SAGPA

[gyrosa]

Hi all SAGPA members
Johan and I had a meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss differences and provide possible solutions.
We discused issues on the following:-
AGM:-
The AGM will be held on Saturday 21st August 2010. The main change here is that nominations for persons wishing to be on the committee can be nominated before the time and their names will be circulated to all either by e-mail, website or forum. They must be nominated and seconded in the normal way but this will also allow postal votes as well as proxy votes ie you need not attend as AGM meeting in order to exercise your vote if you so wish.
Regarding the SAGPA fees. It is too late already to change the fees for 2010 from that which was agreed at the 2009 AGM for this year but will be looked into at the next AGM where a budget is presented and the fees for next year is agreed.
Committee:-
The committee at the moment will look at more positive means to strengthen SAGPA's position within the Aero Club by doing and promoting more practical issues, such as advanced flight training. The budget also allows for AP seminars as well as an instructor seminars with hopefully a more positive outcome and commitment from SAGPA members.
The commitment to reduce and stamp out any animosity between representatives of various types of gyros in the country will continue and the committee will continue to promote gyros in general.
In addition the committee will be looking at the advancement of gyros amoung the younger crowd and assist in puting something in place to create awareness and interest. There is already a program being worked on in this regard as the people entering aviation at sport level is at or around 40 years of age and there is not much in the 20-40 year age group. This can result in sport aviation "dying" a slow death.
Seminars:-
While seminars have not produced the required result in the past, the committee will be looking at hosting meaningful seminars where positive decisions may be made and committments are made by members in both the AP Scheme and Instructor corps.
Ongoing training:-
Human performance as well as lack of knowledge is one of the main problems in our industry which also results in accidents and more often than not, sensless accidents, such as IFR flying, low flying etc. The committee will be looking at these aspects and already a refresher radio course is being looked at in order to give us all a better understanding of what to do and when to do.
Website:-
The website will be updated and articles and information will be accepted by all in order to improve service and information to the SAGPA members and general public. Members are once again urged to please submit articles and information for distribution and publication to info@sagpa.co.za.
General:-
Due to certain members (and non-members) abusing their privileges as owners and pilots through either ignorance of the law or wilful downright lack of respect, SAGPA needs to play a more pro-active role in participating with the aero Club and SACAA to promote safety and avoid further incidents.
Communication:-
Channels of communication between all members, non-members and the committee need to remain open with a general vision to encourage the sport to grow. This will also take place in the forms of fly-inns etc.
Best regards
Eric

[MAGNIficent]

This sound very positive.

Keep communicating and the communication channels open, SUCCESS will follow.

[Gyronaut]

Gentlemen - (especially Johan and Eric)

I support and commend your efforts to promote our amazing sport.

I welcome the advanced training as well as the instructors refresher courses and will religiously attend.

Keep up the good (thankless) work and promote Gyro's in general. You can count on my support.

Kind regards

Len

[gyrosa]

Thanks guys.
Already working on the first advanced course to be held soon. This will include how to maintain straight and level flight on a set heading, formation flying, radio work, forced landings (teach you things the instructor never taught you),navigation, instruments, airlaw, basic human performances etc.
Also working on a course for Magni owners to do own maintainance eg strip down and re-installation of rotors, check of teeter bearings, adjustment of the pitch and roll axis damping, maintaining the pre-rotator, removal of tailplane to check for rust (designed for the guys that prefer to fly through the waves instead of over them), basic engine services (oil, plugs, filters), checking of the front fork, wheel bearings, brakes - bleeding and setting them, understanding the fuel system and pumps.
Regards
Eric

[Condor]

I wish to congratulate Eric and Johan on this initiative.

To differ from someone else is human, but to talk to each other and make it better for everybody takes a man.

With an attitude like this we can take SAGPA and Gyro to a completely new level.

This should be invite to all to participate positively.

[FlyingDoc]

Great news, Johan and Eric.
Thanks to people like the two of you who are prepared to put in that "bit extra" the gyro community will benefit.
Advanced courses will be great.