AOPA Headquarters Tour Video

***Click to Watch in High Definition***

A few weeks ago, after realizing just how close I was to Frederick, MD, I decided it would be fun to drive up to AOPA Headquarters at the Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK) to take their free tour. After a little coordinating with some folks on Twitter the adventure was planned for the first week of May.

I departed my house just after 10AM and took the scenic drive up Route 15. Arriving at KFDK just before 11AM, I met up with @ToriaFly in front of the Airways Inn and then followed her over to the AOPA building because I couldn’t find it on my last visit. Turns out the AOPA building was just about within sight from the Airways Inn and I felt silly for having needed to be escorted. But hey, the last time I was there it was dark out and I didn’t see any lighted signage. But I digress…

We entered the front door where we were greeted by a large poster of Harrison Ford from the General Aviation Serves America campaign. Apparently some of the women in my company preferred Ford with his hat and whip over this casual photo, but that’s a story for a different day. The receptionist took our names and verified our AOPA Membership as we waited for our tour guide.

The tour began on the lower level taking us through Medical Services, Membership Enrollment, Member Services, Information and Technology, Marketing, ePublishing and Publications Division, before heading upstairs to a few other departments and the Office of the President. Now Mr. Fuller was busy at the time of our visit but we did have the opportunity to sneak a peak in his office.

Fuller’s office is appropriately sized for a President and decorated nicely with dark wood and brown leather furniture. His desk faces the KFDK ramp and has an amazing view of the airport property. My favorite easter egg in Fuller’s office was his iPad propped up on the right edge of his desk. A man after my own tastes in that department.

At completion of the tour, we asked the receptionist to call @JTallman1959 as we had planned to have lunch together post-tour. Jill, Associate Editor of AOPA Flight Training and AOPA Pilot, met us in the lobby. After making introductions it was off to the Airways Inn, located midfield at KFDK, for, what turned out to be, a very entertaining lunch filled with old friends and familiar faces.

The Airways Inn was bustling with folks although our meals still arrived promptly. Trying to snag the waitress when it came time to pay our bill, however, was a small task as the restaurant was full – clearly a popular place with the locals. But it gave us more time to socialize with friends so we were all happy. Don’t forget to visit this KFDK gem during your visit for a nice food selection at excellent prices.

If you ever have the time, I highly recommend stopping into the AOPA Headquarters for a tour. All the folks working there were extremely friendly, introducing themselves, asking where we were visiting from, and giving us the most welcome feeling. It certainly turned out be be a fantastic adventure.

Clear Skies & Calm Winds,

Len @ ThePilotReport.com

P.S. – Don’t forget to watch my AOPA Headquarters Tour Video for some laughs