I support AOPA 100%, but...

amd87 · April 15th, 2005, 17:51

Today I got a call from an AOPA telemarketer working for the air safety foundation. He seemed like a nice guy at first, but he ended the conversation on a sour note. Let me begin by saying that I support the work of AOPA completely, and think their air safety seminars are great, but this guy needed to learn how to soften up a bit.

First he begins by explaining the benefits of the ASF and asking how my flying has been going lately. (I knew he would be asking for a donation sooner or later.) Finally he askes me for a monetary donation of $100. I decline, explaining that I just turned 18 and scraping up $100 is very hard for me considering I'm just trying to afford flight lessons and college next year. Then he asks me for a modest donation of $30. Again, I explain that I cannot afford that, this time adding that I will not be able to attend any ASF seminars in my area in the future anyway because I will either be in school or work. His response was "well good luck flying" in a pissed off tone. I still remain polite by thanking him and telling him to have a nice evening, only to find out that he hung up on me 5 seconds earlier.

Now I understand that his job may be stressful and not very rewarding, but if AOPA is calling up teenage students asking for modest donations of $30, and then hanging up on them, its going to hurt the organization in the long run. I would imagine that AOPA would try to show even more respect for young pilots since we are the future of the organization. I do plan to remain a member of AOPA, but this call will make me think twice about donating in the future.

SteveC · April 15th, 2005, 18:03

Might be a good idea to call or email AOPA and let them know of your experience. I would be willing to bet that it is an outside telemarketing firm that is doing the soliciting for AOPA/ASF, not actual AOPA employees, and I'm guessing that AOPA would want feedback if you were treated poorly.

MQAAord · April 15th, 2005, 18:04

I don't think those people are actual employees of AOPA. I believe AOPA contracts with a telemarketing agency to make those calls on AOPA's behalf.

A couple weeks ago I got a call from them, right while I was trying to get dinner on the table. I told them no and to put me on their do-not-call list. Half an hour later THEY CALLED AGAIN. I not so politely told the second caller that they had just called me, and I told them once nicely already to remove me from their list.

We donate a small amount every year in both of our names, but I do not appreciate their calls either. I'm furloughed, and my husband just took a massive pay cut. I don't like people asking me for money!

EatSleepFly · April 15th, 2005, 18:06

F them. I stopped paying AOPA dues because of those ASF phone calls. Those knobs used to call me ON MY CELL PHONE (how they got the number, I don't know) in the evenings to ask for money. I gave them $15 a couple years ago, and all that did was make them call me more. What pissed me off the most was how pushy they were. They'd start by asking for $100, and work their way down in freakin $5 increments. They caught me on a really bad night one night several months ago, so I let him have it until he hung up, and haven't heard from them since.

MQAAord · April 15th, 2005, 18:08

If you tell them to put you on their do-not-call list, they are required by law not to call you. I really do think it's worthwhile donation, I just don't appreciate the panhandling calls.

Also, if you do have a bad experience like the one mentioned, please tell AOPA. They need to know the people they contract with behave in such a manner.

EatSleepFly · April 15th, 2005, 18:12

I was under the impression that it was AOPA themselves that was calling. Either that or they trained their little telemarketing minions to speak some aviation statistics.

I guess if it wasn't AOPA, I'd reconsider renewing my membership as long as they never call me and ask for money again.

aloft · April 15th, 2005, 18:49

All you need to do is inform them they're calling a cell phone, which is illegal for phone solicitors to call.

EatSleepFly · April 15th, 2005, 18:50

Seriously?

Sweet. Did not know that, thanks.

amd87 · April 15th, 2005, 23:42

[ QUOTE ]
I don't think those people are actual employees of AOPA. I believe AOPA contracts with a telemarketing agency to make those calls on AOPA's behalf.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well thats good news, because honestly the only reason why I was half decent with this guy was because I was assuming he was a fellow pilot working for an benevolent aviation organization. Now I don't feel as bad for not being able to donate!

Windchill · April 16th, 2005, 00:31

I worked for the Air Safety Foundation as an intern this past fall. Everyone there is really awesome, and I can't really see any of them getting nasty or rude because you didn't donate. From my experience with the staff, it sounds as though it is outside telemarketers.

Thankfully, making those types of calls was not a part of my job.

Roughly half the staff including myself did have a pilot cert.

farwellbooth · April 16th, 2005, 01:17

I can't really get into the magazine. I really like to fly and all but I just don't get much joy out of reading much in there.

