In view of the discussion recently about the proposals to introduce a simplified PPL IR I felt guilty that I had not renewed my AOPA membership for some years.
It was a good opportunity to look at their web site.
http://www.aopa.co.uk/
The main page seems to be concerned with commercial advertising and something of interest to instructors.
I though the section on GA news should prove interesting .. .. .. CAA issues, consultations, Dept of Transport - there should be some good stuff here. Oh dear, the information regarding CAA issues dates from 2005. There is nothing better else where.
The latest news seems to be concerned with cheap Jersey fuel, a petition against road charges (with the tenuous link seemingly being to do with the cost of getting to the airport) and saving the Red Arrows - all very worthy I am sure.
Not a mention that I can see of any of the current issues important to me like ELTs for all, the PPL IR proposals and others.
Compare this with:
http://www.aopa.org/
The home page has no obvious advertising and is full of up to date topical issues.
I know the usual excuse is AOPA UK is poorly funded compared with AOPA America.
In my view it is a very weak excuse. A modern web site that makes an instant impression on the browser by telling them what they are about and what issues are topical costs no more or less than AOPA UK’s lack luster site. What ever these people do (and it may well be excellent work) they certainly are determined to hide their light under a very large bushel.
Guess what .. .. ..
I made the right decision, and I shall no longer feel guilty.