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AOPA

Question:

Is it true? AOPA has bought or is buying a Citation Jet for Phil to fly around in.

Response:

yes. that is the worl. allegedly it is just a "cheap" to fly as his conquest. we should all let aopa know we think that is a waste of money. Phil jets around giving his tired talks, and for that he needs a jet. I’ll quit aopa if this occurs. flyboy66

Response:

Is it true? AOPA has bought or is buying a Citation Jet for Phil to fly around in.

Avweb reported that they are considering it, presumably because the total costs involved are similar to operating the Cessna Conquest he currently uses.  I think they’re well aware that they’ll have to be able to justify the financial details to the membership… Jeff Oslick

Response:

Cost aside, what about the fact that they’re supposed to be supporting grassroots general aviation? A bit hypocritical of them to sport Boyer around in a jet when they’re trying to revive aviation for the average person. If you ask me, that bastard should be tooling around in a 172 like the rest of us. Then maybe he’d be in touch with his members. You need a citation to make flying yourself useful? Wrong message, AOPA. -Jonathan Is it true? AOPA has bought or is buying a Citation Jet for Phil to fly around in. Avweb reported that they are considering it, presumably because the total costs involved are similar to operating the Cessna Conquest he currently uses.  I think they’re well aware that they’ll have to be able to justify the financial details to the membership… Jeff Oslick

– Optoelectronic Computing Systems Center University of Colorado, Campus Box 525 Boulder, Colorado  80309-0525 Office: ECEE 237 Voice: (303) 492-5605 Fax: (303) 492-3674

Response:

You can’t put cost aside as cost "is" the issue. Any "worth his weight" executive is on a managed tight timeline and budget. Having someone else do the driving and flying at .8 mach instead of 110 knots allows him, just like the rest of us, to attend more meetings, more events, and get more done while traveling. Flying yourself in a 172 from here to there is fine for low volume personal issues, but when you are managing airport closings in Chicago and FAA issues in DC or Oklahoma in the same day, you can’t risk airline cancelations and uncoordinated schedules. With that said, I hope you see that Citations make perfect sense in executive situations and aid greatly in the "grassroots" support of GA. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cost aside, what about the fact that they’re supposed to be supporting grassroots general aviation? A bit hypocritical of them to sport Boyer around in a jet when they’re trying to revive aviation for the average person. If you ask me, that bastard should be tooling around in a 172 like the rest of us. Then maybe he’d be in touch with his members. You need a citation to make flying yourself useful? Wrong message, AOPA. -Jonathan Is it true? AOPA has bought or is buying a Citation Jet for Phil to fly around in. Avweb reported that they are considering it, presumably because the total costs involved are similar to operating the Cessna Conquest he currently uses.  I think they’re well aware that they’ll have to be able to justify the financial details to the membership… Jeff Oslick — Optoelectronic Computing Systems Center University of Colorado, Campus Box 525 Boulder, Colorado  80309-0525 Office: ECEE 237 Voice: (303) 492-5605 Fax: (303) 492-3674

Response:

…I now agree with you guys. I’d rather have him flying a 747 if it helps him help more airports in need.

Yeah. And lots of us little guys are willing to go pick him up if he can’t get into our own airports when needed. George Patterson,  N3162Q.

Response:

Well, this isn’t something you hear on USENET a great deal, but: I think you’re right and you’ve changed my mind. Others have said the same thing and I now agree with you guys. I’d rather have him flying a 747 if it helps him help more airports in need. -Jonathan You can’t put cost aside as cost "is" the issue. Any "worth his weight" executive is on a managed tight timeline and budget. Having someone else do the driving and flying at .8 mach instead of 110 knots allows him, just like the rest of us, to attend more meetings, more events, and get more done while traveling. Flying yourself in a 172 from here to there is fine for low volume personal issues, but when you are managing airport closings in Chicago and FAA issues in DC or Oklahoma in the same day, you can’t risk airline cancelations and uncoordinated schedules. With that said, I hope you see that Citations make perfect sense in executive situations and aid greatly in the "grassroots" support of GA.

