Lakeland, FL - We are delighted to announce that effective immediately, APWO VP/COO Greg Gibson has officially been promoted to the role of President and CEO of our organization. Over the past 90 days, Greg has been transitioning into this position under the guidance of the APWO Board of Directors and our founding President and CEO, John "Lites" Leenhouts. Lites, who has led APWO since its inception in October 2022, successfully launched the organization in January 2023 and has been at the helm for the first two years, as he initially committed.

Lites' leadership has been instrumental in establishing APWO's foundation and guiding us through our formative years and his dedication and vision have set a strong course for our future. As he transitions from his role as President and CEO, we are pleased to share that Lites will continue to contribute to APWO as a Senior Advisor. In this capacity, he will play a pivotal role in developing our future Advisory Board and spearheading other key initiatives.

Greg Gibson brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role. With a background in brand management and marketing across industries such as auto racing, wireless technology, and aviation, Greg has demonstrated a consistent track record of success. He owns Tailwind Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in the branding and marketing of airshows, performers, FBOs, flight schools, and other aviation-related businesses. Notably, Greg served as the first Executive Director for Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, Minnesota, where he utilized his extensive knowledge of WWII history to design all displays and historical descriptions of the aircraft, personnel, and ground equipment. Additionally, Greg is a tailwheel-endorsed commercial pilot with an instrument rating in both single and multi-engine aircraft, with a particular fondness for flying the PT-17 and AT-6/SNJ.

Reflecting on his tenure, Lites shared, "Leading APWO from its inception has been a profound honor. I am confident that under Greg's leadership, the organization will continue to thrive and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in warbird operations."

Expressing his gratitude, Greg stated, "I am deeply honored to step into this role and build upon the solid foundation that Lites has established. His mentorship and unwavering commitment to APWO have been invaluable, and I look forward to working closely with him in his new advisory capacity as we continue to advance our mission."

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Lites for his exceptional leadership and in welcoming Greg as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with APWO.

We are thrilled to announce that Doc's Friends, the organization behind the iconic B-29 Superfortress "Doc," has joined the Association of Professional Warbird Operators (APWO) as a Gold Sponsor. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of historic military aircraft.

Josh Wells, Executive Director and General Manager of Doc's Friends, expressed his enthusiasm:

"Partnering with APWO aligns perfectly with our mission to honor the men and women who designed, built, flew, and maintained these magnificent machines. We look forward to collaborating with fellow warbird operators to ensure the legacy of the Greatest Generation lives on for the future."

Greg Gibson, President and CEO of APWO, welcomed the collaboration:

"Having Doc's Friends as a Gold Sponsor enriches our community and strengthens our collective efforts to preserve aviation history. Their dedication to maintaining and operating 'Doc' serves as an inspiration to all of us committed to keeping these historic aircraft flying."

We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to working together to inspire future generations through the stories of this remarkable aircraft.

APWO is pleased to announce that The Palm Springs Air Museum has joined us again as a Silver Sponsor for the 2024-2025 renewal season. One of the nation's leading aviation history museum's Palm Springs Air Museum hosts one of the largest and most diverse collection of warbirds from every era. Visitors are often surprised by the range of aircraft and the knowledge of the many docents that are always friendly and on hand to help them navigate the large facility, located in beautiful Palm Springs, CA. 

CLICK HERE to learn more!

APWO  has partnered with online Print-On-Demand merchant Props 'n Gears to  offer a new line of branded merch.  Every order  will generate a donation to APWO! Plus, you can even send us your own aircraft images and we'll create a custom design for your bird at no charge, you just pay for the merchandise (some limitations apply)!

CLICK HERE to Visit APWO's ONLINE STORE 

  

The FAA is calling for "appropriate well-defined procedures"  during aircraft demonstrations following an investigation into a deadly  midair collision of a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F during a 2022  airshow in Texas. In a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) issued on  Monday, the FAA detailed risk mitigation strategies for the civilian  airshow community. The SAFO was generated as a result of an  investigation into the November 12, 2022 crash involving a B17 and P63  during the Wings Over Dallas Airshow.

The SAFO referenced a preliminary NTSB report, noting that  although different types of aircraft were flying in close proximity,  "the NTSB preliminary report stated there were no altitude  deconflictions briefed before the flight or while the airplanes were in  the air. This accident highlights the complexity of mass aircraft  demonstrations, and the critical importance of safety protocols to  provide separation and enhance situational awareness."

APWO Staff and members were critically involved in the process of  defining the SAFO, in cooperation with the FAA and NTSB. Subject matter  experts were ingrained in the process to ensure that safe yet reasonable  guidance was issued, and we are pleased with the resulting language  which can be read on the FAA's website by clicking the button below.  We'd like to thank all of the APWO members who supported this effort to  provide legitimate, authoritative insight into the circumstances to  produce an accurate and timely response to maintain safer, more  professional Warbird Formation operations in the future.

Read the FAA SAFO 

 APWO joined AOPA, EAA, GAMA, and other industry authorities in writing  letters of support for STALLION 51 in their efforts to preserve their  long standing FAR exemptions to conduct safe operations with their  extraordinary P-51 and other flight training programs. For the first  time in 37 years, the FAA chose not to grant these long-standing  exemptions, citing recent events surrounding Warbird operations as  justification. You can read the docket details and the various responses  using the links below. APWO is proud to stand by Lee Lauderback and his  incredible team to restore these exemptions so that they can continue  to be the standard of excellence in Warbird operations. 

Read the Docket (FAA-2024-0318)

Read All Responses

Read APWO's Response 

S.1032 - Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023

APWO Opposes this amendment to the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill.   

• Proposes to force all Part 91.147 Sightseeing, Skydiving, Ballooning, and other “Commercial Air Tour” operators to obtain a certificate under 14 CFR 119
• “Commercial Air Tour” is defined as any “flight or operation conducted for compensation or hire in an airplane or helicopter where a purpose of the flight is sightseeing” 
• Operations would then be forced to operate under 14 CFR Part 121 or 135
• LINK TO APWO LETTER of OPPOSITION - https://tailwindonline.com/APWO/APWO_Opposes_Section_315.pdf
• List of Committee Senators to write and oppose the amendment - https://tailwindonline.com/APWO/senators.pdf