A personal musing.
I started learning to fly 10 years ago, and spent a few years getting my commercial and started instructing in 1997. Did that for 2 years, packed up the cruiser and headed north. found work reasonably quickly, worked hard and after 2 years went to FNQ to work for a reputable operator there. Left after 2 years to what must be one of GA's best jobs.
At no time have I seen AOPA as relevant to me as either 1. A pilot learning to fly or 2. A professional pilot.
It seemed not to attract me with the lure of being able to offer me advice, comraderie or even as a representative of my as a pilot.
What would have made me join? Well its hard to say in retrospect, but something along the lines of:
1. A body that
effectively represents the interests of the pilot body. Various government and non government entities have been doing their best to kill off aviation. I don't really recall any call to arms at a grass roots level. (it may have happened within AOPA, but with so few people behind it, it's not really considered a force). It might be organising a Keep Essendon Airport Open Campaign in media...anything!
2. An excellent publication with real in depth relevant articles... for example technical discussions the likes of which are seen here, government plans and how they will affect me etc.
3. Flyaways/Social occasions. Organised trips out of large towns that would have been a great opportunity when hours building to join and learn from others and meet other people in the industry.
4. Legal advice if required.
5. Advice on learning to fly. Affliated or approved flying schools...
And the following without prejudice - I have the perception that AOPA is really for private pilots. Weekend warrior drivers with photographers jackets with Oshkosh badges and STS-96 pins on them.
Could it be that AOPA once had the support from the whole spectrum of the aviation community, and has lost the Professionals.
I do not know of a single employed pilot who is an AOPA member. AOPA has never come up in my innumerable pilot drinking sessions in Rourkes Drift, The Gove Yacht Club, The Pier, The Gateway, The Exchange, PJ's, Woolshed...wherever. Not one CPL+ pilot - 90% of them starting since 1993 - has mentioned it, even in passing.
Not one.
Now some of the aforementioned things AOPA may do (or have done in the past) but I have not been aware of them. Why? well noone has told me about them. No peers (GA pilots) are members, and advertising..well what advertising? I have never seen anything effective that has made me think of handing over my hard earned GA $$ to it.
If AOPA represents me by
[list=1]
lobbying the govt and media opinion and effecting change in my interests as a professional pilot (standing up to bad CASA NPRMs and supporting the good ones)
providing me with an interesting relevant publication
providing and ability to socialise with a broad cross section of our aviation community
legal advice and or referrals
offering a discount card at pilot shops and accommodation[/list=1]
Then i'd happily join.
CS