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Genghis
From the period
The PFA became the LIGHT AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (LAA) on 1 January 2008. Activities and aims remain unchanged, but objectives have been broadened to include all classes of recreational aviation.
. The name change to LAA merely highlights our expanding role in the GA sector. It is no longer solely an organisation of aircraft builders, though that will always be one of its core activities
From the period
The PFA became the LIGHT AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (LAA) on 1 January 2008. Activities and aims remain unchanged, but objectives have been broadened to include all classes of recreational aviation.
. The name change to LAA merely highlights our expanding role in the GA sector. It is no longer solely an organisation of aircraft builders, though that will always be one of its core activities
It was surely never "solely" an organisation of aircraft builders - if only from the huge number of spotters who joined to attend the rally, and the number of people who bought their aeroplanes second hand.
The degree of competition with BMAA has been, err, interesting - after the initial overlap of amateur built microlights (where for example you have to look up where a particular Shadow or MW5 sits), there was increasing competition over type approved microlights (LAA moving into BMAA territory) and amateur built VLA category aeroplanes (BMAA moving into LAA territory). Both have been at times confusing and stressful, but on the other hand they could only really compete on standards of service and on the whole the community have all benefited from that.
This does, perhaps strengthen the case for a BMAA/LAA merger, but frankly the LAA council needs a severe attitude change if that is to ever happen. We all recall that in the middle of the last negotiations on that topic, LAA signed a contract on its new headquarters and poached BMAA's Chief Technical Officer. That unilateral action caused massive ill feeling at BMAA and completely killed any chance of a merger for some years - although collaboration in other areas has come along nicely.
But the CofA involvement remains, let's face it, minimal. That does seem set to change, and I think that the whole community - from flying clubs to the CAA, will see substantial benefits in LAA taking on orphan or vintage aeroplanes such as Tiger Moths or Chipmunks, or even foreign Annex II aeroplanes that have marginal support from their TC holders and CAA don't really want to deal with either. We all watch with interest - I'd certainly be delighted to bring my Annex II CofA aeroplane to LAA if I had the choice (which last I asked, I didn't).
G
The degree of competition with BMAA has been, err, interesting - after the initial overlap of amateur built microlights (where for example you have to look up where a particular Shadow or MW5 sits), there was increasing competition over type approved microlights (LAA moving into BMAA territory) and amateur built VLA category aeroplanes (BMAA moving into LAA territory). Both have been at times confusing and stressful, but on the other hand they could only really compete on standards of service and on the whole the community have all benefited from that.
This does, perhaps strengthen the case for a BMAA/LAA merger, but frankly the LAA council needs a severe attitude change if that is to ever happen. We all recall that in the middle of the last negotiations on that topic, LAA signed a contract on its new headquarters and poached BMAA's Chief Technical Officer. That unilateral action caused massive ill feeling at BMAA and completely killed any chance of a merger for some years - although collaboration in other areas has come along nicely.
But the CofA involvement remains, let's face it, minimal. That does seem set to change, and I think that the whole community - from flying clubs to the CAA, will see substantial benefits in LAA taking on orphan or vintage aeroplanes such as Tiger Moths or Chipmunks, or even foreign Annex II aeroplanes that have marginal support from their TC holders and CAA don't really want to deal with either. We all watch with interest - I'd certainly be delighted to bring my Annex II CofA aeroplane to LAA if I had the choice (which last I asked, I didn't).
G
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Never solely home-builders, though you wouldn't know that from the magazine.
I'm happy to stay CofA myself and I doubt the LAA would ever be resourced to take on the whole of the light GA fleet, although they'd get a lot more members that way.
Of course, there'll be hell to pay when ex CofA syndicates realise they have all to pay a membership fee to the LAA!
I'm happy to stay CofA myself and I doubt the LAA would ever be resourced to take on the whole of the light GA fleet, although they'd get a lot more members that way.
Of course, there'll be hell to pay when ex CofA syndicates realise they have all to pay a membership fee to the LAA!
Compared to the cost of the annual and CofA renewal on our aircraft, not to mention the inflated cost of CofA spares on a vintage aeroplane, LAA membership would be a dream.
Some stuff does belong with CAA, and some other stuff with BMAA and BGA, but there's a lot that could transfer to LAA with nothing but good coming of it.
G
Some stuff does belong with CAA, and some other stuff with BMAA and BGA, but there's a lot that could transfer to LAA with nothing but good coming of it.
G
Join Date: Oct 2005
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The magazine, though well produced, is very much a home-builder's newsletter.
The LAA/PFA have always been the same. I've been a member on and off for 30 years.
It will always be the same with 't'committee' mentality.
PS Has anyone else wondered who the new CEO is?
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Sorry to drag this up again but I think my point has just been proved over on the LAA forum.
A new member has posted this:
And has had two replies from a single contributor, both pointing him at other forums where he might get the information he seeks!
I expect one of three types of response here:
1. "Stop whinging and get a life!"
2. Apathy
3. Lots of LAA members who read this forum will now go to the thread I have highlighted and post lots of advice for the newcomer in order to prove me wrong.
Personally I hope it's "3" as the net result will be that the LAA forum will have served a useful function at last!
A new member has posted this:
I've very recently started my project - a Sherwood Ranger. I've looked back through these posts as far as 2008 but can't find anything on this type. Does anybody else own one/built one/still building one that would like to offer any hints and tips for the build. This is my first build project, I have a reasonable amount of engineering knowledge but other than enthusiasm, there's a lot I don't know. In fact I can honestly say I don't even know what I don't knows so far!! So, if anybody has any advice, I'd love to hear it!
I expect one of three types of response here:
1. "Stop whinging and get a life!"
2. Apathy
3. Lots of LAA members who read this forum will now go to the thread I have highlighted and post lots of advice for the newcomer in order to prove me wrong.
Personally I hope it's "3" as the net result will be that the LAA forum will have served a useful function at last!
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And has had two replies from a single contributor, both pointing him at other forums where he might get the information he seeks!
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It makes no sense to have all that traffic on the LAA forum
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Why does that surprise you? Two of the best selling kits, Skyranger and SportCruiser have their own Yahoo e-Groups. 10000+ posts on one and 11000+ posts on the other. It makes no sense to have all that traffic on the LAA forum.
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“It makes no sense to have all that traffic on the LAA forum.”
The more traffic the site has the better the advertising revenue. The more cash the LAA collect from advertising the better for all.
Rod1
The more traffic the site has the better the advertising revenue. The more cash the LAA collect from advertising the better for all.
Rod1
