We support youth soaring with a discounted membership rate.

Most of the income to the club is from youth taking flying lessons.

Our group insurance covers us, but in the event of a parental law suit for
injuries.. no club is safe from financial ruin, could even happen if an
adult is hurt and a disgruntled wife who hated flying finds a lawyer.

Our instructors are pretty good evaluators of flying capability and
attentiveness of the student, adult or otherwise. We've actually had to
discourage more adults from learning to fly, then the youths. We've actually
"kicked out" some adult rated pilots for their risky flying and not willing
to change. They lead a poor example of professionalism for our kids.

We have not had any legal problems with any of our members, youth or adult.

BT

"Ulrich Neumann" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

I need your input on an issue that has led to an ongoing, heated
debate ever since my son joined our soaring club at age 14. He begun
taking lessons and soloed during a youth soaring camp organized by
another club this summer. A small but vocal group of members are
stricktly against youth- and family memberships. Kids under 18 are
considered a liability, a hazard to themself during the operation and
just not desirable members in their minds. All kinds of half-baked
legalities are being cited i.e. that the club could get dragged down
finacially if a minor would get hurt and a suit be filed by the
parents, etc. I can't shake the impression that these guys would like
to have a 'good 'ol boy county club with planes'! (Heck, the golf
carts are already there!)

Therefore my questions: Does your club have a youth/family membership
category with reduced dues and/or waived initiation fees? Does your
club have a youth program? Have there ever been any legal/insurance
issues with minor members in your club? Any input is appreciated. (you
may reply privately, if you don't want to discuss this on the net)

Ulrich Neumann