Hi All
There is a great deal of truth in all the AEF postings. The need for more GFA
funds, largely due to a lack of income resulting from a decline in membership -
the ability to pay by mostly near city clubs who have a large customer base
willing to pay for an adventure type flight - the lack of value on a short
winch flight - The fact that the charge is a direct reduction an the clubs
income as you just can't charge whatever you like - the disincentive for clubs
particularly low charging winch launch clubs to attract members, particularly
younger people without a substantial income to make enticing offers to would
be members.
My own club, Lake Keepit Soaring Club, makes a large effort to attract new
members. We offer a three flight daily training package with winch launching
for $60. A generous member subsidises GFA membership for young people by $100
and the club discounts its membership for young people to a level where it
makes nothing after paying a per capita charge on our lease. We now have 120
members plus a lot of debt. Who is the greatest beneficiary of our efforts?
Rather fancy it is the GFA.
It is obvious the GFA AEF charge which has risen from $5 to $30 should not be
one charge that fits all. It is affordable in some circumstances but a
disincentive to the promotion of gliding in others. It surely needs fine tuning
which may not be to the GFA financial disadvantage. There is a saying. "Better
to have half a loaf than going hungry"
Not sure if these postings are read by the powers that be or whether they are
just blowing in the wind. Perhaps letters to Gliding Australia or our local
Board representatives would achieve more,
Harry Medlicott .
_______________________________________________
Aus-soaring mailing list
[email protected]
To check or change subscription details, visit:
http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