I like the idea of Boyer and the gang fighting for us (really only why I continue my membership) but it seems like they're losing the battle. Developers are picking away at airports, Miegs is history, George is cutting a ton, on and on

kellwolf · April 16th, 2005, 04:04

Odd. In 3 years, I've never had ASF call me. 'Course I'm sure they read this, so that run is probably over....

ryanmickG · April 16th, 2005, 15:10

I used to work for a company that probably called you it was about 10 years ago when I was in high school. We would call on behalf of AOPA and beleive we most of those people dont know what AOPA even stands for they are all high school students and could care less. The only thing they care about is what 21 year old is going to buy them beer.

My point is dont let this experience put a bad taste in your mouth about AOPA.

Grabo172 · April 16th, 2005, 15:33

[ QUOTE ]
All you need to do is inform them they're calling a cell phone, which is illegal for phone solicitors to call.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not anymore... about 2 months ago they opened cell phones up.

You have to go to the natioal Do Not Call web site and sign up your cell number to be safe again.

Do Not Call web site

secretapproach · April 16th, 2005, 16:53

I got called by them, too. It wasn't a pilot calling - I could tell by the way she felt uncomfortable with the "lingo" that she was trying to use. She also told me straight away that they were hired by AOPA. I didn't mind being called but she did ramble on for a while. I told her that it is my personal policy to never donate to anyone that calls but that they were welcome to send me info by mail or email and I would consider it. And that wasn't just a line - that really is my policy and I am adamant about it; people understand and it works.

kellwolf · April 16th, 2005, 17:08

Not sure if the "do not call" list would stop these. If you're a member of AOPA, you have a pre-existing relationship with them, and that extends to ASF.

MQAAord · April 16th, 2005, 18:21

[ QUOTE ]
Not sure if the "do not call" list would stop these. If you're a member of AOPA, you have a pre-existing relationship with them, and that extends to ASF.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, you do have a 'working relationship' with them, but if you specifically tell them when they call you to "put me on your do-not-call list", at that point it DOES become illegal for them to call you. Working relationship or not.

kellwolf · April 17th, 2005, 00:17

Sorry, meant the NATIONAL do not call list.

April 15th, 2005, 17:51	#1
amd87 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NY, IN Posts: 178	I support AOPA 100%, but... Today I got a call from an AOPA telemarketer working for the air safety foundation. He seemed like a nice guy at first, but he ended the conversation on a sour note. Let me begin by saying that I support the work of AOPA completely, and think their air safety seminars are great, but this guy needed to learn how to soften up a bit. First he begins by explaining the benefits of the ASF and asking how my flying has been going lately. (I knew he would be asking for a donation sooner or later.) Finally he askes me for a monetary donation of $100. I decline, explaining that I just turned 18 and scraping up $100 is very hard for me considering I'm just trying to afford flight lessons and college next year. Then he asks me for a modest donation of $30. Again, I explain that I cannot afford that, this time adding that I will not be able to attend any ASF seminars in my area in the future anyway because I will either be in school or work. His response was "well good luck flying" in a pissed off tone. I still remain polite by thanking him and telling him to have a nice evening, only to find out that he hung up on me 5 seconds earlier. Now I understand that his job may be stressful and not very rewarding, but if AOPA is calling up teenage students asking for modest donations of $30, and then hanging up on them, its going to hurt the organization in the long run. I would imagine that AOPA would try to show even more respect for young pilots since we are the future of the organization. I do plan to remain a member of AOPA, but this call will make me think twice about donating in the future.

April 15th, 2005, 18:03	#2
SteveC Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,618	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... Might be a good idea to call or email AOPA and let them know of your experience. I would be willing to bet that it is an outside telemarketing firm that is doing the soliciting for AOPA/ASF, not actual AOPA employees, and I'm guessing that AOPA would want feedback if you were treated poorly.

April 15th, 2005, 18:04	#3
MQAAord Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Looney Bin Posts: 9,388	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... I don't think those people are actual employees of AOPA. I believe AOPA contracts with a telemarketing agency to make those calls on AOPA's behalf. A couple weeks ago I got a call from them, right while I was trying to get dinner on the table. I told them no and to put me on their do-not-call list. Half an hour later THEY CALLED AGAIN. I not so politely told the second caller that they had just called me, and I told them once nicely already to remove me from their list. We donate a small amount every year in both of our names, but I do not appreciate their calls either. I'm furloughed, and my husband just took a massive pay cut. I don't like people asking me for money!

April 15th, 2005, 18:06	#4
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... F them. I stopped paying AOPA dues because of those ASF phone calls. Those knobs used to call me ON MY CELL PHONE (how they got the number, I don't know) in the evenings to ask for money. I gave them $15 a couple years ago, and all that did was make them call me more. What pissed me off the most was how pushy they were. They'd start by asking for $100, and work their way down in freakin $5 increments. They caught me on a really bad night one night several months ago, so I let him have it until he hung up, and haven't heard from them since.

