AOPA Elects New Board Chairman, Previews Bylaw Changes

Longtime trustee Luke Wippler to lead the organization, as current chair and former chair step down.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:16pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has elected Luke Wippler as its new Board of Trustees chairman. Wippler, who joined the board in 2015, is a private pilot with experience across a wide range of aircraft. The announcement also noted that current chair Jim Hauslein and former chair Bill Trimble will not seek reelection to the board at AOPA's annual member meeting in May. Additionally, the board is proposing several bylaw updates, including changes to the trustee nominating process, proxy requirements, board size, and the establishment of trustee qualifications and term limits.

Why it matters

The leadership transition and proposed bylaw changes at AOPA, one of the largest and most influential aviation organizations, signal an evolution in the group's governance and priorities as it looks to the future. The new chairman's aviation experience and the board's focus on updating its structure could impact AOPA's advocacy, member services, and overall direction.

The details

Wippler, who currently owns a Cessna 182 Amphib and a Piper Super Cub, was praised by outgoing chair Hauslein for his 'strong business acumen' and 'deep passion for aviation.' The board believes Wippler is the 'right leader to guide AOPA's next chapter.' Meanwhile, Hauslein and former chair Trimble will not seek reelection to the board at the annual meeting in May. The board is also proposing several bylaw updates, including changes to the trustee nominating process, proxy requirements, board size, and the establishment of trustee qualifications and term limits.

  • Wippler was elected as the new AOPA Board of Trustees chairman.
  • Hauslein and Trimble will not seek reelection to the AOPA board at the annual meeting on May 12, 2026.
  • AOPA plans to share more details on the proposed bylaw updates ahead of the annual meeting on May 12, 2026.

The players

Luke Wippler

The new chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees, Wippler is a private pilot with multi-engine instrument and single-engine seaplane ratings, and experience across a wide range of aircraft. He currently owns a Cessna 182 Amphib and a Piper Super Cub.

Jim Hauslein

The outgoing chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees, Hauslein praised Wippler's 'strong business acumen' and 'deep passion for aviation,' and said the board believes he is the 'right leader to guide AOPA's next chapter.'

Bill Trimble

The former chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees, Trimble will also not seek reelection to the board at the annual meeting in May 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Luke combines strong business acumen with a deep passion for aviation and represents the next generation of AOPA leadership. The board strongly believes he is the right leader to guide AOPA's next chapter.”

— Jim Hauslein, Outgoing AOPA Board of Trustees Chairman

What’s next

AOPA plans to share more details on the proposed bylaw updates ahead of the annual member meeting on May 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The leadership transition and proposed bylaw changes at AOPA signal an evolution in the organization's governance and priorities as it looks to the future. The new chairman's aviation experience and the board's focus on updating its structure could impact AOPA's advocacy, member services, and overall direction in the years to come.