The two aviation groups that come to mind that I should consider joining are AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association).
The first one, AOPA is certainly the most important one, and may even be the most important group in all of aviation to join. Founded in 1939, AOPA is a group made up of pilots that are usually fighting for pilot rights. This can mean anything from permits that operate airports to major rule changes by the FAA. Most importantly, they are probably the biggest advocators for GA aircraft, something that the FAA has neglected since Sept 11th. GA aircraft operations still play a vital role in aviation, from the sales of aircraft to the current problems with GA aircraft making up the majority of crashes. http://www.aopa.org/About-AOPA/Governance/Mission-and-History-of-AOPA.aspx
The EAA is nearly as important but from a different standpoint. While AOPA defends pilots rights, EAA helps ensure that pilots can create and fly hand built aircraft that don't need to meet FAA specifications. Now if you haven't heard about experimental aircraft, it can be quite scary to learn about. They are aircraft that are mostly homebuilt by hand over usually the space of many years, that don't need to meet rigorous FAA regulations in order to fly. Does this mean that they are poorly built, or might not fly? The answer is somewhere in between a yes and a no. I would consider a majority of pilots are professional enough to know their limits, to know what will work and what won't, and that if any homebuilt aircraft are completed, and that they do test flights over a proper area (which can be easier said then done) to insure that any problems won't result in the death of any bystanders. The EAA allows pilots to build their own aircraft, something that just comes natural to anybody interest in their industry. http://www.eaa.org/about/
As for the benefits of these groups, they touch on different things. AOPA as stated defend pilot rights. This means that anything that could be unfair or unjust to pilots, wither it be new FAA rules or certain airline operations is fought against by not just a few pilots but a 100,000 strong group. AOPA also offers discounted insurance rates, lawyers and insight into aviation.
The EAA on the other hand I think will help because of the people that are part of the group. Talking to pilots that have built their own aircraft adds a different perspective on flying, and some of the stories that come along with it can help new pilots. One time at the Great Lakes conference last year, I had the privilege to sit in on one pilots tale about his home built aircraft. To make a long story short, he managed to crash this aircraft 3 times, and walked away from all three of them. Hearing what he did in those situations, what he did to build the aircraft, and the ins and outs of experimental aviation gave very good insight on emergencies and the possibility of owning an affordable aircraft. I also think its important to be able to allow people the chance to come up with something new, something that hasn't been done before but isn't tied down to regulations.
These two groups I believe are the most important to join. I am part of one of them so far, but the other will have to wait a few years, for various reasons!
You made me laugh when you told about the EA. If you go to Osk Kosh, they seem to bring out all the people who are involved in that association. It is by far their biggest get together. I know that most people build their own aircraft because of their love of flying, working with their hands and cost savings. Put together, that is kind of a risky proposition. Good Luck Tom.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about joining the EAA as well. They seem like a great organization to join.
ReplyDeleteI hear that the EAA has an active local chapter as well.
ReplyDeleteDoes the EAA advocate certification of components/aircraft, or is it more concerned with protecting the rights of pilots to build and experiment?
ReplyDeleteI flew into Oshkosh during the summer this past year and EAA was primarily in charge of the camping event and trollies that get you from place to place. From the time I signed up at the gate, they were extremely friendly people who volunteer their time to work such a huge event. I really liked the way they took care of the people who support them.
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