----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Hart
To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.
Cc: aus Soaring ; Robert Hart
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 7:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] (no subject)
harry medlicott wrote:
Robert,
What you are saying is just not correct. You should know better than try
and justify this charge on the basis that its being paid by people other than
GFA members.
The price charged intro flights is inelastic - you just can't raise it by
$20. The money comes straight out of clubs pockets. there is some justification
for $20 when the extra days cover is utilised. Perhaps near metropolitan clubs
able to charge +$100 can afford it. For winch launch clubs it is a charge of
$120 per hour based on 10 minute flights and is a huge disincentive for those
clubs offering low cost intro flights hoping to win new members. The increase
from $5 for struggling clubs is obscene and will in the end be
counterproductive to membership.
Harry
I have to disagree here. My general expierence (and this is supported by
discussions I have had with a number of people) is that AEFs are pretty price
insensitive. One club I am associated with raised its price considerably about
3 years ago - and increased their sales.
Suggest rather than just relying on discussions with a few people you
circulate clubs and ask them their experience. The comments on this chat page
should give you the message that many clubs are pretty furious about this
impost. If you don't want to do it maybe I will but can't see the GFA ,being a
virtual dictatorship and able to impose charges as it decides, taking any
notice. Suggesting clubs raise their charges to cover this impost dosn't change
the fact that it is coming out of that clubs income.
The best way of increasing the revenue base is to increase membership and the
GFAs score on this aspect is pretty woeful. Would you like to give members the
cost a few years ago of employing a development officer and the results? I
won't hold my breath. The GFA treasurer was asked at a pilots meeting in
Kingaroy the cost of supporting overseas teams. Refused to give an answer.
Perhaps you could give us a detailed costing. Again I won't hold my breath
waiting for an answer but it is an not unreasonable request.
As an example, Lake Keeepit Soaring Club, which is under severe financial
stress, asked the NSWGA to help fund some new highway signs. A few years ago
they said that this would be an acceptable request. We got a refusal despite
the NSWGA having tens of thousands of dollars in reserves. Our club members are
levied each year to fund the NSWGA. Please don't say,- none of the GFAs
business. Its just indicative of the mindset in the gliding bureaucracy. Money
available to support the hobby horses of the powers that be.
Robert, when you were elected to the GFA board we all hoped that you would
make a difference. Seems like they have won you over,
Harry
Many clubs are however undercharging for AEFs - look at what is being charged
for the parachuting equivalent and we are pretty cheap! If clubs choose to
absorb the price increase that is entirely their decision. Sorry to be so
unreceptive on this but I strongly believe that widening our revenue base is
essential - and getting the casuals to pay is far better than getting the
members to pay.
--
Robert Hart [EMAIL PROTECTED]
+61 (0)438 385 533 http://www.hart.wattle.id.au
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Aus-soaring mailing list
[email protected]
To check or change subscription details, visit:
http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.173 / Virus Database: 270.8.1/1727 - Release Date: 10/15/2008
8:02 PM
_______________________________________________
Aus-soaring mailing list
[email protected]
To check or change subscription details, visit:
http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
