Is EAA worth it, if I'm not interested in experimental.

[odie451]

Fellow POA'rs,

I just recently decided to get into aviation. I will be taking a discovery flight tomorrow after work.
When I was looking for discovery flights, I saw that the local EAA chapter near me does Eagle flights, unfortunately they told me not now because of covid. The lady I talked to invited me to there poker run they are having this weekend. Is this something I could go to if I am not a member.

 

[rtk11]

I supported EAA before I converted my S-LSA to E-LSA. I continue to support EAA as they do plenty for the General Aviation community. Plenty of camaraderie amongst the EAA members such as the aforementioned Poker Run.

Plus, if you like Ford vehicles (like the new Bronco, or Mach E) EAA membership gives you a discount on Ford vehicles.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

Yes, worth it. My local chapter has all ages, experimental and certified owners, builders, mechanics, and some who don’t even fly. It’s one good way to meet folks, talk planes, and maybe even fly. Plus the magazine is really nice, and you’ll be able to buy discounted tix to OSH.

Where are you located?

 

[Utah-Jay]

I joined earlier today, we are going Experimental, but as stated above there very well may be some other benefits. I will give it a year and see.

I did reach out to my local chapter today via email and have yet to hear back regarding trying to find an instructor in our general area.

 

[skier]

They also offer a license for solidworks as a membership perk, if that sort of thing interests you.

 

[WmInce]

Many good maintenance tips can be gleaned from the EAA magazine.
Besides that, the EAA Webinars are excellent. The presenters are experts . . and after they are finished, they gladly answer numerous related questions from the listening members.
Those are reasons enough to justify a subscription.
If dissatisfied, you can always opt out at the renewal date.
Not to mention . . . discounted tickets to most air shows like Oshkosh, Sun n' Fun and Deland.

 

[odie451]

Yes, worth it. My local chapter has all ages, experimental and certified owners, builders, mechanics, and some who don’t even fly. It’s one good way to meet folks, talk planes, and maybe even fly. Plus the magazine is really nice, and you’ll be able to buy discounted tix to OSH.

Where are you located?

I'm located in So-Cal, the Chapter that is having the poker run is located a Flabob airport.

I joined earlier today, we are going Experimental, but as stated above there very well may be some other benefits. I will give it a year and see.

I did reach out to my local chapter today via email and have yet to hear back regarding trying to find an instructor in our general area.

The reason I don't think experimental is for me is the weight restrictions. To me it looks like experimental are mostly LSA, which makes it difficult for me based on my weight 250 lbs.

 

[Stan Cooper]

I've been an EAA member since 1966, but owned only certificated airplanes until recently. I've learned more about airplanes, aviation history and innovation from EAA than from any other source. I'm always learning from EAA Sport Aviation articles and webinars, and a couple of months ago splurged and became a lifetime member. The organization is first class and attending AirVenture in Oshkosh at least once should be a high priority on every pilot's bucket list.

 

[Stan Cooper]

To me it looks like experimental are mostly LSA, which makes it difficult for me based on my weight 250 lbs.

EAA is a lot more than LSAs. In fact, most EAA activity is Experimental-Amateur Built, warbirds, and vintage aircraft. For example, the Van's RV-10 is a four-place E-AB that has performance similar to the Cirrus SR-22.

 

[skier]

IThe reason I don't think experimental is for me is the weight restrictions. To me it looks like experimental are mostly LSA, which makes it difficult for me based on my weight 250 lbs.

Welcome to the weird and wacky world of experimental aircraft. Experimentals are definitely not limited to LSA type aircraft. They cover the range from single seat open cockpit ultralights all the way up to jets. Here are some of the larger ones though not all are currently available

Rutan Boomerang

Bede BD-10

Lancair Evolution

Griffon Lionheart

Vans RV-10

Velocity

Cozy MKIV

Bearhawk (4 seat)

 

[skier]

On top of the wide variety of aircraft available, Experimental offers many benefits in terms of cost. Parts are much cheaper when they don't have to be certified and a builder can do all their own maintenance.

 

[flyingron]

EAA is more intune to recreational aviation than the self-serving money grubbers at AOPA. I'm letting my AOPA membership lapse after this month. I've got a substantial commitment to EAA>

 

[zaitcev]

EAA made massive inroads at the AOPA turf during the times of "AOPA Wine Club" scandals, and Jack Pelton came onboad to oversee a transition from the organization dominated by homebuilders and warbird restorers into a more general aviation (heh) oriented society. There was a concern voiced in certain circles about aopization of EAA, getting co-opted by the same corruption that damaged AOPA, and so on. However, EAA has not turned into AOPA. And, AOPA continues to maintain certain member services that EAA does not offer, such as legal support. AOPA-brokered insurance is massively cheaper for me than Avemco.

 

[frfly172]

I am a member and enjoy the activities with other pilots, also enjoy doing young eagle flights.

 

[rtk11]

The reason I don't think experimental is for me is the weight restrictions. To me it looks like experimental are mostly LSA, which makes it difficult for me based on my weight 250 lbs.

