AOPA - aye or nay ?
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Join Date: Sep 2001
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AOPA - aye or nay ?
legit question guys
as a soon to be "aircraft owner"....what , if any benefit can be had by joining the AOPA outfit at BK ??
even for non-ownerdrivers , what do they really give you for 150 quid ?? and is that ID card any use ?
<img src="confused.gif" border="0">
as a soon to be "aircraft owner"....what , if any benefit can be had by joining the AOPA outfit at BK ??
even for non-ownerdrivers , what do they really give you for 150 quid ?? and is that ID card any use ?
<img src="confused.gif" border="0">
Join Date: Jul 2001
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I have been a member since 94 but did not join up this year. I don't own an aircraft but enjoyed finding out what CASA was up too. I think it has gone downhill a little the last 2 years.
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AOPA have supported me for the last 5 years with an ongoing battle with CASA and with such support I have reached a hiatus whereby I may finally get somewhere.
In particular with the definition of a maintenance release which to some is of trite value, but to someone buying an A/C of immense value.
The some I am referring to have particular interest in trivialising the M/R because they have been caught out abusing the system.
I hope AOPA continue to support my quest to redefine the M/R for what it was meant to be and not change it's name for the sake of some perverted idea of litagation that may or may not be applicable to my ongoing battle for compensation.
By way of advice; do not ask AOPA to support any legal proceedings you may think you have against CASA, too risky, but if you need any advice write a letter to editor asking for AOPA 44637 and I will be happy to contact you as an advocate and give some pointers where to go and where not to go, particularly with politicians.
Ask for the Vice President BH in charge of such things.
Get a mate to join !
In particular with the definition of a maintenance release which to some is of trite value, but to someone buying an A/C of immense value.
The some I am referring to have particular interest in trivialising the M/R because they have been caught out abusing the system.
I hope AOPA continue to support my quest to redefine the M/R for what it was meant to be and not change it's name for the sake of some perverted idea of litagation that may or may not be applicable to my ongoing battle for compensation.
By way of advice; do not ask AOPA to support any legal proceedings you may think you have against CASA, too risky, but if you need any advice write a letter to editor asking for AOPA 44637 and I will be happy to contact you as an advocate and give some pointers where to go and where not to go, particularly with politicians.
Ask for the Vice President BH in charge of such things.
Get a mate to join !
Join Date: Dec 2001
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I have found them very helpful and supportive. It is an organisation you cannot afford not to join. The information they provide to pilots and operators is excellent.
<img src="smile.gif" border="0">
<a href="http://www.aopa.com.au" target="_blank">AOPA Web site</a>
<img src="smile.gif" border="0">
<a href="http://www.aopa.com.au" target="_blank">AOPA Web site</a>
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If you leave the internal politics aside [and that's settled down appreciably under the new regime], they are the ONLY organisation doing anything for GA at the moment.
We can't afford not to be members and support AOPA since for most of us AOPA is the only support we'll get in any Federal or State arena involving aviation. Mightn't like some of the people, but don't risk throwing out the baby with the bathwater; it's all we have.
G'day <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
We can't afford not to be members and support AOPA since for most of us AOPA is the only support we'll get in any Federal or State arena involving aviation. Mightn't like some of the people, but don't risk throwing out the baby with the bathwater; it's all we have.
G'day <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
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Big thumbs down from me. AOPA have a long way to go. Just check out the AOPA US web site and the enormous amount of great information compared to the crap on the AOPA Australia site.
<a href="http://www.aopa.com" target="_blank">www.aopa.com</a> US Site
The card, well what about it. Crazy prices for something thats not that useful. I'd pay about $20 for it, no more. The annual fee is also unreasonalbe.
But I still keep renewing......
<a href="http://www.aopa.com" target="_blank">www.aopa.com</a> US Site
The card, well what about it. Crazy prices for something thats not that useful. I'd pay about $20 for it, no more. The annual fee is also unreasonalbe.
But I still keep renewing......
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There is NO choice. If you want to be represented as a GA pilot/owner then you should (must) be a member.
Certainly there have been some internal politics over the past few years, but I now believe those days are over and the new Board are doing their best to overcome those issues. Many of those members that left over that time are now renewing their m/s I understand.
You really cannot compare AOPA in the USA and that in Australia. With around 300,000 members I think they can do plenty that could only be dreamed of in this country.
Maybe the ID card is a bit overpriced, but overall the membership, even at the new rates is worth it.
I have been a member for over 30 years and have obtained lots of value over those years - even as a professional pilot.
