Hi All,
First I would like to thank Simon Hackett and Internode for the great
contibution thay have made and continue to make to our sport.
John ashford wrote:
> I agree. The comment "overly conservative people" could translate into
> "those that take themselves too seriously". I have seen many times
> where new starters have been discouraged by this very thing.
Quite right John, I wish I had put it that way originally!
My apologies for the awful spelling in my last post, my only defence is I am at
home this week with a bad chest infection and my brain doesn't seem to be
working properly (Some might say situation normal !!!) (-:
The poster who mentioned the RAA is right on the mark, they are doing something
right that we are not- allowing pilots to be responsible for their own actions,
gliding is a miniature nanny state in the way pilots are treated.
It seems bizzare that one needs at least 200 hours of gliding to have the same
rights as someone who has 50 hours on a ppl. When prospective members see the
amount of money that needs to be spent to get to Independant ops level 2, say
200 hours @ a minimum of $35 p/h if one is VERY lucky ($7000), say 100 launches
([EMAIL PROTECTED] $700, areotow $3,000MIN) they can afford to get a PPL for
that kind of money, and be treated like an adult. I dont know the cost
equivalent at RAA clubs, but I am willing to bet its a LOT less than the
figures above. Even at 50 hours flying a year this will take 4 %$@&ing
years!!!!! in the current system, a PPL can be done in less than 6 months!
The tying of GFA membership to club membership is also an onerous load-I would
like to visit and fly at any club, but am forced to be a member at one club
even if I don't ever fly there! The thought has crossed my mind that the club
structure is too restrictive, and that perhaps direct membership of state
bodies that allow on to fly at any club in that state without additional
charge-just tossing out ideas here.
Whilst the concept of XC coaching will help member retention, the high cost of
XC flights for example a 300KM flight will cost around $200 at least at most
clubs.
When this kind of cost becomes clear to the freshly solo pilot of course they
look at other cheaper options.
Another issue is club charges, $40+ per hour for 20 year old 2 seaters that
have paid for themselves several times over seems crazy to me.
As a single disability pensioner I constantly struggle to afford to keep
gliding, and have in the last few years to pay for my son's training, I have
had to sacrifce all other social activities and outings to be able to fly. Of
course I love flying so am willing to make that sacrifice, but I am betting
most family breadwinners (Struggled to find a non sexist term there) cannot
afford that kind of commitment.
Can we overcome the inertia of the current system before it hits the wall?
Regards to all.
Dave L
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