1. A.O.P.A. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

2. Mission Statement  Since its inception on May 15 1939 the AOPA has fought to protect your right to fly while maintaining a safe, fun, and affordable experience.

3. In its first year the AOPA drew over 2500 members and by 1942 rose to 10,000. The AOPA was instrumental in providing pilots to the armed forces throughout world war 2. Post war the AOPA spent most of its time promoting “flyer safety” A Brief History

4. To date the AOPA boasts well over 400,000 members who enjoy all of the many exclusive benefits, services, and opportunities available to you as a member. Where Do I Sign Up!  The AOPA offers three variations of membership including regular, Plus, and student. Members are often pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts.

5. Pressing Issues Is a License enough???  AOPA and EAA have submitted a request to the FAA to give pilots the option of using their driver’s license as the baseline of health, instead of a 3rd class medical. No Fees!!!  AOPA is concerned that repeated and ongoing calls for the imposition of user fees on general aviation are ill-considered and do not take into account the serious negative consequences of such fees for pilots, aircraft operators, and the national economic interest.

6. What the website did right Lots of pretty planes. The websites homepage idealizes flying as a heroic adventure by dazzling up the website with pretty pictures, testimonials, and courageous quotes.

7.  The AOPA’s uses community events and various forms of local outreach, to communicate with the community. It seems that a lot of their programs play off of children's infatuation with flying. They do open houses at local airports discount flyer classes, and junior flyer introduction workshops. Bring your kids