<img src="wink.gif" border="0">
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: triadic ]</p>
Certainly there have been some internal politics over the past few years, but I now believe those days are over and the new Board are doing their best to overcome those issues. Many of those members that left over that time are now renewing their m/s I understand.
You really cannot compare AOPA in the USA and that in Australia. With around 300,000 members I think they can do plenty that could only be dreamed of in this country.
Maybe the ID card is a bit overpriced, but overall the membership, even at the new rates is worth it.
I have been a member for over 30 years and have obtained lots of value over those years - even as a professional pilot.
<img src="wink.gif" border="0">
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: triadic ]</p>
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DHC8 Flogger,
Yes, Triadic and Feather#3 are correct to say that AOPA are the only ones "representing" GA as a whole. (There are many good organisations representing various elements of GA). It depends on what one classifies as representation.
One gets the impression that they (the executive) represent themselves and their views which are masqueraded as those of the organisation/members. There would appear to be no prossess by which many of the "representative" views espoused in various forums could be shown to have been ratified or supported by the membership.
Recent articles in their magazine suggest that they are not as far departed from politicisation as Triadic and F#3 suggest (the alternative airspace model for starters). Also interesting that they have either experienced a marked decline in membership or, as was generally thought, the membership figures of the late 90s were the subject of some creative accounting.
The pity is that GA has and still is crying out for cohesive, rational representation that a body such as AOPA should be able to provide.
Yes, Triadic and Feather#3 are correct to say that AOPA are the only ones "representing" GA as a whole. (There are many good organisations representing various elements of GA). It depends on what one classifies as representation.
One gets the impression that they (the executive) represent themselves and their views which are masqueraded as those of the organisation/members. There would appear to be no prossess by which many of the "representative" views espoused in various forums could be shown to have been ratified or supported by the membership.
Recent articles in their magazine suggest that they are not as far departed from politicisation as Triadic and F#3 suggest (the alternative airspace model for starters). Also interesting that they have either experienced a marked decline in membership or, as was generally thought, the membership figures of the late 90s were the subject of some creative accounting.
The pity is that GA has and still is crying out for cohesive, rational representation that a body such as AOPA should be able to provide.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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Neddy,
Spot On Mate! you described exactly the reasons why so many members have dropped out of AOPA in recent years.
I was a member for my first couple of years in aviation but when I saw a friend of mine, who at the time was a junior CASA staffer, vilified by the then president I tore up every document I had with the AOPA name on it. <img src="mad.gif" border="0">
Unfortunately the boots'n'all attitude still seems to be there. Check out the VP's letter to Mick Toller @ <a href="http://www.aopa.com.au" target="_blank">www.aopa.com.au</a>
If I received something written in the same tone it would go into the cylindrical filing container under my desk.
Spot On Mate! you described exactly the reasons why so many members have dropped out of AOPA in recent years.
I was a member for my first couple of years in aviation but when I saw a friend of mine, who at the time was a junior CASA staffer, vilified by the then president I tore up every document I had with the AOPA name on it. <img src="mad.gif" border="0">
Unfortunately the boots'n'all attitude still seems to be there. Check out the VP's letter to Mick Toller @ <a href="http://www.aopa.com.au" target="_blank">www.aopa.com.au</a>
If I received something written in the same tone it would go into the cylindrical filing container under my desk.
Join Date: Jan 2002
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In terms of "getting your money's worth" it is more than a little dissapointing to see that the last "presidents page" on the AOPA website was dated November, Vice Presidents page also early Nov. and "Current News" sometime before that. Nothing like using modern, real-time communication devices with two month old news!
Does this reflect the present level of activity within AOPA?
Judging by the Presidents page in the November issue of the magazine they are too busy trying to hang onto Dick's coat-tails to provide them with some profile.
Interesting thread "another Dick whinge" as the AOPA presidents page advocates exactly the same thing ie. VFR shouldn't use their radios. Same proposal in the new Dickspace (National Airspace System he likes to call it).
So yes, Justapplhere, the egos and personal adgendas are still alive and kicking.
Does this reflect the present level of activity within AOPA?
Judging by the Presidents page in the November issue of the magazine they are too busy trying to hang onto Dick's coat-tails to provide them with some profile.
Interesting thread "another Dick whinge" as the AOPA presidents page advocates exactly the same thing ie. VFR shouldn't use their radios. Same proposal in the new Dickspace (National Airspace System he likes to call it).
So yes, Justapplhere, the egos and personal adgendas are still alive and kicking.
Join Date: May 2001
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Well stated Neddy. AOPA long ago deteriorated into the structure of a "Club" and cheerleading squad for Dick Smith despite the beliefs and intentions of a well-meaning, but small minority of members.
