Whilst I understand the logic of having some kind of representative body - it seems that this one does little, if anything, to justify its existence.
Apparently the "membership benefits" are the following:
Membership to SAGPA holds the following benefits:
I've yet to see a single issueAfrican Skies magazine
It would appear that this forum is far more effective. And it doesn't cost us more than half a grand a yearA central elect-in mailing list for information exchange and pilots interested in online “hanger-talk
What have they actually done / doing in this regard? Please show us something....anything!!!A Committee of volunteers dedicated to utilise the collective efforts of the members, manufacturers, suppliers and aviation organisations to make the sport safe and enjoyable
The website is about as informative as a 3 month old newspaper. The last time the site was updated with info other than a few classified and general fly-in / airshow event listings was back in February - and this update was about Membership fees! Apparently there is no more "members area" - or so I was told when I asked for login access details. But don't bother to try and access the Aero Club minutes link on the SAGPA website...you'll be asked for a loginSAGPA website with a public and members-only section
Ditto my question above - what have they done / what are they doing for us members or gyro flying in general? How is part 62 going to effect us? Other than forcing us to pay to stay (mandatory) members of a seemingly defunct organisation?Affiliation to Aero Club as the current popularly recognised body that represents sports aviation South Africa
- Planned affiliation to an Aviation Recreation Organisation as regulated by NPL - Part 62
The SAGPA AGM was held nearly 2 months ago. Only a handful of members attended. Many didn't even know it was happening! What was the agenda? What was discussed? Where are the minutes? Where are the financials? Where is the feedback other than the following that was posted on the SAGPA AGM thread:
Is this it?????"a great weekend with the best flying I have had. We had such a lot of laughs and shared good stories."
I emailed Johan directly weeks ago and conveyed some of my concerns and questions as per above. Needless to say, he never bothered to respond...
Am I the only one going to be having a long think before I write out my next membership renewal cheque for what to all intents and purposes appears to be a defunct organisation???