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  1. #1
    Sonex1517's Avatar
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    And now for something completely different...

    I hope every chapter member and every member of the EAA staff reads this post. Maybe, just maybe, it will make them think....

    I went to a local chapter meeting this evening. It's not the first meeting of an EAA chapter I've been to, but it was the first at this one. Unfortunately, my experience mirrors other experiences I have had.

    I am in my mid 40's, a private pilot, used to own an airplane, and am currently building a Sonex. Been an EAA member for years.

    Tonight, sadly, when I went to the chapter meeting and arrived early, only one person said hello. He is 85 years old,not a pilot, and as far as I can tell, no one said hello to him, either. He just likes airplanes and lives nearby. Great guy.

    I emailed the chapter president, copied EAA's chapter email address, and included my phone number. I will be interested to see if anyone responds.

    Why would I post this?

    Here is why:

    I wish I could say I am surprised. I am not. I wish I could say the experience was unique. I cannot. In fact, it mirrors much of my experience, and that of many "younger" people like me. In fact, it has been my experience at other EAA chapters. I feels like a closed door that when we knock, no one bothers to answer.

    If your chapter, if EAA, if aviation, wants new members, younger enthusiastic people, to become involved, try looking around. This is why I am posting this on an EAA forum for all to see - personally, I hope they send this to Rod and he writes an editorial about it. EAA and aviation needs a wake up.

    I came to try the chapter on for size. Sure didn't fit.

    Next meeting, look around. I won't be there, but maybe another new face will be. Say hello. Ask how they are, what they are doing. Maybe they are new to aviation, just interested. Maybe they are building something. Never know.
    Robbie Culver
    Sonex #1517
    Taildragger
    AeroVee
    Currently working on the wings
    Chicagoland

  2. #2
    Hangar10's Avatar
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    One visit and that's it? You are surprised that no one said, "Heeey Robbie, come on in here and tell us all about things!"

    Question... does your chapter ask if there are any guests or new members in attendance? If not, you might recommend that they start. This is a good opportunity to let others know who you are and what your interests are. In addition to that, does your chapter do a pancake breakfast or anything? If so, did you volunteer to help out?

    You may wonder what I am getting at... well, I joined our chapter a little less than 3 years ago at age 37 and I got a similar type of reception. I didn't bother to introduce myself when asked if we had any guests (I was already a member and didn't think they were talking to me), but I didn't run and tuck tail... I offered to help cook breakfast at our upcoming pancake breakfast. Everyone looked at me like, "who is this guy?" Know why they did that? Because no one knew who I was. I knew that, but I also knew that they would get to know me (and visa-versa) if I hung around, which I did... and the next month, I was there again... at the meeting, at breakfast, at the local fly-ins, etc. All these guys are people just like you and me... they don't know who they don't know... if you don't make yourself available and allow them to get to know you, well, they just won't know you.

    My point... get involved and people will get to know you real quick. Could be that your chapter is in need of some fresh blood in order to get things fired up. Not long ago I didn't know anyone at our chapter... now I am our newsletter editor. I attend all of our functions and even help plan some of them. I'll flip pancakes, make coffee, sweep the floor, set up and tear down tables, mow the grass, whatever needs doing and whatever allows me to be at the airport. Heck, just a few months in I had a fellow member (now a good friend) say to me, "You know, when you first came around some of us didn't care much for your approach, but now that we've got to know you we really appreciate your efforts." It was a little awkward, but I took it as a compliment and have continued to pitch in. Is my story typical? I don't know, but that's how it went, and that's the way I got to know people at our chapter. Now my family and I know most of them, and they know us.

    How about starting a new job? You don't quit on the first day because everyone isn't your friend, do you? I would like to encourage you to go back next month and the one after. Volunteer at your events. Help set up for meetings. Do whatever needs doing! If some of those old codgers don't immediately appreciate your effort (I say that affectionately), give it time... after while they'll be glad that they don't have to make EVERY pot of coffee or put up ALL the chairs.

    I take it that you are building (or perhaps have built) a Sonex? Someone there is interested in that... perhaps more than you would think. In the short 2+ years I've been at our chapter I have become good friends with many of the fellas and their families. My wife and son are involved too... that helps a lot. Several of us (I'm talking 20+ at times) eat dinner on Friday nights and a few of us are even spending Thanksgiving together. It is a lot of fun and there is no better group of people to be around. Give it more of a chance, and let them know that you are there. Remember, I am younger than you are, and might be the youngest member here that regularly attends meetings and such. I'll just say that it is what you make of it. Keep after em.

  3. #3

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    Getting into some of these chapters is like breaking into an old boys club.

  4. #4
    Barnstorm's Avatar
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    My local chapter (EAA 174) ALWAYS asks as part of the beginning of each meeting for any new people or guests to stand up and introduce themselves.

    I think this should be on every clubs agenda.

    .
    "The exhilaration of flying is too keen, the pleasure too great, for it to be neglected as a sport"— Orville Wright
    Tim OConnor, CFI, Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft, Sport Pilot Fixed Wing, FAA Advanced Ground Instructor:..
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  5. #5
    Mike Switzer's Avatar
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    Our flying club always has a round of introductions (everyone) at the beginning of our monthly meeting - which is good when people attend that aren't there much, but somewhat amusing at the meetings where the same 8-10 people that never miss a meeting are the only ones there.

