INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF AIRCRAFT OWNER AND PILOT ASSOCIATIONS

The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations IAOPA was founded in 1962 to unite general aviation GA on a global scale. Over sixty years ago IAOPA was granted observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO and to this day it remains the sole GA group with this distinction. IAOPA is comprised of six regions: North America Pacific South America Europe Asia and Africa-Middle East. In 2023 IAOPA welcomed its newest affiliates AOPA Türkiye and AOPA Dominican Republic further expanding its global reach and representation. The organization currently represents over 333,000 members in 82 countries around the world. IAOPA continued to gain strength from its increased involvement at ICAO and regional working groups. This involvement has bolstered IAOPA's influence in shaping international aviation policies and advocating for the needs of GA pilots and aircraft owners worldwide. In 2023 IAOPA worked to advance an international medical standard for GA pilots at ICAO referred to as the Class 2R Medical. The proposal was favorably reviewed by the FLTOPS and PTLP panels and is before the MPSG for further review. A key highlight of the year was IAOPA's participation in AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2023. IAOPA has long been a key supporter of AERO Friedrichshafen recognizing the event as a crucial platform for engaging with aviation enthusiasts industry regulators and specialists from across the globe. Over the years IAOPA's booth has become a central meeting point for IAOPA Affiliate leaders attracting aviation professionals to discuss matters of common interest and rekindle aviation community friendships. IAOPA's representative at ICAO Frank Hofmann was present at this year's show and provided valuable insights into ICAO's functions and initiatives to those visiting the IAOPA booth. His presence underscored IAOPA's ongoing commitment to educating and informing the global aviation community about ICAO's pivotal role in shaping aviation affairs. A significant milestone was achieved during this year's AERO Friedrichshafen with the announcement of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's EASA acceptance of a 10-year ICAO IAOPA project. This project successfully persuades EASA to drop the European requirement for Rescue and Firefighting Services at airports not serving commercial operations. This change will alleviate a significant financial burden on smaller general aviation airports that have limited resources and budgets. IAOPA continues to emphasize its pivotal role in shaping global aviation policies as it aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of the international regulatory landscape governed by ICAO thereby strengthening the global GA community's awareness and engagement with these regulations. In addition to its active participation at ICAO IAOPA is also looking ahead. AOPA US as an IAOPA affiliate spent 2023 developing and planning the IAOPA World Assembly set to be held in Washington DC in 2024. This assembly will serve as a crucial gathering for IAOPA members and affiliates fostering collaboration and addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the GA community. In 2023 IAOPA demonstrated its unwavering commitment to advocating for the interests of general aviation on a global scale. Through strategic participation in key events active engagement with international aviation authorities and ongoing educational efforts IAOPA continues to strengthen its role as the leading global voice for GA pilots and aircraft owners.