Topics of Particular from the USHPA Directors Meeting

[Dan T]

There were three topics addressed in the USHPA Director's meeting that I think will be of particular interest to this chapter's members. I have briefly addressed them below. I understand that details will be forthcoming when USHPA publishes the meeting minutes in the near future.

Dan Tomlinson
Co-Director Region 9

USHPA Dues: The dues will increase to $98.00 per year. There were three major contributors to the increase:
1) The substantial increase in insurance costs
2) A general inflation related increase in operating expenses since the last dues increase approximately six years ago.
3) A desire to increase the rainy day buffer by a little bit, thus reducing the likelihood that the Association will have to go back to its members with a request for an additional increase in the near future.

There was considerable discussion and debate on this topic. It was ultimately passed by a majority rather than unanimous vote. The minority positions argued for a somewhat lower (approximately $5.00) dues increase on the premise that there was no foreseeable need for the increase in the rainy day buffer. The budgetary numbers guys provided compelling evidence that an increase of some sort was essential. They also made cuts to expenses where they could.


The National Parks Service Initiative: This initiative is an attempt to persuade the National Parks Service (NPS) to open its parks up to foot launched hang gliding and paragliding. The NPS's current policy is to prohibit these activities at all locations within the NPS's administrative authority (including wilderness areas, national monuments, and national historic sites, among others) unless the individual park superintendents expressly permit it under their special use permitting authority. The initiative is an attempt to convince the NPS to alter its practice from generally prohibiting hang gliding and paragliding unless specifically permitted to generally permitted except where specifically prohibited.

The voting members unanimously voted to support the initiative. As leader of the initiative, their endorsement gives me the right to say that I am speaking on behalf of the entire USHPA on the subject. I believe that this will increase my credibility when speaking to the NPS and others on the subject. I am very thankful for the Association's endorsement.

Following the vote several of the members and guests approached me with offers to assist in the endeavor. These individuals have skill sets and contacts that should significantly increase the likelihood of success.

A request for your assistance - I met with the NPS shortly before the Director's meeting in an effort to gain an understanding of their likely principle areas of concern. Much to my surprise their biggest concern was not about our footprint on the ground, but rather was about how our presence in the sky might be viewed by some as detrimental to their scenic experience. In an effort to address this concern I have asked one of the volunteers to reach out to his contacts within the Sierra Club to see if the ephemeral presence of a few HG/PG pilots drifting across their field of view would really be perceived by their organization as incompatible with the Parks' purpose.

If any of you have an affiliation with other similar advocacy groups and would be willing to obtain their opinions on the subject I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.


The HG Instructor of the Year Award: I see the cat is already out of the bag on this one so I don't need to repeat it here.
Congratulations John. Your award is well deserved.

Dan Tomlinson
Co-Director Region 9

[dbodner]

I thought the birders we see at the Pulpit would be good "character witnesses." But, I couldn't find any information on them.

[Joe Schad]

Every time we fly Dickey's on a weekend whether it be a hang glider or paraglider the reception from park visitors is overwhelmingly positive. Today was another example with all the people still out looking at the fall foliage I sighted numerous folks waving a me as I flew. Hang Gliders and Paragliders do not make noise, pollute the sky, or damage the environment. We do mingle with the birds when the birds want to fly with us.

Joe

[davidtheamazing1]

Thanks for the update. I am not sure about the dues increase, but am open to coming around if they make a convincing case for it. I think regarding our presence in the air, a statement from directors of parks where we do operate by special permit in support of our position would not be too hard. Many spectators have said that they came to WATCH US.

[Danny Brotto]

What does it cost to publish a physical magazine? What about going to an e-magazine? The magazine is on heavy, slick paper. It's a pretty production but is it necessary? I've got to believe it would put at least $25/ year back into the coffers for more important things.

Danny Brotto

[Dan T]

The magazine expenses made up $184,893 of $874,188 total expenses from Jan-Aug 2012. Approximately $94,000 of the expenses were related to printing and mailing the magazine, and presumably would be eliminated in an electronic version.

There was some discussion of the new format, heavier slicker paper etc. The attendees generally liked it. There was an opportunity to suggest an e-magazine and commensurate price reduction in the dues but nobody brought it up.

If there an interest in pursuing this alternative I will be glad to bring it up at the Spring session. Please let me know.

Dan

[Danny Brotto]

So about 21% of the annual budget goes to the magazine? 10% of the budget goes to printing and mailing? That's a tidy amount given that alternative forms exist. I think discussion of an alternative form is reasonable.

On another note, where can we get a picture of the accounting of USHGPA? I think the membership would like to get a better understanding of just where the monies go especially given the rather significant dues increase.

Danny Brotto

[Dan T]

The numbers, through August, are published in the hard copy agenda that was handed out during the Board meeting. I have a copy of the agenda including the numbers. I think they intend to post the updated numbers along with the minutes of the meeting in the next couple of weeks. If I am mistaken I'll be glad to lend you my booklet. Most of the booklet consists of the budget and analysis.

For what its worth I looked the numbers over pretty carefully and found little to argue with other than to note that the cost of the calendars is a little greater than the revenues from sales and advertising.

I believe that it's also a matter of record that I voted against the increase to $98.00. There was a somewhat lower alternative of $93.00 that I supported. Since the $98.00 passed there was no vote on the lower number.

Dan Tomlinson
Co-director Region 9, USHPA

[bustedwing2]

I have nothing against motorized flight,however the tree huggers would probably find mosquitos and ppg offensive in the national parks.Hg and Pg are quiet and probably acceptable to the majority,type of craft may need to be spelled out to keep the objections minimal.As for dues and reserve funds,a lump of cash is likely to burn a hole in somebodys pocket and be spent inefficiently,would prefer to see solicitations for specific projects as needed rather than the opm temptation. RichB