Lets get real here, it is a well known fact, and stated on this forum many times previously that AEF's result in few new members to gliding, in fact often they just clog up the day but we do them in the hope that maybe this one will join. At my club we have a fairly simple way of charging for these flights, work out what it will cost "worst case" for the launch, add the cost of the glider, add a bit for the fudge factor, add a bit for profit, then add the GFA fee whether it be $1 or $20. Any club that says that the $20 GFA fee is taken from the club needs to look at its administration as they are not doing their job properly as an AEF should not cost the members but should profit them. Most people who take an AEF do so for the experience only and will pay whatever is asked, I have seen flights charged at $150 and the club is still kept busy doing flights. K
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:02:40 +1000Subject: [Aus-soaring] AEF Charges - $20 to GFA AEF’s are a main source of revenue for some clubs in both dollars and attracting new members. This is a blatant grab for club dollars by GFA, taking revenue straight out of the clubs. In small clubs the cost of operating will most likely be in the red and are being propped up by donations from members (buying fuel for winch, food for fund raising BQ, etc out of their own pocket). Now their revenue is cut more even more. I thought that GFA was here to support it’s members and encourage gliding, not to make a profit out of our sport. In today’s economy every organisation has to reduce cost, yes even GFA, if we are to survive. So what is going to happen in the future? Fees are going up, therefore membership will decline, cost per member will go up, thus fees go up, more members leave and the vicious circle has begun. The answer is to keep reducing costs per member to attract growth this is simple business logic. Don’t get me wrong, I think that GFA staff and board members are helpful and doing a job which many of us could not do (or would not do). And a lot of it at their cost. But we still need turn around spending by GFA. The answer is definitely not to keep slugging the members and clubs. Barry Kruyssen _________________________________________________________________
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