dream that humans have pursued throughout the ages – private flying.  For some, it means an aspiration to learn to fly and to enter the world of commercial aviation, and for others it simply means an unbridled enthusiasm for aviation and a desire to share it with others.  For all these reasons and more, we are AOPA Australia members.

We take to the skies for many reasons, and are driven by motivations as varied as we are; while some of us fly to further business goals and stimulate the economy, others relish the exhilaration and the beauty that come with experiencing the world from a different perspective. While our community is remarkably diverse, there is one common idea that is shared by all AOPA Australia pilots — a love of flight.

The AOPA Australia team, exists to protect and to grow the incredible privilege that we call general aviation. Whether it is through educating the public about the fun and the utility that aircraft can provide, preparing resources and training material to enhance the skills of pilots everywhere, or advocating for aviation within government agencies, it is our job to maintain the strength and vitality of the flying community across Australia.

Our mission is to ensure that the sky remains within reach of everyone who dreams of becoming a pilot.

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