– Optoelectronic Computing Systems Center University of Colorado, Campus Box 525 Boulder, Colorado  80309-0525 Office: ECEE 237 Voice: (303) 492-5605 Fax: (303) 492-3674

Response:

Hi, I’d like some comments regarding AOPA.  My membership expires 9/97. Today I received something in the mail saying that I was accepted for membership and my temporary card expires on 6/97.  This is in addition to several (at least 3 or 4) similar posts I’ve received.  Surely their computer can check for duplicates.  Mailings like this must cost them a fortune, yet they insist on writing "Your stamp will save AOPA much-needed funds".  I don’t like receiving junk mail, and asking me to join several times when I’m already a member borders on rude and is most definitely a waste of money. Having said all that, I will definitely renew my membership on 9/97 and I think AOPA does a great job for pilots. Hilton — M/S 1L-945, 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043                http://reality.sgi.com/hilton "Folks, this is perfect weather for today’s game.  Not a breath of air."  Curt Gowdy, network sports announcer, on air

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’d like some comments regarding AOPA.  My membership expires 9/97. Today I received something in the mail saying that I was accepted for membership and my temporary card expires on 6/97.  This is in addition to several (at least 3 or 4) similar posts I’ve received.  Surely their computer can check for duplicates.  Mailings like this must cost them a fortune, yet they insist on writing "Your stamp will save AOPA much-needed funds".  I don’t like receiving junk mail, and asking me to join several times when I’m already a member borders on rude and is most definitely a waste of money. Having said all that, I will definitely renew my membership on 9/97 and I think AOPA does a great job for pilots. Hilton

I couldn’t have said it better.  The amount of mailings they either put out, or have mailed under their auspices, borders on the obscene.  A few years ago, I signed up for their automatic renewal program which allowed them to hit your AOPA credit card.  What I quickly found out was the annual aviation directory, which they previously sent early in the year, wasn’t being sent until the membership was renewed which was so late in the year that the next issue was soon to be published. – I dropped out of the automatic renewal and now I’ve received two copies for each of the last two years.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’d like some comments regarding AOPA.  My membership expires 9/97. Today I received something in the mail saying that I was accepted for membership and my temporary card expires on 6/97.  This is in addition to several (at least 3 or 4) similar posts I’ve received.  Surely their computer can check for duplicates.  Mailings like this must cost them a fortune, yet they insist on writing "Your stamp will save AOPA much-needed funds".  I don’t like receiving junk mail, and asking me to join several times when I’m already a member borders on rude and is most definitely a waste of money. Having said all that, I will definitely renew my membership on 9/97 and I think AOPA does a great job for pilots. Hilton

At one time I belonged to AOPA and EAA. I dropped out of AOPA because I feel they don’t represent the "little guy" as well as EAA. Ninety percent of the time you see Phil Boyer he’s in a suit and tie while Tom Poberezny is almost always in shirtsleeves. So what? I just feel that EAA has more concern for grass roots aviators while AOPA seems to cater to the bizjet crowd. My 1/50 of a dollars worth.  John (PA28-140 driver)

Response:

Hi, I’d like some comments regarding AOPA.  My membership expires 9/97. Today I received something in the mail saying that I was accepted for membership and my temporary card expires on 6/97.  This is in addition to several (at least 3 or 4) similar posts I’ve received.  Surely their computer can check for duplicates.  Mailings like this must cost them a fortune, yet they insist on writing "Your stamp will save AOPA much-needed funds".  I don’t like receiving junk mail, and asking me to join several times when I’m already a member borders on rude and is most definitely a waste of money. Having said all that, I will definitely renew my membership on 9/97 and I think AOPA does a great job for pilots. Hilton

This is precisely the reason I have not joined AOPA yet.  After earning my pilots license last spring, I have recieved well over 20 mailings from them all asking for the same thing.  I even replied to one of them stating I did not wish to recieve their junk mail any more.  However I continue to recieve their stuff. I think it is down to less than once a week now. what a waste of money chad

Response:

At one time I belonged to AOPA and EAA. I dropped out of AOPA because I feel they don’t represent the "little guy" as well as EAA. Ninety percent of the time you see Phil Boyer he’s in a suit and tie while Tom Poberezny is almost always in shirtsleeves. So what? I just feel that EAA has more concern for grass roots aviators while AOPA seems to cater to the bizjet crowd. My 1/50 of a dollars worth.  John (PA28-140 driver)

I guess I have to disagree.  EAA doesn’t seem to care about the "Wichita SPAM cans", only home builts, war birds and what they consider "antiques". IMHO AOPA cares about ALL general aviation from the smallest antique to the largest passenger jet. Warren – 1963 Mooney M20C

Response:

