"Kilo Charlie" kilocharlie wrote:

Interesting perspectives....mostly related to being
bothered by phone solicitations. Also interesting
that no one seemed to want to comment upon the
fact that they published an article about sailplane
racing. I would say that in doing so they are showing
interest in our sport and would like to see that as a
positive step and reluctant to be so critical.
[snip]
I challenge you to find any other organization with as
much clout with the US government and with as many
examples as they have of assisting in preventing the
closer of airports and in keeping the feds off our backs
in the US.

Why so defensive? Speaking only for myself, since I think I'm the first one who
mentioned phone solicitations, I couldn't agree more about AOPA's clout,
presence, and contribution to aviation. I SAID that I was not opposed to
contributing to the ASF, as I feel it is extremely worthwhile (yes, I have
attended in the past and hope to again). My comment was *solely* about the
practice of telephone solicitation for $$ from its members which, while it may
be the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to solicit funds, I still feel is the
tackiest way for an organization that otherwise presents itself so
professionally to approach its members for money. In these times when strangers
from often bogus companies are constantly and repeatedly interrupting you in
your own home at all hours asking you for $$, it's just sad, IMO, for *AOPA* to
be among them.

As for the article, of course it's a good thing whenever AOPA Pilot magazine
includes articles about gliders/soaring. The article and photos in the June
2002 issue by AOPA associate editor Julie Boatman that described her
introduction to gliders/soaring at Estrella Sailport (Arizona) was another
wonderful example of articles that help promote the interest of power pilots
who make up the largest percentage of the AOPA membership.

No organization is perfect in every way. There will always be critics and
naysayers ... the mention of phone solicitation wasn't meant (by me anyway) as
a criticism of AOPA's work or of its worth as a resource to aviators.

--Shirley
(also near Phoenix)