Talking at lunch with Headoutdaplane today. Subject came up.
I used to be a member but haven't renewed in many years.
What do you think and Why?

I say its worth it and then some! I believe they are great advocates for general aviation. Like any organization, you may not always agree with them but in an age of closing airports and over regulation, they're our best hope!

I have stayed with them 51 years. For the early years it was for the Airports book that could be carried in the airplane. I needed to find airports near enough to restaurants and hotels and courtesy cars. Later it was for the legal services. If you haven't needed legal services, you will.

Who else is going to advocate for general aviation? It seems like the airline industry is always happy to throw GA under the bus to improve their bottom line.

EAA does some good but their focus is and always has been on EX aircraft....they've been expanding lately, but AOPA is simply the most influential organization advocating for GA.

So, if you don't support AOPA with your membership, what ARE you doing for general aviation?

MTV

Yes.

If flying is worth it, AOPA is worth it.

Everything I love is under assault in this country and I decided if I was serious about my passions I'd better support those organizations that fight for what I love, and AOPA fights. As does the EAA. As does the RAF.

As does the:

National Rifle Association
Safari Club International
Trout Unlimited
Bass Angler Sportsman Society

General Aviation pilots are some of the last Americans that embody what our country was founded on, freedom. Our government desperately wants, and needs to take more control over us - or better yet eliminate us as we saw with the recent, unfounded, BMI policy attempt.

The only reason that has been delayed was because of AOPA and EAA, and those of us who contacted our representatives.

For me flying is worth it, as is AOPA and the others I listed.

Unfortunately we need organizations to represent our collective interests to deflect and restrain "government".

NRA, EAA, AMA (motorcycles), AOPA

I think of it as a contribution to those who defend and protect me. It was mentioned earlier, get legal services.

Mike

It seems worth it, I pay for my membership at the hotel desk, if you ask for an AOPA membership discount, they'll usually knock 10% off thinking you mean AARP. Hard to take at 45 but not too hard. Unlike the NRA, they won't burn up your dues sending sh1t back to you trying to get more money.

It is a well run organization that truly advocates for general aviation.

They are the only organization keeping the FAA in check.

If not for AOPA, we would probably be required to give a blood sample before every flight.

I originally joined AOPA for products that I used regularly. I really liked the old AOPA Flight Planner, particularly for the ease of copying and pasting the NAVLOG into my paper flight plans for long, or complicated XC flights. When they changed to FlyQ, the software sucked and no longer allowed HTML cut and paste. I almost dropped my membership, but then the CBI aircraft stop and search program started and AOPA jumped in to defend pilot rights. AOPA's value is in their big picture defense of pilot rights, not in the day to day tools and services that may, or may not work. When I think of all of the financial and general public challenges to GA and the declining pilot population, AOPA's advocacy is more important than ever. I'll keep renewing my membership even if I've come to hate their flight planning tools.

I give a resounding yes to AOPA membership. With the lawless nature of our federal government these days we need to band together in order to keep our constitutional rights. Their legal and insurance services are also welcome.

In 1987, a year after I bought my plane, the FAA issued an emergency AD for all PA28s that necessitated the removal of the wings and inspection of the main spar after a couple of high time Cherokees shed their wings. The AOPA was instrumental in rescinding this AD that was causing more problems than it was solving as people attempted to remove their wings to comply with the AD. I figured they saved me several thousand dollars and potential damage. That alone made me become a lifelong AOPA member.
Pete

I have been a continuous member for 25 years. The money I give them is to support their advocacy efforts and to lobby for general aviation. The innumerable benefits I receive in return are just a bonus. I enjoy the magazine. There is so much info on their website that is helpful. When I bought and sold my first aircraft, AOPA had all the necessary forms and good advice to follow. I could go on for a while.

In order for AOPA to be effective in Washington, they need to have enough members for someone to pay attention. There are nearly 400,000 members and each one is very important to help legislators see that we are an influential group. Consider what the effects would be if the membership were to be halved versus doubled. To continue enjoying the freedom of flight in this country, we need someone in Washington with their finger on the pulse of aviation. I cannot be there, but my membership helps ensure AOPA is.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

You talked me into signing up again!

Although I wish they would be more in tune with back country type issues. Like Park Service and BLM closing air strips etc.

But that's another subject!

I'm a member of both AOPA and EAA as well as the Alaska Airmen's Association -- the more voices for aviation the better.

SE6601KF wrote:Thanks everyone for your comments.

You talked me into signing up again!

Although I wish they would be more in tune with back country type issues. Like Park Service and BLM closing air strips etc.

But that's another subject!

Trent, Do you belong to the RAF Good Outfit working to keep open and open old strips ,
They are what changed the Liability responsibility in WA. State to let me open my strip and get it on the chart.
In so doing so they were very instrumental with that which led to the local power company burying the lines across the middle of my strip!
Everyone is welcome to stop by just about any time 82WN.

Renewing this month. 10 or 11 years. I forget.

The first thing I did after starting to fly in '74 was to join AOPA. Others that I belong to is EAA, NRA, SCI, and RAF. I believe in supporting those who help me and fight for my rights!

Definitely yes. We need an organization as a watch dog/advocate. And they need our numbers. Glad you decided to rejoin. Might I suggest signing up for the automatic renewal. Saves them from hassling you and saves you this dilemma next year...plus a few bucks!

I cut out all subscriptions in my budget the last few years. (I don't even have a phone line and cable TV). But with a much better paying job in the near future, I plan to contribute once again. I do think AOPA, RAF and EAA is worth supporting. Maybe I'll throw a bone or two to a few other worthy organizations as well.