OBJECTION ! M'lud.
And; a history lesson for Hitch. For as long as I can remember 'Advocacy' has been a large part of the AOPA reason for existing. Formed in the USA for exactly that reason. They have and continue to foster 'political' support, hard earned and worked for. Why? Well, they realised that without 'political support' it is almost impossible to win friends and influence outcomes. They have a big voice and ears willing to hear their considered advice.
In Australia, AOPA was started by the 'professional' end of the business i.e. aircraft owners and commercial pilots; the aim was then and still is 'advocacy' for and on behalf of the non airline sector. The 'tradition' of offering unstinting support and advice to those unfortunate enough to become enmeshed in a brangle with 'the authority' gained them an enviable reputation. Back in the 'glory' days many significant changes to regulation and/ or attitude toward matters aeronautical – through AOPA advocacy have been made. Their 'magazine' advertisement revenue was significant and more than paid for the 'free' magazine. In short, they made a difference and earned their keep through a 'significant' supportive membership.
The decline in membership stems from 'historical' matters, internal politics, distension along with some pretty poor governance decisions – that and a lack of willingness and ability to take issue with Canberra edicts. The 'history' of the decline is easily tracked through the AOPA magazine returns. From a once seriously 'big' publication through decline to the poor thing it is today. But, times have indeed changed.
Hitch - “AOPA has been focused so intently on the hard slog of advocacy that they haven't realised that they need to be much more to aviation than a lobby group.
Hitch - “Advocacy is critical to what they do, but it's not the main reason that people join associations.”
Hitch - “This is all part of being an association. Advocacy is, by its very nature, political, and some pilots just don't want to be political.
Without 'political' support for the reforms needed; without political support for the funding required to make the reforms possible; without political 'will' to rein in the excesses of the current administration – nothing will improve.
Back in the day AOPA was regarded as those to whom one could appeal for advice – support if you will. That was; IMO a core value and a valid reason for their success. Things have changed; and, not for the better. AOPA are begging for your support – every time – join AOPA “we need your support”. Wrong! - “need support? Call AOPA”. That was, is and will continue in the USA to be the underlying reason for joining up. Advice and support to the members; not members supporting the AOPA. QED. Oh and Morgan is actually employed by another company; so the 'voluntary' spin may yet be a bull-shit backfire: if the true 'facts' ever emerge.
Toot – toot...
And; a history lesson for Hitch. For as long as I can remember 'Advocacy' has been a large part of the AOPA reason for existing. Formed in the USA for exactly that reason. They have and continue to foster 'political' support, hard earned and worked for. Why? Well, they realised that without 'political support' it is almost impossible to win friends and influence outcomes. They have a big voice and ears willing to hear their considered advice.
In Australia, AOPA was started by the 'professional' end of the business i.e. aircraft owners and commercial pilots; the aim was then and still is 'advocacy' for and on behalf of the non airline sector. The 'tradition' of offering unstinting support and advice to those unfortunate enough to become enmeshed in a brangle with 'the authority' gained them an enviable reputation. Back in the 'glory' days many significant changes to regulation and/ or attitude toward matters aeronautical – through AOPA advocacy have been made. Their 'magazine' advertisement revenue was significant and more than paid for the 'free' magazine. In short, they made a difference and earned their keep through a 'significant' supportive membership.
The decline in membership stems from 'historical' matters, internal politics, distension along with some pretty poor governance decisions – that and a lack of willingness and ability to take issue with Canberra edicts. The 'history' of the decline is easily tracked through the AOPA magazine returns. From a once seriously 'big' publication through decline to the poor thing it is today. But, times have indeed changed.
Hitch - “AOPA has been focused so intently on the hard slog of advocacy that they haven't realised that they need to be much more to aviation than a lobby group.
Hitch - “Advocacy is critical to what they do, but it's not the main reason that people join associations.”
Hitch - “This is all part of being an association. Advocacy is, by its very nature, political, and some pilots just don't want to be political.
Without 'political' support for the reforms needed; without political support for the funding required to make the reforms possible; without political 'will' to rein in the excesses of the current administration – nothing will improve.
Back in the day AOPA was regarded as those to whom one could appeal for advice – support if you will. That was; IMO a core value and a valid reason for their success. Things have changed; and, not for the better. AOPA are begging for your support – every time – join AOPA “we need your support”. Wrong! - “need support? Call AOPA”. That was, is and will continue in the USA to be the underlying reason for joining up. Advice and support to the members; not members supporting the AOPA. QED. Oh and Morgan is actually employed by another company; so the 'voluntary' spin may yet be a bull-shit backfire: if the true 'facts' ever emerge.
Toot – toot...