AOPA quietly introduces flagship content delivery app

With little fanfare, AOPA recently released a new app simply titled AOPA. Users who download the app will get instant and free access to AOPA’s latest general aviation news, videos, podcasts and events.

The app allows the sorting of content by your preferred category and appears to be simply a clean, native wrapper for the same feed that can be seen on the organization’s website, aopa.org. Additionally you have the option to further filter news by the plethora of topics ranging from advocacy to pilot training and proficiency. Though the same articles, videos, podcasts, etc can already be consumed through any web browser, many may prefer the easy-to-use and consolidated content that’s formatted and optimized specifically for your iOS device.

Much like the website, the app allows users to login to view and manage many of your personal AOPA account details. Once logged in, the app also gives users the option to receive push notifications based on personal preferences including account updates, event announcements, TFR alerts, and AOPA pilot alerts. This feature could be helpful to many pilots and is not a one that can be found on the website.

One oddity you may notice is the app will request permission to access the device’s location services upon first launch. While the app does not provide and navigation functionality, it seems to be able to use that information to filter events based off a specified radius to your current location. If you then happen to find an event that piques your interest, there are quick links to open the event location in the Maps app or add the event directly to your calendar. Links are also offered to register for many of the events.

Viewing content also appears to be locked in portrait mode, so if you prefer to read in landscape, you’ll be out of luck. Viewers will also be presented with discreet ads that occasionally run along the bottom of the app that typically offer access to premium AOPA services. The ads are not obnoxious and easy to dismiss.

Regardless, the app provides simple and straightforward access to a range of AOPA’s exemplary editorial content that many pilots will find useful. AOPA joins a line-up of apps including AOPA GO which offers members exclusive access to flight planning tools like the AOPA airport directory. You can download the app for free from the Apple App Store.