Dave Butler wrote:

Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo students are eligible to join.

Let me say this about that...

Before I even started my training I expected that I was going to have
problems getting my medical due to some kidney stone 'issues' I'd
experienced not long before. I called the AOPA medical line and told them
straight-up that I wasn't a member, and that I wasn't even a student pilot
yet. I explained my situation and they were more than happy to help. They
answered all my questions, gave me a plan of attack for passing the medical
(what tests to get done, what paperwork to bring to the AME, etc).
Following their advice I was able to get the AME to rubber-stamp my
application with no hassles at all.

I wrote them a dues check write away after that.

Gary, seeing that you're already a member, you shouldn't hesitate to call
them up and ask them the same questions you posted here. That's what
they're there for.

--
Bryan Burchfield, PP-ASEL
www.biffshangar.com