AOPA in Transition: A Warbird Radio Special Report
- Matt Jolley
- Feb 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 13
WARBIRD RADIO - Season 17 of Warbird Radio is almost here—and we’re starting with a story that couldn’t wait.
Some stories need time to develop. Others demand to be told right now. CLICK HERE TO PLAY INTERVIEW!
This morning, I sat down with Darren Pleasance for a candid conversation in the wake of the recent announcement from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Over the past year, Darren has been one of the most visible leaders in general aviation, and the news of change at AOPA has sparked serious discussion across our community. Naturally, many of the immediate questions center on leadership—but the conversation doesn’t end there.
A larger question is beginning to take shape among pilots and aircraft owners: if AOPA believes its president should be closer to headquarters, should the organization’s Board of Directors also move closer to reflecting the membership it represents? And perhaps more importantly, is this latest move a signal that broader changes may be ahead? CLICK HERE TO PLAY INTERVIEW!
These are important questions, and they come at an important time. The freedoms that protect general aviation in the United States have never been more valuable—or more in need of strong, unified advocacy. Organizations like AOPA play a vital role in that effort, which makes moments of transition worth careful attention and thoughtful conversation.
That’s what this Special Report is about.
In this episode, you’ll hear a brief clip from my conversation with Darren Pleasance, recorded earlier today. It’s a preview of a longer, deeper discussion that will be released in full as part of the 2026 season premiere of Warbird Radio, launching later this month. CLICK HERE TO PLAY INTERVIEW!
This year marks the 17th season of Warbird Radio, and we’ve got an outstanding lineup of conversations ahead—stories about the people, machines, and ideas that keep aviation moving forward, from warbird operators and museum leaders to airshow legends and industry voices shaping the future.
But before we roll into the new season, this felt like a conversation worth sharing now.
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