Part 115 AGAIN and Again and again...

I attended one of the most poorly organised seminar's of the year.
No lunch, no parking, no audio system, not enough hand-outs, little chance for questions etc etc.
Ever wondered what happens to the monies from all those fees we pay to CAA???
7 presenters were flown to Hamilton, accommodated at the Novotel to present Part 115...mumble grumble.

However what did we learn.
Firstly, any criticism of the introduction of Part 115 was very quickly shut down...secondly any objections were dismissed because Warbirds are very happy with the regulation...well bully for them.

What does it mean for gliding (despite the fact that there is no justification to apply Part 115 to gliding)??
Short summary - unless your clubs potential income from taking members of the public on fun flights will exceed about $15000 per year...don't bother.
Why...if the gross revenue is $15k less costs of $10k (fuel, R&M, etc) that leaves $5k. Annual fees are likely to be $1-2000 per year (initial setup costs might be $3k) plus you will need to pay your instructors to get an annual Class 1 medical...say $500 each. Answer...it will be a zero sum game...don't bother.
If your club earns more than $15k...it might be worth a look...but in the end all that is being achieved is more costs...can we raise the price of trial flights to cover this??? Doubtful...
Other points of note;
Tow pilots will need a minimum of 50 hours on type as well as 200 hours PIC...that might be a problem.
Instructors will need to occupy the front seat.
Friends/family offering to pay you take a club 2 seater on a flight will fall under Part 115.
To be a Part 115 certified organisation will require a CEO (yip you read that right) Ops Officer etc etc. That might be a challenge for gliding clubs...

More later...got to go...