From the AOPA Office

DESK FLYING

May 2009

Things are settling down after the Avalon/Narromine adventures, although it has grounded me for a period of time with the dreaded dog’s disease.

In the April issue I highlighted the members with over 50 years continued membership. This month I was going to do the same for the 40-50 year brigade, but numbers mean I will have to split this into two. Therefore, congratulations to the following, who have stayed with us for over 45 years:

Scott, Donald Jan-60 Riddell, Geoff Apr-60 Thurecht, Ron Jun-60 Tiver, Harold Sep-60 Kentish, Stow Feb-61 Robertson, John Apr-61 Capell, Thomas Aug-61 Elliott, Peter Aug-61 Gurner, Anthony Sep-61 Street, Tony Sep-61 Egan, John Mar-62 Smith, Colin Apr-62 Friend, David May-62 Parker, Ben May-62 Trevor-Jones, Jerry May-62 Roberts, Phil Jun-62 Marchant, Doug Jul-62 Badger, Langdon Aug-62 Berry, Ian Sep-62 Drage, Graham Sep-62 Honour, Garry Sep-62 Johnston, Bruce Sep-62 Murray, Peter Sep-62 Kingston, Leigh Oct-62 Langley, John Oct-62 Watson, Tom Nov-62 Buckley, Ben Feb-63 Mathews, Tony Feb-63 Wiffen, Colin Mar-63 Wilson, Graeme Mar-63 Lefebvre, Paul Apr-63 Nixon, Trevor Oct-63 Burey, John Feb-64 Plant, Ian Feb-64 Davies, Nigel Mar-64 Davies, Norman Apr-64 Priddle, John Apr-64 Holden, Rick May-64 Wilson, David Jun-64 Nixon, David Jul-64 Rub, Howard Oct-64 Bond, Graeme Dec-64 Leahy, John Dec-64 Hunter, Ronald Apr-65 Mann, David Apr-65 Taylor, Graham Apr-65 Doran, Bob May-65 Sinclair, John May-65 Sanbrook, Newton Jun-65 Kisler, Stanley Aug-65 Maw, Alan Sep-65 Michell, John Dec-65

We have received a response from the Government regarding the lack of capacity in the Sydney basin – to say that it is a bland nonsense is to give it undue credit. Sir Humphrey Appleby would have been proud of it. I asked the editor to print the original correspondence and reply so that you may be able to judge for yourselves. Rest assured, we WILL be taking this matter much, much further.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing President, Col Rodgers, for his tireless work on your behalf over the last three years. Col had to step in after the tragedy of Ron Bertram, and has been a pillar of strength, a clear head and a firm hand on the tiller – exactly what was needed. He will not be lost to us, as he remains on the Board as the Past President. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Col for the betterment of YOUR organization.

Philip Reiss takes over as President at the AGM on May 16th. I will leave it to Phillip to expand on his vision for the future, but I think that AOPA is definitely getting stronger and more effective as we go on.

Till next month Clear skies & tail winds

Tim Blatch Chief Executive Officer