AOPA and the punters choice.
There is a thread running on the UP, related to the ‘cost’ of doing business with CASA. Shan’t bother to put up a link – the thing is hardly worth the reading, however this statement caught my eye:-
“Can I ask what AOPA are doing? I was under the impression they represented pilots, have they no power?”
The short answers in reverse order:-
“I was under the impression they represented pilots, have they no power?”
AOPA can, will and do represent their member owners and pilots, they have even been known to assist folk who are not members. The old AOPA became mired in politics and survival, it is a long story, without a happy ending, best kept for a rainy day. The ‘new’ AOPA is (IMO) an entirely different animal. ‘We’ have watched with interest the progress; think of it as a kid learning to fly – rough, uncoordinated, lacking finesse – as everyone is at first. This is to be expected, with first class assistance there is always ‘improvement’ but the litmus test is the change in attitude and approach to task; this is always the thing looked for. The changes over the last half year have been remarkable. Even through hard, cynical eyes the improvement is impressive all that is lacking now is membership. AOPA is truly ‘independent’ and have set about reducing both the cost and regulatory burden on their members. They cannot achieve this without the support of the members. Combined with AAAA and AMROBA they could, with support from the aviation community, become an effective voice for real reform – in real time. The minister’s minions know this; if you want to help – join up, get involved and be part of the solution. That boys and girls is real power.
“Can I ask what AOPA are doing?”
Since the Tamworth stockade a frightened, do-nothing minister has hidden behind the CASA and departmental barricades. The shock tactics brought into sharp focus the anger, disgust and disappointment left in the wake of the brutal treatment the Rev. Forsyth received. Industry hopes for real reform were high after his report was tabled, almost everyone believed there would be significant improvements: there were not. That fool ‘whatsisname’ completed the heartbreak; anger levels were palpable – expressed at Tamworth. Through the efforts of the Senate and industry bodies, the minister has been forced to actually ‘do something’. His advice dusted off the tried and true ‘gab-fest’ with industry representation and gifting time to sooth the troubled waters. It is a proven strategy, the only wrinkle this time is that there will only be ‘select’ representation.
Ask not what AOPA are doing; ask why are they being prevented from participating; the more asking that question, the more likely it is the answer will be provided. The only axe AOPA has to grind is yours; they cannot do this if you don’t bring it along to the workshop. Join up, give it a twelvemonth – not much to loose; much to gain.
Toot toot.
There is a thread running on the UP, related to the ‘cost’ of doing business with CASA. Shan’t bother to put up a link – the thing is hardly worth the reading, however this statement caught my eye:-
“Can I ask what AOPA are doing? I was under the impression they represented pilots, have they no power?”
The short answers in reverse order:-
“I was under the impression they represented pilots, have they no power?”
AOPA can, will and do represent their member owners and pilots, they have even been known to assist folk who are not members. The old AOPA became mired in politics and survival, it is a long story, without a happy ending, best kept for a rainy day. The ‘new’ AOPA is (IMO) an entirely different animal. ‘We’ have watched with interest the progress; think of it as a kid learning to fly – rough, uncoordinated, lacking finesse – as everyone is at first. This is to be expected, with first class assistance there is always ‘improvement’ but the litmus test is the change in attitude and approach to task; this is always the thing looked for. The changes over the last half year have been remarkable. Even through hard, cynical eyes the improvement is impressive all that is lacking now is membership. AOPA is truly ‘independent’ and have set about reducing both the cost and regulatory burden on their members. They cannot achieve this without the support of the members. Combined with AAAA and AMROBA they could, with support from the aviation community, become an effective voice for real reform – in real time. The minister’s minions know this; if you want to help – join up, get involved and be part of the solution. That boys and girls is real power.
“Can I ask what AOPA are doing?”
Since the Tamworth stockade a frightened, do-nothing minister has hidden behind the CASA and departmental barricades. The shock tactics brought into sharp focus the anger, disgust and disappointment left in the wake of the brutal treatment the Rev. Forsyth received. Industry hopes for real reform were high after his report was tabled, almost everyone believed there would be significant improvements: there were not. That fool ‘whatsisname’ completed the heartbreak; anger levels were palpable – expressed at Tamworth. Through the efforts of the Senate and industry bodies, the minister has been forced to actually ‘do something’. His advice dusted off the tried and true ‘gab-fest’ with industry representation and gifting time to sooth the troubled waters. It is a proven strategy, the only wrinkle this time is that there will only be ‘select’ representation.
Ask not what AOPA are doing; ask why are they being prevented from participating; the more asking that question, the more likely it is the answer will be provided. The only axe AOPA has to grind is yours; they cannot do this if you don’t bring it along to the workshop. Join up, give it a twelvemonth – not much to loose; much to gain.
Toot toot.