On February 4th 2026, AOPA announced their decision to replace Darren Pleasance as the organization’s CEO & President after only one year in the position. This decision shocked the membership and the industry, because in a relatively short time, Darren had made a significant impact connecting with pilots everywhere and becoming a strong advocate for the general aviation community.

This is Darren's first interview since leaving AOPA. We talk with Darren about the state of general aviation when he began his short tenure at AOPA, what he learned & accomplished over the past year, and his thoughts on the future of general aviation and the organizations that support it.

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