|
United States Pilots Association |
Most all USPA members are also members of AOPA. We realize that you can't belong to TOO MANY aviation organizations. There are so few of us GA pilots, we need to multiply our numbers--and thereby out strength--by multiplying our votes through multiple organizations.
So it seemed most appropriate (and pleasing) to read Phil Boyer's letter to "Fellow Pilots" in the June issue of America's Flyways. Phil is fully aware of the strength that comes from local voices speaking out, in spite of the power of national organizations. I found it right on the money when he said, "AOPA, in coordination with other aviation and coalition groups can respond on a national level to national stories, but nothing--nothing--is as effective as a local voice speaking up for a local asset such as your airport."
That's EXACTLY what USPA is about! Since we're a GRASS ROOTS organization, we work at the local, state, and national levels on issues that our members bring to the table. When our members have a local problem, we help them help themselves. And we agree that the most powerful voice is the local voice speaking up for itself.
Sometimes the local voice needs a little advice and support. And that's what USPA provides through its local chapters. We've helped many of our members deal with perplexing local problems. It's sort of like voting. If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain if you're not happy with the outcome. And if you don't get involved in things that are of concern to you in aviation, you can't expect others to do your battling for you. Just paying your membership dues isn't enough. You have to get in the fracus yourself. And USPA can help you do that.
We thank Phil for recognizing the importance of grass roots efforts. And we invite you to invite your friends and fellow pilots to join USPA and let us help you help yourself. It takes only five individual members in an area to start a local USPA chapter. It's easy! We'll send you the paperwork to just fill in the blanks, and you're on your way.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association