February 1, 2013
 

　   AOPA China was announced by The International Council of the Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) as the host of IAOPA 2014 World Assembly. Craig Spence, secretary general of the council and vice president of AOPA operations and international affairs, noted that this assembly would mark the first time IAOPA has convened in China.

　   IAOPA is made up of affiliates from 71 countries, which all unite in the World Summit. AOPA Headquarter leaders in Frederick, Md. will be attending the event not only for GA development, but also to strengthen diplomatic ties amongst all member states. While delegates to the World Assembly will be discussing general aviation issues such as: airspace access and freedom of flight, air traffic control services, user fees, security, and how IAOPA chapters throughout the world operate; they’ll also participate in aerial activities with their families and friends.

  　 The growing Chinese importance for global GA growth and the opportunity to demonstrate the vitality of GA are some of the reasons for choosing the ‘middle kingdom’ as host of this mega event.  The assembly will be held in the latter part of 2014 and the final venue location and exact dates will be determined soon.

  Recent past assemblies have been held in South Africa, Israel, Greece, France, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland with a participation of hundreds of participants and visitors.