AOPA - To renew or not?

[Tom]

Just now, ryoder said:

I switched to EAA the day I heard about their STC for non certified avionics.  I still have AOPA insurance but won't renew my base membership.  I think EAA is doing more for aviation.

The Dynon STC is about the only thing EAA has done in many years that they can clearly point to as a success for the little guy.  AOPA (from my perspective) is carrying the bulk of the effective advocacy load for GA. 

[Tom]

24 minutes ago, bluehighwayflyer said:

I agree with you completely. My beef, though, was that AOPA was wasting the very dues that I was sending them, and probably then some, soliciting me for ancillary services that I neither needed nor wanted. It eventually became more of a hassle throwing it all away than it was worth. I'm not convinced that I was helping them by being a member.

When they give you the option to opt out of all of their BS marketing I will consider rejoining.  I did the same thing with Omaha Steaks. I love their products, but I can't stand their overly aggressive marketing tactics. 

-You have the option to opt out.  I chose the "all in" lifetime membership that includes some of the stuff that they're otherwise soliciting.  I otherwise assume that their business partners foot the bill for the mailings that don't pertain to the core AOPA advocacy mission (e.g. insurance offers) but I stand to be corrected.

https://www.aopa.org/privacy-policy

How can you control your personal information?

You may opt out of AOPA's use of your personal information.

• We respect your privacy and your choices. You may request at any time to have your name, address, phone number, or e-mail address excluded from various types of communications you receive from AOPA.
  • No mail, email, or phone calls from Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.
  • No mail, email, or phone calls from our Affiliated Companies¹, individually or as a group.
  • No mail, email, or phone calls from our Joint Marketing³ partners.
  • No mail from Non-Affiliates².

[PTK]

50 minutes ago, ryoder said:

..,I think EAA is doing more for aviation.

I don't know much about EAA advocacy activity in the interest of GA. What have they done?

[bonal]

When I was a kid my folks friends owned and flew He was a ww2 pilot it was my exposure to GA got to go on the occasional flight. He gave me an AOPA sticker that I displayed on my first car even though I was neither it was still cool to let people know I love aviation. Now 50 years later I can and do have the AOPA wings proudly displayed on my car. I wish our friends could have been around to see the seed they planted finally took root. I like getting the daily emails and the weekly pilot emails at work makes for a nice little break in my otherwise very stressful day. Also like the magazine and the accident re enactments that are very well done put you right in the cockpit. 

[XXX]

Funny this topic came up. I decided to not renew my membership after the disturbing article about the freak formerly know as Bruce Jenner in last month's issue. Do you think this man has the emotional wherewithal to pilot an aircraft? Yet the AOPA article holds him up as a hero. PC I am not, Call me a bigot or whatever else you like.

[201er]

1 hour ago, Chupacabra said:

Funny this topic came up. I decided to not renew my membership after the disturbing article about the freak formerly know as Bruce Jenner in last month's issue. Do you think this man has the emotional wherewithal to pilot an aircraft? Yet the AOPA article holds him up as a hero. PC I am not, Call me a bigot or whatever else you like.

If he was a "woman in a man's body" all along, shouldn't "she" be stripped of "her" Olympic medals for cheating and participating in the wrong sex category?

[Marauder]

1 hour ago, Chupacabra said: Funny this topic came up. I decided to not renew my membership after the disturbing article about the freak formerly know as Bruce Jenner in last month's issue. Do you think this man has the emotional wherewithal to pilot an aircraft? Yet the AOPA article holds him up as a hero. PC I am not, Call me a bigot or whatever else you like.

If he was a "woman in a man's body" all along, shouldn't "she" be stripped of "her" Olympic medals for cheating and participating in the wrong sex category?

Back then it was all about the body parts you either brought or didn't to the Olympics. Today, there would genetic tests to supplement the visual inspection.

[wiguy]

 I stay current as a member. Just like with other advocacy organizations,  there will be some hit and miss, but it's mostly positive.

 

   Do we want to be on the fast track towards a European aviation system and regs? Most of us private flyers would say no.

[Tom]

11 hours ago, Chupacabra said:

I decided to not renew my membership after the disturbing article about the freak formerly know as Bruce Jenner in last month's issue. Do you think this man has the emotional wherewithal to pilot an aircraft? Yet the AOPA article holds him up as a hero. PC I am not, Call me a bigot or whatever else you like.

The AOPA is about maintaining all Americans' right to fly.  Maintaining freedom is about as American as it gets.  It's sort of terribly ironic that Jenner's story evoked such an emotional response from you to make you give up membership in the organization that is fighting for your own rights.

[201er]

1 hour ago, Tom said:

The AOPA is about maintaining all Americans' right to fly.... the organization that is fighting for your own rights.

