USPA General Membership Meeting

[matthewcline 0]

Ok so what went down?

Any thing that can be "leaked"?

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[bbarnhouse 0]

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Ok so what went down

Well what was not open for discussion was the impending litigation.

Ed Scott did say that we could hope to see a 6 month repack cycle sometime in 2007.

There was much discussion about how marketing dollars should be spent, as well as how to retain and grow membership.

Discussion was to take place today in the competition committee on how to better support the collegiate program
There was also lengthy discussion about the advantage of teaching static line over AFF by one of the members.

Demo insurace issues and over all insurance costs were discussed, as well as airport access issues.

An interesting comment was offered up by one of the members which gave food for thought. It was "What have you done today to support our sport?"
I thought it a fitting way to end the "official"meeting.
What I would add is that I think people need to educate themselves as to what the USPA really does for its membership.

Its all well and good to gripe and complain about the USPA, but if one never expresses an opinion to the BOD...how can one expect to be heard?

Just my .02

[NWFlyer 2]

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Its all well and good to gripe and complain about the USPA, but if one never expresses an opinion to the BOD...how can one expect to be heard?

Thanks for the update, Betsy. I'll have to try to plan a visit around the meeting one of these years. I think the above statement is a great reminder to get involved in the organization if we think it's not serving our needs. I have very little patience for people who bitch about their representative organizations and don't do anything to affect change. Sure, attending the meeting isn't something a lot of jumpers can make happen, but calling/emailing a Regional Director is within everyone's reach.

But then again, it's a lot easier to sit around and bitch, isn't it?

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[CSpenceFLY 1]

Did anyone wear their new shirts?


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[BillLockwood 0]

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Well what was not open for discussion was the impending litigation.

So are the owners and businesses behind Skyride members or not? What happened with their appeal? And I am not talking about the litigation side.

Since the PIA is really the group taking the lead on the repack issue what did the BOD do?

Based on what you reported and given the above it seams that it was a typical meeting with a lot of "discussion" and little action. The BOD should come to the meeting prepared to take "action". This would be the proactive approach to progressing the USPA.

As far as addressing issues with the BOD, I have had several discussions with disappointing responses. 100% of the issues to date that I have brought up for discussion has immediately been dismissed without consideration of the suggestions offered.

Just my 2 cents.

[bbarnhouse 0]

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Did anyone wear their new shirts

NO!!

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So are the owners and businesses behind Skyride members or not? What happened with their appeal? And I am not talking about the litigation side.

This was general membership. I do not know the answer to your question.

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Since the PIA is really the group taking the lead on the repack issue what did the BOD do

As I understand it, the original submission to the FAA for exception included pilots. The FAA felt this was too broad.
The USPA is working with the FAA to address the situation.

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Based on what you reported and given the above it seams that it was a typical meeting with a lot of "discussion" and little action. The BOD should come to the meeting prepared to take "action".

And they could if there was a quarom which requires over 3,000 members in attendance.

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As far as addressing issues with the BOD, I have had several discussions with disappointing responses

I commend you for addressing the issues you find important, even if the results are not as you would like. At least you are attempting to affect change
I am so not into POLLY TICKS

[matthewcline 0]

Thank You.

I think the "What have you done lately..." question, for you, has been answered.

I submit for USPA's Skydiver of the Year;

B. Barnhouse.

MY .02

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[BillLockwood 0]

I apologize as I need to learn how to read. I was thinking that this was a BOD meeting not a general membership. Now I understand why no business was conducted as there was not a quorum.

As to the issue of the repack cycle, the petition was filled by the PIA on behalf of all parties including the USPA and can be found here with the FAA response here

Thank you for taking the lead to make people aware of the meeting and trying to get them there. You clearly did your part as a member.