FROM RAMP RAT TO P-51 PILOT: AOPA CEO Darren Pleasance Leads the Way

On January 1st, Darren Pleasance took over as AOPA’s CEO and President becoming the 6th CEO of AOPA over the past 85 years. Darren’s story echos that of many in the aviation community, from model planes to being a ramp-rat at the local airport, hoping to exchange labor on the ground for time in the air. Darren soloed at 16, got his private at 17, and his Commercial, Instrument and CFI at 18 while also going to college for his degree in mechanical engineering. Darren currently flies a SeaRey, an RV6, a Piper Meridian, a North American T6 and a North American P-51. “SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts). Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technologies https://hartzell.aero Hartzell Propeller www.hartzellprop.com Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com McFarlane Aviation www.mcfarlane-aviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Titan Aircraft www.titanaircraft.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com