![[Courtesy of Mark Baker]](https://avweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/21_Mark-Baker-portraits-0010-scaled.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
![[Courtesy of Mark Baker]](https://avweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/21_Mark-Baker-portraits-0010-scaled.jpg)
AOPA’s annual membership meeting is coming up next week, and there’s something important I want to say: general aviation needs AOPA more than ever.
I probably wouldn’t be flying today without AOPA—and neither would you. I don’t say that lightly or because I spent 11 years leading the organization. I say it because it’s true.
I started flying at age 17, and in the decades since, general aviation has been under almost constant threat. From crushing liability judgments to airport closures, from attempts to privatize air traffic control to frivolous lawsuits, and even the terror attacks of 9/11, general aviation has been in the crosshairs again and again.
The pressure on GA is intense—and it’s not letting up. That’s why we need a strong, vigilant advocate. It’s why we need AOPA.
AOPA staff are in statehouses, on Capitol Hill, and in federal agencies every single day. They know the regulators and lawmakers. And when a serious threat emerges, AOPA is first on the scene, bringing potent expertise, a deep understanding of the issues, and the resources to fight hard for you.
Regardless of what you think about the recent change in leadership, if you care about GA, you should care about building a strong AOPA.
As individual pilots, we are powerless in the face of giant commercial interests, government bureaucracy, and anti-airport sentiment. But together we have incredible strength—and when we speak with one voice, decision makers listen.
If you are a member, get involved. If you aren’t a member, become one. It’s time to stop throwing stones from the shore. Wade in and help build a better, more resilient AOPA.
In the eight weeks since AOPA’s Board of Trustees elected a new chairman, they have received a lot of feedback and taken meaningful steps to respond, proposing governance changes, interviewing almost two dozen Board candidates, and beginning the search for a new executive.
Some want faster change. But moving fast is less important than getting it right. It takes time to make thoughtful, purposeful decisions that will move AOPA and the GA community forward.
I want to thank the staff of AOPA for their professionalism and willingness to keep doing the important work of protecting general aviation, even when faced with other people’s anger and frustration.
Like them, I’m not willing to stand by and hope someone else will stand up for GA. It’s why I’m an AOPA life member and you should be, too.
I’ll be at the meeting on May 12 and hope to see you there. The future of GA is in our hands.
– Mark Baker
![[Courtesy of Mark Baker]](https://avweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/21_Mark-Baker-portraits-0010-scaled.jpg?w=300)
They may be needed, but they will go the way of the Dodo bird if they don’t get their act together and be more responsive to their members, and most importantly, LISTEN to them and act accordingly.
Mark, I agree, but how did we get here and what do you think needs to change?
I’m not talking about Darren’s departure, that was just one hole in one slice of swiss cheese.
How did the board become insular and sclerotic? What changes do you think are needed (if any)? What actions during your tenure did the board stop vs support?
Back in the day of the AOPA fly in events, i saw the head members getting out of their fancy newer aircraft, with all the latest electronics. As im flying a barely airworthy old Cessna with steam Guage. Then i see the AOPA asking for unpaid volunteers to help out with said event. That didn’t sit well with me. Especially right after the closings of meigs field, Holland Michigan, and various others. If ever there was a thing called lead by example, it certainly needs to be applied here.
I agree that AOPA is very important to the General Aviation Community and I certainly don’t want to see it go away. I really appreciate the many programs that it provides to pilots and the folks at AOPA that make those programs happen. But at the same time, there is a clear need for significant change at the highest levels of leadership. The pilot population is seeing significant growth, why isn’t the membership of AOPA? Why isn’t AOPA more transparent to its members and why does it seem to care more about the corporate elites than its grassroots members. I think it is pretty clear that new and younger blood is needed on the Board and term limits are needed to generate the turnover that is required. The organization leadership needs a refresh that will attract the next generation of aviators into the fold. I for one, cancelled my AOPA membership after 30 years of being a loyal member. I would like to renew it, but only if I see some significant changes at the upcoming Annual Membership Meeting.
Will Fox
EAA Chapter 691, President
CFII, ATP, Independent Fight Instructor
EAA, ABS, SAFE, and former AOPA member
My anger at AOPA is the lack of apparent “professionalism” when they announced Darren’s departure without a logical explanation. Their reasons simply made no sense. Are there details that simply can’t be made public? Then say so. Don’t provide an explanation that sounds made up.
As to having wealthy people at the helm, which seems to be a bit of an issue with some members… while we want leaders who are sympathetic with grassroots aviation, we also need highly influential people to make a difference in government. These folks are successful for a reason. I try not to resent that success.
Mark- your post lacks- in pilot language- situational awareness and comes across as arrogant. Saying “none of us would be flying” if not for AOPA discounts all the positive work other groups do. You headed an association that bled members for a decade. AOPA does good things and there are good people there. But your full-throttled defense is tone-deaf and does nothing to address the issues.
Were you at the member meeting in Frederick MD yesterday? I was, 54 year member, and they listened carefully, in some cases taking copious notes of the great suggestions that some of the members presented during the open mic session. Unfortunately there were two members who did not acquit themselves very well. One elderly man DEMANDED that the board explain why the President was fired after one year. Luke, the CEO, patiently explained that it was a legal matter and not up for discussion . Another member stood up and proceeded to berate the board, loudly and in disrespectful tones, for their “mistakes”. He bluntly told them they were all terrible at their jobs and if had his way they would all be fired. When he stopped speaking, finally, there was no applause from the other members. The board is doing a great job handling a bad situation and I told them each afterwards.