First, all the people complain about certified stuff being here and there, and the high dollar contributors getting better perks. Then they go off about how EAA should go back to its roots, which is homebuilts. I think people forget that it takes money to run an organization, and if big sponsors get some perks to go along with large contributions, so be it. That's the way the world works. Aviation an elitist community. The idea that everyone can afford to fly and own an airplane is absurd. Its a middle to upper class activity. Always has been, always will be.
I see EAA at a crossroads, they can either do what they need to do to survive and potentially thrive. Or they can appease the old timers who want to go back to the "grass roots" of experimental, and let the organization die with the old timers. Which is it going to be?
KSCessnaDriver
ATP MEL, Commercial Lighter Than Air-Airship, SEL, CFI/CFII
Private SES
Not the way I see it. Young people simply don't get into flying, unless they do it for a career. Those who do it for a career generally don't want anything to do with GA, much less the EAA types. So, how do you propose keeping the organization alive, as the old timers pass on, with no new blood? Have to do something to get new, younger types involved and I feel that's the direction Hightower was going.
KSCessnaDriver
ATP MEL, Commercial Lighter Than Air-Airship, SEL, CFI/CFII
Private SES
Ok, got it. Listen to the people who don't contribute much money to run the organization. Seems like to be, we would be in the same spot, if they raised the dues to truly cover the cost of running the whole organization, rather than giving a little bit to the "elitists"
Couldn't tell you, and now we won't since it appears they want to change direction.
Long and short, EAA needs to pick a direction to go and stay with it. Hopefully, they do that quickly, so I know if I want to spend the money to remain part of an organization that may or may not want to include me.
KSCessnaDriver
ATP MEL, Commercial Lighter Than Air-Airship, SEL, CFI/CFII
Private SES
Don't get spooled up Cessna! EAA is for everyone and that won't change! No matter what anyone says!
Don't worry my friend! It will be ok!