  6. #6
    Chad Jensen's Avatar
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    I'm a member of two Chapters...Chapter's 129, Bloomington, IL, does a round of intro's for the new people to get up and say hi, and I had hoped that all Chapter's were like this...frustrating to hear this. 129 is very active, and is extremely welcoming to new people. Chapter 252 has been open and friendly to me as well, though I've only been to one meeting, and it was a demonstration meeting that had lots of new faces, so we did an entire round the room intro for everyone. I doubt that's a common occurrence each month, but I felt welcome nonetheless.

    I would certainly encourage you to go back next month, and if nothing else, raise your hand, stand up, and introduce yourself as the new guy, then get involved. Mark has some great suggestions, and I had similar events happen to me with 129...ended up holding all offices except Treasurer over the course of 8 years or so...in fact, even though I live it Wisconsin now, I was told that I was elected Secretary at last nights meeting!

    Give it another shot...
    Chad Jensen
    EAA #755575

  7. #7
    steveinindy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Downey View Post
    Getting into some of these chapters is like breaking into an old boys club.
    Yeah, there's a few like that that I have encountered. I've noticed that a lot of them are more or less a type club masquerading as an EAA chapter. Going looking from homebuilding advice from them and their finding out your not building a Sonex/Vans/Zodiac/etx is...just not going to go smoothly after that.

    That said, I've found two really great chapters here in the Indy area. I count myself very lucky.
    Last edited by Hal Bryan; 11-18-2011 at 05:25 PM.
    Unfortunately in science what you believe is irrelevant.

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  8. #8
    Hangar10's Avatar
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    Reading through some of this thread again it seems that there is a enough blame to go around... I suppose the real message is two part...

    1. If you are a member of a chapter, try to make the new guys feel welcome. Find out what there interests are and what brought them to your chapter.

    2. If you are new member just walking in, ask for a copy of the newsletter and also ask what events are coming up that you might attend or even help with. Prepare to make a few visits before things start to feel like home, but if you pitch in it will be more fun. Get involved and make it YOUR club too... then pay attention to how you treat the next new guy. Especially if you are a younger member... eventually it WILL be YOUR club to manage and maintain, and other younger members will probably relate to you a bit easier (less intimidating) at first... take an interest in them and get em hooked! They are your long term members! If you don't have the time to commit to regular appearances, well, it may take a bit longer to warm up to everyone. Don't give up, it's a lot of fun.

    One more observation that somewhat shapes/slants my opinion... I too am very lucky to have chapter 10 right here in my back yard. A great group of folks, and I this is what I think of every time someone mentions an EAA chapter... apparently that is not the case, but I would think that any group could be fun with some proper direction and effort.

    Off the "my chapter is better than your chapter" soapbox.

  9. #9
    Sonex1517's Avatar
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    I appreciate all of the responses very much. If this were the first time it had happened, I would not have posted. I apologize for doing so in the wrong forum.

    At a different EAA chapter some years back, the first night I was there they sat and discussed closing the chapter. I interrupted, introduced myself, and in the long run ended up editing the newsletter a while as well as volunteering some.

    I would point out that not everyone has time to volunteer - if I had the time I would love to. Like many people these days work has become overwhelming, and my time with my family comes first - it's more precious than ever. And yes, they help with the Sonex a bit. My son likes pulling rivets. I love seeing him do it.

    I would also point out I am not there seeking attention or looking for pats on the back or an ego boost.

    My point is two things.

    First, if you see a face you don't know at a Chapter meeting say Hi. Do you really need to appoint someone to do this?

    Second, there is no way to avoid or diplomatically state the fact that aviation is aging, and for many younger people this simply makes us less interested and involved. Don't get me wrong - I respect anyone with time and experience in aviation, or in life for that matter. But as others have experienced, the old boys club is sometimes part of the problem. I is not polite to say that, but it is a problem.

    I received two wonderful responses to my email to the Chapter president and another member. Will I go back? Maybe.

    But my point was that I am not alone in feeling this way and while I may be the one to post it, and be vocal, take a long look and if it's just me I'll take that criticism to heart. Folks, aviation needs young people. Young eagles is fantastic. But we need adults too....
    Robbie Culver
    Sonex #1517
    Taildragger
    AeroVee
    Currently working on the wings
    Chicagoland

  10. #10
    Hangar10's Avatar
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    I don't guess I have any real solutions to the problem. Each individual has their own expectations and they conduct themselves differently... can't help you there. As for having time to volunteer... personal choices. I have a 7 year old, work full-time (and then some) and I have a project in the works, but I make time for the needs of the chapter. Again, a personal choice, but I have put other hobbies on hold AND I have the support of my family. Not trying to compare myself to anyone else... just trying to describe how I manage to do it.

    The old boys club? Hmm. They must act differently in Chicagoland than they do out here. Many of our regulars have been members since the 70s or 80s, one is a charter member going back to 55 (he is also one of the first 100 EAA members... heck, the first 50!) and another has his name hanging with Paul's (1st year) on the Warbird's Hall of Fame... just to share a couple. NONE of these guys act like their (our) club is exclusive. They have welcomed me in and allowed me (and others) to run with ideas. These guys also offer rides to breakfast or fly-ins... they don't have to do that, but I'm glad they do.

    As for needing pats on the back or an ego boost... not me. Hey, if they come my way through hard work, great... but it isn't my goal.

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