Macca274

What is it that you people want? Every Board Meeting, phone conversation and chat to be put on YouTube? Printed in full, verbatim and published online? Get a grip? In my opinion, this campaign is either personal or provocative. Which is it?

Y

If the current backlog of mess was cleared away AR, which often happens when there's a complete shakeout of a clique, everything quickly settles back to normal and becomes more simple to handle. 13 board members has proven unworkable, and I don't think there's too much argument about that. With a change, and transparent communication I think you'd find more willing committee members. There never is an oversupply of good people stepping forward I admit, but out of 9,400 people you only have to find five or six who will give up some of their spare time and work for the members, and of these you need a couple with good business skills who'll be listened to by the others. In fact there are many Associations which work fine with one benevolent person effectively leading the decisions.

Alfa, at one stage I was President of two Incorporated Associations, and never had the issues you and a couple of others point to.If, from the present mix you delete:

 

• Secrecy
   
   
  
• Management and Policy totally separated from the membership, except for those members in the executive particularly, and board generally
   
   
  
• Failure to identify, report on, and correct spending anomalies
   
   
  

 

 

 

and to this mic you add:

 

• Administration Manager to manage staff day to day
   
   
  

 

 

 

and you produce

 

• a committee of people selected for their skills rather than their geographical location,
   
   
  

 

 

and through the members

 

• A Financial Policy, setting out approval levels and requirements, logging, and monthly reporting to the committee
   
   
  
• A Technical Policy, enabling the Technical manager to operate in clear guidelines, producing a monthly report for the committee
   
   
  
• A set of necessary Job Specifications required for staff
   
   
  
• Sub-committees for each class of aircraft
   
   
  

 

 

If you do this, within the present RAA structure, you fix pretty much ALL of the present problems and can go back to flying with the exception of those who participated in a monthly electronic Committee meeting.

 

You do not need the added Membership Subscription hike paying for grandiose titles who will attract people who will live up to them and suck out your money for "meetings", interstate trips, and other perks.

 

Where necessary, such as an accounting tidy up, temporary staff can be called in.

"We have members with boundless talents and experience. Perhaps there is an opportunity to utilise those talents with a bit of "Pro-Bono" advice, a second opinion, a list of Members with various talents, as we have lists of L.A.M.E. with various qualifications noted. A voluntary list available only to the Board and not for general publication."

Firstly, regarding Macca, my last comment is "how do you spell troll?" The only way to live with trolls is to totally ignore them and I will, henceforthth, take my own advice on the subject.Turbo, while you are technically right about RA having a management committee and not a Board I totally disagree on a practical level. In my view, RA needs a Board and a genuine Geeneral Manager nothing remotely like the CEO of the last few years.

 

Sunfish may be technically incorrect as RA is an incorporated Assoc but he is spot on practically. RA does not need to change its form of incorporation to get the technics right but it may be desirable to end any confusion. This is a job for the Constitution Review Committee to consider.

 

In my simple view, the problems RA face at the moment are down to mismanagement. Members have mismanaged who they have allowed onto the Board, the Board has mismanaged the CEO and the CEO does not seem to me to have appreciated the meaning of the word "Chief".

 

I believe our current structure could work but we need a Board with skilled people on it not just CFIs. Critically, we need a very capable and industrious General Manager.

 

The coming General Meeting is the democratic process at work. It is the members stepping away from their previous mismanagement of the Board and reestablishing the members as the owners and top managers of RA.

 

The Board seem to have acted as if they had absolute power and we know what absolute power does . . .

Ascerbic? yes, a curmudgeon? most definitely, allowed to come on here and deliver a metaphorical boot up the arse to some? well it works for many others, why not me?

There are some here who I will never agree with and others who are of a more accepting disposition. Following a crowd can often lead to unforseen destinations. I don't enjoy flying in cloud either, it can ruin a perfectly good day very quickly and has a tendency to make one lean one way or another. I much prefer to see where I'm going. Crowd, cloud, in any other language, they may indeed sound the same!