I still haven't seen a public statement outlining strategy or planning for the future. Then again, I'm not a member anymore, don't follow it that closely, and I'm not missing it either.
I still haven't seen a public statement outlining strategy or planning for the future. Then again, I'm not a member anymore, don't follow it that closely, and I'm not missing it either.
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Islander Jock,
reading your link confirmed exactly what you said and what I thought. I think a bucket and spade would be most suited to "Captain W.J.R.". What reactionary nonsence.
Neddy,
sadly you're correct. GA does need a formal representative body, AOPA hold that mantle by default in my opinion.
Who decides AOPAs public stance on any one issue? The president or vice president.
If this is the case (and you can't help but wonder) it is not representaion by definition at all.
Watch the members keep walking....
reading your link confirmed exactly what you said and what I thought. I think a bucket and spade would be most suited to "Captain W.J.R.". What reactionary nonsence.
Neddy,
sadly you're correct. GA does need a formal representative body, AOPA hold that mantle by default in my opinion.
Who decides AOPAs public stance on any one issue? The president or vice president.
If this is the case (and you can't help but wonder) it is not representaion by definition at all.
Watch the members keep walking....
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I have no idea of the internal, or external politics of AOPA, whos who in the zoo, and to be honest, don't really care, as long as they supply what they offer for the cash put up. I think I paid roughly $160 for new member, ID card and all that jazz, and have so far saved roughly $750 with the card alone.
From the moment I walked into the airport for the start of my holidays I started getting my money back i.e. the foriegn exchange service waived the fees, to getting upgraded on two airlines, jumpseating for free around the Caribbean, cheap car rental, discount/ upgrade at hotels, the list goes on. And on top of all this, they send me a magazine every month. What have you got to lose? Nothing.
Anyone iffing about joining, like I was for about ten years, I should have done it ten years ago.
My three cents
From the moment I walked into the airport for the start of my holidays I started getting my money back i.e. the foriegn exchange service waived the fees, to getting upgraded on two airlines, jumpseating for free around the Caribbean, cheap car rental, discount/ upgrade at hotels, the list goes on. And on top of all this, they send me a magazine every month. What have you got to lose? Nothing.
Anyone iffing about joining, like I was for about ten years, I should have done it ten years ago.
My three cents
Join Date: Mar 2000
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I was a member of AOPA for 6 years, I like many here left when the organisation became a political spring board for the usual suspects, as mentioned here. I unfortunatly witnesed the then Pres. having a go at several organisations that I belived were better representing the private pilot and operators at GAAP aerodromes.
AOPA is just one organisation and is unfortunatly very one eyed and biased toward people with different ideas. I had hoped to see a change of late, but it is yet to occur. I would not be re joining the organisation, and am surprised to hear the fee has increased so much.
The card, I did use for discount on hire cars and hotel accomodation.
Then, I thought it was good value.
I now get the same discount, and more at times, from other less expensive and worthwhile membership cards. I even get discount by showing my pilots licence with no mention of membership.
The card has limited value.
All the best with the decision to join or not, but I think that you will see that the AOPA of today has done more to divide than join together.
AOPA is just one organisation and is unfortunatly very one eyed and biased toward people with different ideas. I had hoped to see a change of late, but it is yet to occur. I would not be re joining the organisation, and am surprised to hear the fee has increased so much.
The card, I did use for discount on hire cars and hotel accomodation.
Then, I thought it was good value.
I now get the same discount, and more at times, from other less expensive and worthwhile membership cards. I even get discount by showing my pilots licence with no mention of membership.
The card has limited value.
All the best with the decision to join or not, but I think that you will see that the AOPA of today has done more to divide than join together.
Join Date: Dec 2001
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I have found their web site quite interesting and the guys I have dealt with very good.
Their looking for interested people in the Sydney area, who maybe like to meet once a month or so.
See <a href="http://www.aopa.com.au/board/" target="_blank">http://www.aopa.com.au/board/</a> then go to non-members forum then see posting "Interest's/Idea's - AOPA Local area meeting - Sydney"
If they can get local groups involved, it could become a great organisation. <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> . . . .<a href="http://www.aopa.com.au/board/" target="_blank">AOPA Australia Forum</a>
Their looking for interested people in the Sydney area, who maybe like to meet once a month or so.
See <a href="http://www.aopa.com.au/board/" target="_blank">http://www.aopa.com.au/board/</a> then go to non-members forum then see posting "Interest's/Idea's - AOPA Local area meeting - Sydney"
If they can get local groups involved, it could become a great organisation. <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> . . . .<a href="http://www.aopa.com.au/board/" target="_blank">AOPA Australia Forum</a>
