An AOPA membership ad from the 1950s that demonstrates AOPA has been advocating for general aviation pilots and helping to make flying more affordable.

Seventy years ago, general aviation was in a state of chaos.

A disorganized handful of pilot organizations competed ineffectively for members. As a result, there was no serious political representation on behalf of pilots and airplane owners. In fact, at the time general aviation was referred to in government circles as, "miscellaneous aviation" and generally disdained by officials.

Clearly, something needed to be done. That’s when five men – C. Townsend Ludington, Philip T. and Laurence P. Sharples, J. Story Smith, and Alfred L. Wolf – founded the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). They were determined that general aviation would have representation locally as well as nationally.

Their vision soon became reality. In its early years, AOPA helped thousands of new pilots earn their pilot certificates. The Association successfully lobbied for more general aviation airports and introduced thousands of pilots to military rules and procedures in forming the "AOPA Air Guard" to support our air forces. AOPA representatives went to Washington, D.C., and convinced the government not to ban all general aviation during WWII.

In the early 70’s when the "oil embargo" threatened the very existence of private aviation, AOPA successfully argued that general aviation represents 98% of all aircraft, but uses only 8.6% of the fuel.

Rare archival treasures: The first AOPA membership application, and a handwritten log of charter members.

During the 80’s we began to see the effects of product liability on the manufacturers of aviation products. AOPA’s leadership and involvement in reform led to the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1984 and the rebirth of the single engine piston market.

Now, decades later and into the 21st century, AOPA is still working hard for general aviation in battles against the development pressures that threaten general aviation airports around the globe.

Following the 9/11 attacks and ongoing today, AOPA works hard to keep pilots informed and unfettered by unnecessary restrictions, while defending every pilot’s right and privilege to fly.

Over the seven decades since its founding, AOPA has evolved some of the finest media portfolios in aviation - magazines, Web sites, newsletters - and used them to improve flying and to engage the pilot community in the issues that affect aviation. But it's more than media assets and skilled lobbying that give AOPA its extraordinary influence. A dedicated membership of more than 415,000 is what makes AOPA a force to be reckoned with in the halls of government...and allows AOPA to be a powerful advocate for all pilots.