AOPA

AOPA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, is an association for pilots. The website says it has hundreds of thousands of members in 75 countries. It describes itself as representing the largest aviation community in the world.

Its stated mission is to ensure that the sky remains within reach of everyone who dreams of becoming a pilot. The team works from offices in Frederick, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Membership includes benefits, member discounts and a free membership trial. The site also lists military and student memberships, and an AOPA World Mastercard with cash back on aviation purchases. Digital magazine editions can be added to a membership.

Pilot Protection Services provides legal and medical help. Insurance benefits are offered to members, and AOPA Finance helps members arrange aircraft loans.

The training and safety section covers learn to fly resources, the Air Safety Institute, a flight school finder, a college directory, flight instructor renewal (eFIRC), BasicMed and online learning.

Trip planning tools include the AOPA flight planner, TFR information, AOPA weather, an airport directory, international travel guidance and travel discounts. The website also lists emergency assistance services for travellers.

Aircraft ownership resources cover buying and selling an aircraft, aircraft valuation, an aircraft guide, an operating costs calculator, maintenance and inspections, co-ownership, and a flying club finder.

AOPA advocates on pilot, airport and airspace issues, including 100 unleaded avgas. It runs fly-ins and the Aviation Career Expo, and publishes magazines, videos, podcasts and webinars.

The site has a pilot information center, an aviation job board and an AOPA partners programme. Partners listed include Aircraft Spruce, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Jeppesen and ForeFlight.

Services

• Membership benefits
• Pilot Protection Services
• Air Safety Institute
• Flight school finder
• Pilot Information Center
• AOPA Finance
• Flight planner and TFR information
• Aircraft buying and selling guidance
• Aviation Career Expo
• Magazines, videos and podcasts