Pardon our dust as we improve for you. Technology is rapidly changing, and in order for AOPA to take advantage of cutting-edge technology in a cost-effective manner and serve you, our members, in the most efficient way possible, we are transitioning to a new database and member management system over the next few weeks (approximately July 1 through 30).
Our existing database management system was developed in 1997 and has served us well for 16 years, but with hundreds of thousands of member records to manage and service, we have outgrown our custom-built system. The transition process has been a long one (almost three years), but much thought and care has been taken to build a system that will grow with us for another two decades.
While we have devoted a great deal of staff time to learn the system and new processes, there may be bumps in the road along the way. As we begin to upgrade the old system to the new, you will find certain services on AOPA.org unavailable. If you need to update your Web password during the transition, you can do so, but will be prompted to change it again once our new system is live. Automatic annual renewal payments cannot be initiated, and membership upgrades will not be available until the transition is complete. During this period, however, you will still be able to renew your membership, and update addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses online and through the member services hotline.
You also may experience an increased hold time when calling as representatives may take a bit longer to answer questions as they navigate the new system. We anticipate that delays you may experience during the upgrade will subside once the transition is completed.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve AOPA for you. Should you have any questions, please contact AOPA Member Services at 800/872-2672, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
As the database upgrade continues, we will provide detailed updates on how it will affect members on our website.
Michelle Peterson is the AOPA Vice President of Membership.
