I agree… absolute gold!
I bit the bullet and didn’t renew my AOPA membership. This morning will be my first flight as a non-AOPA person, thingy, whatever. Should I be worried? Should my student be concerned? Will the FAA send me a letter?
I feel a bit like James Earl Jones sticking my hand into the outfield corn in ‘Field of Dreams’…
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I have to admit, I don’t get it either.
That was a well-crafted allegory, Kevin. And as such, all too plausible.
Like all sibling rivalries, it boils down to competition for scarce resources. Like many of us, I belong to both camps, although the extrinsic benefits I get from AOPA consist of a life-insurance policy that at this point wouldn’t cover the evironmental remediation fees arising from the flaming hole I might leave. Frankly, it’s AOPA’s proximity to Foggy Bottom and its denizens that I find the most valuable. Like septic wastewater technicians, I’m glad they are there, and I want them to be good at their jobs, but I could not, and would not, ever do them myself. So I proudly wear an AOPA sticker on my airport car, and continue to pay my increasing membership dues.
EAA, on the other hand, is my peeps. I am an EAB and pilot, hang with the EAB crowd, and have attended Airventure every year since 1978 (including the year that it wasn’t officially held).
So frankly, the story was not believable on its face, but it wasn’t meant to be. If it has any effect at all, I would hope that it helps to mitigate the vitriol in AvWeb that mirrors the schism in our national discourse.
I wish I were more sanguine.
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I agree. While I am not above making fun of both groups I too am a member of both and have worked for the Foggy Bottom one for a while. I shun wearing either of their hats, which is a shame because they would cover my growing bald spot.
There is probably a level of Oshkosh that I have not experienced yet. I go as a card-carrying member of the aviation media and enjoy the experience but have never been one to shun my air-conditioned hotel room (near a great bar and restaurant) to bask in the glow of waking up wet and bug bitten under the wing of my Cessna 140. I’ll be around this year, schlepping my lawn chair from shade to shade. Find me and I’ll spring for some cheese curds. kg
Bruce, I think I am going to follow your lead and “go commando” with my memberships. Of course, I could be like Doc (in the movie) and have to save some random AOPA or EAA member from choking on a hotdog. Then, I’d have to return because my wife was metaphorically waiting with dinner…
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Funny. Ain’t that the truth! 
Ah, Grasshoppers, Your confusion stems not from ignorance or as we say in the dojo, being “et up with the dumbass.” The meaning you seek might be an illusion, a miasma brought about from too much time on the iPad and not enough clapping with one hand. Do not worry – enlightenment may come soon. Until then, repeat your mantra and party on.
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Thanks Jason (the system said that saying Thanks was too few characters to work as a real answer and suggested that I include some insipid smiley face thingies) To fight the oncoming Ai takeover, I will instead post a simple analog
I sure hope so! That has to be one tough job – flying around in a brand new airplane to various fly ins and parties and having people like me make good natured fun of your gig.
No doubt because I’ve had division and conflict so present on the mind with the recent heated discussions on DEI and politics I thought it was a perfect allegory to that, and the last paragraph bringing it all home, using the alphabet groups of our world of aviation to show the futulity of it all.
Ok, I’ve been known to be odd before, but I really enjoyed it…
I just buy another T-Shirt at the next Marginal Aviation gathering to keep a spare and that renews my membership. I like Marginal so much that I even donate to them! I’m not telling you where they are though as I want to keep this organization to the few. They are a strong few though with a mighty air force. Beware Laddy Vladdie.
I came close to dropping AOPA because they are coming closer to “understanding” big airport management claims and FBO needs and common sense the GA driver needs that fund the FBOs. The only reason mine did renew this year is the renewal is on autopilot. I may switch that autopilot off in the coming year.
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Being dense is not like being dead. When you are dead you don’t know you are dead. When you are dense…no wait, its the same.
Sorry Milkshake, but there’s no point in explaining humor. Let it go.
Let me 'spain it to you. It is called humor.
Glad I’m not the only one who believes AOPA caved in with the DC SFRA, or just about anything else TSA requires (mask wearing in FBO’s during COVID). I would have cancelled my membership had it not been for offering the pilot legal protection services.
Your wife might think you have a girlfriend? 
Ah… you have so enlightened me with your wisdom Kemosabe… I think…
So, again, what is your point?
EAA president works for nothing, which is what he is worth and ironically the AOPA president is worth the same. EAA membership is $48, AOPA $89. EAA member since 1959, AOPA not for a long time.
First EAA Convention in 1961, I only missed 1968.
