Which organisation to be a member of?
Hi all, I'm interested in your thoughts on some of the different organisations that act as support / career advice / advocacy etc, all of which seem very worthwhile but several of which seem to cover much the same ground.
I am a member of the PFA, ooops sorry, the LAA, and am very happy with the magazine I get and some of the opportunities that membership has afforded to me. Not least of which has been aircraft ownership, maintenance and self-building.
However from a professional perspective as well as a light aircraft pilot, there seem to be a wide choice - AOPA (Air Operators and Pilots Association), GAPAN (Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators), RAeS (Royal Aeronautical Society) to name three of the bigger ones, all of whom clearly provide a significant service to their members. There is also The Air League, who do great work.
For different types of flying there is BMAA, BGA, BBAC and more.
For different niches there is the BAeA, RAeC, HAA, VAC and more...
From a female perspective there is BWPA and WAI. Apparently blokes can join too, which must improve the odds significantly!
Not to mention any number of type operators clubs and museum "friends" associations.
To join even some of these groups would cost a small fortune, so I haven't. However I am interested in joining one of the first four from a more professional perspective and would value any constructive advice regarding the real benefits and opportunities. Also if there are any other obvious options that I've missed out I would be grateful.
Thanks in advance.