Our president, Joe Newham, reports.

 In March we took delivery of our A22 Foxbat. After months of discussion, analysis and head shaking, we finally took a deep breath and committed ourselves.

The commitment was not only financial, a $40,000 loan, plus individual pre-paid flying by a number of members. It involved instructors, potential instructors and members who saw a chance to once again contribute in time and money.
For that I thank you, and for the trust you placed in myself and Greg.

So how has it turned out? The Foxbat has certainly generated interest.  We have new students and a number of TIFs. The booking level is quite high.

We have been affected by the increasing cost of fuel. The picture isn't entirely clear yet, but the trend for fuel prices is likely to stay up.

We have a motion before us to increase the hourly rate for both the Foxbat and the Lightwing by $10 per hour. Some members feel it is better to be slightly ahead of rising costs, and that we should increase now, rather than wait and lose money.

We do have a notional fund that is building towards the engine replacement cost. I would like to keep that fund intact. Remember, we could only afford a new plane because of the courage and foresight of a previous generation of members,

I'm rather proud we're not going to.

Because of the low number of hours we fly, the fixed costs; insurance, hangarage, loan repayments, become a significant portion of the hourly rate we must charge. We are limited in being a weekend only club, but there is a way we can all help out.

The first is for those who have the required number of hours (minimum 75) to consider becoming instructors, or by introducing instructors to our club.

The second is to become type certified on the A22 and fly it. I realise that becoming type certified is a chore, requiring ringing the booking number and having the whole instruction routine over again.

It is an opportunity to improve your skills, and to learn more.  There is nobody who knows it all, and it is always good to have another opinion on how you fly. Humility is good for the soul.

We will always have safety as our number one priority, that is why we are being stringent with the type certification.
Once certified, a number of opportunities will become available to you. Sundays and other days when there are less demands on the Foxbat will allow longer distance and faster cross country flights.

Memberships will again become due in July. I thank you for your past support, and ask again that you become financial.
The club has a number of fixed costs; the phone, insurance, airfield. These are paid from membership fees.

I ask that you share the benefits and burdens of club membership, and remain true to the spirit of aviation fellowship.

Safe, Fun, Flying.
Joe