I thought I would get sin-binned as I made a direct allegation of xxxxxx ( x being whatever I wrote). I think it should only be used where you have made an allegation and thought better of it.However...do what you will with it. Only Apple and Samsung think you can own something as brief and obvious as that!

 

dodo

Here's to happy days.

Macca

Was the vitriol also "analagous"?You seem to be using techniques you consider clever, (eg mendacity, or lieing) to make some obscure point.

 

I prefer to state what I think, and I stand by it - or I retract ashamed.

 

I don't retreat via dissembling. I don't pretend something I said is not what I meant.

 

So if you have something to say about grounded aircraft, breaches of legislation, failure to communicate to members, I don't think I would hear truth.

 

The discussions on this forum are often heated, often intemperate, and often ill-considered. But they are rarely deliberately manipulative and dishonest. It is unfortunate for the board that you are defending something, which you cannot define. I think it is likely that readers might connect your approach with the board, which might be unfair to the board.

 

Perhaps I should summarise:

 

I prefer honesty.

 

I am here to discuss the issues with RA, not to spin them, not to manipulate.

 

The issues with RA are serious, especially if you have an aircraft you cannot fly, because RA has failed in one or more of it's basic purposes.

 

You do not appear to be interested in the real issues, but in using your skills for some purpose other than valid discussion.

 

I would remind you of your position that criticism is only allowed for those that have merited it. What merit have you?

 

dodo

And... I will say... surprised that someone who claims to have been bullied would become the bully. I can't really get my head around this.

Are you referring to the bold type?Not angry Macca... Just perplexed.

This is exactly the intention of these threads Macca. Seems to have worked pretty damn effectively.If not for this site and these threads there would be no "attention" being given to the problems at Ra-Aus.

Macca,your posts seem disingenuous. After all, there was no vitriol in your posts, because you were not bitter. Perhaps you were just implanting your seed, or whatever your expertise in hostage taking suggests.

 

In any case, I think people who read forums judge what by the sense, reason, and insight in posts, and discount those with evident bias, or intemperate attitudes.

 

I would be interested if you have some information, or a different and useful perspective to bring to these threads.

 

Otherwise,you seem to distribute abuse, but little else.

 

dodo

I'd get some new "tools"; those failed miserably.

Regarding my previous comments. They were (in my view) offensive and were fully intended to be so. The intention was to implant a seed in the minds of many when it comes to open and public criticism. It hurts and sometimes it hurts deeply. Not that it matters to any here, but I have personal experience in being grossly and unjustifiably scorned, humiliated and almost ruined until I was finally totally exonerated and other parties brought to account.

For any offense, hurt or humiliation my comments caused, I of course unreservedly withdraw and apologise, but injustice, my friends is something that I have fought against since a very young age.

My point is simply this. As I explained in my introduction, my life's work has been in negotiation, problem-solving and troubleshooting. e.g. One of the "tools" is to allow the hostage taker to view a situation from the point of view of the hostage by making he or she a hostage themselves. This applies in business at corporate level all the way down to the coalface.

The state of affairs at R.A.A. is less than satisfacory. On that point we are in glorious agreement, but what saddens me and I say so with all sincerity, is this public airing of our laundry.

How did we arrive at this situation?

What do we do to resolve it?

How can we avoid a recurrence?

These, I believe are the questions that have to be addressed, but without the finger-pointing and what is know known as "the blame game".

In answer to some of your questions, yes, I did read all of the posts. Yes, I do recognise that former Board Members are concerned and yes, I do understand the concerns that have been presented. I just cannot help but feel that this public stoush is demeaning to all of us.

We have members with boundless talents and experience. Perhaps there is an opportunity to utilise those talents with a bit of "Pro-Bono" advice, a second opinion, a list of Members with various talents, as we have lists of L.A.M.E. with various qualifications noted. A voluntary list available only to the Board and not for general publication.

There are many ways to resolve the issues, but I appeal to you to cease and desist from open publication of "legal opinion" or "crimes" or issues involving Administration Tribunals. It really sets a dreadful tone and what of the feelings of the incumbents? They are, after all people like any of the rest of us.

