Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
| Abbreviation | AOPA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1939 |
| Founders | P.T. Sharples |
| Type | Not for profit |
| Purpose | Aviation advocacy |
| Headquarters | Frederick, Maryland, United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Membership | 384,915 (2012) |
Chairman of the Board | Bill Trimble III (2005) |
Vice Chairman of the Board | Darrell Crate (February 2014) |
President & CEO | Darren Pleasance (January 1, 2025) |
| Website | aopa.org |
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is a Frederick, Maryland-based American non-profit political organization that advocates for general aviation. AOPA's membership consists mainly of general aviation pilots in the United States. AOPA exists to serve the interests of its members as aircraft owners and pilots and to promote the economy, safety, utility, and popularity of flight in general aviation aircraft.
With 384,915 members in 2012, AOPA is the largest aviation association in the world, although it had decreased in membership from 414,224 in 2010, a loss of 7% in two years. AOPA is affiliated with other similar organizations in other countries through membership in the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA). In 2015, AOPA was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
In September 2024, the AOPA appointed Darren Pleasance as its sixth President and CEO. Pleasance, with extensive experience in aviation and business, is set to officially assume the role on January 1, 2025.