This Wednesday, October 10, Palm Springs hosts the AOPA Aviation Summit* with their kick off of an exciting Parade of Planes, a signature event of their summits. Dozens of planes will taxi under their own power from the Palm Springs International Airport through the streets of the city over a two mile route to the Palm Springs Convention Center. These planes will be displayed on the streets surrounding the Convention Center during the event.

The Summit officially begins its program on Thursday, October 11 and runs through Saturday, October 13. Pilots, aviation industry representatives and plane enthusiasts numbering in the thousands will convene in Palm Springs for 3 days of fun, with many interactive educational seminars – including one on how to use your iPad in the cockpit using apps to pull up flight paths, weather conditions. There will be a flight simulator which will allow you to sit in the cockpit and “fly”.  Some events will offer pilots actual flight opportunities with those pilots who’ve brought their own aircraft. There will even be a hot air balloon ride option. Overall, 400+ exhibitors will display their aviation supplies,gadgets, and interactive displays in the Convention Center. Special social events are numerous and include a Night for Flight with the proceeds going to charity. There is even a sweepstake to win a Tougher than a Tornado aircraft.

Harrison Ford will give the Keynote Address for Friday. Joining Harrison in the celebrity category will be well known pilots and celebrities in the aviation field. One event that I thought would be especially interesting is a presentation on the use of airplanes in the movie industry, with examples given from specific blockbuster films.

We welcome our guests to Palm Springs for the AOPA Aviation Summit! With the significant investment our city has made in upgrades since AOPA’s last time here in 2006, they chose to come here again, both this year, and also in 2014. It’s all good for Palm Springs Real Estate owners. Now, one last thing – if you miss seeing the Parade of Planes on Wednesday, you’ll have a second chance on Saturday afternoon from 3 to 5pm when they taxi back to the airport for their flights home.

*Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.