The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has announced a successor to current president Mark Baker, who is set to retire at year’s end. In his place comes Darren Pleasance. The association notes that this is only the sixth president in its history, dating back to 1939. Baker has been on the job for more than 11 years. Somebody buy that man a beer!
AOPA notes that Pleasance has more than 8000 hours in 50 different types and currently owns three airplanes: A Piper Meridian, a Van’s RV-6 and a Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey.
“I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly,” says Pleasance. “I’m grateful for the privilege I’m being given to lead this incredible organization that has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of all of us who love aviation.”
Pleasance joins AOPA at a time when there are pressures across the spectrum, from finding a leaded-fuel replacement to rapidly rising aircraft-ownership costs. But there are opportunities, too, such as with the MOSAIC program expected to become a reality sometime in 2025.
For his part, outgoing president Baker says, “I’m confident that Darren is the right person to lead AOPA into its next chapter. He is a pilot’s pilot with a genuine passion for flying. He combines that excitement about aviation with leadership experience at some of this country’s top consulting and tech firms, giving him the right balance of business skills and kinship with our members.”
