Folks,
I admit I=92m starting to get a bit pissed off here in Oxfordshire=85 There seem
to be no end to the postings saying the PFA are a wunch of bankers,
Engineering are particular tossers, and I=92m a toe-rag (or worse), too, for
being a part of that organisation.
Can I just make a few points clear?
1) Well done to all those who actually got their finger out and sent
one of the emails that got Graham Newby to change his mind. That is the
right way to achieve results.
2) It seems to me that the PFA is now FULLY aware of the depth of our
feelings about Wilson and the use of SFB images, the organisation HAS
listened.
Further, it is my honest belief that until a flood of emails landed in
Graham Newby=92s Inbox, he was just regarding it as one or two whingers.
Before anyone takes offence at that, please bear in mind that he (and I!)
are bombarded with emails, a significant proportion of which are from
whingers and go along the lines of: =93I bought a model F of my chosen engine
when model H is the approved one, because it cost me three-and-sixpence
instead of fourteen grand, and PFA Engineering are tossers for not letting
me just bolt it on and go flying=94. It is probably worth noting that it costs
the PFA a four-figure sum to undertake the work necessary to approve the
model F version =96 in order to save the one member 14000 =96 0/3/6 pounds.
3) The issue of the use of SFB is an issue that has been going on some
time with the PFA. The Club has raised it, I=92ve raised it (and have been
lobbied continually =96 and politely - by Sean O=92Reilly about it), and finally
the strength of feeling has become known.
4) Engineering was in one hell of a mess operationally from about 2
years ago until recently. It is still dragging itself out of there and
significant pressure and appropriate support is being given to the
management to get it out of that mess as soon as possible. I=92m working my
bollocks off to resolve the problems and provide the sort of service that I
think the PFA members deserve. Let me also make it quite clear that I have
made it absolutely clear to Engineering that I expect no favours for being
on the EC, and am therefore subject to just the same frustrations as
everyone else. I would not normally post this information publicly, but in
view of the attack on me by one contributor to this list yesterday, I think
it=92s important to do so now.
5) The PFA is not yet perfect, but it is all we=92ve got in the UK. There
is a huge amount going on at European level and UK government level that
needs resolving NOW. The only viable way of ensuring that our voice is heard
during this process is to ensure that the PFA is in a position to campaign
effectively on our behalf. Again, I=92m taking a leading part in that with the
forming of the Campaigning Aviators Network to coordinate volunteers in
lobbying the various bodies. It is noted that the individual mentioned above
has not volunteered to join CAN.
6) I have got much better things to do. I get married four weeks
tomorrow. I=92m moving house. I=92ve a plane to build. I=92ve a full-time job.
The
sort of attacks I=92ve seen on this list leave me wondering if I=92m just
wasting my time. I used to enjoy playing with steam engines, but that has
ended up somewhat on a back-burner (no pun intended), largely due to
commitments like the PFA and the Club. I=92m seriously considering getting my
shovel out and polishing it ready for action again=85
7) Finally, and probably the most important point for individuals
wanting to get =91jobs=92 through Engineering =96 there is a system: so use it!
There is no such thing as a =91variant option=92 with a mod. The process is to
apply for a mod, on the correct forms, and in the correct manner. I for one
do not believe it is arrogant for Engineering to ask a member to follow the
process. It isn=92t hard for heaven=92s sake! On this subject, I and a number of
other EC members have been putting in a lot of work exploring, among other
items, how we can reduce the cost to members. One answer that came out
clearly was to change the system so that those who do a decent job of their
mods get them through sooner and more cheaply. That we are now working
towards.
If, after reading this, anyone still thinks I=92m a tosser, please advise me
directly! I=92ll be listening, and will expect a strong justification.
Regards,
Jeremy
Jeremy Davey
Europa Monowheel 537M G-EZZA
Europa Club Vice-Chairman, Webmaster, PFA NC Representative
PFA EC Member
=93If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, then it is
possible you haven't grasped the severity of the situation.=94
Tail done
Standard XS wings with mods underway
CM installed in fuse (with airbrakes fittings)
1400 build hours to date
Intended fit:
Rotax 914 turbo, Airmaster CS fully-feathering prop
Lots of lights, buttons, switches, gizmos, and alarms
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