The cheapening of the AOPA

[flyboy0681]

Not a week goes by when I don't receive a "special offer" in the mail from an envelope marked AOPA.

 

Let me start by saying that I have been a proud member for the past 33 years and feel these offers cheapen the AOPA brand.

 

Today I received an offer for a product which I feel is of absolutely no value, like most of their other mailings. I read through the pamphlet for the "AOPA Emergency Assistance" program and couldn't find anything worth its premium. In case you have a heart attack when you are traveling with your pooch in Timbuktu, they will actually pay to house Fido. Other features include telling you where to go for safety in case you find yourself in the middle of civil unrest while overseas (I would head for the nearest US embassy or bar). All it takes is a call to their nerve center in Baltimore. Lost your contact lenses while abroad? All it takes is a call to their medical desk and they will send a replacement pair. Oh, and if you have to visit a local doctor and can't pay, no problem, they will send out a check to the doc on your behalf - on the condition that you immediately reimburse them. And the best feature of all, if you are sick somewhere around the world they will relay messages to people that you request. All this for only pennies per day!

 

My point here is that the AOPA is, and always has been, a class act and hooking up with these cheesy companies only cheapens their image. I realize that the AOPA doesn't actually administer this and other programs that I get mailings for and simply endorses them (for a fee), but I, for one, wish they would endorse companies that offer its members some real value.

[Marauder]

I remember reading somewhere AOPA hired a specialist to run their membership department. Looks like the guy came from a telemarketing background. I was getting the same crap. Which resulted in me canceling my 21 year membership this month. :-)

[Jamie]

I don't read the magazine, don't take advantage of the website, don't participate in their forums, etc.

 

But I'm still a member.

 

Why? Why not. For the price, it's at least -some- advocacy and representation. I also got an insurance discount that more than paid for the membership.

[John Pleisse]

I ignore all renewal offers until finally, they offer a hat, flight bag or some peice of sh*&t, then I am all in. My hangar is right in front of their headquarters. I always give a smile and tip of the hat as I drive by their Citation Jet (N4GA) and front parking row of Lexus and Audi motor cars. :):) Like Amoxicillan capsules, they are too big and ineffective.

[OR75]

i have been a member of AOPA for a while and i still consider that the benefits outweigh the cost.

but, that's true only because the cost is low.

like others, i do receive way too many requests for urgent help and flyers.

the fundamental question is how does AOPA, an organization of pilots and aircraft owners makes advocacy decisions (ads-b, medical, avgas, user fees vs. tax on fuel, .... ) for its members ?

has anyone received a survey on different questions and issues that will face the aviation community in the future ? ( i have not)

not saying it is easy to do or whether they should do it, just saying that having a too big an organization can dilute its purpose. .

[flyboy0681]

has anyone received a survey on different questions and issues that will face the aviation community in the future ?

 

How could they mail out questioners when they are too busy mailing out offers for herbal Viagra?

[DrBill]

I felt the downfall began when they dropped the cash back from fuel purchase on their credit card.  I dropped the credit card soon after. I stil belong for the advocacy support and insurance discount but find little value in any thing else other than some of the E seminars/classes.

Bill

[Mooneymite]

.

 

AOPA may/may not be a great organization, but it's about the only representative that little-airplane people have.

 

Sure, we could all quit and save our $45, but who else will fight user fees?

 

As I see it, it costs me nothing to ignore all the member marketing/junk mail, but if that keeps the cost of membership down and AOPA's coffers full, so be it.

 

.

[1964-M20E]

I've been a member of AOPA since 1986 with a lapse when I was not flying. Yes I get all the BS mailing and no they do not ask their members opinion on things. It is hard even to comment on articles or programs they are doing. Two things I'd love for them to push for is completely eliminate 3rd class physical and establish a new category for small singles I.e pseudo experimental. They are only halfway working on one of them.

