kennyo

This is just my opinion, keep that in mind.

From what we have seen here, and what has been implied, it appears that the BOD of your club has backed themselves into a corner. I think you can take what Don Koranda wrote as the official AMA position. The AMA is not going to settle this for the BOD. Keep in mind that Carl Maroney works for Don, and not for Dave Brown. I believe you can feel assured that this issue was a topic at the last EC meeting, and that DB will support the position presented by Don. That leaves the BOD deeper in the corner. The AMA is not going to tell them what to do. I also feel certain that the BOD is in possession of a communication similar to the one F106A posted here, from the AMA.

As I see it, the BOD made a huge mistake. At the same time, they are now in a position where they can not back down. IF they do, and IF something were to happen to you, THEY are on the hook. (They could have or should have known...) On the other hand, they have created a situation where you are being discriminated against, at least in my opinion. Even if the BOD were to resign, the club is still in the same situation. A new BOD would be confronted with these very same issues. That BOD might be made up of your friends and supporters.

As I see it, and I could be blind, the BOD has only one way out, without your help. They could mandate a qualified spotter for every pilot, and eliminate the discrimination. If you press your position, the club and the BOD are in a terrible position.

The only other “out” I can see is if you were to agree to use a spotter. That would leave all those club members that have supported you without the requirement to have a spotter, themselves. Personally, I don’t think that a spotter for every pilot is a bad idea, but, as evidenced here, many do.

I am not sure I could or would do what I am suggesting. I hate backing down when I am right. On the other hand, if I were on the board, I would not be disinclined to give you a heart felt apology and ask you to do exactly as I have suggested.

Just something to think about. It is a lousy solution to a problem not of your making.