TOUGH CHOICES
I really hate tough choices. But then, who doesn't? By now many of you know that Dan and Andi Montgomery have been stalled one more time in their efforts to go ahead with the construction of their new hangar and offices. The delay was again caused by some Boone County officials who seem to lack any understanding of the need and value of maintaining general aviation airports. While, as pilots, we support Dan and Andi in their efforts, we all are aware of the problems that increased traffic causes to our operations. AOPA magazine regularly reports that we are losing a public use general aviation airport every two weeks across this country. The irony of our situation is not lost on any one of your board members. All the questions involved show that we must continue to evaluate and explore our options for the relocation of CISS.

Our club also must concentrate on our membership. Jeff Melin volunteered a few weeks ago to chair our Membership Committee. Brad Hays and Larry Gering will assist on that committee as board members. There is no question that as we look at what the future will hold for CISS, we must look at our present. Thanks Jeff for taking this on!

Jeff needs our help in seeking out new members - and once a new member has joined our club we need to keep more of them. Many things are happening in this area. Mike Rielage has spent more hours than he probably cares to add up developing a master plan and materials for the training of new members. These training materials should make life easier for our instructors, as well as enhance the quality of the training that our new students receive. Ask Mike to see the materials out at the field. He deserves a very large round of applause for the time and effort he has spent on developing this needed asset for our club.

Dave Newill is updating our Operations Manual. This has not been done for some time, and is needed so that every new member of our club will have current information about CISS. Jeff intends to make sure that all new members of CISS receive the information to understand what is expected of membership. If you have any names of potential members that you need any help in contacting, let Jeff know.

Dave Newill also has the most difficult task of formulating and implementing our crew schedule. At our recent Safety Briefing it was announced that a change in crew schedule philosophy was going to be attempted. Some crews have been shorthanded, so your board made all crews smaller. "Uhhhhh...... wait a minute, what did you say?" And...this brings us back to tough choices. Your board members hear that a few don't show up for crew duty. We hear that some just don't have time for crew duty. We also know that changes are occurring in many volunteer organizations who have been forced to reevaluate the way they approach their continuing operations. Here at CISS we are fortunate because we all gain tremendously from our volunteer commitment in that we get what we want in return - we fly. The new approach that is being tried is no more than kicking the tires to see how it will work. If it does - great. If not, we go back to the drawing board, or where we were before. The new approach will require a different approach to crew duty. It will depend on everyone who comes out to fly pitching in to help while they are at the field. The Operation Directors will be asking for that help when needed. It also will mean that those who come in late afternoon and fly, will need to plan a little extra time after landing to help out with getting the bird back into the cage.

Dave has also volunteered to send out post card notices to all crewmembers before their crew days. If for some reason, you absolutely cannot make your assigned crew date, you need to find a replacement, call Dave, and inform your DO. After considerable discussion, the board decided to implement a 'wake up' call of $60.00 if this procedure is not followed. Many comments have been made about the new procedure, and the 'wake up' call. Interestingly, these comments have been made by individuals who are always there, and normally do more than their share to help out with the daily operations even on days they're not on crew duty. Go figure!

Another longtime and involved member summed it up when he said, "you know, we are out here to have fun". Yup. Absolutely right! Let's give it a shot - see how it works - and go soaring!!