A Southern Methodist University graduate in management information systems, David W. Kent is the former founder and president of Rigzone.com, a website for buyers and sellers of oil and gas industrial equipment. He oversaw a team of 20 in developing the business before selling it in 2010. A pilot with a multi-engine IFR rating, David W. Kent holds active membership in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Founded in 1939, the AOPA represents hundreds of thousands of members across 75 countries, making it the largest general aviation community globally. The association educates the public on general aviation, advocates for members in the development of laws, and trains pilots. The training covers prospective, active, and lapsed pilots, drone fliers, and certified flight instructors.

The AOPA offers three membership packages: regular, pro-pilot, and pro-pilot plus. The standard package provides access to AOPA’s flight training magazine, advocacy, finance and insurance, valuation reports, and online safety courses. The pro option offers additional benefits, such as the AOPA’s attorney representation against pilot or medical certificate revocation, consultation of alcohol and drug tests, IRS issue resolution, medical benefits, and legal documents review. Finally, the plus package provides the same benefits as the pro option, albeit with more hours with the attorneys for representation and consultation.