Think also of the future. Who the hell would be game to put themselves forward knowing that they would be subjected to this form of scrutiny? I, for one, would run a bloody mile before puting myself through the wringer when at heart I was only trying to help.

Anyway, enough for the moment.

Seasons greetings to one and all. I'll be spending tomorrow doing some work on the plane with Jack. He's me dog.

Cheers

Macca

may I suggest with the displayed level of vitriol, you may have raised yourself well beyond the level of what you criticise in others on this forum.

Then I shall continue to plough through - thanks.

Seldom, if ever have I observed a more spiteful amateurish campaign by a rabid mob of wanna-be's than this. You ought to strip down and take a long hard look at yourselves. Armchair critics and pub lawyers is all I see here. What an utterly despicable lot of self-centred would-be-if-we could-be big-mouthed no back-up performers. PUT YOUR NAME ON A BALLOT PAPER rather than on a petiton. TALK IS CHEAP and cheap shots are even cheaper.

What a bloody disgrace. We have people who have the dedication to put themselves forward to give of their own time in order to continue the spirit of our shared passion and they are confronted with THIS OUTRAGEOUS CAPAIGN AGAINST THEM?

Quite frankly, you don't deserve the efforts that these elected representatives contribute.

Here's a scenario to consider. Our elected reps resign - declare all positions open and declare that they will not stand for the vacancies. WHo among you will stand? YOU? YOU? or YOU? No - I didn't think so. Happy to make the bullets and have somebody else fire them...

YOU OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!

Did any one of you call the office and offer to help process the backlog of registrations - ANYONE - JUST ONE - offer an hour of your precious time when you spent so much time on this blog composing your useless pearls of wisdom? I doubt it.

TYPICAL - of any club be it golf bowls or flying - "THOSE WHO CAN - DO! Those who can't - whine and whinge.

IF you can do better, then DO SO. if not then leave it to those who are trying.

What a whining bunch of ********************* My hope is that I never meet any of you!

Macca, your criticism of Ozzie is GROSSLY unfair, I've put the broad framework in another post.

The Exec should be IMMEDIATELY SACKED and removed from the premises and the locks to the building changed TODAY.They are a complete and utter insult to all the ordinary members of the association. They are incompetent and are only concerned to their own wellbeing in the RAAus pecking order.

If you are a member of the exec and reading this undersdtand this, DCM, it means Don't Come Monday. We have plenty of ordinary members that are more than capable and better qualified to take over your positions.

 

on ya bikes

Requisitioning a General Meeting could be seen to be an extreme move. However, it became necessary when the Board Exec failed the No. 1 reason for being of RAAus: members having registered aircraft that they can operate (above ground level) with their pilot certificates. The other primary reason we needed the Board to stand before the members and give an account of their actions and inactions was because they seem to be unable to fully communicate any other way.How we got into this situation, the full truth about this situation and how we are to get out of it and how/why we will never be in this situation again have not, imho, been genuinely forthcoming from the Board Exec. There have been breaches of the Constitution by the Exec in financial and minutes reporting and their attempt to appoint Mr Runciman to the Board after his resignation. There was the unsuccessful attempt by the then President to block reform of the Constitution by cancelling the commission of the Constitution Reform Comittee. The Board has also cancelled the GYFTS committee.

 

We must get from this Board a quantum leap in honest communication with the members. They must take seriously their obligations to CASA for good governance. They must hold sacred the Constitution of RAAus that at the moment they don't even give lip service.

 

Macca, is this an extreme view, middle ground or an understatement?

 

Should the Board Exec stay in office when they have so little regard for the Rules set by the members of RAAus?

 

I'll leave that for you to judge Macca but I would be very interested to hear that judgement from you when you have had time to think about it. Unfortunately, it is near impossible to get the Board's honest view on these matters. They just will not tel us.

As to the question of the Board Exec remaining in place, I believe that ought to remain unanswered until they have had the opportunity to answer questions as and when they are put. To pre-judge prior to that fails the fairness test. I do note that written responses to questions were incorporated into the minutes of the A.G.M.. For myself, I was satisfied with those responses with the rider that, I am not fully aware of the history (if any) between the parties or the full log of events leading up to the exchange.

