Ken - I think that MAAC has safety ver much at the forefront of what they do ... but find it difficult when no one wants to discuss the topic. When they upgrade their safety guidelines in order to improve the safety at the field - the members scream and complain! What I have seen is that the members want 'conveniant' safety or safety they agree with.
I don't think so Kieth, safety is not at the forefront of maac at this time, the board may think, give it lip service, but thinking / talking verses implementing are a lot different.
For instance, does maac have a regular safety column in the maac mag, do we report accidents and near misses in the maac mag or discuss crash prevention strategies or methods / techniques on an ongoing basis.
How much of the maac web site is devoted to safety, how much of the maac budget is spent on safety, not very much if any.
the maac wings program is not a safety program.
When they upgrade their safety guidelines in order to improve the safety at the field
you may call it a upgrade, some of the interpretations of the upgrades could be labelled as a downgrade.
Was their any consultation or thought before the board implemented these measures - not.
The hobby is safe, but the lack of a formal safety strategy leaves MAAC wide open for litigation on an serious accident.