[Trumpet]

Originally Posted by stegl

Well said Keith. yes, from what I am reading on RCCanada forums about the negatives with MAAC is more often due to first hand knowledge vs second hand misinformation. If more people got informed information from their MAAC area zone rep in their area that would help.

Well said Keith and Len.
I'm tired of the constant critism of MAAC. It's an organization that is respected by Transport Canada, Industry Canada and others. All but 2 of the MAAC members are volunteers who freely give of their time and talents.

If MAAC bashers would take the time to get involved, attend their local Zone meeting, they would see what MAAC is about. If they are so passionate about revising MAAC, take an active role, get on a committee, etc.

http://www.maac.ca/en/docs/maac_explained_r2.pdf
Mark.

[Narly1]

I'm not actively flying at the moment (past MAAC member when I did).

Just throwing it out there that maybe a public, plain language document that explains the benefits and scope of MAAC's insurance policy would stop a lot of uninformed discussion such as this.

The other aspect is making the membership better informed of same. I bet most members don't know the policy details.

Earl "Narly1" Anderson

[kip51035]

If you think that the personnel liability insurance attached to your house insurance will cover you in a UAV accident, think again!!! Many of these policies have an aviation clause in them. If you are found to have deliberately flown your UAV in the path of an oncoming aircraft, you can expect all insurance companies to cut you loose and transport Canada can impose a large fine or jail time. The same goes for laser beams shone into the cockpit. If what you are doing is an offence then you are standing in the middle of a field all by your self with no one to help!

[DO335]

Originally Posted by Trumpet

Well said Keith and Len.
I'm tired of the constant critism of MAAC. It's an organization that is respected by Transport Canada, Industry Canada and others. All but 2 of the MAAC members are volunteers who freely give of their time and talents.

If MAAC bashers would take the time to get involved, attend their local Zone meeting, they would see what MAAC is about. If they are so passionate about revising MAAC, take an active role, get on a committee, etc.

http://www.maac.ca/en/docs/maac_explained_r2.pdf
Mark.

Exactly how politics work.

Get on a committee and watch the clique continue to run the show - just from closer up. Got to get into the clique. Must have support or support others. As an individual, you'll achieve squat - just as independent members of parliament get nowhere as a single, solitary person.

Unfortunately or fortunately as the case and your perspective may be, that's how all organizations and groups work, including MAAC. Consequently, you always get supporters and detractors. Nothing new. Nothing different. Makes no difference if the operatives are paid or volunteers.

Also remember, volunteers don't volunteer unless there's something in it for them. Same with members. They don't join unless there's something in it for them. Nobody does it without some form of payback.

It's all just the nature of the beast - both organizations and people.

[stegl]

Sounds like one of the minority who like to sit back, complain and do nothing but reap the rewards of other hard workers who promote to keep this hobby going in the right direction. I guess sucking on lemons must do this to people's minds !

[Lazy Ace]

Originally Posted by DO335

Exactly how politics work.
Get on a committee and watch the clique continue to run the show - just from closer up. Got to get into the clique. Must have support or support others. As an individual, you'll achieve squat - just as independent members of parliament get nowhere as a single, solitary person.

A collective governing through majority consensuses is the fairest way to represent the majority. Perhaps you favor a dictatorship?

Originally Posted by DO335

Also remember, volunteers don't volunteer unless there's something in it for them. Same with members. They don't join unless there's something in it for them. Nobody does it without some form of payback.

Absolutely and that something could simply be the pleasure of participating and helping out to actually trying to make changes for the betterment of all and you find fault with that?

Dennis

[Hatch]

My personal liability policy, from TD Meloche Monnex, has the typical exclusion for "operating as a required crew member of an aircraft." But it also goes on say that model aircraft are not considered aircraft. So I would be covered. Other policies may differ.

It may be the case that MAAC is advocating on behalf of the hobby. What are some examples of things MAAC has done specifically to benefit those who fly outside the club structure? I don't mean things like frequencies which are issues in common with clubs.

For example, does MAAC provide support to people working to oppose local by-laws prohibiting flying in parks?

At any rate, constructive criticism of the MAAC organization should be welcomed.

[Trumpet]

Originally Posted by Narly1

I'm not actively flying at the moment (past MAAC member when I did).

Just throwing it out there that maybe a public, plain language document that explains the benefits and scope of MAAC's insurance policy would stop a lot of uninformed discussion such as this.

The other aspect is making the membership better informed of same. I bet most members don't know the policy details.

Earl "Narly1" Anderson

---------------------------------------
Here is all the information re MAAC Insurance, Call a committee member if you need more infomation: http://www.maac.ca/en/committees_det...ommittee_id=31
Mark.

[Lazy Ace]

Originally Posted by Hatch

For example, does MAAC provide support to people working to oppose local by-laws prohibiting flying in parks?

How about instead you explain why you think MAAC should. This should be good.

Dennis

[Morison]

Originally Posted by Hatch

It may be the case that MAAC is advocating on behalf of the hobby. What are some examples of things MAAC has done specifically to benefit those who fly outside the club structure? I don't mean things like frequencies which are issues in common with clubs.
For example, does MAAC provide support to people working to oppose local by-laws prohibiting flying in parks?

You're missing a subtle difference.

MAAC's advocacy with federal government agencies has - from my understanding - been about 'model aviation' in general and not about entrenching MAAC exclusive privileges within federal regulations. In other words, when MAAC advocates on a given issue, they advocate on behalf of members and non-members alike.

Any expectation that MAAC would advocate on an issue that is specific to non-members, or is on a 'local' level is horribly misplaced. That said, from having negotiated with local governments for use of park space for a club I can tell you that being affiliated with MAAC, and being able to provide third party insurance to the city was invaluable to the process.