Craig Fuller resigns as AOPA President

[mooneyflyer]

http://www.aopa.org/membership/articles/2013/130228fuller-to-step-down-as-aopa-president.html?CMP=ADV%3A1

Phil

[N33GG]

Hmmmmmmm

[1964-M20E]

I guess I'll polish up my resume and send it in. :-)

[FlyDave]

Nawwwww....You wouldn't want that job. He only makes $515,000 per year plus "health care and "other incentives"." (note the double quotes) per year. How can you live on that kind of money and continue to fly your airplane?

[aviatoreb]

Nawwwww....You wouldn't want that job. He only makes $515,000 per year plus "health care and "other incentives"." (note the double quotes) per year. How can you live on that kind of money and continue to fly your airplane?

 

{;-)  Doesn't the AOPA Prez job come with more flying opportunities than even a flying nut could possibly want?  ...yes I know you were joking.  Just playing through.

[KSMooniac]

I wonder what it is with the big associations these days... both EAA and AOPA have had recent turmoil and member dissatisfaction at their "country club" atmospheres and relentless fund-raising vs. good ol' fashioned member service and representation.

[GeorgePerry]

I've had my AOPA membership since going to ERAU in 1989. I believe strongly that AOPA' efforts make an immeasurable positive difference to the General Aviation community. I am confident there are lots of hard working, well meaning folks who make up the ranks at AOPA. I think we all see this demonstrated through the their communications efforts and outreach programs. There are some great folks at AOPA doing great work on behalf of GA. They work tirelessly "behind the scenes" and are advocates for the rights and freedoms we hold dear. I believe this is especially important now more than ever because the current political climate encouages constant assaults on GA as a frivolous luxury. It is critical that pilots have an organization such as AOPA to serve as an industry advocate. As such, I happily renue my AOPA membership year after year. I also don't have an issue with AOPA's commercial endeavors. In fact I support this strategy. If they use membership "clout" to provide a product or service at a competitive price, then more power to them. In the end the consumer will decide if there is value and spend their dollars accordingly.

As for Executive compensation, this is a touchy subject esp over the past several years when the larger economy (and AOPA's membership) has struggled. There are no two ways about it -- aviation is expensive. Most of us who own, fly or participate in aviation do it because we have a love for flying or it's a critical part of doing business . Even in tough economic times we find ways to set aside disposable income for aviation endeavors. As for Fullers replacement, I believe it is important to remember that in order to attract top teir talent there has to be an attractive compensation package. However I also believe it would be nice to see whomever assumes Mr fullers position do it for reasons more closely aligned with passion than compensation... Time will tell.

[carusoam]

Well said, George.

AOPA has helped me retain my Medical, for a relatively small amount. Especially compared to the other medical bills that went with that!

Mr. Fuller has done a more than adequate job leading the organization during very trying times. I hope the new person in the office has the experience and energy to carry the post.

Are you still in Japan?

Best regards,

-a-

[GeorgePerry]

-a-

I am still in Japan serving as the Commanding Officer of VFA-115 and loving every minute. This is absolutely the best job in the world! After this I plan on hanging up my "fighter pilot" spurs, transitioning, and joining the private sector. It has been my honor and privilege to spend the past 20+ years flying fighters, leading Sailors and instructing the next generation of young Naval Aviators. The decision comes with some mixed emotions but I am definitely looking forward to the next adventure.

All the best!

George

iPad

[Jeff_S]

I don't interpret Fuller's departure the same as what happened with Rod Hightower at EAA.  From what I've read, Hightower was not well liked and had a leadership style that grated on many employees, so his departure was somewhat forced. From what I've seen and read with Fuller, he said he made a five-year commitment, he's in his fifth year, and he wants to do something else. At the same time, he remains in his position to support the search and transition and seems to have done a lot of good things to move AOPA in the right direction.

 

I do think at age 62, you have the right to move on in life if there's something else that really calls you. I hope I am lucky enough at that age to do the same. (Heck, sometimes I hope I just MAKE IT to that age!)

[aviatoreb]

I see it in very simple terms.  AOPA is our primary advocate and lobby group.  They work very hard to keep up our end of the discussion when some folks in govt want to change laws in ways that may not be to our interests.  I.e., user fees, 100LL availability, changing STC rules and certification rules, and so forth and so on.  For this reason alone I would donate the fee.

 

But besides that they are a service organization.  If nothing else the AOPA legal service seems like worthwhile insurance I carry.  And as someone said they are standing by for medical help if you have medical issues.

 

...not to mention the availability of AOPA information.  

 

And it comes with a glossy magazine I enjoy.

 

 

If 500K is what it takes to hire a real CEO then so be it.  They can still have my member fee.

[FlyDave]

It's not just Craig Fuller making a pretty good living working for a "Non-profit" organization. The non-profit status is only for the organization because the people running it are certainly profiting - take a look at this article:

 

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=568942b1-3b6b-4e35-9549-f23580a4e205

 

I have relatives that work for non-profit organizations and they don't make anywhere near these kinds of figures (I guess they really do work for a non-profit organization)!

[danb35]

Although I don't doubt there are people in AOPA making big money, I wouldn't trust Aero News (i.e., Jim Campbell, aka "Zoom") to tell me the sun will rise tomorrow morning.  I also don't see any inherent problem with personnel of a non-profit organization earning large salaries, so long as they actually earn them.

[flight2000]

Although I don't doubt there are people in AOPA making big money, I wouldn't trust Aero News (i.e., Jim Campbell, aka "Zoom") to tell me the sun will rise tomorrow morning.  I also don't see any inherent problem with personnel of a non-profit organization earning large salaries, so long as they actually earn them.

 

+1

 

He has had an axe to grind on AOPA (and a few other aviation organizations) for awhile so this does not surprise me one bit.  I don't think the compensation is out of line with any other organization the size of AOPA.  Walk a mile in those shoes and then come back and tell us he isn't earning every bit of it.  Want to see craziness, take a look at the Red Cross...

 

Brian

[FloridaMan]

I see the salary/benefits package as being a fair amount to attract talent to the position.