Flying with Purpose: Darren Pleasance on AOPA, What’s Next, and Finding True North

Join host Cayla McLeod for a chilly episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, recorded right on flight line in Valdez, Alaska! In this episode, Cayla sits down with general aviation enthusiast, accomplished business leader, and author Darren Pleasance. Darren shares his journey from a 13-year-old kid fascinated by model airplanes to a corporate jet pilot, a leader at tech giants like Google and Cisco, and eventually the head of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He discusses his accidental entry into the business world and how a deep passion for aviation has remained the central theme of his life. In this episode, we cover: Aviation Roots: How Darren traded bike rides and airplane washing for his first flights, eventually flying multi-engine jets by his early twenties. The Importance of AOPA: The critical role the organization plays in advocacy, navigating the transition to unleaded fuel, and protecting the freedom to fly for general aviation pilots. Advice for Aspiring Aviators: Why getting tailwheel experience, showing initiative, and maintaining a positive attitude can open unexpected doors in your flying career. Finding Your "True North": Insights from Darren's book, True North, which serves as a handbook for building an inspired and fulfilling life. Alaskan Adventures: The unmatched thrill of flying over glaciers and the Prince William Sound, and experiencing the magic of the Valdez STOL competition. To order a copy of Darren's book visit: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Handbook-Inspired-Living/dp/B0CQ74BHNN