by Mark R. Baker
President & CEO Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
AOPA members know a lot about their association. But most of them have no idea just how many ways they can put their membership to work.
If you’re an AOPA member, I trust that you already know about our award-winning magazines AOPA Pilot and Flight Training. You’re probably also familiar with our advocacy efforts and at least some of the great information on our websites. But I’m willing to bet there are plenty of member services and benefits you haven’t yet discovered. So this month I want to share some of my favorite lesser-known member benefits with you.
Need an excuse to go flying or visit a new airport? Then check out the Aviation Events Calendar under the Community & Events tab on AOPA.org for an ever-changing list of aviation activities from pancake breakfasts to airshows.
Want a new place to get that $100 hamburger or looking for a good spot for your next fuel stop? “AOPA Airports,” found under the Flight Planning tab on AOPA.org, lets you search for airports with restaurants on the field to make your next trip a little tastier. Once you’ve decided where to go, be sure to review, print, or download the official, and free, taxiway diagrams and charts for your destination.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling an airplane—or just wondering what you can afford—take advantage of “Vref,” an exclusive member benefit that lets you select an airplane make, model, and equipment and get an approximate market value. You’ll find Vref under the Products and Services tab on AOPA.org.
Whether you’re brand new to aviation or you’ve been flying for decades, you’re sure to have aviation questions from time to time. As an AOPA member you have free access to experts who can answer your toughest questions.
AOPA’s Pilot Information Center is staffed with people who really know flying, from flight instructors to flight school managers to pro pilots. Want to know how the FAA is interpreting a regulation? Got a question about the nitty gritty of buying an airplane or arranging a leaseback? Need to understand the ins and outs of planning an international trip? A simple call (800/872-2672) or email (pilotassist@aopa.org) will get you the answers you need.
We’re just scratching the surface. As an AOPA member you can get push notification of TFRs in your area, check out all kinds of aviation careers through the AOPA Aviation Jobs Board, make use of great free flight planning tools, and so much more.
If you haven’t already used some of these services, I hope you’ll give them a try. There’s more to AOPA than you know, and I want you to get the most out of your membership.
www.aopa.org • 800-872-2672