[flyboy0681]

 Two things I'd love for them to push for is completely eliminate 3rd class physical

 

I've been advocating this for years and look where it's gotten us. Again, what's the difference between a Mooney and Light Sport when it comes down to it? Both can fly through the air at over 100kts yet one requires a medical. At the very least, make the 3rd class medical good for five years.

[Jamie]

There is no benefit to the FAA to eliminate the medical. I'm amazed the other non-medical classes even exist. It's like there are two FAAs.... one is all about butt covering, and the other allows experimentals and LSAs. I wish they'd go on retreats with each other and sort this all out.

[M016576]

I'm a member. Their iPhone App is free to use for members, as is the flight planning software. I like their safety courses, too... Also free and a great way to kill an hour (no pun intended). The magazine is ok, too....

For 45 bucks, all that seems like a pretty good deal to me.

[PTK]

The AOPA is the ONLY voice of GA. The membership cost is peanuts in view of the benefits. 

[carusoam]

AOPA is like insurance, you hope you don't need to use them. They are pretty good if you do need to use them.

This month they covered issues regarding stents and strokes. Nothing like a heart attack and brain injury as a wake-up call. The FAA is showing some flexibility on these situations. They wouldn't if it weren't for organizations like AOPA.

Yes I get junk mail too...they aren't calling me though...

Best regards,

-a-

[Hector]

As everyone has already said, I pretty much ignore all the crap they send me, however, I do feel we need a voice and they do provide that. They also helped navigate the purchase of my aircraft and got me reasonably prized insurance. No too bad for $45.

[Lood]

Not a week goes by when I don't receive a "special offer" in the mail from an envelope marked AOPA.

 

Let me start by saying that I have been a proud member for the past 33 years and feel these offers cheapen the AOPA brand.

 

Today I received an offer for a product which I feel is of absolutely no value, like most of their other mailings. I read through the pamphlet for the "AOPA Emergency Assistance" program and couldn't find anything worth its premium. In case you have a heart attack when you are traveling with your pooch in Timbuktu, they will actually pay to house Fido. Other features include telling you where to go for safety in case you find yourself in the middle of civil unrest while overseas (I would head for the nearest US embassy or bar). All it takes is a call to their nerve center in Baltimore. Lost your contact lenses while abroad? All it takes is a call to their medical desk and they will send a replacement pair. Oh, and if you have to visit a local doctor and can't pay, no problem, they will send out a check to the doc on your behalf - on the condition that you immediately reimburse them. And the best feature of all, if you are sick somewhere around the world they will relay messages to people that you request. All this for only pennies per day!

 

My point here is that the AOPA is, and always has been, a class act and hooking up with these cheesy companies only cheapens their image. I realize that the AOPA doesn't actually administer this and other programs that I get mailings for and simply endorses them (for a fee), but I, for one, wish they would endorse companies that offer its members some real value.

 

Well, good luck to them, should any of these hick-ups arise here in Africa and one of there members that took the deal gets stuck.

[PTK]

I think we'd all agree that GA faces very difficult challenges. We need to wake up and realize that the very existence of GA is an endangered species. The numbers don't lie: If we exclude students, ATP's, and Commercial, as of 2011 there were approx. 200,000 private pilots in the US. That's it! There is an all out war waged against GA. We see and hear of different battles all the time. The AOPA does the very difficult and noble work behind the scenes to counter these challenges. They are our ONLY lobbyists in Washington who identify coming challenges and preemptively try to prevent damage to GA. All this requires money which has to be raised somehow while keeping membership costs at a bare minimum. Our success depends on us as individuals and together as a group. It's a matter of goals. This is what determines what tomorrow will bring for GA. Our goal, which is to survive.

"United we stand, divided we fall."...Aesop, 600 BC.

