Are there any private and/or moderated forums that are popular among
many of the posters to r.a.p.? Maybe AOPA's forum?

I use Google for firewall reasons so I frustratingly do not have
filtering capability.

Cherokee Pilots Association's "Cherokee Chat" and the Cherokee 235/236
groups are quite excellent, for the Cherokee Drivers in the group.
(Although they, too, have had their share of flame wars and trolls.)

I've looked at AOPA's stuff, and other smaller flying portals, but
none offer the wide range of experience and expertise that
rec.aviation does.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"