So I've heard. But where are the results? Regulations keep increasing, costs are rising, TFRs are being abused excessively left and right, more and more places that law abiding people can't fly, freedoms are progressively wanning. At best, AOPA is slowing down the demise of GA or at worst is playing a part in it

[aviatoreb]

38 minutes ago, 201er said:

So I've heard. But where are the results? Regulations keep increasing, costs are rising, TFRs are being abused excessively left and right, more and more places that law abiding people can't fly, freedoms are progressively wanning. At best, AOPA is slowing down the demise of GA or at worst is playing a part in it

How specifically is the AOPA playing a part in the demise of GA?

[midlifeflyer]

19 hours ago, aviatoreb said:

How specifically is the AOPA playing a part in the demise of GA?

We live in a society in which the standard is "exactly what I want or you suck!" Any organization that doesn't hit a home run 100% of time is useless to many folks. AOPA is far from perfect. I've disagreed with its position on issues and have been downright unhappy with some of its marketing. Overall, though, my 26 years of AOPA membership (since the year I started taking lessons) has been well worth it in terms of safety information, advocacy, and services to the pilot community.

PS. The demise of general aviation is mostly fueled by pretty much the same "all or sucks" philosophy. IOW the demise of general aviation is mostly fueled by people talking about how every change in the FAA and society automatically means the demise of general aviation.

Edited May 23, 2016 by midlifeflyer
Corrected years of membership. 26, not 16

[midlifeflyer]

12 hours ago, 201er said:

If he was a "woman in a man's body" all along, shouldn't "she" be stripped of "her" Olympic medals for cheating and participating in the wrong sex category?

She should get extra medals for being a woman beating all those men.

[Raptor05121]

On 5/20/2016 at 1:06 PM, HRM said:

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

I guess I am missing something here. If you are a pilot and you own a certified aircraft, this is it.

I notice a lot of Mooney owners flock to the EAA and frankly, that mystifies me. I get all I want and need from the EAA for free, the rest is homebuilder stuff that I am not interested in. AOPA is doing the right things that work on my behalf.

 

I'm in the EAA simply because its the only local club that does anything. You never hear of AOPA Chapters at every airport. Lunches, fly-outs, etc are what I like. My EAA club are composed 50/50 with certified and homebuilt pilots.

[slowflyin]

I support the AOPA.  Early in my flying career they were invaluable.   As I accumulate more and more experience the resources I once enjoyed are less desired.  However, GA needs pilots and those that came before me supported AOPA.  So for the features I don't rely as much anymore,  I'm just paying back.  I also support the PAC on occasion.  Other than the EAA and AOPA who else is lobbying for us?  Third class medical reform alone is worth the price of admission.  

[midlifeflyer]

1 hour ago, Raptor05121 said:

I'm in the EAA simply because its the only local club that does anything. You never hear of AOPA Chapters at every airport. Lunches, fly-outs, etc are what I like. My EAA club are composed 50/50 with certified and homebuilt pilots.

That's my primary reason for being a member of EAA as well. AOPA aside, some states have very strong and active  pilot associations and I was lucky enough to be a member of one of those, so I didn't join EAA . Then I moved and my local EAA Chapter was the most active pilot-oriented group around, so I joined it.

[Marauder]

Where I struggled and which led me to decide not to renew was was how the face of AOPA changed under Craig Fuller's watch and the constant barrage for more money. That and the posting of the salaries of their executives convinced me that they had lost their focus and direction.

I only rejoined this year because of George Perry. I was extremely disappointed after listening to Mark Baker speak at Sun N Fun and then to find out afterwards that EAA had done something positive for GA.

I like the thought of an advocacy group but wonder who exactly are they advocating for, us or their jobs? Sorry George.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[tony]

I struggled with my renewal this year too.  The continual bombardment of solicitations asking for more money is aggravating and insulting..  The magazine is worthless  Their flight planning tool I don't use since subscribing to foreflight.  Their safety courses, I only look at now because of George.  In the end, I renewed because of the third class medical reform.  If third class reform is successful this year, I'll mark that as progress and probably will renew next year.  If medical reform doesn't pass, then I wont contribute anymore.  I do think $60 a year is excessive.  They should cut back on all of the ancillary stuff and focus on what they are there for.  Advocacy.

[Bennett]

I renewed my membership this year, but with considerable reservations. I did so only because numbers count in politics and we need representation. In all honesty, I've come to like EAA more and more. I've belonged to both organizations for multiple decades, but in recent years I see EAA being a better advocate for us GA folks that don't own jets and turbojets. Air Venture is marvelous- I attend around 3 of every 5 years, but I what really appreciate right now is their STC program with Dynon. I have concerns about EAA as well- especially their truthfulness about the "insurance" for pilots participating in their Young Eagles program, but warts and all, I continue my memberships in both organizations.

[XXX]

12 hours ago, Tom said:

The AOPA is about maintaining all Americans' right to fly.  Maintaining freedom is about as American as it gets.  It's sort of terribly ironic that Jenner's story evoked such an emotional response from you to make you give up membership in the organization that is fighting for your own rights.