We're succeeding:
http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/

Let's not be our own worst enemy. Support the AOPA:
https://www.aopa.org/forms/foundation/donation.cfm

[Alan Fox]

The AOPA is a buisness , they need to make money , they are not stupid, would you rather pay twice as much , or suffer through a few letters a year....You are all a bunch of whiners.......Like my 14 year old daughter........Oh wait a minute , she has an excuse ....shes a 14 year old girl......Whats your excuse.....

[Jeff_S]

I think you need to cut them some slack regarding all the special offers. Having that revenue stream is exactly what helps keep the annual costs down. Clearly there must be some people who are taking advantage of these offers, as they ARE making money with them, which you can see in their annual report. So if it doesn't apply to you, throw it away. I count myself in that camp, but I don't begrudge the Association from trying to find every reasonable way to make some money and support their membership while keeping the general cost of membership to a reasonable amount.

[bd32322]

You donate anything (blood or money) to the red cross, you will feel used too. They will be literally after your blood, but doesnt stop you from donating since its for a noble cause

Sorry for dragging in an unrelated metaphor - politicians love to do that and murky the waters. Just for fun

[TWinter]

I am a member and will probably renew as my membership is up soon. I agree with both sides of the coin and appreciate the GA representation. I do wish they would keep an eye on the ball and stop trying to do everything. The representation, financial services, flight plan and insurance are probably the best assets they offer. When I say they need to "keep an eye on the ball", well I'm still waiting on the insurance quotes and the return call back to me..this would be from LAST year when I bought my Mooney. They never returned the call. 

 

However, on the other hand..I called Falcon Insurance over two weeks ago since they are suggested sponsors on the MAPA and Mooney Pilot sites. The guy I spoke to said they would be glad to quote me. He said he would call me within two days....still waiting? I have no problem w/ my current company. Just thought I would support those who supports our sites. Oh well..Maybe the insurance business is that busy. I'll probably renew w/ my current company in June when renewal rolls around.

[RJBrown]

 We need representation in Washington. AOPA is the only advocate we have. I pay my share for that alone. I mostly read the magazine, my wife sends in the coupons for the airplane drawing and we ignore the rest.

 Kind of like the NRA. I may not agree with all the policies but. But we need the support vs the many government entities that place us in their sights.

[MooneyMitch]

Through it all, here's what AOPA does, and does well.  When no one else steps up for the fight, they will.

 

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2013/130501aopa-opposes-proposed-doubling-of-santa-monica-airport.html?CMP=News%3AS6RM

 

Speak up, register your complaints with them, but keep your eye on the prize.  We truly need AOPA, now more than ever. 

[MooneyMitch]

Sorry, double post. : - )

[scottfromiowa]

Hhhhmmmmm, what is AOPA advocating, or more importantly have they asked me what I think they should advocate? I get a lot more insight into the state of GA from the editorial in Aviation Consumer mag and the online blog they put out. A lot of great input from readers ther that helps me formulate my opinion. My belief is that we little free cross country guys pose a threat to the Feds vision of UAV's and the tougher and more expensive the "privilege" of flight becomes the more will bail and die and the more the old legacy aircraft will whither and die supporting purchase of new light sport aircraft. Between a gas issue/ price and the apparent lack of vision on locking in a replacement...or the tower debate ( my vote was to close 'em) or the cost of certification....there are roadblocks and hurdles that limit freedom of flight instead of supporting and encouraging growth. I will never whine about cost of AOPA, but to compare the NRA lobby to AOPA is a joke. NRA at least defines the enemy. When AOPA insurance renewal came around Falcon beat 'em like a drum....and just to be clear the stifling over-regulation of GA by the Federal Government...the bloated certification process...the control they manifest DOES make them not just an obstacle, but a barrier only to be breeched by the elite. I will just keep supporting the AOPA until another better, leaner more focused entity emerges that addresses and advocates for me the pilot of a General Aviation aircraft with a prop out front. I am not holding my breath. For those that defend instead of challenge AOPA...do not call my a whiner. I don't do apathy or status quo well.