Could I ask what the general perception of AOPA Europe is? Are the membership fee's, value for money? Are flying clubs affiliated to AOPA in any way?
Comments and help appreciated.
I'm member of AOPA here in Germany and I think the cost is reasonable. They issue a quarterly print magazine which isn't too great and could be scrapped in my opinion. Being an AOPA member gives me discounts at various places (landing fees, FAA exams, hotels, etc.) so I think I get a direct return on membership fees in average.
In addition to that, they appear to be the only working GA lobby organization with some influence. They have been very active in the Italian luxury tax thing, battling against closing GA airports (Sweden at the moment) and there appears to be progress convincing EASA that having a single set of rules applying to both Airbuses and piston Cessnas is not sensible. AOPA are also involved in the upcoming simplified IR.
All in all I think it's a good thing and all pilots should join.
Thanks Achimna. My good friend has taken up a senior role within AOPA USA, prime remit to attempt and organise a strategic response to the noticable decline of GA in the States. It is certainly worriesome, that AOPA have taken steps to specifically target this aspect of business. Obviously they have an eye on ever declining membership, which in turn hinders their strategic view, but I am close to the thought process, and would be looking to see if some synergy and replication could be applied here. Different market of course, with both end of the spectrum views, from the authorities, on GA, but it will be interesting to see the strategic vision, when it unfolds in the States
I'm a member of AOPA Italy. As said above they are the only GA lobby organization with some influence.
Member of AOPA US (and therefore indirectly of IAOPA). Agree, they are the only outfit that actually does something for GA.
@BeechBaby That's interesting, what you say re your friend. From what I can gather, AOPA US have been given a right royal (or should that read 'presidential') bollocking from some of the advertisers/sponsors over the decision to compete with some of them by offering goods nd services to the membership directly.
Yes, they are worried about the general decline in GA and thus their membership numbers and viability. I don't think anyone anywhere has any idea about how to stem the slow decline in GA.
I'm an active member of AOPA UK and happy with it. Some clubs are AOPA members and offer discounts.
172, do you know if they have actually reversed that decision? Reference the sponsors.
I get the magazine from AOPA USA (being a member there).
They have been selling various kinds of merchandise for years.
I guess that active lobbying costs real money! And they do an awful lot of it, mostly very successfully.
The decline in GA pilot numbers goes back to the 1970s and is probably caused by many factors.
Cheers Riccardo, Markus, Achim et al,
first off, there is no such thing as "AOPA Europe". There is the worldwide IAOPA, which the european national branches are part of.
I am currently member of AOPA Italy, but I moved back to Germany this year and will join AOPA Germany in due time.
BTW, I don't particularly like euro-based pilots who, instead of joining their national AOPA, say "oh, I am member of AOPA USA 'cos their mag is nice and that's a good deal." AOPA USA does little or nothing for GA in Europe. Also, you can't measure the "payback" of being a member of an association like AOPA in terms of immediate material benefits. The benefits will rather be very long-term, when (hopefully) flying, as we do today, will still be possible and praticable.
So by all means, join your national AOPA, even if you consider them a strange bunch of people. For example, AOPA Italy certainly has a couple of very debatable people on their board, but I joined nonetheless. Worth doing it.
@ BeechBaby Thanks for pointing that out, didn't know
@boscomantico I joined in the US as I fly there regularly and may well mostly fly there in the near future.
As general comment, what's needed is a EURO AOPA, this in the age of EASA this whole piecemeal approach doesn't make much sense anymore. Would probably dent some egos, though....
