The DPA had a number of blips in it's time, where self-interest won the day or members pushed a committee in a direction they didn't eventually make a stand on.
Yet for the most part it was a considerable success. Perhaps even a remarkable success when compared to the other pilot groups in Hong Kong? At the DPA's best, with politics aside, there was a lot of unassuming talent that forged good programs and support for members. KA pilots drifted in, put something together with all their energy, and then left having made a contribution to the membership. Success should not always be measured in the many pay rises, but also more widely, from the guys who put together a superb leave scheme, to our impromptu get togethers to raise money for members afflicted by an appalling medical scheme ( members with businesses donated heavily ).
The DPA often lead the way for management, pushing back responsibly on training and safety issues. What should be an eternal disappointment for KA pilots is the vengeful nature of some in management who were members. It was not necessary and your egos meant nothing in the end. Also, the success of some managers and a cooperative DPA shouldn't be lost going forward either - outstanding LOSA reports and a rapidly improving training system with managers who were formerly active members.