If you support AOPA UK you get a magazine and representation in the UK (and I think Europe) which is of course good news.
Correct. AOPA (UK) is represented at EASA, as are all other AOPAs, through the Agency's recognition of IAOPA (Europe). Not just EASA Member States, but in fact the interests of some 31 European nations.
The President of IAOPA (Europe) nominates who shall best represent the Association at various EASA meetings or on certain EASA Committees.
For example, on Tue / Wed of this coming week, I will be representing IAOPA (Europe) at the 'Workshop on Ex Post Evaluation of Rules on Pilot Training, Testing and Checking'.
Another little known advantage of AOPA (UK) membership is that, due to mutual trust with the CAA, we are frequently able to solve members' queries quite quickly. In fact we can often resolve a query rather than it being sent to join the quivering in-tray of fclweb, particularly when the Authority is bogged down by contingency planning for a non-negotiated UK/EU exit. Regrettably, much of the 'advice' posted on websites is either out of date or just plain wrong - and many instructors and examiners aren't a great deal of use either, I'm sad to relate.
We have recently introduced a monthly payment option, so that the cost of annual membership doesn't have to be met all at once.
It was good to meet so many members at Aero Expo who clearly valued the work we do protecting the GA interest.
And it costs less per week than half a pint of beer or one of those lattemochafrappacino froth and hot water things that seem so popular these days!