Black Pilots of America

BPA, Inc. Operation Skyhook 2024

May 23 - 27, 2024
Late Registration begins
Saturday, May 18, 2024

Grider Field Airport (PBF
“Home of the Black Pilots of America
Pine Bluff, Arkansa
s

FEATURING: National Fly-In Competition, Aircraft Static Displays, FAA Seminars, Youth Airplane Rides, Hospitality, Friday Night Fish Fry, Saturday Night Buffet, Sunday Banquet, Top Gun Awards & More…

COVID-19 vaccinations are NO LONGER required to attend


Young Eagles Pilots Wanted

EAA is looking for Volunteer Pilots for Young Eagles Rides (EAA Chapter 261)
during Operation Skyhook

To sign up for the event,
visit Young Eagles Volunteer Pilot Information Page

Days and Times for Young Eagles plane rides during Operation Skyhook:

Friday, May 24, 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Sunday, May 26, 2024

Rides will begin at 4 pm, pending completion of Skyhook competition events.

Young Eagles Pilot requirements

  • Be a current EAA national member and hold an appropriate airman's certificate (sport pilot or greater)
  • Possess a current medical certificate (if applicable)
    Be current to carry passengers in the aircraft you plan to use
  • Have a current flight review
  • Conduct flights in an aircraft that is airworthy
  • Have aircraft passenger liability insurance (min $100,000 liability) for the aircraft used (owned, rented, or borrowed)
  • Adhere to all applicable Federal Air Rules (FARs)
  • Complete the EAA Youth Protection Policy, which includes a short training session and background check. (Please complete a week before the event)
  • Complete the Young Eagles registration form before the flight, signed by you and a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: This information is strictly used for the Young Eagles Program within the EAA organization.

Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Nominees Wanted

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. The award recognizes individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment of at least 50 or more years of combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations. 

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate.

  • Have 50 or more years of civil and military piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations. Up to 20 years of the required 50 years' experience may be U.S. military experience.
    The effective start date for the 50 years is the date of the nominee's first solo flight or military equivalent.
    The 50 years may be computed consecutively or non-consecutively.

  • Be a U.S. Citizen.

  • Have NOT had any airman certificate revoked. Revocation of any airman certification will disqualify a nominee for this award.

The award will be presented at the Skyhook Banquet in May. Qualified candidate information must be sent to Les Morris (bronzeagle@cox.net



NOTE: Reserve your rental cars with Enterprise well in advance
High volume may cause challenges with getting enough cars.
Costco Card holders are eligible for a Car Rental Discount 
Contact Enterprise Rental Car at +1 870-534-7766
2217 S Olive St
Pine Bluff, AR, US, 71601

IMPORTANT NOTE (passed along by Doug Hale, Airport Manager): Enterprise WILL NOT deliver vehicles to the airport unless the person renting the vehicle is an Emerald Club member AND secures the vehicle with a credit card.  

PLEASE take care of your Emerald Club membership BEFORE traveling to Pine Bluff and CONFIRM your status with Enterprise


HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS

DEADLINE MAY 1, 2024 (or when they run out of rooms)
Holiday Inn Express Pine Bluff (an IHG Hotel)
2903 Pines Mall Drive
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Front desk: 1-870-534-1810
Toll-free Reservation (National): 1-800-465-4329

2024 Skyhook Registration

Registration deadline moved to Saturday, May 11, 2024
Late Registration price increase on May 18, 2024

Regular Members, Spouses & Significant Others     
$175.00 each; ($179.00 via PayPal)

Non-Current Paid Members & Non-BPA Members 
$235.00 each; ($240.00 via PayPal)

Students under 19 years old                                          
$85.00 each; ($87.50 via PayPal)

If you use PayPal to pay your registration fee, please e-mail your registration and competition information to Les Morris at bronzeagle@cox.net

Registration includes Local Transportation, Hospitality Suite, Friday Night Fish Fry, 

Saturday Night Dinner Buffet and Sunday Night Banquet.

Skyhook 2024 Registration Form - NO Competition Forms  PDF  (opens in new window)

Skyhook 2024 Competition Forms (opens in new window)

 Competition Registration,  High Angle Bank Waiver


Mail your Skyhook registration and check to:

Black Pilots of America, P.O. Box 1295, Green Valley, AZ 85722 - 1295

Registration Information: Les Morris - bronzeagle@cox.net - Phone: 520-940-0838

IMPORTANT NOTES

Registration is fully refundable if BPA is notified no later than May 22, 2024

Attendees - please wear your Red BPA Shirt on Friday, May 24, 2024, 
when we meet the Red Coats at Grider Field


BPA Skyhook Souvenir Book (Ad Book) forms below - DEADLINE DATE MAY 1, 2024

Souvenir Book / Ad Book Form

Are you a BPA Member?

Membership is open to anyone who shares our focus on providing an atmosphere for everyone to learn to fly and / or own airplanes. Visit our Membership page to learn more, or visit the Chapter Websites page to find the Chapter nearest you.

You can also support BPA by visiting the Contribute page and making a donation.