skyrides are at it again?

Frank,

Based on your message, it sounds like www.800soaring.com at least
attempts to behave responsibly.

However, observations thus far suggest that www.1800skyride.com is
engaging in unethical practices:
- Reusing photos without permission (I also assume the video is also
not their own)
- Plagiarizing text from other websites (including the SSA and Nutmeg
Soaring)
- Failing to establish agreements with operators (if they just call,
verify FAST, and then hang up... that is not an agreement)
- Allowing online purchase of the "Glider Ride Gift Certificate"
without any information on the specific locations, possibly baiting
customers who will be unable to use the certificate without full and
fair disclosure of what they are buying

Based on the online purchase link the price is $199, so they are
marking this up 100%. It sounds like they are trying to take
advantage of the FAST program. If they want to sell rides, let them
resell commercial rides based on a written agreement between ride
operators and the marketing company (like 800soaring apparently
does). That way all parties are engaging in an open transaction,
knowing what they are in for, and how the profits will be shared.

The FAST program is designed to allow people with a serious interest
in soaring instruction to get a start. The 1800skyride website does
not accurately represent the FAST program or its intent, yet this is
what they are apparently reselling. Is there not a rule against
reselling FAST certificates at a profit? It seems that given the
intent of the FAST program, only FAST member operators or the SSA
should allowed to sell these. 1800skyride appears to be using dubious
business practices to capture excess value from the consumer by
charging a much higher price. Both the customer and the program are
being violated in my opinion.

Furthermore, given the prior company history, and the questionable
approach of their current start it sounds like business as usual, not
“new management.” (Perhaps the new holding company is just a cover
for the old owners.) The old approach apparently led to many unhappy
customers, and it is likely to produce the same results again.

Soaring needs promotion, but not internet third-party promoters who
are behaving irresponsibly and unethically. As Rex points out, it
wouldn't take much for the key stakeholders (pilots, clubs, and
commercial operators) to take the lead in improving promotion and
marketing with a little help and guidance. That approach would create
real value for the sport.

Mike Hendron