AOPA stages record World Assembly in Stellenbosch

In April the International Council of AOPA, representing general aviation in 70 countries, met for the 26th time since the organisation’s foundation, fifty years ago. The World Assembly, held at Spier Hotel in Stellenbosch, was attended by a record 150 delegates from 28 countries. Amongst the attendees were a number of international personalities including AOPA president Craig Fuller, John and Martha King, Bruce Landsberg, Tom Haines, Steve Brown, NBAA senior vice-president, Mitchell Fox, chief of operations at ICAO, Martin Robinson, vice-president of IAOPA and IAOPA representative to ICAO, Frank Hoffman. 

 The Assembly was organised and staged by AOPA SA. At the opening ceremony AOPA SA president dr Koos Marais welcomed the delegates and pointed out that modern aviators carry extra burdens of social and environmental responsibilities. In this respect AOPA SA had been conscious to support disadvantaged communities by buying small items such as special beadwork name tag lanyards and South African flags from rural communities. AOPA SA also announced its project to support the Worcester Institute for the Blind. They donated a large amount of money to the Institute and the Institute made a number of items such as bio-friendly conference bags for the delegates.

 CAA director and commissioner Zakhele Thwala opened the Assembly and reiterated the CAA’s support for AOPA. 

 During the course of three days dozens of presentations were delivered. These were followed by discussions by all delegates. At the end of the week twenty resolutions were formulated. These resolutions form the backbone of IAOPA’s negotiations and dealings with international bodies such as the FAA and ICAO. 

 ICAO representative Mitchell Fox made it quite clear that general aviation receives special consideration from ICAO. ICAO is becoming increasingly aware of the role and importance of general aviation. In this regard the World Assembly plays an invaluable role. 

 Anther significant and important safety milestone was reached when dr Koos Marais announced the “CRM for the Single Pilot Crew” programme. This consists of a book that was also released at the World Assembly. In it the principles of Crew Resource Management are applied to the single pilot operations. A number of “check flight” steps are described. The idea is to encourage pilots to subject themselves on an entirely voluntary basis to a check ride, or rather a courtesy ride with an AOPA official. These courtesy rides do not carry any legal standing. It merely serves to expose members to additional training and awareness programs. It is envisioned that members who comply with these check or courtesy rides will attract preferential insurance rates. Already Aviation Direct offers a twenty percent discount on their products to members who participate in the programme. AOPA SA also offers members who take part one year’s free AOPA SA membership.

 Delegates were entertained by an interesting social programme. They visited all the Western Cape’s significant attractions. A large number of delegates also enjoyed pleasure flights from Stellenbosch Flying club, courtesy of AOPA SA members. The World Assembly  was formally concluded with a gala dinner at which several awards to dignitaries were made.