I think the AOPA wastes money, bothers us with unwanted mail, uses pushy membership renewal practices and does a lot of things to discourage us from supporting them. BUT…….they do more than any other organization to help the GA pilot and airplane owner. AOPA isn’t perfect but it’s all we’ve got!  I’ll continue to send them my money. Rhea Wood N3489Y – Cessna 185 Alaska-based Floatplane

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At one time I belonged to AOPA and EAA. I dropped out of AOPA because I feel they don’t represent the "little guy" as well as EAA. Ninety percent of the time you see Phil Boyer he’s in a suit and tie while Tom Poberezny is almost always in shirtsleeves. So what? I just feel that EAA has more concern for grass roots aviators while AOPA seems to cater to the bizjet crowd. My 1/50 of a dollars worth.  John (PA28-140 driver) I guess I have to disagree.  EAA doesn’t seem to care about the "Wichita SPAM cans", only home builts, war birds and what they consider "antiques". IMHO AOPA cares about ALL general aviation from the smallest antique to the largest passenger jet. Warren – 1963 Mooney M20C

I would agree with Warren, and I belong to both.  We need all the help we can get.  The junk mail creates more income from new members than it costs, or they wouldn’t do it.  We live in a junk mail age, unfortunately.  One thing Boyer has done is use every avenue available to him to create income, so they don’t have to raise dues.  (EAA does this too.)  I’d rather get junk mail than pay higher dues. My 1/50th. Kevin

Response:

I to have been in the same boat.  I do, however, think AOPA is a good thing.  I do wish that they’d lighten up on the junk mail and spend our money more wisely. Shaun – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’d like some comments regarding AOPA.  My membership expires 9/97. Today I received something in the mail saying that I was accepted for membership and my temporary card expires on 6/97.  This is in addition to several (at least 3 or 4) similar posts I’ve received.  Surely their computer can check for duplicates.  Mailings like this must cost them a fortune, yet they insist on writing "Your stamp will save AOPA much-needed funds".  I don’t like receiving junk mail, and asking me to join several times when I’m already a member borders on rude and is most definitely a waste of money. Having said all that, I will definitely renew my membership on 9/97 and I think AOPA does a great job for pilots. Hilton This is precisely the reason I have not joined AOPA yet.  After earning my pilots license last spring, I have recieved well over 20 mailings from them all asking for the same thing.  I even replied to one of them stating I did not wish to recieve their junk mail any more.  However I continue to recieve their stuff. I think it is down to less than once a week now. what a waste of money chad

Response:

I think the AOPA wastes money, bothers us with unwanted mail, uses pushy membership renewal practices and does a lot of things to discourage us from supporting them. BUT…….they do more than any other organization to help the GA pilot and airplane owner. AOPA isn’t perfect but it’s all we’ve got!  I’ll continue to send them my money.

How can you say that when the EAA is working just as hard?  I’ve been a member of both for some time now but chose not to renew my AOPA this year.  The organization and its magazine (excellent though it is) are too focused on the monied end of GA.  Without the low-budget grassroots end of aviation in the US, GA as we know it will simply not survive. I, for one, cannot afford to support them both…so I had to choose.  I chose EAA. Walt — <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Author: "Cessna Warbirds: A Detailed and Personal History of Cessna’s Involvement in the Armed Forces" <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

How can you say that when the EAA is working just as hard?

Personally, I see no comparison.  AOPA provides some nice and immediately tangible benefits and representation, while I let my EAA membership slide last year for lack of any visible benefit *or* representation, as neither a current homebuilder nor a warbird owner. Though it didn’t significantly affect my decision to not renew my EAA membership, I’m also quite curious about all the grumbling about the condemnation of land adjacent to OSH so that it could be taken over for EAA purposes.  While I suspect that there are some elements of the story notably missing from the EAA-hostile version that’s been floating around the net, I’m bothered that I didn’t see any mention or clarification of just what was going on in the news section of Sport Aviation. andrew

Response:

