Restricting Glider Ops at Public Arpt.

(Michael) wrote:

Move to someplace where you're wanted. There's really no
other solution. In all likelihood, you're going to lose this fight.

You are correct, sir--I don't like what you have to say, but I do
appreciate your candor.

Our club relocated to its present airport because it was
uncerimoniously run out of another "public" airport. So when do we
stop running away? What's to say that the next airport we operate out
of doesn't have a change of heart and decide to disciminate as well?

The current location suits our club's needs very well considering half
our members are from N. Atlanta and half from Alabama. LGC is
equidistant and sufficiently south of the ATL Class B airspace. It
also has lots of open grass infield and long runways. No, I think
we'll stand our ground and fight for our rights. I suspect the
airport board is counting on the contrary.

It is hilarious (not) that the situation you describe concerning your
local FAA's glider "expert" is exactly what we are dealing with here.
Matter of fact, everything you describe is deja-vu except for the bit
about the airport board firing the airport manager--here they're all
in bed together. We have bent over backwards for four years now, all
the while attempting every way possible to persuade the airport
authority to change their minds. But persuasion is only effective if
one is dealing with receptive and reasonable people. We truly are not.
What we got for our effort is a letter stating that "the board has
unanimously decided to terminate glider operations..." Now is time
for the gloves to come off. At least we intend to put up the best
fight we can, hope for some support, and simply not go timid into the
night! Too bad it seems thus far that we cannot rely on the FAA to
enforce their own regulations.

Politics??? Anybody out there have any expertise on how to blackmail
someone?

rjciii wrote:

Anybody out there have any expertise on how
to blackmail someone?

All I know is what I hear from the politicians:

"Never get caught with a live boy, or a dead girl."




Jack

(rjciii) wrote
Our club relocated to its present airport because it was
uncerimoniously run out of another "public" airport. So when do we
stop running away? ... No, I think
we'll stand our ground and fight for our rights.

I'm a Texan by choice, and I can certainly respect that. Remember the
Alamo. But also remember that the defenders of the Alamo died there,
to a man.

I suspect the
airport board is counting on the contrary.

I suspect the airport board is counting on driving you out with
untenable regulations, complaints, and anything else they can think
off. I doubt they're counting on you giving up the fight.

I've seen more than one such fight. Sometimes they drag out for
years, but in the end the airport board always wins.

It is hilarious (not) that the situation you describe concerning your
local FAA's glider "expert" is exactly what we are dealing with here.

It's how the organization works - it's inherent to the system.

Do you also believe me now when I say you will get no substantive help
from SSA? The reason is simple - they might like to help, but they
really have no capability to fight the FAA in any way. They don't
want to admit that, because it will hurt fundraising efforts.
Therefore, they will urge compromise - meaning accepting whatever
rules the airport manager dreams up and the FAA approves.

Matter of fact, everything you describe is deja-vu except for the bit
about the airport board firing the airport manager--here they're all
in bed together.

I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I've seen the airport
board fire the manager - I only said that this would be the only way
for you to win. I don't expect it to happen.

Too bad it seems thus far that we cannot rely on the FAA to
enforce their own regulations.

But then we never could. Even the inspector general of the DOT admits
that.
http://www.avweb.com/pdf/brinell_report.pdf

Michael