I continue to inform myself with the help of other members so as to bring myself as fully up to speed with the issues as I can.

None necessary, but thanks for the consideration. This is obviously an issue that has inflamed some tension and I am not fully aware of the facts of the situation. I am making an attempt to sort the wheat from the chaffe in order to better form an opinion. As you can imagine, coming to the situation somewhat late means that there is a deal of analysis to be done. There have been statements made in the form of accusations and allegations and as we all know, there can be a tendency to "Gild the Lilly" somewhat when forcefully putting forth a point of view. Through all of this, I seek to find a middle ground that more accurately reflects the true nature of the situation, its severity or otherwise and possible positive resolutions.

Macca, there were around 300 members who requisitioned the General Meeting. That is not a few trouble makers. While some Board Members may have earned a break from Board duties, the main aim of the General Meeting is to secure a better future for RAAus. An end to nepotism, real two-way communication and no more secrecy! We need a revamp of the Constitution and even the management structure needs modernising. There are 13 Board members. You could sack half and you'd still have enough. We are not short of Board Members but we are short of expertise on the Board and at the top level of Management. You interested?

Bad luck Macca, you/re going to have to read all 13 to 15 threads to come up to speed.

Well. I've had a bit of catching up to do. The volume of posts precludes me from reading each one so may I ask. As a result of the situation as it stands and with a General Meeting having been called, do any of the main protagonists intend to present themselves as candidates for future elections?

MaccaAs I understand it the problem is complex, and contains many individual threads that all interelate. To suggest that we can draw a single thread out, view it, and claim this one in isolation to all others is the problem is an over simplification.

 

That said, it doesnt exclude your approach to solving the problem, each thread must be investigated and repaired and done in priority order, those most affecting the current grounding first and those least affecting them last.

 

All good as long as people dont think that if we keep digging we will find a single golden thread and all that was wrong will suddenly become fine....

 

Andy

You have grasped my train of thought precisely. There are certainly a number of issues to be addressed and since our sole existence is based upon flying, then we are in glorious agreement that our FIRST priority is to enable members to fly their aircraft. I have had several dealings with the staff at RAA and may I put it on the public record that they have handled my dealings in an exemplary manner, with wonderful diligence and efficiency and in a friendly and informative way.

This gives me enormous confidence in the staff and it is with certainty that I know that the registration issues will be resolved satisfactorily due to their wonderful work ethic.

As for matters politic involving the hard working members of our Board, I must reserve judgement, since, frankly, I don't have in my mind any basis upon which to assess their performance.

I suppose my intention is to in some way offer a calming influence in an atmosphere that has the potential to cause regret for some. What cannot be recovered is the word spoken, the stone thrown or the time passed.

Previous involvement in Boards and Committees have mellowed me - or is it just getting bloomin' old! :-)

Fellow flyers and RAA members. I hav watched this debacle unfold and until now have remained silent. I spent the greater part of my professional life as a negotiator, troubleshooter and problem-solver.

I have learned that by far the best way to approach a situation is to break it right down to basics and work from there.

a) Determine the source of the problem

and

b) Find a way to resolve it.

A) The immediate issue appears to me to be the delays in registration and grounding of aircraft. Now bear with me here. This is certainly an issue but it is NOT the problem, it is the RESULT of a problem. The problem is with internal systems that do not accord with the requirements of C.A.S.A..

B) This breakdown in the system cannot be insurmountable and can be fixed by tweaking our own methods or processes in accordance and with the assistance and co-operation of C.A.S.A..

As I see it, as matters stand, all other discussion is peripheral for the time being. Arguments back and forth are all part of healthy debate, but there is a time and place. The present distractions are filtering energy AWAY from the immediate goal, i.e. complying with C.A.S.A. directives and returning our aircraft to the skies.

Just my twopenny worth. Thanks-you for your indulgence.

Macca

Thought I'd pop in and say g'day. Been a member for a while but haven't contributed to the forums yet. Good to meet like-minded lovers of the air.