AOPA provides some nice and immediately tangible benefits and representation,

Most of the AOPA benefits I have found to be of dubious value. The annual directory doesn’t really have much in it that I can’t find in the A/FD or my Jepps IFR book.  The one thing they have which is not found in the other places is the list of FBOs and cab companies, along with phone numbers.  All in all, however, it’s just too big and heavy to lug around on a trip.  It would be much more useful if they stripped out the duplicate info and published it in a booklet 1/10th the size. The web site is nice, but I havn’t really found much on it that I havn’t already found elsewhere on the net.  Still, collecting it in one place is a valuable service, especially to somebody who isn’t as good at ferreting out stuff on the net as some of us old hands are. I always seem to be able to beat their rental car discounts by simply renting from a cheaper company (Budget’s normal price is usually less than Hertz or Avis with the AOPA discount). Still, I maintain my membership.  I think the most useful services they provide are the ones behind the scenes, acting as an advocacy and lobbying organization.  I don’t even always agree with their positions; sometimes I think they are exhibiting a "knee jerk" reaction to an issue by taking the rabid pro-aviation stance.  But, that’s their mission, so I can’t complain too much.  On balance, I think they do a lot more good than harm. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation also produces a lot of good material.  A lot better than most of what the FAA puts out.  They are worth subsidizing. The legal services department is also a good value.  I’ve had two opportunities to consult with them over the past 4 years.  Although they didn’t do anything other than listen to my situation and explain exactly where I stood from a legal standpoint, those two phone calls alone were worth the price of 4 years of membership (how much do aviation attorneys charge per hour for consults?)  The first was when I got lost as a student pilot and busted the Class B.  I wasn’t even an AOPA member at the time, and they still helped me out.  That’s what convinced me to join.  The second time was, um, well, I’ll probably be posting about that soon… The magazine isn’t bad either. — New York University School of Medicine Copyright 1997 Roy Smith For-profit redistribution prohibited

Response:

I guess I have to disagree.  EAA doesn’t seem to care about the "Wichita SPAM cans", only home builts, war birds and what they consider "antiques".

I guess I have to disagree.  Much to the consternation of many homebuilders, the EAA stands for all recreational (or as they call it "Sport") aviation.  They do as much (perhaps) more than AOPA on many of these issues.  Just because your late model Wichita spam can doesn’t qualify as a showplane doesn’t mean that the EAA isn’t out there batting for you. IMHO AOPA cares about ALL general aviation from the smallest antique to the largest passenger jet.

I agree too, I’m a member of both.  Frankly, AOPA would be worth the membership for just the magazine and airport directory even without the very important advocacy work. I do admit AOPA can be quite overly stuffy and they tend to do a lot of glory grabbing and self-back patting, but that’s really the way a lot of these groups generally referred to by the political soapbox speakers as the "special-interests" have to operate. -Ron

Response:

The legal services department is also a good value.  I’ve had two opportunities to consult with them over the past 4 years.

When I started flight training, I signed up with them on the advice of my instructor and my wife’s office partner.  I’ve always thought the magazine was very good.  When my wife started flying, I signed her up when it was time for me to renew.  It was a good thing, she got a letter from the FAA about her medical.  Yes the FAA waited to just about the last day they could before they sent the letter for more information.  A call to AOPA about the right way to fix the problem helped out a lot. The help that AOPA gave on that one minor medical problem was worth every penny.

Response:

Just as I was extolling the virtues of AOPA, the scum bucket marketing department called me at my damn office to try to sell me a MBNA Platinum Visa card.  I don’t know how they got my office number (perhaps off my AOPA/AirPower loan application), but since they identified themselves as being from AOPA, our receptionist put the call through to me and it took me several minutes to identify that the call had nothing to do with AOPA or my loan. Previously, AOPA has limitted themselves to abusing me at home. -Ron

Response:

Ron You should expect getting calls at work, with todays communications network and resources available to businesses in the business of telemarketing.  Chances are your company’s personnel directory is available through your insurance provider, your customer may have sold a suppliers list to someone, or maybe your kids school sold their database. If they want to get your name they will. Good luck finding your way back into the darkness of days past.  I’m looking for it as well.

Response:

Ron, Email AOPA and let them know you’re PO’d.  MBNA needs to be reined in. The last time they called me(during dinner of course) to try to sell me one of their credit cards, after I said no twice the bozo asked "What is your total non-mortgage debt?"  Told him "None of your damn business" and hung up.   I appreciate that the revenue from MBNA helps keep dues down, but these unwanted solicitations are getting out of hand. Patrick Just as I was extolling the virtues of AOPA, the scum bucket marketing department called me at my damn office to try to sell me a MBNA Platinum Visa card.  I don’t know how they got my office number (perhaps off my AOPA/AirPower loan application), but since they identified themselves as being from AOPA, our receptionist put the call through to me and it took me several minutes to identify that the call had nothing to do with AOPA or my loan. Previously, AOPA has limitted themselves to abusing me at home. -Ron

"Reply to" changed to avoid spam email. Change "nospam" to "net’ at end of email address

Response:

