Ian,

       Let’s not loose sight that any aviation accident is a tragedy regardless which sector

the aircraft belongs to. Our immediate thoughts should be with the family involved.

 

As for managing the media, we have discussed this before on aus-soaring, and some

believe it can be done.  Personally I know that despite the best efforts of proactive

media/PR departments some sections of the media will continue to print and broadcast incorrect

information; I see it almost every day.  In this case is it the GFA or the local gliding clubs place

to make a media release? I don’t think so. In this case it the responsibility belongs to the RAA

and or the local police, and we have not control over how they manage the media.

 

In this case we have a tragedy that will have fallout for all sections of recreational aviation, let be

honest most members of the media and public bundle us all together anyway, we are the only ones

who care.

 

SDF     

 

        

 


From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ian McPhee
Sent: Saturday, 22 October 2005 7:04 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [Aus-soaring] NOT a glider -was a drifter fatal at Byron

 

Contary to what was on NBN News Saturday night (chanel 9) there was not a "Fatal in a fixed wing glider" and they showed out roadside sign "Byron Gliding Club"  Immediately the phones!! went crazy for 10 minutes.

 

To explain a Drifter from the other end of field was seen to spin one way and then the other obviously out of controll.  Giles Taylor was on take off roll so I immediately asked him to look between the airfield and the sea - he saw nothing the reason being it crashed into the sea leaving no evidence.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that it was a perfectly airworthy Drifter.  The way it was flown is more significant in the cause of the accident I believe. Best I not say more except I believe his son was on board as well.

 

It is terrible how the media got it so wrong - and all gliding will pay the price!!  It looks like in future we should phone up in advance on the news as this happened with a drifter.  Perhaps a club should send a info Media sheet with a brief description of aircraft and a contact number which they keep on file. That was my sister suggestion and she worked in media for 25 years and all the reporters do is rush out the story.

 

we can't let this continue!!!   

 

Ian McPhee (skype   macca304)
Box 657
Byron Bay  NSW  2481  Australia
Tel +61(0)2 66847642 mob +61(0)428847642
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.mrsoaring.com

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