The Board approved the Spring Board minutes, the Summer EXCOM meeting minutes, and EXCOM conference call minutes.
The Board spent a long time talking about the Society’s financial situation including the new computer system. When the SSA moved to Hobbs, the New Mexico Junior College hosted the SSA’s accounting software on its VAX computer. The software was not Y2K compliant so when the College called and said the VAX was being shut down in one month, the SSA decided to purchase a system. After research, the SSA chose a vendor that was beginning to install a similar albeit larger system for the EAA. Unknown to the SSA, the vendor was expanding more rapidly than it should and was unable to hire the high qualified folks needed to maintain quality. By the time the SSA (and EAA) became aware of the vendor’s inability to perform, it was cheaper to suck up the cost overrun than start over with different vendor. The system has been paid for by a $160K loan from the SSA Foundation to the SSA. The SS will repay this loan (with interest) over the next three years.
The budget for 2002 was approved. Given the economic times, it does not include any reimbursement for Board member travel nor expenses. It does however include some increases in fees and the passing on of some other fees.
The treasurer proposed a dues increase (the last one was in 1995). The Board asked the EXCOM to staff the details and bring a proposal to the Board.
Last year, the SSA and the USHGA (US Hang Gliding Association) agreed to set up an independent service organization to manage some "non-brand specific" services. The USHGA has had some internal problems that have precluded progress so the joint venture is on hold.
The Board approved the following contest sites and dates for the year 2003:
Open/18-Meter, Cordele, GA, May 25 – Jun 5
Sports, Harris Hill, NY, Jun 17 – Jun 26
15-Meter, Lubbock (Reese Center), TX, Jul 15 - 24
Standard, Montague, CA Aug 5-14.
The committee for the "Return to Kitty Hawk: The Trans-Continental Glider Race" picked June 17 through July 2 for the centennial celebration race from LA to Kitty Hawk.
The Board nominated the following four people for the Soaring Hall of Fame (alphabetical by last name): Dr Francis Bundy, Eb Geyer, Al Leffler, and Bob Semans. A ballot will go to each SSA member who has 15 or more years of continuous membership. The top two vote-getters (provided they are named on at least 75% of the ballots) will be elected. (If the votes are evenly split or there are a lot of abstentions, it is possible only one or zero people will be elected.)
The Board also approved the procedure for choosing "Historical Candidates" to the Hall of Fame. The Board nominated as a historical candidate, John Montgomery, who did pioneering glider flights near the beginning of the last century. The members will have a separate ballot for Montgomery. If 75% or more approve he will be added to the Hall of Fame.
The FAA’s effort to privatize aircraft airworthiness certification and pilot certification is moving at a turtle’s pace ("turtling"). The Board will continue to be proactive toward the FAA.
Bernald Smith reported on RTCA (Radio Technical Commission of Aeronautics, Inc) activities. (Bernald has done outstanding service to SSA (and general aviation) by attending many long boring meetings where he has been able to directly influence decisions in our favor. For instance, the RTCA was talking about making a $6,000 ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) system mandatory for all aircraft. By reminding them of the difficulties of putting this in a sailplane, they changed their direction. His efforts deserve our deep appreciation.)
The Board approved the concept of affiliation status for the Southwest Soaring Museum contingent on an agreement contract acceptable to both parties.
Dean Carswell reported on the Master Instructor Program (which he has done outstanding work to set up).
Tim Welles was reelected Chairman of the Board for 2002.
Jim Short was reelected First Vice-Chair.
Dick Mockler, Steve Northcraft, and Jim Payne were elected as Vice-Chairs.
Doug Jacobs was reelected Treasurer.
Bill Sproull was reelected Secretary.
Ray Johnson (NAA rep), Doug Jacobs, Rand Baldwin, Charlie Spratt, Steve Wasilowski, and Eric Mozer were elected Directors-at-Large.
Sam Zimmerman is replacing Gene Hammond as our representative to the NAA.
John Seaborn replaced Brian Utley as a SSA Foundation Trustee. Brian will be missed.
See you next spring in Ontario, California where I can guarantee it won’t snow on the convention. (I visited the site last spring. It is an outstanding site next to the airport. Since Southwest Airlines stops there the fares should be relatively cheap. Make your plans now to enjoy some nice weather in Southern California. If you can stay a couple extra days visit one of the local wave soaring sites.)
JP
Copyright 2001 Jim Payne. These are my notes and should not be considered official minutes of the meeting. Your mileage may vary.