Ozplane
Following Newby's categoric denial (published in the BMAA magazine and various forums) of any intention to poach the BMAA's markets, the two organisations became more relaxed with each other and had recently announced that their respective Technical Offices would work together and would accept each others approvals (Genghis will correct me if I have this wrong).
It was seen as a good thing for all permit aircraft owners, <750kg or microlight.
All the while, Newby was sneaking around the CAA, putting together a deal that would starve the BMAA of its revenue stream and the PFA have now announced this. Does anyone have a copy of Newby's letter to hand?
In reply, the BMAA are holding a ballot on changing their constitution, so that they may also regulate all permit aircraft and meet the PFA head on.
One will triumph but it will be a slow death for the other and the losers will be the pilots who just want to go flying.
Resources (time and money) will be wasted, co-operation deals will go out of the window and staff will be uncertain of their futures.
The outcome will be interesting. Almost all 4200 BMAA members are aircraft owners and are very supportive of the BMAA Council and Technical Office. The same cannot be said for the PFA.
One thing is clear, all BMAA and PFA flying members that I have spoken to do not want this to happen.