EAA is a lot more than LSAs. In fact, most EAA activity is Experimental-Amateur Built, warbirds, and vintage aircraft. For example, the Van's RV-10 is a four-place E-AB that has performance similar to the Cirrus SR-22.

Agreed with Stan - a lot more than LSA. Lots of E-AB support, and my DAR that did my E-LSA conversion is out of KCNO (so not far from Flabob) and helps lots of E-AB builders.

As for LSA... There are LSA that will carry more than what you weigh. Most of the newer ones are weight limited because of the BRS and other equipment (EFIS, etc.) that add to total weight. My Sportcruiser can easily handle a 250 pound pilot as I used to weigh that (and more.) Remos, Flight Design CTsw... Bushcat (SoCal dealer out of French Valley, or F70...)

Whatever the case, there are plenty of reasons to join the EAA (as mentioned above), as well as being able to attend meetings, webinars, and even hands-on sessions to learn about aircraft and its construction.

 

[flyingron]

EAA made massive inroads at the AOPA turf during the times of "AOPA Wine Club" scandals, and Jack Pelton came onboad to oversee a transition from the organization dominated by homebuilders and warbird restorers into a more general aviation (heh) oriented society. There was a concern voiced in certain circles about aopization of EAA, getting co-opted by the same corruption that damaged AOPA, and so on. However, EAA has not turned into AOPA. And, AOPA continues to maintain certain member services that EAA does not offer, such as legal support. AOPA-brokered insurance is massively cheaper for me than Avemco.

And don't forget Vintage. Vintage (which at this point is any aircraft made in 1970 or older) is a substantial part of aviation.

AOPA's "support" groups are by and large useless. Their so-called "medical" advice is a joke. I''ve not ventured in to their legal side. Generally, any of the AOPA "member services" especially with regard to insurance is a good deal for nobody but AOPA. I ran afoul of their so-called pilot-friendly life insurance which was a complete laugh. Fortunately, there are some good independent agent (PICLife for example).

AOPA really has lost touch with their so-called constituency. The EAA represents the recreational flyer much better on just about any issue.

 

[odie451]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I might just stop by the bbq lunch there having at my local chapter and check it out.

And don't forget Vintage. Vintage (which at this point is any aircraft made in 1970 or older) is a substantial part of aviation.

I do find the non electric planes interesting.

 

[PaulS]

Yes, it's worth it.

 

[MarkH]

I am of the opinion that anyone who is considering joining AOPA, and actually flies their own plane (vs owns a plane and has pilots on staff), will benefit more from EAA than AOPA.

EAA is the go to organization for piston flying. In addition to their experimental work, they also have a huge position in restoring vintage and keeping existing certified fleet flying.

In addition, most people thing Experimental is only Experimental-amateur built (like RVs), but Experimental also includes:
The EAA Experimental Cessna 172: AKA the reason you can install glass in many air frames for less than $5000.

Keep in mind, these factory built planes are also flying in the experimental category:
Aluminum Overcast:

XP-82 Twin Mustang:

In addition to supporting home builders, EAA has lobbied to support restorers, sport pilots and maintains archives of information for repairing and maintaining all aircraft.

They also post some great webinars and the magazine is pretty good too. Most of their webinars are on their website, but they have regular webinars with Mike Busch that are free to attend live and posted on Savvy Aviation's Youtube channel (Mike Busch's company) that are worth a listen if you plan to own a certified aircraft at any point (and to get an idea of the content they produce).

 

[Tantalum]

Fellow POA'rs,

I just recently decided to get into aviation. I will be taking a discovery flight tomorrow after work.
When I was looking for discovery flights, I saw that the local EAA chapter near me does Eagle flights, unfortunately they told me not now because of covid. The lady I talked to invited me to there poker run they are having this weekend. Is this something I could go to if I am not a member.

Yes, worth it. They care genuinely about general aviation and are a fantastic group of people

 

[murphey]

EAA is more intune to recreational aviation than the self-serving money grubbers at AOPA. I'm letting my AOPA membership lapse after this month. I've got a substantial commitment to EAA>

me too.

 

[MarkH]

Check out their Youtube channel, it's quarantine, you didn't have anything better to do with you weekend anyway,

https://www.youtube.com/user/FlyWithEAA

 

[bflynn]

If you attend or plan to attend Airventure, the EAA membership will pay for itself in ticket savings. That's a no brainer for joining there. I find the EAA magazine the second best magazine I read; the first is Kitplanes.

 

[Tantalum]

I still have no idea what AOPA does or what tangible objective value they bring.

 

[rtk11]

I still have no idea what AOPA does or what tangible objective value they bring.

I get an AOPA baseball cap every year.

Seriously, they offered some good guidance on aircraft pricing when I was looking a few years ago, and (for an extra fee) some guidance from their aviation attorney on a partnership issue I had. I rarely go to the AOPA website and have a subscription to Foreflight for flight planning, so not really any reason to use the AOPA services. And I used to use their insurance services until it spiked this year. (I went with Air-Pros and got the best rate I've ever gotten on my aircraft, beating AOPA by 1 AMU.) I re-subscribed this year "just in case" its needed, but if I don't use their services this year, I'll likely let it lapse.

