Dear AOPA Pilot Protection Services Participants,
As we taxi into the new year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for being valued passengers on our flight with AOPA Pilot Protection Services. Your participation in AOPA PPS is a testament to your commitment to flying safely and legally. Without you, our mission would be grounded.
We're on track for another successful year with nearly 70,000 pilots and aircraft participating in PPS. PPS is supported by two dedicated flight crews: the Legal Services Plan and Medical Certification teams. Our legal team navigated over 5,000 independent legal cases in 2024, directing our passengers through myriad aviation legal troubles. Our medical crew has provided essential support to countless pilots, guiding them through the intricate maze of aviation medical certification.
In addition to our in-house team, we rely on a network of skilled Panel Attorneys across the country. These aviation attorneys are our first line of defense, ready to assist PPS participants in times of need. They are the steady hand on the controls, ensuring a smooth landing even in the most turbulent legal situations.
Our medical crew, captained by Gary Crump and supported by Jacquie Brown, Anita Fetzer, Annette Garrisi, Jacqueline Ris, and Janette Collins, is dedicated to keeping our pilots flying high. They provide expert guidance on medical certification requirements, offer support during challenging medical situations, and help navigate the complex world of aviation medicine.
This year, our LSP team experienced both departures and arrivals. In February, LSP attorney Ryan King departed the pattern to work for the Superior Court of California. Ryan had been with us since 2022. In November, we said “resume own navigation” to our trusted senior paralegal, Amy Fletcher, who had been with us since 2019. Amy joined the National Transportation Safety Board as a paralegal supporting the Office of Administrative Law Judges, which hears appeals of FAA enforcement actions against pilots and other airmen.
In April, we welcomed attorney Patrick Brooke to the LSP crew. Prior to joining us, Patrick was an LSP Panel Attorney and added nearly 10 years of legal experience from his time in private practice. Patrick is an active pilot and former aircraft owner. In addition to assisting PPS members with aviation-related legal issues, look for Patrick’s contributions in the AOPA Pilot magazine and AOPA newsletters (including “Insights”!). In December, Dorian Hemerick joined us as an LSP Representative, where he assists with intake and processing of cases. If you catch him on the phone, please welcome Dorian to the team!
In addition to Patrick and Dorian, I also want to acknowledge the rest of our LSP crewmembers, including Administrative Lead, Emma Broscious, Paralegal Stacey Hansen, and Attorneys Daniel Hassing, Jeremy Browner, and Ray Speciale. Their collective expertise and dedication are instrumental in the success of the LSP.
Thank you to all our PPS flight crewmembers, who work tirelessly to ensure our passengers receive the best possible advice and support. They are the unsung heroes, guiding our members through the challenges of aviation law and medicine.
Additionally, I'd like to thank our regular contributors to this newsletter, Dr. Jonathan Sackier, Dr. Kenneth Stahl, Larry Diamond (PharmD), and Gary Crump, for their insightful articles on aviation medical topics. Their expertise provides valuable information to our members, helping them maintain their aeronautical knowledge and stay compliant.
Finally, a special thanks to Emily Ramsay and Rachel Rice, our marketing experts, who tirelessly promote PPS to pilots and aircraft owners. Their efforts help spread the word about our services, ensuring that more pilots can benefit from our support.
As we prepare to soar into the New Year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all PPS participants for your continued trust and support. Your passion for aviation and commitment to safety are the fuels that power our mission.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. May your skies be clear, your winds be fair, and your landings be smooth.
Warm regards,
Ian J. Arendt
Senior Attorney
AOPA Legal Services Plan
