(Chris OCallaghan) wrote in message . com...
Casey,

The AOPA is a mixed blessing for glider pilots. It is by far the best
aviation advocacy group (perhaps in the world), and they appear to
provide beneficial services to individual members. But they advocate
selectively. And glider pilots are so far down the list, it would be
easier to measure from the bottom up. I suppose if glider pilots
joined en masse, then lifted their pens in one voice, the org could
provide very valuable services. But having tested existing services
several times in the past few years (W73 housing encroachment and TFR
issues), I have to admit that I was left thoroughly unimpressed.

In the simplest terms, the AOPA and its current leadership does not
recognize sport aviation as a separate, valid interest. I'm sure they
would debate this, but their actions, from my point of view, argue
otherwise.

The bottom line is the AOPA is the most powerful lobbying group that
is NOT in the hip pocket of the airlines. While their interests may
not always align with soaring, it is about as good as it gets. The
AOPA's membership list gets A LOT more respect than the SSA's. After I
became a member I found out about a 5% cut in my glider insurance. It
more than paid for my membership.

Tom Seim
DG-400
Richland, WA