Hi Robert
More significantly - do the new members in Queensland stay members
for longer than the new members in other States? If so - why? Is this
mainly influenced by the Brisbane region, or are there other areas of
the State where there is both growth and significant new management
styles of non-traditional approaches to running a gliding club?
If a non-traditional approach works in Queensland, is it worth trying
it in another State?
I know of one old-established Aero and Soaring Club that has recently
divested itself of all its gliders - it has both traditional GA and
ultralights, plus a significant seasonal influx of hang glider pilots
whereas 30 years ago it had a seasonal influx of sailplane pilots.
Another similar club but without the visiting gliding population gave
up 15 years ago following an unexplained accident, but has benefited
from a significant growth in weight-shift aeroplanes (trikes) both
with HGFA and RA-Aus, and they now have a regular
twice-or-thrice-yearly hang gliding and paragliding itinerant population.
My own club is weathering the change by a close association with a
successful aero club growth that has been driven by buying a LSA
aeroplane and doing RA-Aus training. We hope this will continue when
I am able to spend more time there, having found it difficult to
retire completely when people want me to write rules that will
hopefully make all these things accessible to more people.
However, being part of a movement that does not encourage clubs to
diversify their approach to life and continuing to attract people
from a changing society (or alternatively not attracting them because
other activities compete better for their time - rather than their
money) does present some challenges. However, trying to become a
shoestring entrepreneur is a bit like trying to push an aeroplane
around the sky with 55 metres of polypropylene rope - maybe it is
that financial change of attitude that is needed, whether it be
full-service soaring centres or using new-generation horse-drawn zeppelins.
The National and State bodies must encourage individual clubs to gain
their own critical mass in whatever ways the clubs are willing to
experiment with.
Wombat
At 17:54 28/05/2008, you wrote:
David Lawley wrote:
Hi all,
Regarding the increase of members in Queensland clubs.
Could it be that the large number of wealthy retirees that move to
Queensland are distorting the figures?
If so such gains a re largely an illusion, once the pool of pilots
in this position will not last forever.
Is the growth in trainees or new pilots, or experienced folk moving
in from interstate?
Hmmm
I am aware of a handful of pilots that have retired northwards,
certainly not enough to provide the growth that has occurred in Qld
over recent years. I am aware of growth due to new memberships.
However, the question is interesting - I wonder if the membership
database can give a definitive answer to this sort of question - I'll ask!
--
Robert Hart [EMAIL PROTECTED]
+61 (0)438 385 533 http://www.hart.wattle.id.au
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