Dear diary - BRB Indaba.
Well, a darts match really and a chance to catch up with 'old mates' and some friends from the USA and NZ. Nothing formal but, understandably there were some topics discussed – 'hanger style' – engineers and pilots stuff. Ale flowed, darts were played, Trump got three cheers and; all in all, it was a very pleasant evening.
The Kiwi's had an early (ish) start so they departed the fix about the third quarter mark; leaving about a dozen of us round a table, catching up. The usual sort of thing – nothing special, operations, ATC, the weather, in flight tales etc. I had just lifted my pint to take a swig when a profound silence descended upon the table; I paused glass suspended and noted all our crew looking away; WTD?
'Wuzzup”? I asked - “Sorry” said one of USA friends; “I was only asking out of interest; forget I said anything. “About what?" Says I slightly puzzled. “I only asked if AOPA Australia had sorted itself out yet.” Background info: this Captain is deeply involved with the real AOPA and has a passing interest (through friends) in the great doings of the Oz version. The silence was due, essentially, to the serious embarrassment our guys felt through an inability to provide answers. TOM and I tried to explain the situation; the rest joined in where they could and told the sordid, sorry tale; as best we knew it. Let's call him Uncle Sam (US for short)..
The expressions on his face as the tale emerged were priceless. Eventually, he said “Well – summpin gotta be done and damn quickly; its a train wreck." - "Is it a 'Public Company"? - Yes. “Then it is subject to corporation law, as I understand it anyone can inspect (on request) the register of members” “Why don't y'all start there and go forward from the results? I ordered a new round and with it came a change of subject – much to the relief of all. US has deep roots in and great affection for the USA AOPA; I'd bet beers that he'll be thinking about it all the way home. Great bloke; first class pilot and aircraft owner. I shall miss him until we meet again.
But, it leaves a question lingering; is it worth doing anything about the parlous state AOPA has degenerated into? I don't know; but perhaps we should seek some answers and see what can be done. It used to be a first class outfit; not so much these days. In fact, I'd almost (almost) forgot it existed.
Aye well, more to follow, no doubt. Might have a word with some of the members - the few remaining that is.
Toot – toot
Well, a darts match really and a chance to catch up with 'old mates' and some friends from the USA and NZ. Nothing formal but, understandably there were some topics discussed – 'hanger style' – engineers and pilots stuff. Ale flowed, darts were played, Trump got three cheers and; all in all, it was a very pleasant evening.
The Kiwi's had an early (ish) start so they departed the fix about the third quarter mark; leaving about a dozen of us round a table, catching up. The usual sort of thing – nothing special, operations, ATC, the weather, in flight tales etc. I had just lifted my pint to take a swig when a profound silence descended upon the table; I paused glass suspended and noted all our crew looking away; WTD?
'Wuzzup”? I asked - “Sorry” said one of USA friends; “I was only asking out of interest; forget I said anything. “About what?" Says I slightly puzzled. “I only asked if AOPA Australia had sorted itself out yet.” Background info: this Captain is deeply involved with the real AOPA and has a passing interest (through friends) in the great doings of the Oz version. The silence was due, essentially, to the serious embarrassment our guys felt through an inability to provide answers. TOM and I tried to explain the situation; the rest joined in where they could and told the sordid, sorry tale; as best we knew it. Let's call him Uncle Sam (US for short)..
The expressions on his face as the tale emerged were priceless. Eventually, he said “Well – summpin gotta be done and damn quickly; its a train wreck." - "Is it a 'Public Company"? - Yes. “Then it is subject to corporation law, as I understand it anyone can inspect (on request) the register of members” “Why don't y'all start there and go forward from the results? I ordered a new round and with it came a change of subject – much to the relief of all. US has deep roots in and great affection for the USA AOPA; I'd bet beers that he'll be thinking about it all the way home. Great bloke; first class pilot and aircraft owner. I shall miss him until we meet again.
But, it leaves a question lingering; is it worth doing anything about the parlous state AOPA has degenerated into? I don't know; but perhaps we should seek some answers and see what can be done. It used to be a first class outfit; not so much these days. In fact, I'd almost (almost) forgot it existed.
Aye well, more to follow, no doubt. Might have a word with some of the members - the few remaining that is.
Toot – toot