Hi, Shortly after I started the "AOPA" thread, Teresa (from AOPA) emailed me and John regarding our concerns.  She assured me that my duplicate names had been removed from the list, but didn’t assure me that it wouldn’t happen again because any additions to their list make ‘duplicate’ my name if my name and/or address is slightly different betwen the two.  I suggested that the AOPA computer system checks for duplicates not based upon names and addresses, but rather based on certificate numbers – this would be highly effective and efficient.  Teresa said that they would examine that possibility.  In both emails I have received from Teresa, she has been extremely polite, and clearly AOPA are aware of the problem and are working to correct it. I was also pleased that AOPA looks at these newsgroups and follows up on complaints aimed at them. Thanks Teresa/AOPA, Hilton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ron, Email AOPA and let them know you’re PO’d.  MBNA needs to be reined in. The last time they called me(during dinner of course) to try to sell me one of their credit cards, after I said no twice the bozo asked "What is your total non-mortgage debt?"  Told him "None of your damn business" and hung up. I appreciate that the revenue from MBNA helps keep dues down, but these unwanted solicitations are getting out of hand. Patrick Just as I was extolling the virtues of AOPA, the scum bucket marketing department called me at my damn office to try to sell me a MBNA Platinum Visa card.  I don’t know how they got my office number (perhaps off my AOPA/AirPower loan application), but since they identified themselves as being from AOPA, our receptionist put the call through to me and it took me several minutes to identify that the call had nothing to do with AOPA or my loan. Previously, AOPA has limitted themselves to abusing me at home. -Ron "Reply to" changed to avoid spam email. Change "nospam" to "net’ at end of email address

– M/S 1L-945, 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043                http://reality.sgi.com/hilton "Folks, this is perfect weather for today’s game.  Not a breath of air."  Curt Gowdy, network sports announcer, on air

Response:

I guess I have to disagree.  EAA doesn’t seem to care about the "Wichita SPAM cans", only home builts, war birds and what they consider "antiques". IMHO AOPA cares about ALL general aviation from the smallest antique to the largest passenger jet.

I joined the AOPA long ago, but after reading the magazine for a year I came to the conclusion that they cared for the ragbags and gliders only insofar as it didn’t interfere with their protecting the fellas with the IFR singles and heavier iron.  I believe that if they ever had to choose between caving in to an NPRM requiring radios and transponders in all air- craft, or accepting any limitation whatever on the big kids, they’d hang us out to dry.  Until then, they seem to see us as quaint and eccentric folks who have chosen to eschew progress–sort of Amish Aviators.  That they don’t really understand us was pointed out in last summer’s article on slips. On the other hand, if the EAA and the AAA keep the skies open for home- builts, antiques, and warbirds, it’ll be open for spam cans too. Jeff Matthews

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Yeah, what’s with that? I got the credit card thing in the mail. I’m shocked that they called you at work though. —       (author of "Growing Your Business Online" 11/96, Henry Holt & Co)

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I to have been in the same boat.  I do, however, think AOPA is a good thing.  I do wish that they’d lighten up on the junk mail and spend our money more wisely.

I would bet that AOPA is not paying for all of the junk mail I get under their name.  I would guess that when I get a solicitation for an AOPA VISA charge card that the postage for the ad was paid by the card issuer (monogram bank?) and not AOPA. — Curtis Notice: Unsolicited e-mail ads are considered requests to be added to my daily UNIX core dump mailing list.  Such requests will be processed promptly.

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I joined the AOPA long ago, but after reading the magazine for a year I came to the conclusion that they cared for the ragbags and gliders only insofar as it didn’t interfere with their protecting the fellas with the IFR singles and heavier iron.  I believe that if they ever had to choose between caving in to an NPRM requiring radios and transponders in all air- craft, or accepting any limitation whatever on the big kids, they’d hang us out to dry.

Philosophically, I agree, but whenever I’ve called AOPA for some help, they’ve been *excellent*. I gave ‘em a call when I was first looking at the Skyranger, wondering what info they had. Two days later I had the FAA list of all currently-registered Skyranger owners, full STC and AD lists, and a bunch of miscellaneous photocopies of info that the AOPA guy had dug up (thanks, Rod Mantz!). By contrast, my response from the EAA to the same question was a two month wait, and after several followup phone calls, some unlabeled photocopies from Juptner, and a bill for services. So, although we’re not where their focus is, I’m going to keep sending them a check as long as I’ve got my medical. -pablo David "Pablo" Cohn     work-  Adaptive Systems Group, Harlequin, Inc.