I understand your logic, but that freedom you refer to should include the right to not agree with or advocate certain behavior as normal. My emotional response is more of a disappointment that an organization that purports to represent one of my most beloved activities would chose to make a "political" statement that has no relevance to their mission. There are much greater freedoms that are being threatened in this nation and if we chose to allow the beliefs of a small minority to dictate the values of the majority, we have no freedom.

[Tom]

1 hour ago, Chupacabra said:

I understand your logic, but that freedom you refer to should include the right to not agree with or advocate certain behavior as normal. My emotional response is more of a disappointment that an organization that purports to represent one of my most beloved activities would chose to make a "political" statement that has no relevance to their mission. There are much greater freedoms that are being threatened in this nation and if we chose to allow the beliefs of a small minority to dictate the values of the majority, we have no freedom.

The irony continues. You are in the minority on the LGBT issue trying to push your minority views onto the majority.  And what is "normal?"  It is just as normal for Jenner to be transgender as it is for someone from Florida to be against supporting the equal rights of American citizens--not the norm but not uncommon.

AOPA advocates for the rights of all Americans to fly.  Everyone who isn't a threat to themselves or others, anyone who wouldn't infringe on the basic rights of someone else.  This is precisely their mission. For that matter I find it an unfortunate waste of resources that AOPA should have to spend money convincing humans to be more human instead of convincing government agencies to do the right thing.

 

 

[Tom]

3 hours ago, Bennett said:

In all honesty, I've come to like EAA more and more. I've belonged to both organizations for multiple decades, but in recent years I see EAA being a better advocate for us GA folks that don't own jets and turbojets.

Once regulatory parity was established allowing homebuilts to fly over congested areas, etc, the regulatory arm of EAA really has had no regulatory battle to fight.  Sure EAA weighs in on 3rd class reform and EAA chapters advocate for individual airport issues, but EAA simply doesn't "do" the state and federal advocacy that AOPA does with anywhere near the breadth or depth.   It's really an apples/oranges comparison.

I fail to appreciate the multitude of large-scale advocacy activities that EAA is doing to promote GA?  

[Tom]

1 hour ago, Hyett6420 said:

After all from what I understand T is a phsycological  issue NOT a genetic one as LGB is.  

T is just as genetic as LGB.  There have been innumerous hard-science studies showing structural differences in the brains of transsexuals.  The structural differences are only attributable to genetic factors.  This is not new science:

From 1999 (http://press.endocrine.org/doi/full/10.1210/jcem.85.5.6564)
      In the present study, we show regardless of sexual orientation: 1) a sex difference in SOM neuron numbers in the human BSTc, with males having almost twice as many SOM neurons as females; 2) a number of SOM neurons    
      in the BSTc of male-to-female transsexuals in the female range; and 3) an opposite pattern in the BSTc of a female-to-male transsexual with a SOM neuron number in the male range.
From 2008 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18980961)
      Post-mortem brain material was used from 42 subjects: 14 control males, 11 control females, 11 male-to-female transsexual people, 1 female-to-male transsexual subject and 5 non-transsexual subjects who   
      were castrated because of prostate cancer......We showed for the first time that INAH3 volume and number of neurons of male-to-female transsexual people is similar to that of control females. The female-to-
      male transsexual subject had an INAH3 volume and number of neurons within the male control range
    

[PTK]

“I am grateful for the strong and consistent voice of AOPA members...I want to thank Mark Baker, the president of AOPA, and his team for their leadership and support from the beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with AOPA and the whole general aviation community...” Sen. Inhofe on the Senate passage of FAA reauthorization.

If my voice is "strong and consistent" in Washington it is due to the efforts of the AOPA. GA is a recognized force in Washington because of the AOPA.

That imo is of tremendous value realized through and only made possible by my paltry AOPA membership.

As for the op, Mike, and all those who have reservations about the AOPA, no worries. You will continue to benefit even without your membership! The AOPA is an equal opportunity benefactor without regard to membership status!

 

[bradp]

If goal is attaining a negative it is more difficult to say hey we did this and jump up and down about it.  Most of what the AOPA has done is negative or preservative... i.e. Preventing user fees, preserving airports, attempting to repeal or prevent tax structures.  Although well communicated, 3rd class medical reform is a still a negative goal in repealing regulation.   

Many 503c's lose their way when they place primacy on the growth of the organization to sustain the mission rather than the mission being more important than the organization.   Then high overhead creeps in with salaries for the top execs matching for-profit organizations of similar size.   Look at the American Red Cross' blood banking misadventures or how healthcare is delivered in certain rust belt cities as prime examples.  

 

The only celebrity I really want to hear about flying is Morgan Freeman.  No Branjelina, no 707s to get closer to the Scientology aliens, no  Han Solo, and especially no heavily armed curmudgeons flying jet rangers over Sonoma ranches.  Morgan Freeman.  Morgan Freeman.