Aviation Issues

Aviation Issues

Aviation Issues

Senate Forms Sustainable Aviation Caucus

A bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus formed in late September 2024, bringing praise from business aviation leaders.

Senators founding the caucus include Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), with Moran and Duckworth serving as caucus chairs.

The House established a similar caucus in June, and industry leaders say the two caucuses underscore the value of government-industry partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability. The formation of the new Senate caucus comes as the industry works to expand access to sustainable aviation fuel, promote innovation and certify emerging technologies to reduce emissions.

CLIMBING. FAST., an advocacy campaign focused on advancing business aviation’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, is an international initiative supported by 13 leading aviation organizations. It educates policymakers and opinion leaders about business aviation’s many societal benefits, including its leadership role in sustainability.

CLIMBING. FAST. organization partners include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Aircraft Electronics Association, Alpha Eta Rho Aviation fraternity, European Business Aviation Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, International Aircraft Dealers Association, International Business Aviation Council, National Aircraft Finance Association, National Air Transportation Association, National Business Aviation Association, Vertical Aviation International and Women in Corporate Aviation. Visit climbingfast.com for more information.

Get to Know Darren Pleasance, Incoming AOPA President & CEO

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association recently announced that Darren Pleasance will become its new president and chief executive officer on Jan. 1, 2025, taking over for Mark Baker who announced plans to retire after 11 years in the top spot. AOPA is the world’s largest community of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts.

Darren Pleasance will become AOPA president & CEO on Jan. 1, 2025.

“I’m confident that Darren is the right person to lead AOPA into its next chapter,” Baker said in the announcement press release. “He is a pilot’s pilot with a genuine passion for flying. He combines that excitement about aviation with leadership experience at some of this country’s top consulting and tech firms, giving him the right balance of business skills and kinship with our members.”

Pleasance added: “I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly.”

Pleasance’s aviation journey began as a teenager, first through flying model aircraft and later exchanging chores around the airport for flying lessons. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

He flew as a corporate pilot early in his career, working for John Travolta and other celebrities and then flying charters in the Alaskan bush. He left professional aviation to pursue a career in business, working for consulting firm McKinsey & Co., Google and, most recently, Cisco. Pleasance is also a published author, writing True North: A Handbook for Inspired Living to lead readers through a practical guide to finding fulfillment. He often cites aviation as a source of inspiration and joy for himself.

Pleasance never stopped flying, and he served for many years on the board of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He has accumulated more than 8,000 hours in more than 50 different types of aircraft, ranging from simple trainers to business jets to vintage warbirds. Today he owns and operates a Piper Meridian, a Vans RV-6 and a SeaRey floatplane while maintaining currency as a certificated flight instructor.

AOPA’s board of trustees conducted an extensive search to find Baker’s successor.

“We could not be more gratified about Darren taking the left seat at AOPA,” said Bill Trimble, chairman of the board. “After completing an extensive national search, we met with many terrific candidates, but all agreed that Darren brings a wealth of experience coupled with a joy of flying that will be critical for leading AOPA’s mission going forward. We are so grateful for Mark’s hard work over the past 11 years and look forward to Darren’s leadership at this important time for general aviation.”

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