April 15th, 2005, 18:08	#5
MQAAord Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Looney Bin Posts: 9,388	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... If you tell them to put you on their do-not-call list, they are required by law not to call you. I really do think it's worthwhile donation, I just don't appreciate the panhandling calls. Also, if you do have a bad experience like the one mentioned, please tell AOPA. They need to know the people they contract with behave in such a manner.

April 15th, 2005, 18:12	#6
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... I was under the impression that it was AOPA themselves that was calling. Either that or they trained their little telemarketing minions to speak some aviation statistics. I guess if it wasn't AOPA, I'd reconsider renewing my membership as long as they never call me and ask for money again.

April 15th, 2005, 18:49	#7
aloft Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Inside your OODA loop Posts: 6,998	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... All you need to do is inform them they're calling a cell phone, which is illegal for phone solicitors to call.

April 15th, 2005, 18:50	#8
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... Seriously? Sweet. Did not know that, thanks.

April 15th, 2005, 23:42	#9
amd87 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NY, IN Posts: 178	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... [ QUOTE ] I don't think those people are actual employees of AOPA. I believe AOPA contracts with a telemarketing agency to make those calls on AOPA's behalf. [/ QUOTE ] Well thats good news, because honestly the only reason why I was half decent with this guy was because I was assuming he was a fellow pilot working for an benevolent aviation organization. Now I don't feel as bad for not being able to donate!

April 16th, 2005, 00:31	#10
Windchill Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-Atlantic, KMRB Posts: 1,925	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... I worked for the Air Safety Foundation as an intern this past fall. Everyone there is really awesome, and I can't really see any of them getting nasty or rude because you didn't donate. From my experience with the staff, it sounds as though it is outside telemarketers. Thankfully, making those types of calls was not a part of my job. Roughly half the staff including myself did have a pilot cert.

April 16th, 2005, 01:17	#11
farwellbooth Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 316	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... I can't really get into the magazine. I really like to fly and all but I just don't get much joy out of reading much in there. I like the idea of Boyer and the gang fighting for us (really only why I continue my membership) but it seems like they're losing the battle. Developers are picking away at airports, Miegs is history, George is cutting a ton, on and on

April 16th, 2005, 04:04	#12
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,831	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... Odd. In 3 years, I've never had ASF call me. 'Course I'm sure they read this, so that run is probably over....

April 16th, 2005, 15:10	#13
ryanmickG Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Arlington TX Posts: 1,875	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... I used to work for a company that probably called you it was about 10 years ago when I was in high school. We would call on behalf of AOPA and beleive we most of those people dont know what AOPA even stands for they are all high school students and could care less. The only thing they care about is what 21 year old is going to buy them beer. My point is dont let this experience put a bad taste in your mouth about AOPA.

April 16th, 2005, 15:33	#14
Grabo172 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Peterborough, NH Posts: 1,281	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... [ QUOTE ] All you need to do is inform them they're calling a cell phone, which is illegal for phone solicitors to call. [/ QUOTE ] Not anymore... about 2 months ago they opened cell phones up. You have to go to the natioal Do Not Call web site and sign up your cell number to be safe again. Do Not Call web site

April 16th, 2005, 16:53	#15
secretapproach Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 278	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... I got called by them, too. It wasn't a pilot calling - I could tell by the way she felt uncomfortable with the "lingo" that she was trying to use. She also told me straight away that they were hired by AOPA. I didn't mind being called but she did ramble on for a while. I told her that it is my personal policy to never donate to anyone that calls but that they were welcome to send me info by mail or email and I would consider it. And that wasn't just a line - that really is my policy and I am adamant about it; people understand and it works.

April 16th, 2005, 17:08	#16
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,831	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... Not sure if the "do not call" list would stop these. If you're a member of AOPA, you have a pre-existing relationship with them, and that extends to ASF.

April 16th, 2005, 18:21	#17
MQAAord Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Looney Bin Posts: 9,388	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... [ QUOTE ] Not sure if the "do not call" list would stop these. If you're a member of AOPA, you have a pre-existing relationship with them, and that extends to ASF. [/ QUOTE ] Yes, you do have a 'working relationship' with them, but if you specifically tell them when they call you to "put me on your do-not-call list", at that point it DOES become illegal for them to call you. Working relationship or not.

April 17th, 2005, 00:17	#18
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,831	Re: I support AOPA 100%, but... Sorry, meant the NATIONAL do not call list.

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