Hi Gang
Since we all have had time to think through this let' summarize what
we know and maybe suggest ways to avoid this happening again. It is
clear that those in the FAA dealing with the glider issue probably
were not experienced glider pilots, had no understanding or maybe were
not aware that motor gliders exist and probably were incompetent to
deal with the subject. Has this happened before? Absolutely! Similar
errors with the LSA glider regs. We all don't seem to ever learn.
AOPA has been an effective organization for GA and actively
communicates with the FAA on almost all subjects relating to aviation.
However it does not have glider experience or knowledge and has not
been involved with issues with gliders. I don't think it could or
would be a spokesman for the gliding community. We do have that
organization in principle - the SSA. But being a member for 15 years
and watching it go through the problems of about 5 years ago when its
funds were stolen and it was totally ineffective, it now could, at
least in principle, be an effective organization to look after gliding
interests. Has it done so recently. In my opinion very poorly. It
truly has to set up by mandate a communication channel with the FAA.
It should list issues, locate the right people in the FAA to discuss
those issues with and communicate continuously with the gliding
community through the SSA magazine Soaring. Feedback from the
community is so important as we have seen with this thread on RAS. The
current example shows clearly what is wrong - don't just ask the FAA
for a special transponder code. Figure out how it will be used, what
its limitations are, how it will be communicated to all concerned and
so on. It can't be a hands off request. It requires thought and
people's inputs. COMMUNICATE - COMMUNICATE - COMMUNICATE Am I hitting
my head against a brick wall or could things be changed?
Dave