Inspired by the “meet-any-challenge spirit” of the 94th Aero Squadron, the AOPA Foundation created the Hat in the Ring Society—a giving circle for pilots and aviation enthusiasts who “throw their hats in the ring” each year with charitable contributions between $1,000 and $9,999. These leadership-level donors support the AOPA programs that build a stronger, safer pilot community such as the You Can Fly program and the AOPA Air Safety Institute.
All benefits of Bronze-level, plus:
All benefits of Silver-level, plus:
As a special gift for Hat in the Ring Society members, we will send you a specially commissioned gift for each annual membership renewal. We know you’ll use it with great pride as a symbol of your personal impact on pilot safety and strengthening general aviation’s future.
Over one hundred years ago, on Aug. 20, 1917, a U.S. Army aero squadron was formed at a Texas airfield. The 94th Aero Squadron would soon be sent to France and go on to see combat on World War I’s western front, its aerial achievements ensuring its place in history as a unit of heroism and renown. The Nieuport 28 C1 and SPAD XIII fighters flown by the 94th Aero Squadron bore a distinctive insignia: an American flag-motif top hat within a ring. Several members of the unit that came to be known as the Hat in the Ring Squadron... Read More
To join or renew your Hat in the Ring Society membership by email or phone, please contact our Hat in the Ring Society membership liaison, Carli Berkheimer, using the information below.