 

[Stan Cooper]

AOPA pushed hard for BasicMed and that alone was worth my support. Also, the AOPA Legal Services went overboard for me during the 2005 "Operation Safe Pilot" fiasco. I love both EAA and AOPA for different reasons.

 

[Juliet Hotel]

The reason I don't think experimental is for me is the weight restrictions. To me it looks like experimental are mostly LSA, which makes it difficult for me based on my weight 250 lbs.

Experimental and LSA are two different beasts. Max gross weight for LSA is dictated by the LSA spec. Max gross weight for experimental is dictated by the designer* of the aircraft.

*Technically the builder of the aircraft can set any max gross weight they want, but just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

Yes....EAA provides the best of both Experimental and Production built aircraft. Sean Elliot with government affairs is very effective in regulatory change and stays up to date on current issues.

AOPA is OK....but EAA is far better IMHO. I'm a member of both.

 

[tsts4]

Besides visiting your local EAA Chapter I suggest exploring the EAA website, www.EAA.org . As you now have discovered LSAs encompass just a fraction of the aviation interests supported by EAA.

 

[murphey]

I decided to drop my AOPA membership (which means I need to scrape the sticky emblem off the airplane) I've called AOPA Medical a few times but didn't find them all that helpful. Never needed Legal.

$60 x 20 yrs = $1200 which would pay for a really good aviation lawyer. If I needed more than that, I probably should quit flying. Spent far less than that on the SI (which is no longer an issue).

 

[zaitcev]

Generally, any of the AOPA "member services" especially with regard to insurance is a good deal for nobody but AOPA.

I was unable to find a better deal for the owner insurance than AOPA. The sticking point is that everyone else flat out lie about future rate drops. I heard it about 50 hours in type, about 100, about 150. I suppose it may be wages of flying a retract. But so far I'm unable to find any place that would do better than AOPA-affiliated agency, even despite the recent reorganization into Assured Partners (it's no longer "AOPA Insurance").

 

[flyingron]

I didn't. AOPA's broker was useless to me and unable to find any coverage. Travers did better. I ended up buying direct from Avemco.

 

[odie451]

Went to the local EAA chapter that was having the poker run and find raiser. Everyone who posted here was correct, there was both certificated and experimental aircraft. I was able to see a variety of aircraft. I saw Cessna, Aeronca, Vansrv, Cirrus, Piper, even saw a canard. So I will be joining the EAA soon.

Am I locked into a chapter, when I join.

 

[Stan Cooper]

Am I locked into a chapter, when I join?

No; you can decide not to join a chapter or to join any chapter. It would make sense to join a chapter nearby for convenience in attending chapter events. I'm fortunate to have a very friendly really active chapter here in Santa Rosa (Chapter 124) which I joined after moving here, but for fifty years I wasn't a chapter member.

 

[champ driver]

EAA comprises a lot of different types of planes, from warbirds, homebuilts, ultralights, to antique and classics. It doesn't matter what you fly, the main thing is flying for fun and enjoyment. I thought about building a homebuilt years ago but saw that wasn't going to happen, so I'm working on a restoration right now. Even though I won't be building a plane, I still enjoy reading the articles about them and admire the hard work it takes to complete one.
Your size and weight will limit you to some of the larger planes, but there's still fun to be had.
The Flabob airport has a long history of sport flying and the Chapter is very active. Chapters are like people, they have personalities, if you don't click with this one go visit another. You should to go to a few meetings or events to see if you like it though. You can join or not join, or join multiple Chapters if you like.

 

[Ravioli]

Went to the local EAA chapter that was having the poker run and find raiser. Everyone who posted here was correct, there was both certificated and experimental aircraft. I was able to see a variety of aircraft. I saw Cessna, Aeronca, Vansrv, Cirrus, Piper, even saw a canard. So I will be joining the EAA soon.

Don't ride in a Vans airplane. You'll never go back to a Velocity after that.

 

[Flybuddy]

EAA is twice the value for half the dues of AOPA. Although I've owned 3 experi-MENTALS in past and built one, I currently own an Archer and find more value in EAA than AOPA. As far as insurance, I had AOPA and they were just renewing same underwriter and not checking for better rates, I saved a bunch going through Falcon/EAA.

 

[Bearhawk'r]

definitely be part of EAA...so much better than AOPA (although do both as they both advocate for us).

 

[Craig]

You’re never locked into joining a chapter, or staying with one. At one time, a group of us maintained active memberships with all 3 chapters near us. Only reason I’m not active now, is simply scheduling. Most of the chapters near me meet when I’m sleeping, or have just got off work.

EAB projects run the gammut from near ultralight weights all the way into LOA/Type Rated weights. One of my restoration projects is of significant enough work to really qualify as a new build and will gross just under the 12,500 pound limit.

 

[flyingron]

And different chapters do different things. Some chapters are indeed focused on building and others have a more rounded interest. Some are very technical, while others are largely social gatherings.
What's available depends on the area. I was a member (and fairly active for a while) of EAA 186 in the DC area. I kind of got disillusioned with them after a while and drifted away. I've not rejoined a chapter (despite some friends trying to get me to join) down here in NC, where we have both EAA and Vintage chapters.