If you want a perfect pilot organization, or any organization for that matter, take a pill to assist you in a sweet dream. That's all it will be, a dream. There's room for improvement in any given situation or organization with AOPA being no exception.
I've been with AOPA going on six years. I've only been back to flying for two years. I learned a lot from AOPA Pilot and in particular with Flight Training. I pay the extra bucks to get both because I know well both will benefit me as a pilot and most certainly as an instructor.
Not everyone is going to feel that way. But, I'm dang sure not going to abandon the only real advocacy group we have in order to provide Tony more money for Ramen Noodles.
We need that representation in Washington. Right now, some 80% of certificated pilots are members of AOPA. That's not a bad ratio. Given a good number of those pilot/members are accomplished individuals with the ability to speak with money, and in particular, campaign donations, they won't be easily ignored. AOPA is the best suited organization to make these facts known. I doubt there's anyone here who will likely vote for a politician in favor of user fees let alone give money to their campaign.
For the last five years, I've belonged to NAFI because of its information. It's not as much as AOPA but its focus brings me what I want. It also includes a subscription to Flying that may be more suited for professional pilots but has just enough information from time to time to make it worthwhile. Some day, I may subscribe to some periodical addressing "rich people's planes." Sorry Ken, I couldn't help myself.
That leads me to something Kent said. We are indeed a hated group by those full of class envy. We're thought of as wealthy and privileged and don't deserve the right to own and fly a private airplane. There are those who want to shut down airports and limit our liberties. As a group, we pilots must protect ourselves against such activists. I don't think there's a person on this board who does not highly value their privilege as a pilot. Even the most financially secure among us have the love of airplanes and flying so ingrained in our hearts and souls, we would struggle to remain active in aviation regardless of suddenly becoming less capable than now.
I just got my renewal notice as well but haven't opened it. But, I'll definitely renew. I don't want to lose a single issue of those subscriptions as I know well there will be something in nearly every one that will assist me in being a better informed pilot and instructor to be. I'll have continued access to the web with a wealth of information at any given time I can pull for the benefit of myself or my student. Two years ago, I was able to get my hands on an article that went quite a distance on helping me better understand Va. That's thanks to AOPA and its vast archive.
Is AOPA a great membership? It depends on your need. But, considering how much you paid to learn to fly and wish to remain flying, I think it's well worth the small investment. I'm referring to non-commercial pilots who fly for fun. It's that group first at risk from the anti-aviation groups I've described.
Remain a member, for all our sakes.
