February 2026 Newsletter

NEXT PPA MEETING

The Professional Pilots Association’s next meeting will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Columbus Police Heliport, 1455 Mews Ct, Columbus, Ohio. Click here for a map

FEATURED SPEAKERS & TOPICS

The Columbus Police Helicopter Unit currently operates MD Helicopters MD 530F aircraft, part of the MD 500-series platform. These light, single-engine turbine helicopters are utilized for patrol, aerial surveillance, and airborne operational support. The department transitioned earlier MD 500E aircraft to the MD 530F configuration through a factory conversion program and has operated a fleet of up to six aircraft in recent years.

NOTAMS

Help Wanted: Secretary Position

PPA Secretary, Christine Mortine, has stepped down due to increasing schedule conflicts. We greatly appreciate the time she has dedicated to us!
We are looking for a new volunteer to fill this seat. The Secretary plays a key role in keeping us organized, primarily by attending our monthly meetings and keeping the minutes and authoring Association correspondence.
If you are looking for a way to serve the membership and are available for most meetings, we would love to hear from you.

Future meeting speakers and topics:

March 4, Dan Kiser will present “Here’s Something I’ll Bet You Didn’t Know About The Wright Brothers” @ Lane Aviation
April 1 – Thomas Betti, Historian – The Jet Age, @ Lane Aviation
May 6 – OPEN (Potential speakers: Department of Transportation @ OSU; 180th Fighter Wing @ Lane Aviation)
June–August – Summer Break

Leadership Updates:
Treasurer: Douglas Auld was formally welcomed and appointed Treasurer for 2026. The association expressed appreciation for his willingness to step into the role and support the organization moving forward.

The association extends sincere gratitude to Bob Brown for his many years of dedicated service as Treasurer. His diligence, leadership, and long-term commitment had a lasting impact on the organization

Request: Please contact me or any of the Trustees with suggested speakers and topics for future meetings. You can call one of us or send a message: CLICK HERE

Request: Bob Brown asks that, if feasible, members pay for their meal and meeting expenses with a personal check made out to: Professional Pilots Association.

MEETING RESERVATIONS

Each PPA member is encouraged to make reservations as early as practicable to help us obtain an accurate estimate of attendance. Please make your reservation not later than noon on Monday, February 2nd. This meeting is not sponsored. There will be a $20 registration fee collected at the door to cover the meal and PPA expenses (please pay by check, if possible). The meal is ordered based on the number of reservations so we ask that members reimburse the Association for a non-cancellation. Cancel not later than Tuesday at noon or you will be charged for the meal.

Make your reservations:
Click here to make your reservations

MEETING TIMES

6:00 p.m. Social
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Presentation

See you on February 4, 2026

Mike Ponzani

President, Professional Pilots Association
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View PPA Business Meeting Minutes
View PPA 2024 Activity Report
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PPA Welcomes our newest members!!!! Click here to view the list
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Gone West.
PPA members who have recently passed. Dave Cencula (PPA #315), Jim Holt (PPA #270), Jim “Tip” Tippie (PPA #222), Jerry Isbell (PPA #324), Ronald Craig (PPA #171)