End of the Year Dues Blues

As 2020 comes to a close (thank goodness), it is now time for the holidays (but we can’t get together), a time of gift giving (but we still can’t get together), and a time of year-end dues, taxes, subscriptions, registrations, charities, and the list goes on.

So, I don’t think it is unusual for people to get a little tired of funding subscriptions/dues for multiple aviation organizations. My own renewals include AOPA, EAA, WPA, RAF, EAA 430, Port Townsend Aero Museum, and the GlaStar group (my type club). While there’s no question everyone gets a lot of requests for money this time of year, every one of those organizations that I support does something unique for aviation.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) does a great job representing General Aviation at the highest national levels while still advocating for individual members. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) represents those building and flying experimental category aircraft. They support the local chapters where we interact with fellow members.

The Washington Pilots Association (WPA) advocates for its members in the Washington state legislature. They are currently working on the Community Aviation Revitalization Board which would provide loans to certain public use airports. There is also a bill redirecting 1% of the aviation tax from the general fund to the WSDOT grant program. They have also secured significant savings for members at 13 businesses including Aircraft Spruce. Although the Clallam County Pilots Association is not actively meeting, the President, David Miller, regularly communicates with Port Angeles Fairchild International Airport (KCLM) management and offers suggestions and comments on proposals for change.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and improving airfields. They are especially effective at preserving back country airfields by working collaboratively with state and federal policy makers of public lands.

The Port Townsend Aero Museum/youth program conducts restoration of classic aircraft by teens interested in aviation. What’s not to like? I can get behind that. And lastly, aircraft type clubs are fun, educational, and can save you a lot of money.

Frankly, there is some overlap between organizations. Every one of them offers aviation education. Is that a bad thing? But they also can work together: The FAA announced earlier this year that they were planning on removing from the charts all airfields that did not respond to their letter for an update. AOPA asked for the list of non-responsive airfields. RAF offered to make personal contact with all the non-responsive airports across the country. RAF volunteers made efforts to communicate with airport managers nationwide either by telephone or mail. Many airfields were kept on the charts by this effort.

So, just because all the costs show up in one month, let’s not get weary of supporting organizations that work to keep us flying, and preserve the amazing freedom we have to fly in America. Truly, the amount of money involved to support these organizations is small, considering the many benefits they provide. Besides that, if you renew or join the WPA (CCPA) you will be entered in a drawing to win “the Best Damn Chocks on the Airport.” These chocks are cast from aircraft pistons and feature your N-number on the front.

Ray