CLICK HERE to read Karoline's story on the AOPA Web Site

Karoline Amodeo and AOPA President Craig Fuller (left)

By Lisa Litts

On August 22, 2002, Karoline Amodeo obtained a Private Pilot Certification from Richmor Aviation in Poughkeepsie. Heading off to Daniel Webster College she would later earn a Degree in Air Traffic Management. By March of 2009 (training begins in May 09) she would land her first job as an air traffic controller out of New York Centre.

It just keeps getting better, on February 28, 2009 Richmor Aviation in Poughkeepsie assisted AOPA in delivering the 2008 AOPA Sweepstakes Airplane to one of our own--Yes, that's right, Karoline is the winner.

Richmor Aviation in POU is recognized by AOPA for their help in the delivery of the Prize.

The day started at roughly 6:00 a.m. with two employees, 3 AOPA representatives a few camera men, a huge satellite truck and the newly restored 1976 Piper Archer II.

By mid morning, Karoline would stand in front of hundreds of participants at the "Women in Aviation" conference in Atlanta, Georgia along side of Craig Fuller (President of AOPA) where she was scheduled to announce the winner of the 2008 AOPA Sweepstakes giveaway airplane (little did she know she would announce herself as the winner). As she read the card that said Karoline Amodeo she would quickly dismiss it handing the card off to Mr. Fuller then thinking, "Wait a minute, I'm Karoline."

Back in Poughkeepsie Brigitte (Mom) and Richard (Dad) Amodeo would slowly move toward the camera in total disbelief that this was actually happening. Richard stared as if he wasn't sure if what he just heard was true while Brigitte continuously sighed repeating oh, oh goodness.

It was then Karoline realized her parents where watching her via satellite from Richmor's Jet Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Craig Fuller (AOPA President) brought it to reality, Karoline you are the winner of this beautiful airplane and asked would you like to go and see it. Her reply "Ah... Yeah."

Boarding the AOPA Citation Jet Karoline would soon land (approx. 2:00 p.m.) in Poughkeepsie where she would be greeted by her family and friends and become acquainted with her new baby.

AOPA Citation Jet arriving in Richmor Aviation in POU

Shaking of hands with lots of kisses and hugs while all the time setting her sites on her new love.

Deplaning in POU, Karoline with Craig Fuller

After making a quick speech, she took to the sky with AOPA representative Ian Trombly to fly her new airplane, her face still in disbelief with a smile that was as permanent as the airplane she just took receipt of, it was finally real.

Karoline with AOPA's Ian Twombly

By late afternoon, all hands were on deck at Richmor Aviation. Representatives would be summoned to the hangar by representatives of AOPA, where Lisa Litts would be presented (on behalf of Richmor Aviation) a certificate of appreciation and the 2008 Sweepstakes banner signed by both Mr. Fuller and Karoline.

By 7:00 p.m. the day was slowly winding down and with all paperwork complete it was official the airplane had a new owner.

On February 28th (as soon as she returned home) Karoline had formed an LLC called, "Get Glass" Aviation, LLC. How perfect?

On Friday March 13th 2008 this beautiful Piper Archer II was placed for rental (only) with Kitty Hawk's fleet of rental airplanes and on March 16th, she took her first Instrument lesson.

Welcome home Karoline, we've missed you!

A word from the manager:

A special thanks to the four employees (Jason Asendorf, Marcus Johnson, Christopher Lewis and Erica Litts) of Richmor Aviation that made this day a success. Without your ability to guide yourselves and your constant aggression it wouldn't have been possible. As an FYI, AOPA reps claim they have been putting off this event for years and this was by far the most organized, not to mention largest giveaway event ever. Thank You for being part of a great team, my team.

For AOPA's, Ian Trombly, Chris Rose (photographer) Chris Dancy (PR and Camera Crew Coordinator) we couldn't have asked for better people to work with, it was a pleasure to have you. We had the best time assisting with this event and if ever the opportunity knocks a second time we would jump at the chance to work with all of you again.

For Craig Fuller, it was a pleasure to meet you, our certificate of appreciation will be displayed for all to see (we are so proud) and lastly we welcome a visit from you anytime.

You can now rent the Piper Archer N208GG through KittyHawk LLC.