Jim:
Much of what you say about AOPA is true -- it has become a lobbying firm for the upper end of GA. Their magazine is following the same trend that Flying took back in the '50s. That is, the Pilot is more interested in turbo props and jets than in smaller airplanes that fly low and slow and in the advertising pages that the manufacturers of turbos and jets buy. The magazine needs advertising dollars from equipment manufactures too and people don't generally install high-dollar avionics in cubs, champs, & 150s.
Who else is there to represent us in Washington? EAA has a voice, but in my opinion, it is not as influencial or as sophisticated as AOPA. In many ways EAA and its members fit the non-aviation people's stereotype of pilots. That is pilots who fly small airplanes made out wood and using 2 cycle lawnmower engines for power. While we might identify more closely with EAA, my sense is that people don't take EAA as seriously as AOPA.
AOPA is, I believe, capable of some skillful lobbying. Lobbying and good lobbyists cost money and that is what is driving the membership campaigns and solicitation campaigns. As far as the airplane giveaway goes, EAA also gives one away. All organizations want more members and more money.
Bottom line, like 'em or not, if it were not for the AOPA, private aviation would be in the same boat as Great Britian and the European countries. I don't see anyone one or any organization currently on the scene that can do the work that AOPA is doing right now.
Don