Response:

Ron You should expect getting calls at work, with todays communications network and resources available to businesses in the business of telemarketing.  Chances are your company’s personnel directory is available through your insurance provider, your customer may have sold a suppliers list to someone, or maybe your kids school sold their database. If they want to get your name they will.

What kind of half assed industry apologist are you?  I’m one of the owners of my company and MBNA’s telemarketers misrepresented them- selves to my receptionist as being from AOPA.  It’s outright lying condoned by AOPA and as a member of AOPA I expect better of them. As for other telemarketers.  It’s simple, I do zero business with any of them.

Response:

I to have been in the same boat.  I do, however, think AOPA is a good thing.  I do wish that they’d lighten up on the junk mail and spend our money more wisely. I would bet that AOPA is not paying for all of the junk mail I get under their name.  I would guess that when I get a solicitation for an AOPA VISA charge card that the postage for the ad was paid by the card issuer (monogram bank?) and not AOPA.

I’m pretty sure you’re right.  My original post was referring specifically to the wasted money on the AOPA membership application mail I was getting. Hilton — M/S 1L-945, 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043                http://reality.sgi.com/hilton "Folks, this is perfect weather for today’s game.  Not a breath of air."  Curt Gowdy, network sports announcer, on air

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What are the benefits of belonging to AOPA, if any??      Fron an IRF student

Response:

What are the benefits of belonging to AOPA, if any??      Fron an IRF student

Uhhh…lets see… An OK magazine, Neato sticker, Cool cap with embroidered logo, cheap gold pin. Did I miss anything??  :) Michael NOTE:  REMOVE THE "*" FROM THE ADDRESS BEFORE REPLYING. | Albert Einstein: "Only two things are infinite, the   | | universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about  | | the former."                                             |

Response:

I have been reading with interest all the posts about the perceived inadequate job that AOPA is doing.  I think they are probably working as diligently as possible towards rectifying the VFR ban.  Just because we haven’t seen anything in the media doesn’t mean they aren’t trying  When was the last time the news media promoted or reported on GA in a positive light anyway?   In this situation, there are much  more compelling stories for the media to promote…we don’t rate very high, and frankly we shouldn’t. I am just as concerned about the Part 91 VFR ban as anyone, I have two airplanes stuck at two different airports, but I also trust that the leaders of our national security team know a little more about what is happening on the domestic security scheme than we do.  It is time to ratchet down the rhetoric in the newsgroups.  Continue to contact your Senators and Congressman, but an outsider visiting these newsgroups will see us as a bunch of spoiled rich pilots who don’t care about what has happened to the country.  I know that is not the case, and I recognize that many are suffering financially, but take a step back and look at it from someone unfamiliar with us. — Tim Savage, President ENS Group 3310 Mallard Cove Lane Fort Wayne, IN  46804 www.ensi.com

Response:

I have been reading with interest all the posts about the perceived inadequate job that AOPA is doing.  I think they are probably working as diligently as possible towards rectifying the VFR ban.  Just because we haven’t seen anything in the media doesn’t mean they aren’t trying  When was the last time the news media promoted or reported on GA in a positive light anyway?   In this situation, there are much  more compelling stories for the media to promote…we don’t rate very high, and frankly we shouldn’t.

I would agree. AOPA is trying to represent all of its members, many of whom think that the organization is pressing too hard. I am just as concerned about the Part 91 VFR ban as anyone, I have two airplanes stuck at two different airports, but I also trust that the leaders of our national security team know a little more about what is happening on the domestic security scheme than we do.

They may know something about national security, but there is no evidence that they know anything about general aviation. In any event some kind of relief is going to be necessary.  It is time to ratchet down the rhetoric in the newsgroups.  Continue to contact your Senators and Congressman, but an outsider visiting these newsgroups will see us as a bunch of spoiled rich pilots who don’t care about what has happened to the country.  I know that is not the case, and I recognize that many are suffering financially, but take a step back and look at it from someone unfamiliar with us.

Well, let’s see. We have had many people asking how they can help, where they can volunteer their planes and services as pilots, who have been deeply concerned about airport security, etc. They worry about their businesses and major investments. The only people calling us spoiled rich kids have been a few pilots who apparently have so much money that they just don’t give a rip about anyone else. IOW, it is the spoiled rich kids who have been calling us spoiled rich kids. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Tim Savage, President ENS Group 3310 Mallard Cove Lane Fort Wayne, IN  46804 www.ensi.com

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